A road trip from Washington, D.C. to Philadelphia takes you from the capital of the United States to the largest city in Pennsylvania.
A 145-mile road trip from Washington, D.C. to Philadelphia takes you through the states of Maryland, Delaware, and Pennsylvania. You will see some of the most overlooked sights and cities in the United States, as well as beautiful natural locations, as you pass between two of the most historic locations in the nation.
Read on to discover all the highlights that await you on this incredible road trip across the northeastern United States.
A Road Trip From Washington, D.C. To Philadelphia: How Far Is It, How Long Will It Take To Get There, & What Is The Best Route?
A road trip from Washington D.C. to Philadelphia covers 145 miles (233 kilometres) and takes 2 hours and 45 minutes to drive. A relatively short journey, the best route is also extremely straightforward to follow.
Begin by heading east on US Route 50 and then, as soon as you enter Maryland, use the exit to go north on the Baltimore-Washington Parkway, also known as Maryland Route 295. Follow this to its conclusion, on the outskirts of Baltimore, and then join I-95 going east. This will then take you the rest of the way to your destination in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
Best Time For A Road Trip From Washington, D.C. To Philadelphia
The best time for a road trip from Washington, D.C. to Philadelphia is from mid-May to the end of October. This period will ensure you enjoy warm, pleasant temperatures, both along your route and at your destination.
This window also includes what many would consider to be the best date to visit either Washington, D.C. or Philadelphia, which is the 4th of July. With Washington, D.C. being the capital city of the United States and Philadelphia being one of the most important cities in the nation’s fight for independence, both make a fantastic place to be if you want to experience the festivities that are held annually on America’s Independence Day.
Best Place To Stop On A Road Trip From Washington, D.C. To Philadelphia
At less than 3 hours in length, many people will look to complete a road trip from Washington, D.C. to Philadelphia in one hit. However, those who want to make the most of the journey can split it up into smaller chunks. For anyone wanting to do so, there is one place on our suggested route that makes for a perfect place to take an extended stop, and that is Baltimore, Maryland.
Baltimore, Maryland
The most populous city in Maryland and the largest independent city in the United States, Baltimore is one of the most historically important transport hubs in the nation.
For starters, you have the Port of Baltimore. Founded in 1706, it was vital for the import of goods from Europe in the early years of the United States and remains the country’s largest port specialising in passenger and cargo facilities to this day. It is also the eastern terminus of the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad, which is the oldest in the country, having opened in 1830, and the B&O Railroad Museum is a great place to learn about its history. This makes Baltimore an ideal destination for anyone interested in boats, trains, transport, or United States history in general.
Art enthusiasts will appreciate the Baltimore Museum of Art, the American Visionary Art Museum, and the Walters Art Museum, while literary fans may be interested in the Edgar Allan Poe House & Museum, Edgar Allan Poe’s Grave, and the site of his death.
The other top attractions in the city include the location where “The Star-Spangled Banner” was written, the National Aquarium, Fort McHenry National Monument & Historic Shrine, Maryland Science Center, Oriole Park and M&T Bank Stadium, where the MLB’s Orioles and NFL’s Ravens play, Fell’s Point Historic Neighbourhood, and various locations that were important during the Civil and Revolutionary wars.
Best Hotel To Stay At In Baltimore – Residence Inn by Marriott Baltimore Downtown/ Inner Harbor
The Residence Inn by Marriott Baltimore Downtown/Inner Harbor is a stunning, 4-star hotel that combines comfort and convenience right in the heart of Baltimore. Located within walking distance of major attractions like the National Aquarium, Oriole Park at Camden Yards, the Baltimore Convention Center, and the Inner Harbor waterfront, it is an excellent choice for leisure and business travelers alike.
It boasts spacious, beautifully decorated, pet-friendly suites that are equipped with full kitchens, large seating areas, comfortable furnishings and linens, big screen TVs, and various other high-tech features.
The hotel also offers complimentary breakfast and Wi-Fi, and its amenities include a 24-hour fitness center and the on-site Urban Roost Bar & Grill, which serves lunch and dinner. Valet parking is available for a fee, and public transportation options are nearby, providing easy access to the rest of the city.
Top Attractions On A Road Trip From Washington, D.C. To Philadelphia
College Park Aviation Museum
College Park Aviation Museum in Maryland is dedicated to chronicling aviation history. Located adjacent to College Park Airport, which is the world's oldest continuously operating airport, having been established in 1909 when Wilbur Wright trained the first military pilots, it is the perfect place to learn about aeronautical innovation over the first century plus of its existence.
The museum hosts a range of both historic and reproduction aircraft that highlight various significant milestones in aviation. Notable exhibits include the Berliner Helicopter No. 5, one of the world’s earliest helicopters, and a replica of the Wright Model B. These are then perfectly complemented by interactive exhibits, flight simulators, and hands-on activities that make the museum fun and engaging for visitors of all ages.
Depending on the time of your visit, the museum also offers several educational programs and special events throughout the year, like the Annual College Park Airshow and themed workshops, which provide deeper insights into the evolution of flight for the more dedicated visitors.
Greenbelt, Maryland
Greenbelt, Maryland, is a unique and historically significant city just northeast of Washington, D.C. Founded in 1937, it is known for its origins as one of the original New Deal “green towns,” as Greenbelt was designed as a model of urban planning and cooperative living. That legacy still shapes its identity today, making it a great stop for travelers interested in American history, architecture, urban design, or what life is like in a quiet, green community.
At the heart of the city is Greenbelt Historic District, where visitors can stroll through a well-preserved community built with curving streets, shared green spaces, and art deco-style architecture. The Greenbelt Museum offers insight into this innovative experiment in planned suburban living, with exhibits and a restored 1930s home open to the public.
Nature lovers will appreciate Greenbelt Park, a National Park Service site that offers wooded trails, picnic areas, and a tranquil campground just a few minutes from the city. It makes for a peaceful retreat for hiking or birdwatching, despite its proximity to major urban centers. Just a few miles away, you also have the NASA Goddard Space Flight Center, which invites visitors to explore exhibits on space science and satellite technology.
Patuxent Research Refuge
Patuxent Research Refuge is a serene and expansive natural area dedicated to wildlife conservation, research, and public education. Spanning more than 12,800 acres, it is the only national wildlife refuge in the United States established specifically to support wildlife research. It is managed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and is a haven for birdwatchers, nature lovers, those interested in environmental science, and families seeking an outdoor escape.
The refuge is divided into three sections: the North Tract, Central Tract, and South Tract. The Central Tract is a restricted area closed to the general public and serves as the administrative and scientific core of the refuge. Housing the Eastern Ecological Science Center, it is dedicated to ecological research, wildlife management, and supporting studies that inform conservation efforts nationwide.
The South Tract is home to the National Wildlife Visitor Center and is the most visitor-friendly area. Here you will find interactive exhibits on ecology and conservation, scenic walking trails, and opportunities to spot a variety of animal species, such as bald eagles, herons, deer, turtles, and countless bird species. The Visitor Center area includes multiple loop trails ranging from easy walks to more immersive nature experiences.
The North Tract is open for hiking, biking, wildlife viewing, and even regulated fishing and hunting, providing a more rustic and less-trafficked environment. These two tracts emphasize quiet, respectful enjoyment of nature and are popular with photographers and birdwatchers, especially during seasonal migrations.
Susquehanna State Park
Susquehanna State Park lies on the west bank of the Susquehanna River, which flows from Cooperstown, New York, to Havre De Grace, Maryland. At 444 miles (715 kilometres) long, it is the longest river in the eastern United States. The park boasts a web of hiking trails that offer stunning views of the river and its surrounding valleys, which have made it an extremely popular destination for outdoor activities like biking, boating, camping, fishing, hiking, and horse riding.
Beyond opportunities for outdoor recreation, Susquehanna State Park also boasts a fantastic selection of historic sites, making it a great stop for history buffs. These include the Rock Run Grist Mill and Carter-Archer Mansion, which are among the most historically important sites in the region for milling, and the Steppingstone Museum, which features a great range of historic arts and crafts from the area.
North East, Maryland
North East, Maryland, is a charming waterfront town nestled in Cecil County, near the head of the Chesapeake Bay, that is known for its small-town charm, relaxing atmosphere, rich history, and scenic, picturesque beauty.
The town’s historic Main Street is lined with locally owned shops, antique stores, cozy cafés, and boutiques, making it a perfect place to spend a leisurely afternoon browsing artisan goods or enjoying a meal at one of several beloved restaurants. A highlight is Woody’s Crab House, which is famous for its fresh Maryland blue crabs and other seafood specialties that capture the region’s Chesapeake Bay flavor.
Just a short walk from downtown, North East Community Park offers panoramic views of the bay, picnic areas, a fishing pier, and trails, making it ideal for a peaceful stroll or a family outing. Nearby, Elk Neck State Park and the Turkey Point Lighthouse provide outdoor lovers with more opportunities, such as hiking and camping spots and stunning views of the bay from atop incredible cliffs.
Wilmington, Delaware
Wilmington is the largest and most populous city in the state of Delaware. Established in 1638 on the site of the former Fort Christina, it features the remains of the oldest Swedish settlement in the United States. Attractions like the Old Swedes Church offer a wonderful glimpse into a culture not often associated with the settling of the nation, and it gives you an understanding of this period that is unlike anything else you will find in the country.
The city of Wilmington is also synonymous with one of America’s richest families, the Du Pont Family. Having risen to prominence in the 1700s, sites like the DuPont Building, DuPont Gunpowder Works, DuPont Family home, and Hagley Museum feature a variety of artefacts, exhibits, and sites that demonstrate the family’s importance and evolution through the ages, making it a great place to stop for anyone interested in the family or the history of the region in general.
Conclusion
A road trip from Washington, D.C. to Philadelphia is an amazing journey between two of the United States’ most historic cities. You should hopefully now have all the information you need to make this trip as enjoyable as possible, including details on how long it will take, the best time to go, which route to use, the top places to stay, and which attractions to see.
All you have left is to get everything booked, so you can begin looking forward to experiencing it all for yourself as soon as possible. For anyone who needs some help working out where to stay or what to see while you are in Washington, D.C., we also have articles to help you out there as well.
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