20-Day Ultimate Road Trip Through America: Exploring Iconic Cities and Natural Wonders

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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