Road Trip: New York To Shenandoah National Park:
- Duration: 5 hours 35 min
- Get Directions
- Stops Include Philadelphia, Wilmington, Baltimore, Washington, DC & Shenandoah National Park
Are you planning a road trip to Shenandoah National Park from New York? We have to admit – you have great taste! Few activities compare to the excitement you feel as you pack up your car with adventure equipment and embark on a road trip.
NYC to Shenandoah is about a 5.5-hour commute, but the journey is just as important as the destination! The route from New York to Shenandoah National Park is full of opportunity, so make sure to fit in a few of these cities along the way.
Philadelphia
The first leg of the trip will most likely spend a little time on the New Jersey turnpike – one of the most heavily-traveled highways in the country. If you need a break from the road, just two hours from the big city, you’ll find yourself cruising near the Philadelphia border. Just off the turnpike, you could stop at the Independence Seaport Museum. Here you will witness the USS Olympia – the last surviving warship from the Spanish-American War way back in 1898.
This is also a great area to stop for a snack! The outskirts of Philadelphia are known to have the best homemade bread, butter, and other treats scratch-made by the local Amish communities.
Wilmington
You’ll cross the Delaware Memorial Bridge from New Jersey to Delaware just under an hour later. Here, you could stop for a stretch break in Wilmington. This riverside city has a historic, small-town charm but still has everything you need to recharge. Take a quick walk along the riverfront before hopping back on the road!
All lunch breaks in Wilmington should end with a visit to BMORE LICKS, an adorable ice cream shop right near Canton Waterfront Park!
Baltimore
A little over an hour from Wilmington, you’ll reach a great spot for a lunch break! You’ll be a hop, skip and jump from several waterfront parks that make for a beautiful picnic spot. Or, you could take an extended break to enjoy a restaurant with a view.
Washington DC
Another great longer stop is Washington DC. There is so much to see here that you may decide to make it a full-day stop! Not only will you have more than enough fantastic food spots to work with, but you can also stroll past famous national monuments like the White House, The US Capitol, and the Library of Congress.
Shenandoah National Park- What to do
Shenandoah National Park is an expansive playground for hikers, bikers, cyclists, and outdoor lovers. So make sure you have ample time to explore the roads and trails within the park! If you’re looking for fun hikes in the area, here is one of our favorites.
When you’re ready to get off the mountain and cool off, head to the Shenandoah River to experience some of the best activities that the Shenandoah River has to offer! Our river tubing and SUP rentals and excursions are perfect if you just want to enjoy lounging in the current for a few hours. For an even more exhilarating adventure, check out other river activities including canoeing, rafting, and kayaking the Shenandoah river.
No matter what river adventure you want to take on, our team can help you plan the perfect trip.
Where to Stay
If you’re coming from New York to Shenandoah National Park to “get away from it all,” there’s no better escape than sleeping under the stars. The best part? You can choose the level of rustic you want to enjoy! We offer several lodging, glamping, and camping options in gorgeous areas near the river. Shenandoah camping has never been so easy!
What to Eat
If you find yourself in Front Royal for a part of your trip, there are many fantastic restaurants at your fingertips.
Head to Blue Wing Frog for scratch-made baked goods and dishes. Pavemint Smokin Taphouse is a classic post-adventure brew and food spot, and El Maguey Mexican Restaurant will fill any cravings you have for delicious Mexican flavors!
No matter what stops you take on your city-to-nature adventure, you will indeed have a fantastic weekend. If you end up in the Front Royal Area on your NYC to Shenandoah National Park getaway, reach out to our team to plan an exciting or relaxing Shenandoah River adventure!
