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20-Day Ultimate Road Trip Through America: Exploring Iconic Cities and Natural Wonders
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20-Day Ultimate Road Trip Through America: Exploring Iconic Cities and Natural Wonders
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Day 1: New York Arrival
New York City, USA on April 20, 2025
3:00pm
Arrival and Check-in
Arrive at your hotel in Manhattan and settle in. Rest a bit and get ready for an exciting trip ahead.
Free, 1h0m
4:00pm
Walk in Central Park
Stroll through Central Park to unwind and enjoy iconic sights like Bow Bridge and Bethesda Terrace, open until 1am.
Free, 1h30m
6:00pm
Dinner at Carmine's Italian Restaurant
Enjoy family-style Italian dishes at Carmine’s, a popular spot near Times Square known for big portions and vibrant atmosphere. Open until 11pm.
USD40, 1h30m
Find Hotels in New York City
Day 2: NYC Sights Tour
New York City, USA on April 21, 2025
8:00am
Breakfast at Buvette
Have a charming Parisian-style breakfast at Buvette in Greenwich Village, open from 8am.
USD15, 1h0m
9:30am
Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island Tour
Take the ferry from Battery Park to visit the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island Immigration Museum. Tour runs from 8:30am to 5pm.
USD25, 4h0m
2:00pm
Lunch at Fraunces Tavern
Enjoy a historic tavern meal with colonial-American cuisine near Battery Park, open from 11:30am to 10pm.
USD25, 1h0m
3:30pm
9/11 Memorial & Museum
Visit the poignant 9/11 Memorial and Museum open from 9am to 8pm.
USD28, 2h0m
6:00pm
Dinner at The Smith
Dine on modern American cuisine in a lively setting in Midtown, open until 11pm.
USD40, 1h30m
Find Hotels in New York City
Day 3: Travel to Washington, D.C.
Washington, D.C., USA on April 22, 2025
7:00am
Breakfast at Ess-a-Bagel
Grab a classic New York bagel with various spreads at Ess-a-Bagel, open 6:30am to 6pm.
USD10, 0h45m
8:00am
Travel to Washington, D.C.
Take the Amtrak train from Penn Station to Washington Union Station, approximately 3.5 hours travel.
USD85, 3h30m
12:00pm
Lunch at Founding Farmers
Enjoy farm-to-table American dishes near downtown, open 11am to 9pm.
USD30, 1h0m
2:00pm
National Mall Tour
Explore iconic sites including the Lincoln Memorial, Washington Monument, and Smithsonian museums (most open 10am to 5:30pm).
Free, 3h0m
6:00pm
Dinner at Old Ebbitt Grill
Classic American fare at a historic eatery near the White House, open until 11pm.
USD40, 1h30m
Find Hotels in Washington
Day 4: D.C. Museums & Monuments
Washington, D.C., USA on April 23, 2025
8:30am
Breakfast at Le Pain Quotidien
A light, organic breakfast at this chain near the National Mall, open from 7:30am.
USD15, 1h0m
9:30am
Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum
Explore historic aircraft and space artifacts, open 10am to 5:30pm, free admission.
Free, 2h0m
11:30am
Smithsonian National Museum of American History
Delve into America’s past with exhibits on culture, technology, and politics, open 10am to 5:30pm.
Free, 1h30m
1:00pm
Lunch at The Capital Grille
Enjoy upscale American steakhouse fare in downtown D.C., open 11:30am to 10pm.
USD50, 1h30m
3:00pm
Visit the United States Capitol and Supreme Court
Check out the architecture and history of these iconic buildings with guided tours available. Tours generally run till 4pm.
Free, 1h0m
5:00pm
Walk around the Tidal Basin and see the Jefferson Memorial
Enjoy the peaceful setting of the Tidal Basin and visit the Jefferson Memorial before sunset.
Free, 1h0m
7:00pm
Dinner at Zaytinya
Sample Mediterranean and Middle Eastern small plates by renowned chef José Andrés, open till 10pm.
USD45, 1h30m
Find Hotels in Washington
Day 5: Travel to Nashville
Nashville, USA on April 24, 2025
7:00am
Breakfast at Busboys and Poets
Enjoy a creative and eclectic breakfast at this hip café and bookstore, open from 7am.
USD20, 1h0m
8:00am
Flight from Washington, D.C. to Nashville
Fly approx. 2h15m to Nashville International Airport.
USD120, 2h15m
11:00am
Check-in and Lunch at The Pharmacy Burger
Famous for its burgers and homemade sodas, this is a great casual lunch spot open from 11am.
USD20, 1h0m
12:30pm
Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum
Explore country music history with exhibits, artifacts, and films, open 9am to 5pm.
USD27, 2h0m
3:00pm
Walk down Broadway Street
Experience Nashville’s lively downtown strip filled with live music venues and bars open till late.
Free, 2h0m
6:00pm
Dinner at Hattie B’s Hot Chicken
Try Nashville’s famous hot chicken at this iconic spot, open till 8pm.
USD20, 1h0m
Find Hotels in Nashville
Day 6: Nashville Culture
Nashville, USA on April 25, 2025
8:00am
Breakfast at Pancake Pantry
Famous for pancakes, open at 7am; expect a line but worth the wait.
USD15, 1h0m
9:30am
Visit The Parthenon
See a full-scale replica of the Parthenon in Centennial Park, open 10am to 4:30pm.
USD10, 1h30m
11:30am
Explore Ryman Auditorium
Tour the historic 'Mother Church of Country Music', open 9am to 5pm.
USD25, 1h30m
1:00pm
Lunch at Merchants
Upscale Southern fare on Broadway street, open 11am to 10pm.
USD35, 1h0m
2:30pm
Visit Belle Meade Historic Site & Winery
Tour the historic plantation and winery, open 9am to 5pm for tours and tastings.
USD25, 2h0m
6:30pm
Dinner at The Stillery
Known for brick-oven pizzas and craft cocktails, open until 10pm.
USD30, 1h30m
Find Hotels in Nashville
Day 7: Travel to New Orleans
New Orleans, USA on April 26, 2025
7:00am
Breakfast at Frothy Monkey
A local favorite cafe chain offering organic coffee and breakfast options, open at 7am.
USD15, 0h45m
8:00am
Fly from Nashville to New Orleans
Flight approx. 1h45m to Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport.
USD110, 1h45m
11:00am
Check-in and Lunch at Coop’s Place
Casual spot for cajun and creole cuisine, open from 11am.
USD20, 1h0m
12:30pm
French Quarter Walking Tour
Explore the historic French Quarter architecture and culture with guided tours available 12pm to 4pm.
USD25, 2h0m
3:00pm
Visit Jackson Square and St. Louis Cathedral
Experience the vibrant art scene and iconic cathedral in the heart of French Quarter.
Free, 1h0m
6:00pm
Dinner at Commander’s Palace
Enjoy upscale Creole cuisine in a landmark setting; reservations recommended, open until 10pm.
USD60, 1h30m
Find Hotels in New Orleans
Day 8: New Orleans Exploration
New Orleans, USA on April 27, 2025
8:00am
Breakfast at Café du Monde
Famous for beignets and café au lait, open 24 hours.
USD10, 0h45m
9:00am
Steamboat Natchez Cruise
Take a 2-hour scenic jazz cruise on the Mississippi River, first cruise at 10am.
USD35, 2h0m
12:00pm
Lunch at Central Grocery
Home of the original muffuletta sandwich, open 10am to 6pm.
USD15, 0h45m
1:00pm
Visit the National WWII Museum
Explore extensive exhibits about World War II, open 9am to 5pm.
USD30, 3h0m
4:30pm
Stroll through the Garden District
Admire historic mansions and beautiful gardens, accessible anytime.
Free, 1h30m
7:00pm
Dinner at Jacques-Imo’s Cafe
Creative Louisiana cuisine in a casual, lively atmosphere, open till 10pm.
USD35, 1h30m
Find Hotels in New Orleans
Day 9: Travel to Austin
Austin, USA on April 28, 2025
7:00am
Breakfast at The Ruby Slipper Cafe
Southern-style breakfast with great coffee, open from 7am.
USD18, 1h0m
8:00am
Flight from New Orleans to Austin
Approximate 1h45m flight to Austin-Bergstrom International Airport.
USD100, 1h45m
11:00am
Check-in and Lunch at Franklin Barbecue
Famous for Texas-style barbecue, expect some wait but worth it, open till sold out (typically by 2-3pm).
USD25, 1h0m
1:00pm
Explore Texas State Capitol
Tour the historic capitol building and its beautiful grounds, open 9am to 5pm.
Free, 1h0m
2:30pm
Visit Bullock Texas State History Museum
Learn about Texas history and culture, open 9am to 5pm.
USD13, 2h0m
5:00pm
Walk along Lady Bird Lake Trail
Enjoy a scenic walk or bike ride around the lake, great for sunset views.
Free, 1h30m
7:00pm
Dinner at Uchi Austin
Enjoy innovative Japanese cuisine with fresh sushi and small plates, open till 10pm.
USD50, 1h30m
Find Hotels in Austin
Day 10: Austin & Travel to Santa Fe
Austin, USA / Santa Fe, USA on April 29, 2025
7:30am
Breakfast at Jo’s Coffee
Known for its ‘I love you so much’ mural and good coffee, open at 7am.
USD10, 0h45m
8:30am
Travel to Santa Fe – Flight with Connection
Fly from Austin to Santa Fe (Santa Fe’s nearest airport is Albuquerque International). Flight approx. 4-5 hours with likely connection.
USD180, 5h0m
1:30pm
Check-in and lunch in Santa Fe Plaza
Try local New Mexican cuisine at the historic Plaza area, where many restaurants open by 11am.
USD25, 1h0m
3:00pm
Explore Santa Fe Plaza and Cathedral Basilica of St. Francis
Discover the heart of Santa Fe with Pueblo-style architecture and the cathedral, which is open until 5pm.
Free, 1h30m
5:00pm
Visit Museum of International Folk Art
Explore an extensive collection of folk art, open 10am to 5pm.
USD20, 1h30m
7:00pm
Dinner at The Shed
Famous for authentic New Mexican dishes in a casual setting, open until 9pm.
USD30, 1h30m
Find Hotels in Austin
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Itinerary created by
Plantrip Team
April 20, 2025
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