Epic Road Trip: Visiting Every National Park and Monument in the Contiguous U.S. Starting from New Cumberland, WV

Day 1: Start Journey Northeast

New Cumberland, WV to Acadia National Park, ME on May 2, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at The Brick Restaurant

Enjoy a hearty breakfast featuring local favorites to fuel your long drive ahead.
USD20, 1h

8:00am

Drive to Acadia National Park

Begin the scenic 11-hour drive northeast towards Acadia National Park with planned rest stops.
USD0, 11h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Jordan Pond House

Dine with views of Jordan Pond, enjoying popovers and fresh seafood as you arrive at Acadia.
USD35, 1h
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Day 2: Explore Acadia National Park

Acadia National Park, ME on May 3, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Acadia Beach Cafe

Start your day with fresh pastries and coffee near the coast to energize for hiking.
USD15, 1h

9:00am

Hiking and Sightseeing in Acadia

Explore popular trails like Cadillac Mountain and Ocean Path to enjoy breathtaking views and coastline scenery. Open 24 hours year-round.
USD30 (park entry fee), 5h

2:00pm

Lunch at The Side Street Cafe

Relax and enjoy locally caught lobster or clam chowder, a staple New England dish.
USD25, 1h

3:00pm

Visit Thunder Hole and Sand Beach

Discover Thunder Hole's dramatic natural rock formations and then unwind on the sandy beaches nearby.
USD0, 2h

6:00pm

Dinner at Cafe This Way

End your day with innovative American dishes in a cozy setting downtown Bar Harbor.
USD40, 1.5h
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Day 3: Southbound Toward Shenandoah

Acadia National Park, ME to Shenandoah National Park, VA on May 4, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Morning Glory Bakery

Grab freshly baked goods and coffee to fuel your southbound journey.
USD15, 1h

8:00am

Drive to Shenandoah National Park

Start the 9-hour drive through multiple states en route to scenic Shenandoah National Park.
USD0, 9h

5:00pm

Check-in and Dinner near Shenandoah

Enjoy a relaxing dinner at The Mimslyn Inn with local Virginia cuisine.
USD40, 1h
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Day 4: Explore Shenandoah National Park

Shenandoah National Park, VA on May 5, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Inn at Little Washington

Have a gourmet breakfast to prepare for exploration in the Blue Ridge Mountains.
USD30, 1h

8:30am

Shenandoah Skyline Drive

Drive the 105-mile scenic Skyline Drive, stopping at overlooks and hiking trails. Open year-round with some seasonal restrictions.
USD30 (park entry fee), 4h

12:30pm

Picnic Lunch at Big Meadows

Enjoy a relaxing picnic lunch surrounded by nature at Big Meadows picnic area.
USD15, 1h

2:00pm

Hiking Old Rag Mountain

Optional challenging hike for spectacular panoramic views, open sunrise to sunset.
USD0, 4h

6:30pm

Dinner at The Apple House Restaurant

Dine on comfort food inspired by Appalachian cuisine featuring locally sourced ingredients.
USD25, 1h
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Day 5: Head South to Everglades

Shenandoah, VA to Everglades National Park, FL on May 6, 2025

6:00am

Early Breakfast at Local Cafe

Quick bite to begin the long southern trip.
USD15, 0.5h

6:30am

Drive to Everglades National Park

approximately 13-hour drive down to South Florida, planning rest stops and refueling.
USD0, 13h

7:30pm

Dinner near Everglades Park Entrance

Eat at a local seafood restaurant offering fresh catch of the day.
USD35, 1h
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Day 6: Explore Everglades National Park

Everglades National Park, FL on May 7, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Everglades City Bakery

Start your day with fresh pastries and coffee in Everglades City.
USD15, 1h

9:00am

Airboat Tour

Discover unique wetland ecosystem aboard an airboat; see mangroves, alligators, and birdlife. Tours run from 9am to 4pm.
USD50, 2h

11:30am

Visit Shark Valley Observation Tower

Climb the tower to get panoramic views of the Everglades’ vast marshland. Open 8am to 5pm.
USD30 (park fee included), 1h

1:00pm

Lunch at Everglades Seafood Depot

Enjoy fresh local seafood dishes in a casual environment.
USD25, 1h

2:30pm

Wildlife Viewing and Walking Trails

Explore Anhinga Trail or Gumbo Limbo Trail for wildlife viewing on foot; open all day.
USD0, 3h

6:00pm

Dinner at Camellia Street Grill

Relax with a hearty dinner featuring southern style cuisine.
USD30, 1h
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