FranT

We are driving from from DC to NYC on July 3rd, any suggestions for what route to take or what to see on the way?

DavidDJ

The quickest way is I-95 to 295 to the New Jersey Turnpike(which also is 95). Depending on how much time you have for the trip, you could stop along the way in Balitmore or Philadelphia.

Budman

Right before you leave Delaware (last exit before going across the Del Memorial Bridge) (Think it is Rt 9), there's a reststop called Mike's Roadhouse. It's a huge Harley Davidson store/museum with a place to stop and grab a bite to eat. Only a block off the main highway. Easy on-off access. It's a neat place to brouse around if you are in any way interested in that sort of think.

Once you cross the Del Mem Bridge, it's a pretty boring ride up the NJ Turnpike.

David is right, 95 to 295 to NJ Turnpike is the fastest way.

Philadelphia is a little out of the way to go there, see something, and get back on the road, but one alternative would be once you cross the Del Mem Bridge, take 295 instead of the NY Turnpike and follow it to Camden, NJ, and take a tour of the Battleship New Jersey. It's an awesome ship to visit.

arwen

David's suggestion is the quickest.

Dick

I'm making that trip in a couple of weeks.

If you live in MD, get an EZPass so you can just cruise through all the toll booths.

http://www.ezpassmd.com

hotdogz

One time making this drive, we stopped at Liberty State Park in NJ. You are closer to the Statue of Liberty from the NJ shore than from Manhattan. There were tons of picnic tables right along the shore with great views of the statue. Ferry boats that take you to the Statue leave from here, in addition to the ones that leave from NYC.

If you leave DC in the morning and it is a nice day, pack a lunch and stop here to eat lunch. No place to really get food at the park.

From the turnpike to the park was a direct road taking you right there. Leaving the park, we drove through Jersey City to get to the Holland Tunnel. Advice here - lock your doors and do not stop!

FranT

Thanks everyone. We are from London and thought it would be worth taking the day to drive rather than taking the train, is there a longer more picturesque route?

mrwunrfl

You could head east from DC on US 50, and take the bridge across Chesapeake Bay.

Then, head north towards Wilmington and join the route mentioned early.

Or, continue east to Lewes, Delaware, and take the ferry to Cape May. Go north along the seashore, toss the dice in A.C.

soccr

If you want to take a much longer time for some really nice detours consider:

1. a side trip through Annapolis -- not a big detour (Rte. 50 west and then north on 2 or I 97) -- unless you'd like to cross over to the Delmarva Peninsula adn take Rte. 301 up to Wilmington. Not exceptionally scenic but some nice towns.

2. Head north around Philadelphia on I-476 to Rte. 611 to Doyelstown, which is in scenic, quaint Bucks County. From Doylestown take Ret. 202 back to I - 287 to get to NYC via any of the northern NJ routes. Bucks County (Doylestown to New Hope) is very pretty, has some lovely shops and restaurants -- my favorite diversion if there's time traveling that way.

mclaurie

I can attest to the charm of Bucks County. It was one of the earlier areas settled & the area figured importantly in the Revolutionary War. This is where Washington made his famous crossing of the Delaware.

What I'm not sure of is how this stop would work if you are trying to make the trip in one day. By the time you got there, if you're leaving DC in the morning, it might be too late to have time to actually see much. From a practical view, stopping in Annapolis or Baltimore makes more sense as it's not far from DC.

elr

I made the drive from Baltimore to DC this weekend. Although it's straightforward, it's not in the least a very relaxing drive, so you may want to think twice about a long stop somewhere. If you do, I'd advise Baltimore or Annapolis, b/c it's at the beginning of your trip, before the NJTurnpike really gets annoying.
Also, you will be travelling at the start of a long weekend for most people, so traffic, particulay near any beaches, like Lewes (which is a lovely place) will be very bad. I don't know what traffic overall will be like, but, most likely, it will be less than pleasant. And, make sure you rent a car with air conditioning for that time of year.

elr

oops, I meant Balto. to NYC!

Allyson6863

I am originally from NY and lived in the DC area for 11 years and we made that trip more times than I can remember and many times on a Friday afternoon. I think Annapolis or Baltimore are the way to go. Both places are 30-45 mins from DC.Making that trip on a holiday weekend in the summer when everyone leaves for the beach, you won't want to be on the NJ Turnpike anytime between the hours of 2:30-5PM.The NJ turnpike is approx. 1 1/2 hours of the trip, and that would put you into NYC during rush hour. I also would definitely recommend an E-Z Pass. We had one when we lived in MD and the lines without the pass can hold you up somtimes 1/2 hour. Have a great trip!

mclaurie

They're coming from England. How would they get an EZPass, particularly for a rental car? Can they buy one just for enough $ for this trip?

methinks

I do this drive all the time and for 2 or more people traveling together I really think driving is the most economical and pleasant way to get from D.C to NYC. But driving on July 3rd will be unpleasant. Unless you leave early from D.C and just floor it all the way up 95 to NYC. On this particular weekend, I would not recommend stopping anywhere along the way (other times, I would say make a day of stopping many times along the way - I would probably recommend the Cape May, Jersey shore trip). You want to get to NYC before noon-2pm. Remember, this will be a 3 day holiday weekend, so lots of people will be leaving the major cities early thursday to try to extend the weekend ( most will be leaving around 2pm). therefore, stay away from any major city on the way (although you can't avoid Baltimore on the 95 route) and anything along the Jersey Shore. If you will be returning the rental car on arrival in NYC and must leave it at an airport, then leave it at Newark.

LaurenSKahn

This is no doubt one of the most boring drives in the US--assuming you take the most direct route.

I have one recommendation: Just as you leave MD and enter Delaware, get off in Havre de Grace. Follow the signs to the town. You will be right on the water. Stop and have lunch there and enjoy some Maryland crabs or other seafood. There are a couple of restaurants right on the water.