This 11-day trip whisks you back in time as you move deep into the heart of American revolutionary history. Beginning in Washington, this self-driven tour brings you from the capital to Gettysburg, Shenandoah, Williamsburg, Virginia Beach, Baltimore, and Philadelphia, taking in sweeping mountain and coastal views while learning the stories of those who forged their own paths on the land hundreds of years ago.
After picking up your rental car in Washington, you’ll have a wealth of history at your fingertips as you explore the centre of the Federal Government. Walk the long green stretches of the National Mall between the Lincoln Memorial to the US Capitol, admiring everything that lies within its boundaries. There’s certainly no shortage of collections to browse in the capital, from the National Museum of African American History and Culture to the Smithsonian Institute and more. Explore the waters of the Potomac River or neighbourhoods filled with intellectual types by foot or bike, taking in each iconic monument as you go.
Civil War history awaits you on the battleground at Gettysburg, site of a crucial turning point in the war where Union forces held off the Confederate army’s attempts to reach the north. You can walk the pastoral plains as you pay homage to fallen soldiers on your own, or take a guided tour that details battle tactics and the grim realities of war in the 19th century.
Your eyes will marvel at the graceful folds and stunning rock formations at Luray Cavern, whose ceilings tower 10 stories high. This geologic marvel is filled with crystal-clear pools and “singing” stalactites that you have to see with your own eyes and ears to believe. Your journey into nature continues at Shenandoah National Park, whose rocky ridges and dramatic valleys are part of the South Appalachians. The park puts its full beauty on display in the fall, illuminating in brilliant shades of red, orange, and yellow as you hike through its winding paths.
Driving south, continue to marvel at the leafy foliage and hilly peaks on Skyline Drive, one of America’s most scenic roadways. Visit Charlottesville, the former home of Thomas Jefferson, before continuing on to Richmond. You’ll be able to spot the towering architecture of the James River Plantations that line the scenic route along the James River. Synonymous with slavery in America, these buildings have been preserved to look as they did 200 years ago.
Colonial-era history awaits you in Williamsburg and Jamestown, the latter of which was the earliest English permanent settlement in North America. These towns have conserved their history, offering visitors a look at what life was like in the early colonies with a number of museums featuring historical actors.
Continuing to the coast, you’ll find larger-than-life fun on the sandy boardwalks and vibrant coastal ‘hoods at Virginia Beach, as home to both the world’s longest pleasure beach and longest bridge-tunnel complex in the world. Early risers will enjoy calm sunrises over the Atlantic before driving to Maryland for a tour of the US Naval Academy. In Baltimore, you’ll love strolling around the Inner Harbour of this historically significant seaport, a sightseeing hub containing the aquatic kingdom of the National Aquarium and an eclectic cluster of hip bars, eateries, and music venues in a former power plant.
Crossing into Pennsylvania, you’ll want to beeline for Philadelphia, birthplace of both the cheesesteak and American liberty. This hub of history and culture will delight all your senses, from the harmonies of the Philadephia Orchestra to running the famous Rocky steps. Get your bearings on the modern pulse of Centre City West, a neighbourhood that blends sleek skyscrapers with historic monuments like the Liberty Bell and Independence Hall, where the Declaration of Independence was signed.
When you make it back to Washington, you might be inspired to go see the document for yourself at the National Archives Museum before returning your rental car to the airport for your flight home.
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