We all love a road trip, especially on the East Coast of North America, with open roads and lots of things to do along the way. This Washington D.C to New York road trip itinerary is the perfect guide to get you from A to B, with hotel recommendations, best things to do on your stop overs and all the information needed to ensure your trip is a great one.

Washington D.C to New York City road trip itinerary

Getting to Washington D.C.

No direct flights to Washington, DC, from Singapore, so your best bet is to stop in New York and then fly down. The flight time is approximately 1 hour 20, and American Airlines, Delta and United fly directly from New York daily. If you are looking for cheap flights then try CheapOair.

Car hire

When considering hiring a car in the United States, services like DiscoverCars can be a game-changer. DiscoverCars offers a convenient platform to compare prices, car models, and rental conditions from various suppliers, providing flexibility and ease of booking. With a wide network spanning major cities and airports across the US, you can find the ideal vehicle to suit your needs, whether it’s a compact for urban exploration or an SUV for venturing into the great outdoors.

DiscoverCars often features competitive rates and inclusive packages, ensuring a smooth and cost-effective rental experience. With reliable customer support and transparent booking processes, using DiscoverCars takes the hassle out of arranging transportation, allowing visitors to focus on enjoying their journey through the diverse landscapes and attractions of the United States.

Visa

Check ivisa regarding visa requirements. Ivisa’s quick and easy system is an efficient way to organise your required visas online. It is the best way to ensure you aren’t caught looking silly when you arrive at immigration.

Insurance

SafetyWing is the world’s first International Travel Medical Insurance developed to meet the needs of entrepreneurs and remote workers travelling or living abroad worldwide. I can not recommend travel medical insurance enough! For those who will be away for long periods, live and work abroad or are on a short vacation.

Weather in Washington D.C.

In Washington, D.C., the summers are warm and muggy, the winters are freezing, and it can be partly cloudy all year round. Over the year, the temperature typically varies from -1°c to 31°c and is rarely below -8°c or above 35°c.

Tipping

First-time visitors to New York can find this place intimidating, especially when it comes to tipping (or maybe that was just me!). Have small notes on hand because tipping is expected in this part of the world. The rule of thumb is some restaurants will already have a fee in the bill, so check first; however, for exceptional service, you should consider around 20-25% (some places help you work it out), although it is not mandatory, you should consider almost everyone in a service environment. Hence, this is why lots of small notes come in handy.

Washington D.C to New York road trip 7-day itinerary

Day 1 Arrive in Washington, D.C.

Today is a great day to get to know the city; it will depend on when your flight arrives. However, if you have a full day to spare, this is the day to wander around one of the many museums in Washington, D.C. 

Here are just a few to choose from African American Museum, the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum, the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History, the National Museum of American Indian and The International Spy museum.

Evening: Spend the evening touring the most well-known monuments by night. See how some of the State’s most beautiful iconic locations, like the Lincoln Memorial and the Whitehouse, are lit up at night; you can book your tour here.

Day 2 Exploring Washington D.C. 

Today you will explore the best of Washington, D.C.; book your guided tour through Get your guide. This full-day tour will cover all the important sites, including some you’d seen lit up the night before, including lunch and a boat ride through Georgetown and the D.C. Waterfront. The tour runs for 6 hours, so it is a jam-packed day. 

Evening: Although you had a huge day exploring, tonight you will head to the History Tour Pub Crawl to enjoy drinks at iconic D.C. bars. Alternative: spend an evening in, or head out to dinner close to your hotel as you have another big day of touring tomorrow. 

Day 3 Exploring Washington DC

Today you can choose what to see as you spend your day on the  Big Bus Hop-On Hop-Off. Here, you can decide on the places you have missed, such as Arlington Cememetry, International Spy Museum or Chinatown. Make one loop before deciding where you would like to jump off. The buses also have commentary, which is excellent if you choose not to jump off the bus and want to see some things from afar. 

Evening: Head out on a Washington DC ghost tour to visit the capital city’s haunted locations. 

Day 4 Drive to Philadelphia 

Today is a 2.5-hour drive to Philadelphia, so you can head out early, drop your bags at the hotel, and explore this fantastic city. First, take yourself to Historic Old city, where you will find Independence Hall, The liberty bell, Elfreth’s Alley and Betsy Ross’s house. 

Afternoon for a Walking tour get more than a glimpse of the special city, instead walk in the footsteps of America’s Founding Fathers on this walking tour of Philadelphia’s old city. 

Evening:  Tonight, you will take a dinner cruise to see the city sites at night along the Delaware river. Alternatively, have an early night and eat at the iconic Hardrock Cafe. 

Day 5 Exploring Philadelphia

Today you will join the Double Decker on the off-bus, where you can visit places like the Eastern State Penitentiary, the reading terminal market, Philadelphia Zoo, and Benjamin Franklin’s grave, to name a few of the iconic places to stop. So get there early and make a loop of the 28 stops before mapping out your day’s adventure. 

Evening: Tonight, head out on a Guided Craft Brewery Tour, where you will sample up to 12 beers and get an introduction to the rich beer history in Philadelphia. Alternatively, have a night in after grabbing a famous Philly cheese steak for dinner.

Day 6 Philadelphia and Lancaster Amish County Day Trip

Today you will be up early and heading to Lancaster County Amish Community Tour. You will learn about the Amish culture by visiting the Amish Village museum and local shops with Amish-made products. This educational tour will have you discovering the lesser-known farmland areas of Pennsylvania, home to the Amish community.

Evening: Take the 1.5-hour Philadelphia By Night Tour, where you will see this beautiful city light up. If you haven’t already, you will also have the chance to climb the Rocky Steps. Alternatively, have a night in as you are heading to New York tomorrow. 

Day 7 drive to New York

This morning make the most of your last day in Philadelphia; this is the last chance to spend time visiting all the places you haven’t had an opportunity to explore, whether visiting the Eastern State Penitentiary, spending the morning visiting the Philadelphia Museum of Art or taking advantage of all the free activities in the central city centre. However, your afternoon will be spent tasting the flavours that Philadelphia has to offer. This Flavours of Philly Food Tour is where you will taste some of Philadelphia’s favourites and be treated to insider tips on the best places to eat, like a Philadelphian. 

Afternoon: You will drive to New York this afternoon, which will take under 2 hours.

Accommodation Recommendation:

Washington DC

JW Marriott Hotel-The JW Marriott Washington, DC, epitomises luxury and convenience in the heart of the nation’s capital. With its prime location just steps away from iconic landmarks such as the White House and the National Mall, this hotel offers you unparalleled access to the city’s rich history and vibrant culture. Boasting elegant accommodations, world-class dining options, and state-of-the-art amenities, the JW Marriott provides a refined retreat. The hotels also allows you to unwind in the luxurious spa, you can expect impeccable service and a truly unforgettable experience at the JW Marriott Washington, DC.

Riggs Washington D.C – Riggs Washington DC, located in the heart of the nation’s capital, stands as a beacon of timeless luxury and sophistication. This historic hotel seamlessly blends its storied past with modern elegance, offering guests a truly unforgettable experience. From its opulent interiors adorned with exquisite artwork to its world-class dining options and impeccable service, Riggs exudes an atmosphere of refinement and charm. Whether guests are exploring nearby landmarks like the White House and Smithsonian museums or indulging in the hotel’s bespoke amenities, Riggs Washington DC promises a memorable stay steeped in style and sophistication.

Philadelphia 

Philadelphia Marriott Old City – With walking distance to Liberty Bell and other significant historical attractions, Philadelphia Marriott Old City is the perfect location for your trip. With comfortable beds and spacious rooms, this hotel ticks many boxes. The staff were friendly, and the value for money can’t be beaten.

Mint House at the Divine Lorraine Hotel – This hotel offers a unique blend of historic charm and modern luxury in Philadelphia. Set within the iconic Divine Lorraine building, this boutique hotel provides stylish and spacious apartment-style accommodations for those seeking a home away from home experience. You can enjoy the convenience of fully equipped kitchens, comfortable living areas, and upscale amenities, all while immersing yourself in the rich history of the building, which once housed the first racially integrated hotel in the city. With its central location near cultural attractions, dining, and entertainment options, Mint House at the Divine Lorraine Hotel offers a distinctive and memorable stay for visitors exploring the City of Brotherly Love.

New York City

The Langham New York, Fifth Avenue-The Langham, New York, Fifth Avenue, embodies timeless elegance and sophistication in the heart of Manhattan. Situated on the iconic Fifth Avenue, this luxury hotel offers guests an unparalleled experience of refined luxury and personalised service. From its stunning contemporary design to its lavish accommodations and world-class amenities, The Langham promises a memorable stay. Whether indulging in exquisite cuisine at the Michelin-starred Ai Fiori restaurant, rejuvenating at the tranquil Chuan Body + Soul spa, or simply taking in the breathtaking views of the city skyline from the rooftop terrace, guests are immersed in a world of luxury and comfort at The Langham, New York, Fifth Avenue.

J W Marriott Essex House New York– The JW Marriott Essex House New York is pure sophistication in one of Manhattan’s most iconic locations. With its historic Art Deco architecture and stunning views of Central Park, this hotel offers a quintessential New York experience. You can indulge in spacious and elegantly appointed rooms and suites, many of which boast panoramic vistas of the city skyline or the lush greenery of Central Park. The hotel’s prime location provides easy access to renowned attractions such as Times Square, Broadway theatres, and Fifth Avenue shopping. Whether dining at the exquisite Southgate Bar & Restaurant, unwinding at the fitness centre and spa, or attending a sophisticated event in the hotel’s stylish venues, guests can expect impeccable service and an unforgettable stay at the JW Marriott Essex House New York.

Thanks for taking the time to read this blog. I hope this post has given you the information you need. If you have any recommendations, tips or advice, I would love for you to share them in the comment section below!

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