7-Day Road Trip Itinerary from Melissa, TX to New York City via Niagara Falls with Budget Hotels

Day 1: Departure Evening Drive

Melissa, TX to St. Louis, MO on June 18, 2025

8:30pm

Depart Melissa, TX

Begin the road trip in the evening heading northeast to St. Louis, MO to get a good head start and avoid daytime traffic.
USD0, 6h0m

2:30am

Check-in Baymont by Wyndham St Louis Westport

Budget-friendly hotel offering comfortable rooms and free parking, located near major highways for convenience.
USD80, Overnight
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Day 2: St. Louis and Travel

St. Louis, MO to Cleveland, OH on June 19, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Rooster

Start your day with a hearty breakfast featuring classic American dishes at this popular St. Louis eatery. Open 7am-2pm.
USD15, 1h0m

9:30am

Gateway Arch National Park

Visit the iconic 630-foot Gateway Arch, reflecting the westward expansion of the United States. Adults tickets $15. Open 9am-6pm.
USD15, 2h0m

12:00pm

Lunch at Pappy's Smokehouse

Enjoy authentic St. Louis BBQ with delicious ribs and pulled pork. Open 11am-8pm.
USD18, 1h0m

1:30pm

Drive to Cleveland, OH

Drive northeast to Cleveland to be ready for Niagara Falls the next day. Approximate driving time 7h20m.
USD60 (fuel), 7h20m

9:00pm

Check-in Red Roof Inn Cleveland - Bedford

Affordable and comfortable hotel with free Wi-Fi and breakfast, located conveniently off I-271.
USD75, Overnight
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Day 3: Niagara Falls Visit

Cleveland, OH to Niagara Falls, NY on June 20, 2025

6:30am

Early Breakfast at Bob Evans

Enjoy a classic American breakfast at this local favorite. Open 6am-10pm.
USD12, 1h0m

7:30am

Drive to Niagara Falls, NY

Early morning drive to maximize time at Niagara Falls. Approximately 3h15m drive.
USD25 (fuel), 3h15m

10:45am

Maid of the Mist Boat Tour

Iconic boat tour that brings you close to the base of the American and Horseshoe Falls. Open 9am-5pm, tickets $25.
USD25, 1h0m

12:00pm

Lunch at The Famous

Casual eatery serving American classics and great views near Niagara Falls State Park. Open 11am-9pm.
USD18, 1h0m

1:30pm

Niagara Falls State Park

Explore the park’s scenic walking trails, observation points, and visitor center. Park open 24/7, visitor center 9am-5pm.
USD0, 2h0m

3:30pm

Drive to New York City

Start the drive to NYC to check-in and relax before exploring. Approximate 6h50m drive.
USD50 (fuel), 6h50m

10:30pm

Check-in Pod 51 Hotel, NYC

Budget-friendly NYC hotel offering modern compact rooms in Midtown Manhattan, great location and value.
USD150, Overnight
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Day 4: Explore New York City

New York, NY on June 21, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Ess-a-Bagel

Classic NYC bagels with a variety of spreads and fillings. Open 6:30am-6pm.
USD8, 1h0m

9:30am

Central Park Walk

Stroll through Central Park to enjoy nature in the heart of NYC. Open dawn to 1am.
USD0, 2h0m

12:00pm

Lunch at Joe's Pizza

Famous New York-style pizza by the slice. Open 10am-12am.
USD7, 1h0m

1:30pm

Visit the Metropolitan Museum of Art

World-renowned museum with extensive art collections. Admission $30, open 10am-5:30pm.
USD30, 3h0m

5:00pm

Dinner at The Smith

Modern American cuisine in a lively atmosphere. Open 5pm-11pm.
USD35, 1h30m

7:00pm

Times Square Evening Walk

Experience the vibrant lights and energy of Times Square at night. Always open.
USD0, 1h0m
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Day 5: More NYC Sights

New York, NY on June 22, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Clinton St. Baking Company

Known for pancakes and brunch classics. Open 8am-3pm.
USD15, 1h0m

9:30am

Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island Tour

Ferry tour including access to museums and Statue pedestal. Tickets $25, tour starts at 9:30am.
USD25, 4h0m

2:00pm

Lunch at Shake Shack Madison Square Park

Popular burger chain with great outdoor seating. Open 11am-10pm.
USD15, 1h0m

3:30pm

Explore High Line Park

Linear elevated park built on a historic freight rail line with city views. Open 7am-10pm.
USD0, 2h0m

6:00pm

Dinner at Katz's Delicatessen

Iconic NYC deli famous for pastrami sandwiches. Open 8am-10:45pm.
USD25, 1h0m
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Day 6: More NYC & Leisure

New York, NY on June 23, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Buvette

Charming French café with great breakfast options. Open 8am-3pm.
USD18, 1h0m

10:00am

Visit Museum of Modern Art (MoMA)

Leading collection of modern and contemporary art. Admission $25, opens 10:30am-5:30pm.
USD25, 3h0m

1:30pm

Lunch at Eataly NYC Flatiron

Italian marketplace offering diverse food options. Open 11:30am-10pm.
USD20, 1h0m

3:00pm

Walk the Brooklyn Bridge

Iconic pedestrian bridge with stunning Manhattan views. Open 24/7.
USD0, 2h0m

6:00pm

Dinner at Juliana's Pizza, Brooklyn

Highly rated pizzeria near Brooklyn Bridge. Open 11am-10pm.
USD25, 1h0m
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Day 7: Return Journey Start

New York, NY to Louisville, KY on June 27, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Starbucks

Quick coffee and pastry before hitting the road. Open early morning.
USD8, 0h30m

7:30am

Drive to Louisville, KY

Head southwest towards Louisville to break up the long drive back. Approximately 9h0m drive.
USD65 (fuel), 9h0m

4:30pm

Check-in Days Inn by Wyndham Louisville Fair & Expo

Budget-friendly lodging with free breakfast and Wi-Fi, offering good comfort after a long drive.
USD70, Overnight

6:00pm

Dinner at Mussel & Burger Bar

Known for unique and tasty burgers. Open 11am-10pm.
USD20, 1h0m
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