AI-planned road trip

Gaithersburg→New York, NY, USA

“A 7-day urban road trip through Baltimore, Wilmington, Philadelphia, Princeton, and Jersey City”

7days
501 kmDistance
45stops
₩2,070,000Est. cost

Shared by a traveler · city-level only, no dates, private notes stay private

  • ~10h 13m driving
  • Day 1
  • Day 2
  • Day 3
  • Day 4
  • Day 5
  • Day 6
  • Day 7

Day-by-day itinerary

Day 1

Gaithersburg → Baltimore
85 km1h 28mDepart 15:14
Start
Gaithersburg
Drive 74 km in ~51 min from Montgomery Village Avenue via MD-200 E, I-95 N, and the Baltimore Harbor Tunnel. 74 km51m
1
Attraction4.8Baltimore, United States

Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine

16:05–17:201h 15m here₩22,000

Harbor fort where the U.S. national anthem was inspired

Park in the visitor-center lot before its evening closure; walk the seawall and fort grounds tied to Baltimore’s defining historic event.
Drive 3.8 km in ~11 min via Key Highway, then walk up the signed park steps. 4 km11m
2
Attraction4.7Baltimore, United States

Federal Hill Park

17:35–18:1035m here

Hilltop panorama over Baltimore’s Inner Harbor

Use metered parking near Warren Avenue and climb the north steps; the overlook gives the clearest orientation to the Inner Harbor.
Drive 3.6 km in ~14 min to the Caroline Street Garage, then walk 500 m through Fells Point. 4 km14m
3
Food4.7Baltimore, United States

Thames Street Oyster House

18:30–20:001h 30m here₩65,000

Fells Point seafood restaurant known for oysters

Ask for a bar seat if tables are full and order local oysters or the lobster roll; nearby garages avoid scarce Fells Point street parking.
Drive 3.2 km in ~13 min along Thames Street and Key Highway to the hotel garage. 3 km13m
4
Overnight4.3Baltimore, United States

The Royal Sonesta Harbor Court Baltimore

20:20–07:2011h here₩235,000

Harborfront hotel with garage parking

Use the attached garage and request a harbor-facing room if available; the location supports tomorrow’s waterfront sightseeing without moving the car.

Day 2

Baltimore
16 km59mDepart 07:25
Leave the hotel after collecting the car later, then walk 800 m along Light Street to breakfast. 1 km5m
5
Food4.5Baltimore, United States

Miss Shirley's Cafe, Inner Harbor

07:30–08:401h 10m here₩28,000

Popular Maryland breakfast cafe near the harbor

Arrive near opening to avoid the weekend-style summer queue; try the crab cake eggs Benedict for a distinctly Maryland breakfast.
Walk 700 m in ~10min around the Inner Harbor promenade. 1 km5m
6
Attraction4.6Baltimore, United States

National Aquarium

09:00–12:003h here₩72,000

Major aquarium spanning tropical and Atlantic habitats

Buy the earliest available timed ticket before walking over; start with Blacktip Reef, then descend through Atlantic Coral Reef before crowds peak.
Walk 500 m to Convention Center station, then ride light rail and walk a total of 2 km in ~20min. 2 km8m
7
Food4.4Baltimore, United States

Faidley's Seafood

12:20–13:201h here₩35,000

Lexington Market counter famed for jumbo lump crab cakes

Order one jumbo lump crab cake at the standing counter; park only if needed, as Lexington Market is an easy light-rail or rideshare hop.
Walk 1 km in ~15min north through downtown to Mount Vernon. 1 km5m
8
Attraction4.8Baltimore, United States

The Walters Art Museum

13:40–15:402h here

Free collection of ancient and European art

Enter on North Charles Street and prioritize the Chamber of Wonders and medieval galleries; admission is free and the collection is unusually broad.
Walk 500 m in ~7min around Washington Place. 200 m1m
9
Attraction4.6Baltimore, United States

George Peabody Library

15:50–16:2535m here

Ornate nineteenth-century library atrium

Enter through the Peabody Institute and confirm public-access hours at the desk; the cast-iron balconies make this Baltimore’s essential interior.
Walk 2 km in ~25min downhill along Charles Street to the Inner Harbor landing. 4 km12m
10
Activity4.6Baltimore, United States

Baltimore Water Taxi

16:55–17:551h here₩30,000

Harbor boat ride linking Baltimore waterfront districts

Board at the Inner Harbor landing and check the final weekday loop before paying; the ride links the skyline and working waterfront without traffic.
Walk 500 m to the hotel garage, then drive 2 km in ~10min north to Mount Vernon. 4 km14m
11
Food4.7Baltimore, United States

The Helmand

18:30–20:001h 30m here₩43,000

Long-running Afghan restaurant in Mount Vernon

Reserve online if a same-day table remains and order kaddo borwani with a lamb entrée; use the Franklin Street garage rather than circling for parking.
The Royal Sonesta Harbor Court Baltimore · Overnight

Day 3

Baltimore → Wilmington
136 km2hDepart 08:36
12
Attraction4.9Havre de Grace, United States

Havre de Grace Promenade

09:25–10:2055m here

Boardwalk beside the Susquehanna River and Chesapeake Bay

Park near Concord Point and walk south on the boardwalk; this scenic river-mouth break neatly divides the I-95 leg without a detour.
Walk 400 m in ~5min along the waterfront promenade. 600 m2m
13
Attraction4.8Havre de Grace, United States

Friends-Concord Point Lighthouse

10:22–10:5230m here

Historic lighthouse at the Susquehanna’s mouth

Keep the same parking space and check whether the tower is open; the grounds still offer clear views where river water meets the Chesapeake.
Drive 58 km in ~47 min via I-95 N and DE-9 into Old New Castle. 58 km47m
14
Food4.6New Castle, United States

Jessop's Tavern & Colonial Restaurant

12:00–13:151h 15m here₩38,000

Colonial-style tavern serving hearty Delaware fare

Park in the public spaces by Market Square and order shepherd’s pie or fish and chips; the historic setting suits the colonial town stop.
Walk 200 m in ~3min across Market Square. 200 m1m
15
Attraction4.7New Castle, United States

New Castle Court House Museum

13:16–14:161h here

Colonial courthouse central to Delaware state history

Enter from Delaware Street and join the next available guided visit; the courthouse explains Delaware’s separation from Pennsylvania in context.
16
Food4.6Wilmington, United States

Bardea Food & Drink

18:15–20:001h 45m here₩78,000

Acclaimed modern Italian dining in downtown Wilmington

Check for a same-day bar seat and choose several small plates rather than one entrée; park in the nearby Community Services garage.
Walk 600 m in ~8min along Market Street, retrieving the car only if using valet parking. 1 km5m
17
Overnight4.3Wilmington, United States

HOTEL DU PONT

20:05–07:0010h 50m here₩250,000

Landmark downtown hotel with historic interiors

Use the hotel’s valet or adjacent garage and ask whether a discounted overnight rate applies; the landmark property anchors the Wilmington visit.

Day 4

Wilmington → Philadelphia
79 km1h 41mDepart 07:02
Check out of Hotel Du Pont, then drive 6.1 km in ~13 min to Trolley Square and use metered street parking. 6 km13m
18
Food4.8Elsmere, United States

Legal Grounds Cafe

07:15–08:151h here₩22,000

Neighborhood cafe serving breakfast and local coffee

Order at the counter and try a breakfast sandwich with locally roasted coffee; street spaces turn over quickly at this early hour.
Drive 18 km in ~23 min through the Brandywine Valley via DE-52 and US-1 N. 18 km23m
19
Attraction4.7Chadds Ford, United States

Brandywine Museum of Art

09:30–11:302h here₩30,000

Wyeth-family art in a converted riverside mill

Park in the museum lot and begin with the Wyeth galleries; arriving at opening avoids tour groups and leaves the afternoon for Philadelphia.
Drive 2 km in ~5min along US-1 from the museum. 500 m2m
20
Food4.4Chadds Ford, United States

Hank's Place - Chadds Ford

11:40–12:451h 5m here₩30,000

Roadhouse-style local favorite for lunch near Brandywine

Use the restaurant lot and order a turkey sandwich or crab cake platter; its quick service keeps the Philadelphia arrival comfortably on schedule.
Drive 50 km in ~43 min via US-1 N and I-95 N, then park at the Independence Visitor Center garage. 50 km43m
21
Attraction4.7Philadelphia, United States

Independence Hall

14:00–15:001h here₩2,000

Birthplace of the Declaration and U.S. Constitution

Secure the next available timed ticket and enter through the security screening on Chestnut Street; this is Philadelphia’s indispensable landmark.
Walk 400 m in ~5min across Independence Mall. 400 m2m
22
Attraction4.7Philadelphia, United States

Liberty Bell Center

15:10–15:5040m here

Exhibition housing the iconic cracked Liberty Bell

Join the security line from Market Street and view the bell from outside if the queue exceeds 30 minutes; no timed ticket is required.
Walk 500 m in ~7min east along Chestnut Street. 1 km5m
23
Attraction4.7Philadelphia, United States

Museum of the American Revolution

16:00–17:401h 40m here₩36,000

Immersive museum tracing the American Revolution

Buy admission at the desk and prioritize Washington’s War Tent presentation; the galleries add essential context to nearby Independence Hall.
Walk 700 m in ~10min through Society Hill. 1 km5m
24
Food4.6Philadelphia, United States

Zahav

18:15–20:001h 45m here₩105,000

Celebrated Israeli restaurant near Society Hill

Ask immediately about a bar walk-in or cancellation; if seated, order hummus-tehina and the tasting menu, with Laser Wolf as the practical fallback.
Walk 1 km in ~15min to the garage, then drive 2 km in ~10min to the hotel’s recommended parking facility. 2 km8m
25
Overnight4.3Philadelphia, United States

Canopy by Hilton Philadelphia Center City

20:20–07:1010h 50m here₩220,000

Stylish central hotel beside Reading Terminal Market

Retrieve the car from Independence garage and use the Parkway garage beside the hotel; leave it parked during the central-city walking days.

Day 5

Philadelphia
11 km46mDepart 07:55
Leave the car parked at the hotel and walk 300 m in ~5min into Reading Terminal Market. 800 m5m
26
Food4.7Philadelphia, United States

Dutch Eating Place

08:00–08:5555m here₩23,000

Pennsylvania Dutch breakfast counter in Reading Terminal

Take a counter seat and order apple dumplings or blueberry pancakes; confirm Thursday opening because the stall follows market trading days.
Walk 500 m in ~7min west along Market Street. 1 km5m
27
Attraction4.6Philadelphia, United States

Philadelphia City Hall

09:05–09:4035m here

Monumental civic building topped by William Penn

Walk through the central courtyard and photograph the tower from Dilworth Park; morning light best reveals the elaborate Second Empire facade.
Walk 1.6 km in ~22min along Benjamin Franklin Parkway. 1 km5m
28
Attraction4.7Philadelphia, United States

Barnes Foundation

10:00–12:302h 30m here₩42,000

Exceptional collection of Impressionist and modern art

Purchase the 10:00 timed entry and follow the founder’s room arrangements rather than hunting individual artists; photography rules are strict.
Walk 600 m in ~8min north through the Fairmount neighborhood. 400 m2m
29
Food4.6Philadelphia, United States

Sabrina's Cafe

12:40–13:501h 10m here₩32,000

Popular neighborhood cafe near the Parkway museums

Join the online waitlist before leaving the Barnes and choose a seasonal sandwich or salad; portions are large enough to avoid over-ordering.
Walk 1 km in ~15min toward the Parkway’s western end. 2 km7m
30
Attraction4.8Philadelphia, United States

Philadelphia Museum of Art

14:05–17:053h here₩42,000

Major art museum above the famous Rocky Steps

Enter through the North Entrance to bypass the main steps queue; prioritize American art, the period rooms, and one wing rather than rushing all galleries.
Walk 200 m in ~3min from the museum’s main entrance to the upper terrace. 200 m1m
31
Attraction4.8Philadelphia, United States

Rocky Steps

17:10–17:4030m here

Famous museum staircase overlooking the Parkway

Descend after the museum visit and use the upper terrace for the skyline photograph; the statue queue is usually longer than the steps themselves.
Walk 1.8 km in ~25min down the Parkway and through Logan Square. 3 km11m
32
Food4.7Philadelphia, United States

Vernick Food & Drink

18:30–20:151h 45m here₩95,000

Refined New American restaurant near Rittenhouse Square

Check for a same-day counter seat and order toast plus one wood-fired main; smart-casual dress fits the polished room without feeling formal.
Canopy by Hilton Philadelphia Center City · Overnight

Day 6

Philadelphia
17 km57mDepart 07:56
Leave the car parked at the hotel and walk 1.2 km in ~17min east along Market Street. 900 m4m
33
Food4.5Philadelphia, United States

High Street

08:00–09:001h here₩29,000

Artisan bakery and cafe serving seasonal breakfasts

Order a breakfast sandwich on house-milled bread and coffee; arriving early secures a table before Old City offices and visitors fill the room.
Walk 700 m to Market Street, take SEPTA bus 48, then walk 300 m for a total journey of ~30min. 4 km12m
34
Attraction4.7Philadelphia, United States

Eastern State Penitentiary

10:00–12:152h 15m here₩35,000

Atmospheric ruined prison with acclaimed exhibits

Buy the first timed admission and bring headphones only if preferred over the supplied audio tour; exposed cellblocks become hot by afternoon.
Walk 150 m in ~2min across Fairmount Avenue. 400 m2m
35
Food4.1Philadelphia, United States

Jack's Firehouse

12:25–13:351h 10m here₩38,000

Southern-influenced American cooking in a firehouse

Request a shaded or indoor table and order the pulled-pork sandwich or seasonal special; it sits directly opposite the penitentiary entrance.
Walk 1.2 km in ~17min south toward Benjamin Franklin Parkway. 1 km5m
36
Attraction4.6Philadelphia, United States

Rodin Museum

13:50–15:001h 10m here₩18,000

Intimate collection of Rodin sculpture and gardens

Enter through the garden and focus on The Thinker, The Gates of Hell, and the mansion galleries; the compact scale balances the larger museums.
Take SEPTA bus 48 southeast and walk 500 m for a total journey of ~30min. 5 km11m
37
Attraction4.6Philadelphia, United States

Elfreth's Alley Museum

15:35–16:2550m here₩5,000

Historic residential lane dating to the early 1700s

Keep voices low because most houses remain private homes; visit the small museum if open, then photograph the lane from its less crowded east end.
Walk 1.5 km in ~20min south along the Old City waterfront. 1 km6m
38
Attraction4.6Philadelphia, United States

Spruce Street Harbor Park

16:45–18:001h 15m here

Seasonal Delaware River park with hammocks and gardens

Enter from Spruce Street and choose the riverfront boardwalk over the busiest hammock area; summer concessions and restrooms operate seasonally.
Walk 1.2 km in ~17min south through Society Hill and Queen Village. 1 km5m
39
Food4.6Philadelphia, United States

Royal Sushi & Izakaya

18:20–20:001h 40m here₩72,000

Highly regarded Japanese izakaya in Queen Village

Use the izakaya walk-in section rather than relying on the scarce omakase booking; order yakitori, sashimi, and one rice dish at the bar.
Canopy by Hilton Philadelphia Center City · Overnight

Day 7

Philadelphia → New York
157 km2h 22mDepart 07:25
Check out of Canopy by Hilton Philadelphia Center City, leave luggage in the sedan, then walk 300 m in ~5min into Reading Terminal Market. 800 m5m
40
Food4.7Philadelphia, United States

Down Home Diner

07:30–08:2555m here₩25,000

Classic diner breakfast inside Reading Terminal Market

Sit at the counter and order eggs with scrapple if curious about a regional staple; settle the hotel bill first so the car can leave directly afterward.
41
Food4.5Princeton, United States

Agricola Eatery

12:40–13:551h 15m here₩48,000

Farm-focused restaurant in central Princeton

Park in the Spring Street Garage and request a bar seat if busy; choose the seasonal grain bowl, burger, or locally sourced lunch special.
Walk 800 m in ~10min through Palmer Square and the Princeton University campus. 1 km6m
42
Attraction4.0Princeton, United States

Art Museum

14:01–15:161h 15m here

University art collection in a major new museum building

Confirm 2026 admission procedures before walking over and prioritize the American and ancient collections; the campus setting makes this the best final cultural stop.
83 km1h 18m
Finish
New York, NY, USA

Before you go

Local tips

  • 1Check live same-day admission slots before leaving each hotel, especially Independence Hall, the Barnes, and Grounds For Sculpture.
  • 2Keep the sedan parked during the two full Philadelphia days; walking and SEPTA are faster than repeated garage changes.
  • 3Refuel in Delaware, where gasoline is often cheaper than central Philadelphia or New Jersey Turnpike service areas.
  • 4Use E-ZPass lanes for Maryland, Delaware, Pennsylvania, and New Jersey toll facilities; avoid cash-only assumptions.
  • 5Check museum websites each morning because late-August maintenance, private events, or weekday hours can change access.

Good to know

  • 1I-95, the Fort McHenry Tunnel, Delaware toll plaza, and New Jersey Turnpike charge tolls; E-ZPass generally receives the simplest rate.
  • 2Baltimore and Philadelphia curb rules change by block, and residential permit zones are actively enforced; use named garages near central stops.
  • 3August heat and thunderstorms can make exposed waterfronts uncomfortable; indoor attractions provide the safest midday blocks.
  • 4The New Jersey Turnpike and approaches to Manhattan can slow sharply on Saturday afternoon; preserve at least 45 minutes of arrival buffer.
  • 5No border documents, vignettes, mountain passes, or seasonal road closures apply to this entirely domestic urban corridor.

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