5-Day New York to Niagara Falls Road Trip from Dallas: Iconic Landmarks & Natural Wonders

Day 1: Travel to NYC

Dallas to New York City, USA on May 1, 2025

8:00am

Flight from Dallas to New York City

Catch an early morning flight from Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport to NYC to maximise sightseeing time. Flights typically take around 3.5 to 4 hours.
USD150-300, 4h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at Chelsea Market

Enjoy a variety of food options at Chelsea Market, a trendy indoor food hall with great choices from seafood to artisanal pizza. A perfect first meal in New York City.
USD20-40, 1h

2:00pm

Check-in at Manhattan hotel

Get settled in your accommodation in central Manhattan to have easy access to all major attractions.
USD200-400 per night, 1h

3:30pm

Stroll through Central Park

Explore Central Park’s beautiful paths and landmarks such as Bethesda Fountain, Bow Bridge and the Sheep Meadow. Open from 6am to 1am.
Free, 2h

6:00pm

Dinner at Joe's Pizza

Grab an iconic New York slice at Joe’s Pizza, serving classic thin-crust slices in Midtown Manhattan. A quintessential NYC meal experience.
USD5-10, 1h
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Day 2: NYC Landmarks

New York City, USA on May 2, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Balthazar

Enjoy a French bistro-style breakfast with pastries and coffee at Balthazar in SoHo, open from 7am.
USD15-25, 1h

9:00am

Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island

Take the ferry from Battery Park to visit the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island Immigration Museum. Ferries run 8:30am-5pm. Allocate about 4 hours for the full tour.
USD24, 4h0m

1:30pm

Lunch at Fraunces Tavern

Historic eatery near Battery Park offering classic American dishes. Open from 12pm to 9pm.
USD25-40, 1h

3:00pm

Visit the National September 11 Memorial & Museum

Explore the Freedom Museum to reflect on the events of 9/11 and honor those affected. Open from 9am to 8pm. Admission includes museum entry.
USD28, 2h

5:30pm

Walk the Brooklyn Bridge

Stroll across the iconic Brooklyn Bridge at sunset for stunning views of Manhattan and Brooklyn. Open 24/7.
Free, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Juliana’s Pizza

Enjoy award-winning coal-fired pizza in Brooklyn, just past the bridge on the Brooklyn side. Open until 11pm.
USD20-35, 1h30m

9:00pm

Experience Times Square by Night

Take in the dazzling lights and street performers in Times Square, open 24 hours and a must-see for all visitors to NYC.
Free, 1h
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Day 3: Travel to Niagara

New York City to Niagara Falls, USA on May 3, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at hotel or nearby café

Start early with a quick breakfast to prepare for your journey to Niagara Falls, typically a 6-7 hour drive or 1.5-hour flight.
USD10-20, 1h

8:00am

Travel to Niagara Falls

Fly or drive from NYC to Niagara Falls; flying saves time but driving offers scenic experience. Recommended flight time approx. 1.5 hours if flying.
USD100-150 flight / USD50 fuel tolls drive, 1h30m flight / 6h drive

3:00pm

Check-in at Niagara Falls hotel

Check into your Niagara Falls accommodation to relax before exploring the falls.
USD150-250 per night, 1h

4:30pm

Evening walk near Niagara Falls

Walk the Niagara Gorge trails and observation points to experience the falls' beauty at sunset. Open year-round.
Free, 2h

7:00pm

Dinner at The Keg Steakhouse + Bar

Enjoy a dinner overlooking the falls or nearby, with excellent steak and seafood options. Open until 10pm.
USD40-60, 1h30m
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Day 4: Niagara Falls Adventure

Niagara Falls, USA on May 4, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at hotel or Queen Victoria Place Café

Fuel up with a hearty breakfast before a full day of exploring Niagara Falls. The cafe overlooks the falls and opens at 7am.
USD15-25, 1h

9:00am

Maid of the Mist boat tour

Experience the famous Maid of the Mist boat tour that takes you close to the base of the falls. Opens 9am to 6pm, weather permitting.
USD25, 1h

11:00am

Explore Cave of the Winds

Walk along wooden platforms at the base of Bridal Veil Falls for an immersive experience. Open 9am to 7pm during spring/summer.
USD20, 1h30m

1:00pm

Lunch at Top of the Falls Restaurant

Dine with a view overlooking the American Falls at this restaurant located in the Niagara Falls State Park. Open 11am to 4pm.
USD20-35, 1h

2:30pm

Visit Niagara Falls State Park

Take a leisurely walk around the park, capturing stunning views from observation decks and visitor centres.
Free, 2h

5:00pm

Relax at hotel or visit nearby attractions

Spend some downtime at the hotel or explore nearby attractions like the Aquarium of Niagara until dinner time.
USD10, 2h

7:00pm

Dinner at Weinkeller

Enjoy a relaxed dinner at Weinkeller, known for local wines and seasonal menus, open until 9pm.
USD30-50, 1h30m
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Day 5: Return or Extend

Niagara Falls to Dallas, USA on May 5, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast and check-out

Have breakfast, check-out, and prepare for your return trip or onward journey.
USD15-25, 1h

8:00am

Travel back to Dallas

Fly or drive back to Dallas, allowing approximately 6-7 hours by air plus airport procedures.
USD150-300 flight / USD50 tolls fuel drive, 6h
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