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7-Day Classic USA Road Trip: Exploring New York to Washington D.C.

Viewed by 68 travelers

Day 1: New York Highlights

New York City, USA on April 20, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Ess-a-Bagel

Start your day with a classic New York bagel at Ess-a-Bagel, known for its fresh, chewy bagels and variety of spreads. It's a local favorite and opens at 7:00am.
USD10, 0h30m

9:00am

Visit Central Park

Take a morning stroll or rent a bike to explore Central Park's scenic paths, iconic bridges, and peaceful lakes. The park is open 6:00am to 1:00am.
Free, 2h

11:30am

Explore The Metropolitan Museum of Art

Visit the Met, one of the world's largest and finest art museums. Open 10:00am-5:00pm, it offers diverse collections from ancient to modern art.
USD25, 2h

2:00pm

Lunch at Shake Shack

Enjoy classic American burgers and shakes at Shake Shack in Madison Square Park. Open daily from 11:00am.
USD15, 1h

3:30pm

Visit Times Square

Experience the vibrant energy of Times Square with its bright billboards and street performances. It's open 24/7 for visitors.
Free, 1h

5:00pm

Dinner at Carmine’s Italian Restaurant

Dine on classic Italian-American dishes in a warm, family-style setting. The restaurant is open until 10:00pm.
USD40, 1h30m
Find Hotels in New York City

Day 2: Philadelphia History

Philadelphia, USA on April 21, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Sabrina’s Cafe

Enjoy a hearty breakfast with unique offerings such as stuffed French toast at Sabrina’s Cafe, open from 8:00am.
USD15, 1h

9:00am

Visit Independence Hall

Tour the site where the Declaration of Independence was signed. Open from 9:00am to 5:00pm; free but book tickets online.
Free, 1h

10:30am

See the Liberty Bell

View the iconic cracked bell symbolizing American independence. Open 9:00am-5:00pm, close to Independence Hall.
Free, 30m

12:00pm

Lunch at Reading Terminal Market

Experience diverse local and international cuisine inside this famous market. Open 9:00am - 6:00pm weekdays.
USD20, 1h

2:00pm

Visit Philadelphia Museum of Art & the Rocky Steps

Explore world-class art collections and run up the iconic 'Rocky Steps.' The museum is open till 5:00pm.
USD25, 2h

6:00pm

Dinner at Zahav

Enjoy innovative Israeli cuisine at Zahav, open for dinner from 5:00pm to 10:00pm.
USD50, 1h30m
Find Hotels in Philadelphia

Day 3: Baltimore Exploration

Baltimore, USA on April 22, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Blue Moon Cafe

Try their famous Captain Crunch pancakes in this quirky and popular Baltimore spot, open 7:00am-3:00pm.
USD15, 1h

9:30am

Explore Inner Harbor

Walk along Baltimore’s waterfront area with shops, museums, and historic ships. Open all day, free access.
Free, 2h

11:30am

Visit National Aquarium

Discover thousands of marine animals in this top-rated aquarium. Open 9:00am-6:00pm.
USD40, 2h

1:30pm

Lunch at Phillips Seafood

Enjoy fresh Maryland crab and seafood specialties right at the Inner Harbor, open daily from 11:00am.
USD35, 1h

3:00pm

Visit Fort McHenry National Monument

Visit the fort that inspired the US national anthem. Open 9:00am to 5:00pm.
USD15, 1h30m

6:00pm

Dinner at Woodberry Kitchen

Savor farm-to-table cuisine in a stylish setting, open for dinner from 5:00pm to 10:00pm.
USD45, 1h30m
Find Hotels in Baltimore

Day 4: Washington D.C. Culture

Washington D.C., USA on April 23, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Founding Farmers

Enjoy sustainably sourced classic American breakfast dishes, open from 7:00am.
USD20, 1h

9:00am

Tour the National Mall

Visit iconic monuments including Lincoln Memorial, Washington Monument, and Vietnam Veterans Memorial. Open all day, free entry.
Free, 3h

12:30pm

Lunch at Union Market

Sample food from diverse vendors in this lively market, open 11:00am to 8:00pm.
USD20, 1h

2:00pm

Visit Smithsonian Museums

Explore National Air and Space Museum and National Museum of American History, open 10:00am-5:30pm.
Free, 3h

5:30pm

Dinner at Old Ebbitt Grill

Historic restaurant near the White House serving classic American fare, open till 10:00pm.
USD40, 1h30m
Find Hotels in Washington D.C.

Day 5: Nature at Shenandoah

Shenandoah National Park, USA on April 24, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Local Diner

Have a quick, hearty breakfast before heading to the park, most local diners open around 6:00am.
USD15, 0h45m

8:00am

Drive to Shenandoah National Park

Enjoy a scenic 2 hour drive to Shenandoah, entering through Thornton Gap Entrance.
USD30 (Park entry fee), 2h

10:00am

Hiking Skyline Drive

Take a leisurely hike on one of the park's popular trails like Hawksbill or Dark Hollow Falls. Trails open 24/7.
Free, 3h

1:00pm

Picnic Lunch

Enjoy a packed picnic lunch at one of the many scenic spots in the park.
USD15, 1h

2:30pm

Continue Exploring Scenic Overlooks

Drive along the Skyline Drive and stop at overlooks for panoramic views of the Blue Ridge Mountains.
Free, 2h

6:00pm

Dinner at Skyland Resort

Dine at the resort restaurant with mountain views, open till 9:00pm.
USD40, 1h30m
Find Hotels in Shenandoah National Park

Day 6: Charlottesville Charm

Charlottesville, USA on April 25, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Bluegrass Grill & Bakery

Try fresh pastries and locally roasted coffee; open from 7:00am.
USD15, 0h45m

9:00am

Visit Monticello

Tour Thomas Jefferson’s historic home, open 9:00am-5:00pm. Advance ticket booking recommended.
USD30, 3h

12:30pm

Lunch at Michie Tavern

Enjoy traditional southern fare in an 18th-century tavern setting, open 11:00am-3:00pm.
USD30, 1h

2:00pm

Explore Downtown Mall

Walk through one of the longest pedestrian malls in the US, with shops, galleries, and cafes.
Free, 2h

5:00pm

Wine Tasting

Visit a vineyard on the outskirts of Charlottesville for wine tasting; most open until 6:00pm.
USD20, 1h30m

7:00pm

Dinner at The Local

Dine on farm-to-table dishes featuring seasonal local ingredients, open till 9:00pm.
USD40, 1h30m
Find Hotels in Charlottesville

Day 7: Back to Washington

Washington D.C., USA on April 26, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Busboys and Poets

Enjoy a socially conscious café atmosphere with creative breakfast options, open from 8:00am.
USD15, 1h

9:30am

Drive back to Washington D.C.

Drive approximately 2.5 hours back to D.C. for your departure or additional sightseeing.
USD0 (exclude fuel cost), 2h30m

12:00pm

Lunch at Founding Farmers (if time permits)

Enjoy a farm-to-table lunch before departure, open 11:00am-3:00pm on Sundays.
USD25, 1h

1:30pm

Visit National Gallery of Art

Experience fine art collections before heading to the airport; open 10:00am-5:00pm on Sundays.
Free, 1h30m
Find Hotels in Washington D.C.
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