7-Day Classic East Coast USA Road Trip Itinerary

Day 1: Explore New York City

New York City, USA on May 6, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Ess-a-Bagel

Enjoy a classic New York-style bagel with schmear at this iconic deli, open from 7am. It's perfect fuel for a day in the city.
USD$7, 0h30m

9:00am

Visit the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island

Take the ferry from Battery Park (opens 8:30am) to explore these landmarks for a deep dive into US immigration history and iconic views of NYC skyline.
USD$25, 3h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at Katz's Delicatessen

Famous for its pastrami sandwiches, Katz's is open until late and offers an authentic New York deli experience.
USD$20, 1h0m

2:00pm

Walk the High Line

Stroll this elevated park built on a historic rail line offering unique city views and gardens, open from 7am to 11pm.
Free, 1h30m

4:00pm

Visit the Metropolitan Museum of Art

Explore this world-class art museum, open until 5:30pm, with immense collections spanning over 5,000 years.
Suggested donation USD$30, 2h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Carmine's Italian Restaurant

Enjoy family-style Italian dishes perfect for sharing in this lively restaurant, open until 11pm.
USD$40, 1h30m
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Day 2: Philadelphia Historical Tour

Philadelphia, USA on May 7, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Reading Terminal Market

Savour diverse local and international breakfast options at this bustling market, open from 7am.
USD$10, 1h0m

9:00am

Visit Independence Hall and Liberty Bell

Tour the birthplace of American democracy and see the iconic Liberty Bell, open from 9am to 5pm.
Free (tickets recommended), 2h0m

12:00pm

Lunch at Jim’s Steaks South Street

Try a classic Philly cheesesteak - a must when in Philadelphia, with dining available till late afternoon.
USD$15, 1h0m

1:30pm

Explore Philadelphia Museum of Art

Visit the famous museum and run up the 'Rocky Steps.' Open until 5pm.
USD$25, 2h0m

4:00pm

Drive to Baltimore

Travel to Baltimore (approx. 1.5 hours), check into your accommodation, and prepare for the evening.
Gas approx USD$15, 1h30m

7:00pm

Dinner at LP Steamers

Dine on fresh Chesapeake Bay blue crabs and seafood, with a lively harbourfront setting.
USD$35, 1h30m
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Day 3: Baltimore to Washington D.C.

Baltimore, USA on May 8, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Blue Moon Cafe

Known for its creative breakfast dishes and vibrant atmosphere, open from 7am.
USD$15, 1h0m

9:30am

Visit National Aquarium

One of the top aquariums in the US, open 9am to 5pm, showcasing diverse sea life including dolphins and sharks.
USD$40, 2h0m

12:00pm

Drive to Washington D.C.

Travel to the capital city, approx. 1 hour drive, and check into accommodation.
Gas approx USD$10, 1h0m

1:30pm

Lunch at Founding Farmers

Enjoy farm-to-table American cuisine in a rustic-chic setting near downtown, open for lunch until 3pm.
USD$25, 1h0m

3:00pm

National Mall and Monuments Tour

Visit iconic monuments including Lincoln Memorial, Washington Monument, and WWII Memorial. Open outdoor area, visit at any time.
Free, 3h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Old Ebbitt Grill

Historic restaurant with classic American fare, located near the White House and open until 10pm.
USD$40, 1h30m
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Day 4: Washington D.C. Museums

Washington D.C., USA on May 9, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Le Pain Quotidien

Casual bakery café serving organic breads and coffee, open early from 7am.
USD$12, 0h45m

9:00am

Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum

Explore historic aircraft and spacecraft, open 10am to 5:30pm, one of the most visited museums worldwide.
Free, 3h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at Mitsitam Native Foods Cafe

Located inside the National Museum of the American Indian, offers indigenous-inspired cuisine, open until 3pm.
USD$20, 1h0m

2:00pm

Visit United States Holocaust Memorial Museum

Powerful museum open 10am to 5:30pm, providing important history and remembrance (reservation recommended).
Free, 2h0m

5:00pm

Relax at the Tidal Basin

Walk around this scenic lagoon near the Jefferson Memorial, perfect for sunset views.
Free, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Zaytinya

Mediterranean small plates in a stylish setting, open until 10pm.
USD$45, 1h30m
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Day 5: Richmond Historical Sites

Richmond, USA on May 10, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Perly's

Jewish deli style breakfast spot with hearty options, open from 7am.
USD$15, 1h0m

8:30am

Drive to Richmond from Washington D.C.

Approx 2 hour drive south to Richmond, the historic capital of Virginia.
Gas approx USD$20, 2h0m

11:00am

Visit Virginia State Capitol

Explore this historic legislative building designed by Thomas Jefferson, open to public tours on weekdays.
Free, 1h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at Mama J’s Kitchen

Enjoy authentic Southern comfort food in a welcoming atmosphere, open for lunch daily.
USD$20, 1h0m

2:00pm

Explore the American Civil War Museum

Learn about Civil War history from multiple perspectives; museum open 10am to 5pm.
USD$15, 2h0m

5:00pm

Walk the Canal Walk

Enjoy a scenic stroll along the James River with public art installations and historic sites.
Free, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at The Roosevelt

Upscale Southern cuisine with seasonal ingredients, open until 10pm.
USD$50, 1h30m
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Day 6: Raleigh Cultural Day

Raleigh, USA on May 11, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Big Ed’s City Market

Established since 1928, Big Ed’s serves classic Southern breakfast in historic surroundings.
USD$12, 1h0m

8:30am

Drive to Raleigh from Richmond

Approximate 3.5 hour drive south to Raleigh, North Carolina’s capital.
Gas approx USD$25, 3h30m

12:30pm

Lunch at Brewery Bhavana

Dim sum, craft beer, and flower shop fusion; delightful lunch spot located downtown, open from noon.
USD$30, 1h0m

2:00pm

Visit North Carolina Museum of Art

Explore extensive collections and beautiful outdoor sculpture park, open 10am to 5pm.
Free, 2h0m

4:30pm

Walk through Pullen Park

Relax at this large public urban park with pedal boats and playgrounds, open dusk.
Free, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Bida Manda

Laos-inspired restaurant with bold flavours and excellent cocktails, open nightly.
USD$40, 1h30m
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Day 7: Charleston Coastal Charm

Charleston, USA on May 12, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Callie’s Hot Little Biscuit

Enjoy scrumptious biscuits and Southern coffee in this local favourite, open from 7am.
USD$10, 0h45m

8:00am

Drive to Charleston from Raleigh

Approximate 4 hour drive south to historic Charleston, South Carolina.
Gas approx USD$30, 4h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at Husk

Savor modern Southern cuisine in a historic setting, widely acclaimed and open for lunch at noon.
USD$45, 1h0m

2:00pm

Explore Historic Downtown Charleston

Walk along charming cobblestone streets, visit Rainbow Row and the Battery promenade, open all day.
Free, 2h0m

4:30pm

Visit Fort Sumter National Monument

Take a ferry from downtown Charleston for a guided tour of the historic Civil War site; ferries depart regularly until late afternoon.
USD$23, 2h0m

7:30pm

Dinner at Fleet Landing Restaurant

Waterfront dining specializing in fresh seafood, open until 9pm, perfect to end your trip.
USD$45, 1h30m
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