Boston to D.C.: The Ultimate Northeast Coast Road Trip

Pack up your car and hit the road to travel this popular route that offers plenty to do and see along the way.

Driving from Boston to Washington, D.C. is the perfect East Coast road trip route—it’s manageable (about seven hours of driving) and includes stops at major cities that are filled with attractions including Philadelphia and New York.

Ready to hit the road? Keep reading to find out our recommendations on what to do and where to stay during your travels down the coast.

Starting point: Boston

Before you depart Beantown, be sure to check out the city’s historical sites and attractions including the Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum, Faneuil Hall Marketplace, Boston Common, and the Freedom Trail. During the summer, you can also catch a game at Fenway Park, home of the Boston Red Sox.

Looking for a place to stay? Our Club Quarters Hotel in Boston is conveniently located within walking distance of many of the city’s top attractions including the famed North End neighborhood, plus it’s housed in the historic Compton Building, so you can experience a bit of Boston’s past without leaving your room.

Stop #1: Connecticut coastline

As you head south, consider making a detour to visit Mystic and New Haven, both located along the Connecticut coastline. The charming New England town of Mystic boasts two top attractions—the Mystic Seaport Museum and the Mystic Aquarium, while New Haven is home to Yale University, the Grove Street Cemetery, and the New Haven Museum. Plus, you can grab a slice at one of the state’s famous pizzerias.

Stop #2: New York City

As the halfway point between Boston and D.C., the Big Apple serves as a great extended pit stop during your journey. With so much to see and do, you might want to plan to spend several days here, instead of just passing through Manhattan. From iconic sites such as Grand Central, Times Square, and Central Park to neighborhoods like Little Italy and Chinatown, the city offers lots of options for dining, entertainment, shopping, sightseeing, and more.

Our Club Quarters Times Square – Midtown location is situated near the Theater District and Rockefeller Center and makes for an ideal central homebase for visiting the city’s popular landmarks like the Empire State Building, Bryant Park, and Top of the Rock, while our Lower Manhattan property offers easy access to the September 11th Memorial and Battery Park.

Stop #3: Philadelphia

See some of the country’s most important historical sites when you make a stop in Philadelphia. Throughout Independence National Historical Park, you’ll find sites such as Independence Hall, the Liberty Bell, and the First Bank Of The United States—all a short walk from the Club Quarters Rittenhouse Square location. Like Boston, you can also catch a Philadelphia Phillies game at Citizens Bank Park during the baseball season.

And don’t forget to grab snacks for the road at Reading Terminal Market, an indoor farmer’s market that’s been around since 1892 and sells everything from fresh produce to roast pork sandwiches (a local fave), before leaving the City Of Brotherly Love.

Stop #4: Susquehanna State Park

Close to Philadelphia and just across the Maryland border, you’ll find Susquehanna State Park, which runs along the Susquehanna River. Filled with dense forests with hiking and cycling trails and fishing piers, the park offers a refreshing nature break from the road. If you want to spend the night, camping is available with sites that are equipped with electricity, restroom facilities, and hot running water.

Destination: Washington, D.C.

You’ve arrived! Get ready to see the sights in D.C., including some of the country’s most recognizable monuments and memorable museums such as the White House, the United States Capitol, the Lincoln Memorial, and the Smithsonian. Plus, our Club Quarters Hotel is located just two blocks from the White House and is close to many of the city’s other historic sites. If you’re traveling in the spring, be sure to check out the National Cherry Blossom Festival here, which occurs at the end of March into early April.

Now’s the time to program your GPS, pack up the trunk, and book your stays at Club Quarters Hotels along the road trip route. Plus, you can bring along your pup for no extra charge at any of the Club Quarters Hotels.