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8-Day Family-Friendly Road Trip Itinerary to Philadelphia and Washington, DC - August 2025

Viewed by 154 travelers

Day 1: Explore Philadelphia

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

9:00AM

Breakfast at Sabrina's Café

Enjoy a hearty breakfast at Sabrina's Café, known for its creative brunch options.
Walk from your accommodation.
USD20, 1.5 hours

10:30AM

Visit The African American Museum

Explore the rich history and contributions of African Americans in the U.S. at this engaging museum.
5-minute walk from the café.
USD15, 2 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at Reading Terminal Market

Savor a variety of food options while experiencing the vibrant market atmosphere.
15-minute walk.
USD15, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Historic Mother Bethel AME Church

Visit one of the oldest African American congregations in the U.S., founded by Richard Allen in 1787.
10-minute walk.
Free, 1 hour

3:30PM

President’s House Exhibit

Discover the untold story of freedom and slavery at the former site of George Washington’s presidential mansion.
15-minute walk.
Free, 1.5 hours

5:00PM

Liberty Bell and Independence Hall

Visit the iconic Liberty Bell and take a guided tour of Independence Hall, where the Declaration of Independence was signed.
15-minute walk.
Free, 2 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at Jim’s Steaks

Settle in for a classic Philly cheesesteak dinner at a local favorite.
15-minute walk.
USD10, 1.5 hours
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Day 2: Cultural Exploration

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

9:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Fuel yourself with breakfast at the university housing accommodation.
Walk down to the dining area.
Free, 1 hour

10:30AM

Visit the National Constitution Center

Engage in interactive exhibits about the U.S. Constitution, which shaped African American history.
20-minute walk.
USD14, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Elfreth’s Alley

Grab a sandwich from a local cafe on one of America’s oldest streets and soak in its charm.
30-minute walk.
USD12, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Visit Philadelphia’s African American Historic Sites Tour

Explore various sites significant to African American history on this educational guided walk.
10-minute walk to tour start.
USD25, 2.5 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Max’s Cheesesteaks

Enjoy another classic cheesesteak at this well-loved eatery.
20-minute walk Back.
USD10, 1.5 hours

8:00PM

Evening Free Time at University Campus

Return to campus and relax, attend a student event or enjoy some leisure time.
Head back to accommodation.
Free, Rest of the evening
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Day 3: Final Day in Philly

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

9:00AM

Breakfast at The Breakfast Den

Start your day with a delicious breakfast at The Breakfast Den known for their egg specialties.
10-minute walk.
USD15, 1 hour

10:30AM

Visit the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts

Explore America’s first museum dedicated to the fine arts for a bit of cultural immersion.
15-minute walk.
USD20, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at a Food Truck

Enjoy lunch from a local food truck, offering diverse meals—perfect for a shoestring budget.
5-minute walk.
USD8, 1 hour

2:30PM

Visit Fairmount Water Works

Take a walk around this historic site with beautiful views of the Schuylkill River.
20-minute walk.
Free, 1.5 hours

4:00PM

Pack and Prepare for Departure

Head back to campus accommodation, pack your bags, and prepare for your journey.
Return to accommodation.
Free, 1 hour

5:30PM

Dinner at Pizzeria Vetri

Have a delicious pizza dinner at this famous spot in Philadelphia.
15-minute walk.
USD20, 1.5 hours

8:00PM

Evening Travel to Washington, DC

Head to the train station for your journey to Washington, DC.
15-minute walk to the train station.
USD40, 3 hours including travel and check-in
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Day 4: Arrive in Washington, DC

Washington, DC

10:00AM

Check into Howard University Housing

Settle in at Howard University housing to refresh after your travel.
Short walk.
Free, 1 hour

11:30AM

Brunch at Busboys and Poets

Enjoy a delightful brunch at this literary-themed café with a culturally diverse menu.
Metro ride to 14th St.
USD15, 1.5 hours

1:00PM

Visit the National Museum of African American History and Culture

Explore the foundational history and culture of African Americans in this remarkable museum.
Walk to the museum.
Free with timed ticket., 3 hours

4:30PM

Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial

Pay your respects at the memorial honoring Dr. King’s legacy.
20-minute walk.
Free, 1 hour

6:00PM

Dinner Food Trucks at The Wharf

Taste a variety of cuisines from the food trucks lined up at The Wharf.
Metro to The Wharf.
USD12, 1.5 hours

8:00PM

Evening Stroll by the Potomac River

Take a leisurely evening stroll along the picturesque Potomac River.
Walk along the riverfront.
Free, 1 hour
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Day 5: Cultural and Scenic Exploration

Washington, DC

9:00AM

Breakfast at the University Food Court

Start your day with a budget-friendly meal at Howard University’s food court.
Walk within campus.
Free, 1 hour

10:30AM

Visit Frederick Douglass National Historic Site

Explore the former residence of the prominent abolitionist and statesman, Frederick Douglass.
40-minute ride on the Metro.
Free, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Aloha Poke

Refuel with fresh poke bowls at this trendy eatery.
Metro back to the downtown area.
USD12, 1.5 hours

2:30PM

Howard University Tour (Optional)

If interested, take a guided tour through one of America’s historically black colleges.
Back to Howard campus.
Free, 2 hours

5:00PM

Dinner at Ben’s Chili Bowl

End your day with a taste of legendary DC chili half-smokes!
Metro to U Street.
USD10, 1.5 hours

7:00PM

Evening at the National Mall

Spend the evening relaxing at the iconic National Mall, perfect for a family picture.
Walk from the restaurant.
Free, Rest of the evening
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Day 6: Exploration and Reflection

Washington, DC

9:00AM

Breakfast at the University Cafe

Enjoy breakfast at Howard University’s resident café.
Walk within campus.
Free, 1 hour

10:30AM

Visit the National Gallery of Art

Explore a world-class collection of art in a beautiful setting.
Metro to National Gallery.
Free, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Shake Shack

Indulge in delicious burgers and shakes at this popular spot.
Walk to shake shack close to National Gallery.
USD15, 1 hour

2:30PM

United States Capitol Visitor Center

Take a tour to learn about the legislative process and its historical significance.
Metro to Capitol Hill.
USD10, 2.5 hours

5:00PM

Dinner at Old Ebbitt Grill

Experience a classy dinner at this famed seafood restaurant.
Metro back to downtown.
USD35, 1.5 hours

7:00PM

Evening Sightseeing

Enjoy the monuments illuminated at night with a memorable family photo opportunity.
Walk to the National Mall.
Free, Rest of the evening
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Day 7: Wrap Up and Depart

Washington, DC

9:00AM

Breakfast at Thyme

Enjoy a local favorite breakfast at Thyme, offering great coffee and pastries.
Walk to the café.
USD12, 1 hour

10:30AM

Explore Local Neighborhoods

Take a walking tour through vibrant neighborhoods showcasing DC culture and history.
Metro to Georgetown.
Free, 3 hours

1:30PM

Lunch at Founding Farmers

Dine at this farm-to-table restaurant known for its comforting meals.
Metro back to central DC.
USD25, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Return to University Accommodation for Packing

Gather all your belongings and prepare for departure.
Back to Howard housing.
Free, 1 hour

4:30PM

Final Dinner at The Wharf

Revisit The Wharf area for one last culinary experience before heading home.
Metro to The Wharf.
USD15, 1.5 hours

7:00PM

Depart from Washington, DC

Head to the train or airport for your return home.
Walk or take Metro to train/airport.
Variable, Time of departure varies
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Day 8: Departure Day

Return Home

Flexible

Check-out and Travel

Pack up, check out of accommodation, and head home using selected travel method.
Ensure all bags are secured.
Variable, Variable
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