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Ultimate 10-Day Road Trip: Driving from South Carolina to Maine
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Ultimate 10-Day Road Trip: Driving from South Carolina to Maine
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Day 1: Start Your Journey
Columbia, SC on September 18, 2024
8:00 AM
Breakfast at The Diner
Begin your adventure with a classic American breakfast at The Diner, known for its extensive menu.
Located in downtown Columbia.
USD15, 1 hour
9:30 AM
Chill at Riverbanks Zoo
Enjoy a morning at Riverbanks Zoo to see exotic animals and explore beautiful gardens.
15-minute drive from breakfast.
USD12, 2 hours
12:00 PM
Lunch at Guacamole
Relish a fresh Mexican meal at Guacamole, famous for its vibrant atmosphere.
10-minute drive from the zoo.
USD15, 1 hour
1:30 PM
Drive to Charlotte, NC
Set off for Charlotte, NC, enjoying the open roads and scenic countryside.
Take I-77 N toward Charlotte.
N/A, 1.5 hours
3:00 PM
Check-in at Hyatt Place
Arrive in Charlotte, and check into the Hyatt Place, conveniently located downtown.
Located near local attractions.
USD130, 1 hour
6:00 PM
Dinner at Price's Chicken Coop
Enjoy famous fried chicken at Price's Chicken Coop, a local favorite.
15-minute drive from hotel.
USD10, 1 hour
Find Hotels in Columbia
Day 2: Explore Charlotte
Charlotte, NC on September 19, 2024
8:00 AM
Breakfast at 7th Street Public Market
Start your day with hearty options at the local market showcasing farm-fresh ingredients.
Close to the hotel.
USD15, 1 hour
9:30 AM
Tour NASCAR Hall of Fame
Dive into the world of NASCAR at the Hall of Fame, an exciting, interactive experience.
15-minute drive from breakfast.
USD25, 2 hours
12:00 PM
Lunch at The Peculiar Rabbit
Savor a unique lunch menu with eclectic options at this charming pub.
Short drive from NASCAR Hall of Fame.
USD20, 1 hour
1:30 PM
Drive to Richmond, VA
Head to Richmond, VA through scenic highways as the journey continues north.
Take I-95 N.
N/A, 2 hours
4:00 PM
Check-in at The Jefferson
Arrive and relax at the historic Jefferson Hotel, famed for its elegance.
Located in downtown Richmond.
USD220, 1 hour
6:30 PM
Dinner at The Roosevelt
Dine at The Roosevelt, offering a farm-to-table Southern menu with inviting atmosphere.
15-minute walk from the hotel.
USD50, 1.5 hours
Find Hotels in Charlotte
Day 3: Culture and History
Richmond, VA on September 20, 2024
8:00 AM
Breakfast at Perly's
Enjoy a delicious breakfast at Perly's, a deli famous for its breakfast fare and local charm.
Close to the hotel.
USD15, 1 hour
9:30 AM
Visit the Virginia State Capitol
Explore the iconic Virginia State Capitol, an architectural wonder designed by Jefferson.
15-minute drive from breakfast.
Free, 1.5 hours
12:00 PM
Lunch at The Daily Kitchen & Bar
Enjoy a fresh, organic lunch at The Daily Kitchen & Bar with vibrant options.
10-minute drive from the Capitol.
USD20, 1 hour
1:30 PM
Drive to Washington, D.C.
Set off for the nation's capital, gearing up for a day of exploration.
I-95 N will take you directly to D.C.
N/A, 2 hours
4:00 PM
Check-in at The Darcy
Check in at The Darcy, located near the heart of D.C. offering modern comforts.
Conveniently located downtown.
USD210, 1 hour
6:30 PM
Dinner at Founding Farmers
Savor a delicious dinner at Founding Farmers, celebrated for its farm-fresh ingredients.
Short drive from hotel.
USD40, 1.5 hours
Find Hotels in Richmond
Day 4: Explore Washington, D.C.
Washington, D.C. on September 21, 2024
8:00 AM
Breakfast at The Hamilton
Enjoy a robust breakfast at The Hamilton before heading out to explore the city.
Short walk from The Darcy.
USD20, 1 hour
9:30 AM
Visit the National Mall
Spend the morning wandering the National Mall, taking in monuments and museums.
Walkable distance from breakfast.
Free, 3 hours
12:30 PM
Lunch at Old Ebbitt Grill
Fuel up at Old Ebbitt Grill, a historic oyster bar with a lively atmosphere.
10-minute walk from the National Mall.
USD35, 1.5 hours
2:00 PM
Explore the Smithsonian Museums
Spend your afternoon visiting various Smithsonian Museums that are free of charge.
Located around the National Mall.
Free, 3 hours
5:30 PM
Dinner at The Capital Grille
Indulge in a fine dining experience at The Capital Grille, known for its dry-aged steaks.
10-minute taxi from the museums.
USD65, 2 hours
Find Hotels in Washington
Day 5: Travel to Baltimore
Baltimore, MD on September 22, 2024
8:00 AM
Breakfast at Blue Moon Cafe
Savor a delightful breakfast with fluffy pancakes and a cozy atmosphere.
Close to The Darcy.
USD15, 1 hour
9:30 AM
Check-out and Drive to Baltimore
Check out from the hotel and set your sights on Baltimore, less than an hour away.
Take I-95 N.
N/A, 1 hour
10:30 AM
Explore Inner Harbor
Arrive in Baltimore and explore the picturesque Inner Harbor, famous for its waterfront attractions.
Location is close upon arrival.
Free, 2 hours
12:30 PM
Lunch at Phillips Seafood
Enjoy great crab cakes and seafood dishes at renowned Phillips Seafood, right by the harbor.
Walking distance from the harbor.
USD40, 1.5 hours
2:00 PM
Visit the National Aquarium
Admire marine life at the National Aquarium, a beautiful and educational experience.
15-minute walk from lunch.
USD40, 2.5 hours
4:30 PM
Check-in at Hotel Monteleone
Relax and unwind at the luxurious Hotel Monteleone in Baltimore.
10-minute drive from the aquarium.
USD180, 1 hour
6:30 PM
Dinner at The Prime Rib
Experience fine dining at The Prime Rib, known for its upscale steak and seafood offerings.
10-minute drive from the hotel.
USD70, 2 hours
Find Hotels in Baltimore
Day 6: Discover Philadelphia
Philadelphia, PA on September 23, 2024
8:00 AM
Breakfast at Joe's Coffee
Start your day with fresh pastries and strong coffee at Joe's Coffee, a local favorite.
Close to Hotel Monteleone.
USD10, 1 hour
9:30 AM
Drive to Philadelphia
Depart for Philadelphia, savoring the scenery along the way.
Take I-95 N.
N/A, 2 hours
11:30 AM
Check-in at Pod Philly
Arrive in Philadelphia and check in at Pod Philly, known for its trendy design.
Located downtown.
USD200, 1 hour
12:30 PM
Lunch at Reading Terminal Market
Experience a variety of local foods and vendors at Reading Terminal Market.
Just a short drive from the hotel.
USD20, 1.5 hours
2:00 PM
Visit Independence Hall
Tour Independence Hall, where the Declaration of Independence was signed, a historical site.
15-minute walk from lunch.
Free, 1.5 hours
4:00 PM
Explore the Liberty Bell
Witness the iconic Liberty Bell, a symbol of American independence.
Located nearby Independence Hall.
Free, 1 hour
6:00 PM
Dinner at Zahav
Enjoy a memorable dinner at Zahav, known for its modern Israeli cuisine.
20-minute walk from Liberty Bell.
USD60, 2 hours
Find Hotels in Philadelphia
Day 7: Dynamic NYC Visit
New York City, NY on September 24, 2024
8:00 AM
Breakfast at High Street on Market
Fuel up with delicious breakfast options at the bustling High Street on Market.
Quick drive from hotel.
USD15, 1 hour
9:30 AM
Drive to New York City
Head towards the vibrant streets of NYC for a day full of excitement.
I-95 N will take you to NYC.
N/A, 2 hours
11:30 AM
Check-in at The Bowery Hotel
Check in at The Bowery Hotel, stylish with easy access to the Lower East Side.
Located in Manhattan.
USD300, 1 hour
1:00 PM
Lunch at Katz's Delicatessen
Enjoy iconic pastrami sandwiches at Katz's, a legendary New York institution.
Short walk from the hotel.
USD20, 1.5 hours
2:30 PM
Explore Lower Manhattan
Stroll through Lower Manhattan’s sights including Wall Street and One World Trade Center.
Walkable distance.
Free, 2 hours
5:00 PM
Dinner at Momofuku Noodle Bar
Relish flavor-packed ramen at Momofuku Noodle Bar, a trendy spot.
10-minute taxi from Lower Manhattan.
USD30, 1.5 hours
Find Hotels in New York City
Day 8: Connecticut Sights
New Haven, CT on September 25, 2024
8:00 AM
Breakfast at Jack's Wife Freda
Indulge in Mediterranean-American dishes at this cozy and welcoming café.
Short walk from The Bowery Hotel.
USD25, 1 hour
9:30 AM
Drive to New Haven, CT
Leave NYC and drive to New Haven, enjoying scenic views along the way.
Take I-95 N.
N/A, 1.5 hours
11:00 AM
Check-in at The Study at Yale
Arrive and check into The Study, situated near Yale University.
Close to downtown.
USD200, 1 hour
12:30 PM
Lunch at Louis' Lunch
Taste the original hamburger at Louis' Lunch, a historic eatery that's been serving since 1895.
Short drive from the hotel.
USD15, 1 hour
2:00 PM
Explore Yale University
Wander the iconic Yale campus, visiting museums and gardens.
Walkable distance from Louis' Lunch.
Free, 2 hours
4:30 PM
Visit East Rock Park
Head up to East Rock Park for breathtaking views of New Haven and the coastline.
10-minute drive from Yale.
Free, 1.5 hours
6:30 PM
Dinner at The Union League Cafe
Enjoy a fine dining experience at The Union League Cafe, offering French cuisine with local ingredients.
15-minute drive back to downtown.
USD70, 1.5 hours
Find Hotels in New Haven
Day 9: Historical Charm of Boston
Boston, MA on September 26, 2024
8:00 AM
Breakfast at Tatte Bakery & Cafe
Start your morning with artisan pastries and delicious coffee at Tatte in New Haven.
Close to the hotel.
USD15, 1 hour
9:30 AM
Drive to Boston, MA
Set off for Boston, embracing the cultural vibe of the New England region.
Take I-90 E.
N/A, 2 hours
11:30 AM
Check-in at The Liberty Hotel
Arrive at the stunning Liberty Hotel, a unique blend of history and luxury.
Located near Charles Street.
USD250, 1 hour
12:30 PM
Lunch at Cheers Beacon Hill
Have a casual lunch at the iconic Cheers restaurant, famous for its sitcom connection.
Walking distance from the hotel.
USD25, 1 hour
2:00 PM
Walk the Freedom Trail
Follow the historic Freedom Trail and discover significant sites in Boston.
Start at Boston Common.
Free, 3 hours
5:00 PM
Dinner at Union Oyster House
Satisfy your seafood cravings at the Union Oyster House, America's oldest restaurant.
10-minute walk from Freedom Trail.
USD40, 1.5 hours
Find Hotels in Boston
Day 10: Final Stop: Portland
Portland, ME on September 27, 2024
8:00 AM
Breakfast at Flour Bakery
Enjoy breakfast at Flour Bakery with their freshly baked goods and great coffee.
Close to The Liberty Hotel.
USD15, 1 hour
9:30 AM
Drive to Portland, ME
Depart for vibrant Portland and soak in the coastal scenery along the way.
Take I-95 N.
N/A, 2 hours
11:30 AM
Check-in at The Press Hotel
Arrive and settle in at The Press Hotel, boasting impressive views and a chic atmosphere.
Located by the waterfront.
USD200, 1 hour
1:00 PM
Lunch at J's Oyster
Delight in fresh seafood at J's Oyster, specializing in clam chowder and lobsters.
Short walk from the hotel.
USD25, 1 hour
2:30 PM
Explore Old Port District
Experience the Old Port District, filled with charming boutiques and stunning waterfront views.
Just a stroll from lunch.
Free, 2.5 hours
5:00 PM
Visit Portland Head Light
End your road trip with a visit to the iconic Portland Head Light for breathtaking views.
20-minute drive from downtown.
Free, 1.5 hours
7:30 PM
Farewell Dinner at Eventide Oyster Co.
Celebrate the conclusion of your journey with dinner at Eventide, known for its delicious oysters.
20-minute drive back to downtown.
USD60, 1.5 hours
Find Hotels in Portland
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Itinerary created by
Plantrip Team
January 19, 2025
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