9 Activities
Road Trip to Iconic Philadelphia: History and Art
Starts from
Washington
Transportation
By Car
Guidance
Self-Guided
Activities
9
Duration
11 hours
Length
146 mi
Guide details
Starts from
Washington
Transportation
By Car
Guidance
Self-Guided
Duration
11 hours
Length
146 mi
Adrienne Mahsa Varkiani
Travel Expert
- Visit the local Amish market.
- Run up the steps at the Philadelphia Museum of Art like you're Sylvester Stallone in Rocky.
- Spend some time trying a little bit of everything at Reading Terminal Market.
Philadelphia is the largest city in Pennsylvania and is played a large role in the founding of this country's history.
The Founding Fathers signed the Declaration of Independence in 1776 in Philadelphia, formally declaring the independence of the Thirteen Colonies from British rule and paving the way for the future United States of America.
On this trip, you'll learn more about the city by visiting sites like Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell, two key American revolutionary sites. You'll also visit the Philadelphia Museum of Art, and the iconic steps outside the museum, which Sylvester Stallone ran in the movie Rocky. And of course, don't forget the food; on this trip, you'll grab a bite to eat at an Amish Market and at the city's most popular farmer's market and food hall.
On your way back, make a quick stop in Wilmington, Delaware for some amazing sushi.
The Founding Fathers signed the Declaration of Independence in 1776 in Philadelphia, formally declaring the independence of the Thirteen Colonies from British rule and paving the way for the future United States of America.
On this trip, you'll learn more about the city by visiting sites like Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell, two key American revolutionary sites. You'll also visit the Philadelphia Museum of Art, and the iconic steps outside the museum, which Sylvester Stallone ran in the movie Rocky. And of course, don't forget the food; on this trip, you'll grab a bite to eat at an Amish Market and at the city's most popular farmer's market and food hall.
On your way back, make a quick stop in Wilmington, Delaware for some amazing sushi.
Philadelphia is the largest city in Pennsylvania and is played a large role in the founding of this country's history.
The Founding Fathers signed the Declaration of Independence in 1776 in Philadelphia, formally declaring the independence of the Thirteen Colonies from British rule and paving the way for the future United States of America.
On this trip, you'll learn more about the city by visiting sites like Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell, two key American revolutionary sites. You'll also visit the Philadelphia Museum of Art, and the iconic steps outside the museum, which Sylvester Stallone ran in the movie Rocky. And of course, don't forget the food; on this trip, you'll grab a bite to eat at an Amish Market and at the city's most popular farmer's market and food hall.
On your way back, make a quick stop in Wilmington, Delaware for some amazing sushi.
The Founding Fathers signed the Declaration of Independence in 1776 in Philadelphia, formally declaring the independence of the Thirteen Colonies from British rule and paving the way for the future United States of America.
On this trip, you'll learn more about the city by visiting sites like Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell, two key American revolutionary sites. You'll also visit the Philadelphia Museum of Art, and the iconic steps outside the museum, which Sylvester Stallone ran in the movie Rocky. And of course, don't forget the food; on this trip, you'll grab a bite to eat at an Amish Market and at the city's most popular farmer's market and food hall.
On your way back, make a quick stop in Wilmington, Delaware for some amazing sushi.
Adrienne Mahsa Varkiani
Travel Expert
- Visit the local Amish market.
- Run up the steps at the Philadelphia Museum of Art like you're Sylvester Stallone in Rocky.
- Spend some time trying a little bit of everything at Reading Terminal Market.
Day Itinerary
9 Activities
Day 1
146 mi0.7 mi
Philadelphia History, Art, and Food
Today, you'll try local Amish food, visit historical sites in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and explore the city's art and culture.
Don't forget to take a picture at the iconic Love Sculpture before you head out.
This day is packed to the brim. Dress for comfort; now's not the time to break in a new pair of walking shoes.
Don't forget to take a picture at the iconic Love Sculpture before you head out.
This day is packed to the brim. Dress for comfort; now's not the time to break in a new pair of walking shoes.
10:0030 min
Café Dear Leon
Café
Open Details
This pastry shop in Baltimore, Maryland, operates on a strict schedule, with specific pastries put out at every hour in the morning.
Try the tamago sando (Japanese egg sandwich). You can also preorder online.
You may have to wait in line because of how popular this pastry shop is.
Try the tamago sando (Japanese egg sandwich). You can also preorder online.
You may have to wait in line because of how popular this pastry shop is.
73.4 mi
1 hr 30 min
12:001 hr 30 min
Longwood Gardens
Garden
Open Details
With its stunning landscapes, vibrant flower displays, and meticulously maintained gardens, Longwood Gardens offers a feast for the senses. Visitors can explore a wide variety of themed gardens, including the Italian Water Garden, the Conservatory with its exotic plants, and the stunning Peony Garden. The garden also features beautifully designed fountains, meandering paths, and scenic vistas.
35.9 mi
1 hr
14:305 min
Parking Lot
Parking
Open Details
Park here to explore the most popular destinations in Philadelphia, such as Liberty Bell, Independence Hall, and the Art Museum.
0.2 mi
5 min
14:4030 min
Independence Hall
Historic Site
Open Details
Independence Hall played a significant role in U.S. history. In 1776, the Founding Fathers signed the Declaration of Independence in this building. Eleven years later, representatives from a dozen states returned here to sign the U.S. Constitution. Today, Independence Hall is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Book your ticket in advance. Free tours of Independence Hall are available with timed tickets.
Book your ticket in advance. Free tours of Independence Hall are available with timed tickets.
0.2 mi
5 min
15:1515 min
Liberty Bell
Historic Site
Open Details
After a tour of Independence Hall, stop at one of the most iconic symbols of this city.
The Liberty Bell's inscription is from the Bible: "Proclaim Liberty Throughout All the Land Unto All the Inhabitants Thereof." In the 19th century, this inscription later became a rallying cry for abolitionists calling for the end of slavery. The Anti-Slavery Record, an abolitionist publication, first called this bell the "Liberty Bell" in 1835.
There will likely be a line to see the bell. Take a photo with this symbol of Philadelphia and then go grab some food.
The Liberty Bell's inscription is from the Bible: "Proclaim Liberty Throughout All the Land Unto All the Inhabitants Thereof." In the 19th century, this inscription later became a rallying cry for abolitionists calling for the end of slavery. The Anti-Slavery Record, an abolitionist publication, first called this bell the "Liberty Bell" in 1835.
There will likely be a line to see the bell. Take a photo with this symbol of Philadelphia and then go grab some food.
2.9 mi
15 min
15:4545 min
Philadelphia Museum of Art
Art Museum
Open Details
The Philadelphia Museum of Art building became famous when it appeared in the film Rocky (1976) when fictional boxer Rocky Balboa, played by actor Sylvester Stallone, ran up the museum's steps.
Do the same for the 'gram: run up the steps and cheer yourself on. Then, go inside and admire the art exhibits the building actually holds.
The Philadelphia Museum of Art is closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. It closes at 5:00 p.m. the rest of the week, except for Fridays, when it closes at 8:45 p.m.
Do the same for the 'gram: run up the steps and cheer yourself on. Then, go inside and admire the art exhibits the building actually holds.
The Philadelphia Museum of Art is closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. It closes at 5:00 p.m. the rest of the week, except for Fridays, when it closes at 8:45 p.m.
2.1 mi
10 min
17:101 hr
Reading Terminal Market
Market
Open Details
Reading Terminal Market is a famous indoor farmer's market with lots of groceries, bakeries, restaurants, and specialty foods.
Get a quick snack here before starting the drive back to DC. Vegan deli Luhv, Kamal's Middle Eastern Specialties, and Nanee's Kitchen all have delicious vegan and vegetarian options. Or get a cheesesteak. You came all this way, after all.
For something sweet: Dutch Eating Place, a diner run by Amish and Mennonite families, is known for its apple dumplings. Flying Monkey also has a variety of whoopie pies, like cookies & cream, lemon lime, and peanut butter chocolate.
Get a quick snack here before starting the drive back to DC. Vegan deli Luhv, Kamal's Middle Eastern Specialties, and Nanee's Kitchen all have delicious vegan and vegetarian options. Or get a cheesesteak. You came all this way, after all.
For something sweet: Dutch Eating Place, a diner run by Amish and Mennonite families, is known for its apple dumplings. Flying Monkey also has a variety of whoopie pies, like cookies & cream, lemon lime, and peanut butter chocolate.
0.4 mi
10 min
18:3030 min
LOVE Park and Sculpture
Park
Open Details
Originally installed in 1976, the LOVE Sculpture still resides in LOVE Park, across the street from City Hall in Center City Philadelphia.
The sculpture disappeared from public view for about a year, but was reinstalled in 2018 with a new color scheme.
It's free to visit and take a picture with the sculpture, but you'll likely need to wait in line.
The sculpture disappeared from public view for about a year, but was reinstalled in 2018 with a new color scheme.
It's free to visit and take a picture with the sculpture, but you'll likely need to wait in line.
31.8 mi
40 min
19:451 hr
Mikimotos
Sushi Restaurant
Open Details
Great sushi in Delaware? Yes!
Wilmington is the largest city in Delaware. President Joe Biden also has a home here and often visits for a weekend trip.
Stop at Mikimotos in Wilmington for dinner. It was rated Reader's Choice for Best Japanese & Sushi in the Best of Delaware 2021 Awards.
Wilmington is the largest city in Delaware. President Joe Biden also has a home here and often visits for a weekend trip.
Stop at Mikimotos in Wilmington for dinner. It was rated Reader's Choice for Best Japanese & Sushi in the Best of Delaware 2021 Awards.