I-95 Northeast Corridor Road Trip: Washington D.C. to Boston

From monuments and museums to chowder and cobblestones, the I-95 corridor between Washington, D.C., and Boston is one of the most iconic road trip routes in the country.

This stretch of highway threads through the soul of America, where ideas were born, battles were fought, cities were built, and revolutions, both literal and cultural, took shape.

Whether you’ve got five days or a full week, this guide breaks the journey down into bite-sized segments packed with walkable neighborhoods, meaningful landmarks, and cozy Sonesta stays along the way.

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Planning the Path: Tips for a Smart, Scenic Northeast Corridor Drive

Planning to explore the East Coast’s most iconic cities and historic neighborhoods in one unforgettable road trip?

This I-95 route from Washington, D.C. to Boston covers about 450 miles and takes around 8 to 10 hours of total driving time, not counting stops.

Spread it across 5 to 7 days and you’ll have time to explore deeply without rushing.

How to Make the Most of Each Stop

This isn’t a drive you’ll want to rush. Each city along the I-95 corridor has its own pace, personality, and must-see moments. To get the most out of your experience:

• Limit yourself to 2–3 major attractions per city. This allows time to explore neighborhoods, discover hidden gems, and enjoy spontaneous moments like a street performance or a local café you didn’t plan on.
• Use walkable districts as anchors. In D.C., start from the National Mall. In Philly, center your day around Independence Hall. In Boston, follow the Freedom Trail.
• Stay at a Sonesta hotel near transit hubs or historic neighborhoods. You’ll waste less time commuting and more time exploring.

Food Tips for the Corridor

From crab cakes in Baltimore to pizza in New Haven and cannoli in Boston’s North End, this route doubles as a food tour.

A few travel-tested suggestions:

• Try regional favorites. Don’t leave without tasting a Philly cheesesteak, a New York bagel, or Boston clam chowder.
• Mix iconic eats with hidden gems. Use local food markets like Reading Terminal (Philadelphia) or Boston Public Market to sample a little of everything.
• Plan one memorable meal per city. Whether it’s a fine-dining reservation or a legendary hole-in-the-wall, aim to build at least one highlight per stop.

Final Travel Advisor Tips

Before you hit the road, keep a few key strategies in mind to make your trip smoother, more enjoyable, and a lot less stressful.

• Don’t overpack your itinerary. Each city is rich and rewarding but leave room to rest and breathe.
• Use Sonesta as your base. With consistently comfortable rooms, helpful staff, and locations that balance access to relaxation, Sonesta hotels near I-95 are ideal for city-hopping.
• Plan ahead but stay flexible. Weather, traffic, and surprise finds are all part of the road trip experience.

Washington Monument on the Reflecting Pool in Washington, DC, USA

1. Washington, D.C. – The Monumental Kickoff

Washington, D.C. is a city of people, protests, and possibilities. This is where the nation’s most powerful decisions are made, but also where its most moving memorials stand quietly, offering space for reflection.

You’ll walk the same paths as suffragettes, civil rights leaders, presidents, and poets. Whether you’re gazing at the Lincoln Memorial at sunrise or catching cherry blossoms in bloom, D.C. always feels like a place where history is still unfolding.

The must-see sites include:

• National Archives: See the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution, and Bill of Rights up close.
• The Mall: Walk the distance between Lincoln and the Capitol. It’s longer than you think so wear comfy shoes.
• Smithsonian Museums: Visit the Smithsonian Museums; start with the Air and Space Museum and don’t miss the National Museum of African American History and Culture
• Eastern Market: Stroll through Eastern Market on the weekend for local art, food vendors, and prime people-watching.
• Georgetown Waterfront: Grab a kayak or stroll along the Potomac with gelato in hand.

Here are a few practical tips to make the most of your visit:

• Don’t drive into D.C. on weekday mornings. Start your trip on a Saturday or Sunday to avoid gridlock and make parking simpler.
• The Metro is reliable and affordable; park at your hotel and use transit.
• Reserve time-entry passes for top museums in advance.
• Arrive early at sunrise spots like the Lincoln Memorial for a peaceful start.

Where to Stay in Washington D.C.

For visitors exploring the capital, staying near the action makes all the difference. Sonesta hotels in Washington D.C. offer a prime location near top landmarks, with easy access to parking, the Metro, and all the must-see sights.

1. The Royal Sonesta Washington DC Capitol Hill

20 Massachusetts Avenue NW

Washington, DC 20001

Located just a short walk from Union Station and Capitol Hill, the hotel offers spacious rooms, upscale amenities, and a location that puts the entire city within easy reach.

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2. The Royal Sonesta Washington DC Dupont Circle

2121 P Street NW

Washington, DC 20037

This upscale hotel offers stylish rooms, a 24-hour fitness center, on-site dining, and easy access to the neighborhood’s top cultural and culinary spots.

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Baltimore, Maryland, Inner Harbor Skyline

2. Baltimore, MD – Star-Spangled Streets & Harbor Views

Baltimore wears its history with grit and grace. It’s a city built on shipyards and stories, home to abolitionists, anthem writers and poets. It blends deep American history with a gritty creative edge, offering visitors a mix of waterfront charm, historic landmarks, and vibrant neighborhoods full of character.

Explore the birthplace of the national anthem at Fort McHenry, stroll the cobblestone streets of Fells Point, or dive into local art at Station North.

Whether you’re here for the crab cakes or the harbor views, Baltimore delivers a rich, authentic stop that road trippers shouldn’t skip.

The must-see sites include:

• Fort McHenry: Visit Fort McHenry and stand where Francis Scott Key found the words for the national anthem.
• B&O Railroad Museum: Climb aboard vintage railcars at the B&O Railroad Museum, ideal for families and train lovers.
• Lexington Market: Grab a bite at Lexington Market and try Faidley’s legendary crab cakes in a place steeped in over 100 years of food history.
• Mount Vernon: Visit the first Washington Monument, peep at the Peabody Library, and explore the Walters Art Museum.

Where to Stay in Baltimore, MD

Baltimore is best explored on foot, and staying close to the action makes your visit much easier.

Whether you’re spending your day along the harbor, exploring historic neighborhoods, or catching a game at Camden Yards, Sonesta has convenient Baltimore stays that put you right in the heart of it all.

1. The Royal Sonesta Harbor Court Baltimore

550 Light Street

Baltimore, MD 21202

With harbor front views, elegant interiors, and walkable access to the city’s top attractions, this is your peaceful retreat after a day of history and seafood.

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2. Sonesta Hotel Baltimore Inner Harbor

1 East Redwood Street

Baltimore, MD 21202

The hotel offers modern rooms upscale amenities, and a central downtown location just steps from the city’s top attractions, including the Inner Harbor and Camden Yards.

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Philadelphia, PA, downtown city skyline

3. Philadelphia, PA – Where Revolution Became Reality

Philadelphia is a must-stop for any traveler tracing America’s roots. This is where the Declaration of Independence was signed, where liberty found its voice, and where history feels close enough to touch.

But beyond the historic core, you’ll find a dynamic city alive with culture; murals stretching across entire buildings, food markets buzzing with local flavor, and neighborhoods like Fishtown and Northern Liberties reinventing the old with something fresh.

It’s a city where past and present live side by side, offering visitors a powerful mix of story, spirit, and street-level charm.

The must-see sites include:

• Independence Hall & Liberty Bell: Tour Independence Hall and stand in the very room where the nation was born. Make sure to reserve timed tickets in advance, then see the Liberty Bell just across the plaza
• Museum of the American Revolution: Explore the Museum of the American Revolution for an immersive look at the people and ideas behind the fight for independence.
• Elfreth’s Alley: Walk down Elfreth’s Alley, the oldest continuously lived-in street in America, and imagine life in colonial times.
• Reading Terminal Market: Eat your way through Reading Terminal Market, where you can sample everything from roast pork sandwiches to Pennsylvania Dutch pretzels.

Here are a few travel tips to make the most of your visit:

• Parking is a challenge. Park once and walk or use SEPTA.
• Get a combo ticket if you plan to visit multiple museums.
• For a unique souvenir, check out Open House on 13th Street for locally made goods.

Where to Stay in Philadelphia, PA

Stay close to the city’s top historic sites, markets, and neighborhoods at Sonesta hotels in Philadelphia. Whether you’re walking to Independence Hall or dining just around the corner, Sonesta offers a comfortable, convenient home base for discovering the city.

1. Sonesta Philadelphia Rittenhouse Square

1800 Market Street

Philadelphia, PA 19103

Located in the heart of Center City, the hotel offers walkable access to museums and Rittenhouse Square, along with upscale amenities such as a rooftop pool, fitness center, and on-site dining.

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2. Sonesta Select Philadelphia Airport

8900 Bartram Avenue

Philadelphia, PA 19153

Located just off I-95, the hotel offers roomy accommodations, a 24-hour fitness center, and casual common areas, ideal for unwinding, catching up, or getting back on the road refreshed.

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Manhattan skyline, New York, NY

4. New York City, NY – Skyscrapers, Stories & Street Food

Add New York City to your itinerary and prepare to shift gears; the pace picks up here, and so does the energy.

This is where history lives next to innovation, where every block offers something new, and where no two days ever feel the same.

Explore Revolutionary-era landmarks in Lower Manhattan, grab street food from a cart that’s been perfecting it for decades, then dive into a gallery, Broadway show, or neighborhood jazz club by night.

Whether it’s your first visit or your fifteenth, the city always has something new to show you.

The must-see sites include:

• Statue of Liberty & Ellis Island: Visit the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island. Remember to book your tickets in advance, especially if you want access to the pedestal or crown.
• Lower Manhattan History Loop: Walk the Lower Manhattan history loop from Fraunces Tavern to Federal Hall, Trinity Church, and Wall Street to trace the roots of early America.
• The Tenement Museum: Tour the Tenement Museum for an unforgettable, immersive look at immigrant life on the Lower East Side.
• High Line & Hudson Yards: Stroll the High Line and explore Hudson Yards, where art installations, skyline views, and urban design come together above the streets.
• Museum Hack Tour: Join a Museum Hack tour for a bold, story-driven take on classic museum visits, ideal if you’re more into attitude than audio guides.

Dining tips to help you make the most of your visit:

• Grab dumplings in Chinatown, tacos in Queens, or halal from The Halal Guys cart at 53rd & 6th.
• Katz’s Deli is pricey, but the pastrami on rye is still worth it!

Where to Stay in New York, NY

New York moves fast, so having the right home base matters. Sonesta hotels in New York City put you within easy reach of iconic landmarks, world-class dining, and endless neighborhoods to explore.

Whether you’re exploring Midtown, visiting museums, or catching a show, Sonesta offers a mix of comfort, space, and location to help you recharge between adventures.

1. The Benjamin Royal Sonesta New York

125 East 50th Street

New York, NY 10022

Located in Midtown East, this classic New York City hotel blends timeless style with modern comfort, just steps from the subway, ideal for exploring every corner of the city.

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2. The Shelburne Sonesta New York

303 Lexington Avenue

New York, NY 10016

Set in the Murray Hill neighborhood, this welcoming hotel offers spacious rooms, skyline views, and easy access to Grand Central.

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View of Yale University in New Haven, Connecticut

5. New Haven, CT – Ivy League Energy and Unexpected Eats

New Haven is Connecticut’s cultural and intellectual gem, defined by the elegant spires of Yale University and the smoky aroma of coal-fired pizza ovens.

It’s a walkable, creative town where centuries-old libraries sit across from indie theaters and jazz cafes. History and academia thrive here, but it’s also approachable and casual, an ideal pitstop that feels both laid-back and elevated.

If you only stop for one thing, let it be a slice of New Haven-style pizza.

The must-see sites include:

• Yale University Art Gallery & Beinecke Rare Book Library: Explore the Yale University Art Gallery and the Beinecke Rare Book Library, both free to enter and filled with rare, world-class collections that surprise and inspire.
• Wooster Square: Head to Wooster Square and taste your way through New Haven’s legendary pizza rivalry; Frank Pepe and Sally’s Apizza are local pizza institutions for a reason.
• East Rock Park: Hike East Rock Park for sweeping views of the city and Long Island Sound, just minutes from downtown.
• Yale Peabody Museum: Visit the Yale Peabody Museum, recently renovated and ideal for dinosaur enthusiasts and curious minds of all ages.

Where to Stay in New Haven, CT

While there are no Sonesta hotels directly in New Haven, travelers can stay down the road in the scenic coastal region between New Haven and Providence. These nearby Sonesta properties offer easy highway access, peaceful surroundings, and a convenient break between two major stops on your itinerary.

1. Americas Best Value Inn New London Mystic

380 Bayonet Street

New London, CT 06320

Located near oceanfront attractions, this affordable stay puts you close to downtown Mystic, local seafood spots, and I-95 for a smooth trip onward to Rhode Island.

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2. Americas Best Value Inn Stonington Mystic

812 Stonington Road

Stonington, CT 06378

Tucked in a charming coastal town, the hotel offers a quiet, budget-friendly base with quick access to both Mystic and the Rhode Island, ideal for travelers headed to Providence.

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Providence, Rhode Island downtown cityscape

6. Providence, RI – Small City, Big Personality

Don’t pass by Providence; it’s one of the most rewarding stops on your Northeast Road trip.

Compact, creative, and packed with character, this walkable city blends academic energy with artistic flair. Thanks to Brown University and the Rhode Island School of Design, you’ll find cutting-edge galleries, colorful murals, and historic buildings reimagined as cultural hubs.

Spend the day discovering indie boutiques and riverside cafes, then catch WaterFire lighting up the night. It’s a city that surprises at every turn; small in size, big in charm.

The must-see sites include:

• RISD Museum: Explore the RISD Museum taking in world-class art in a beautifully curated, easy-to-navigate space.
• WaterFire (seasonal): Experience WaterFire as the river comes alive with glowing fire pits, live music, and a one-of-a-kind atmosphere.
• Federal Hill: Dine in Federal Hill, where old-school Italian restaurants, bakeries, and espresso bars offer a taste of Providence’s rich culinary roots.
• The Arcade: Shop in the oldest indoor mall in the U.S., now home to local boutiques, coffee shops, and hidden gems worth browsing.

Locals recommend checking out local event calendars. Providence has quirky festivals and pop-up art nights almost every weekend!

Where to Stay in Providence, RI

While Providence is compact and easy to explore, staying just outside the city can offer more space, easy parking, and a quieter overnight break on your road trip.

These nearby Sonesta hotels give you quick access to downtown while offering the convenience and comfort road travelers appreciate.

1. Sonesta ES Suites Providence Airport

500 Kilvert Street

Warwick, RI 02886

Located just south of the city of Warwick, this all-suite hotel features fully equipped kitchens, roomy living areas, and a relaxed vibe ideal for longer stays or travelers who like a little extra space.

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2. Americas Best Value Inn Providence North Scituate

50 Hartford Avenue

North Scituate, RI 02857

This budget-friendly stay offers a peaceful setting just outside Providence, with easy access to I-295 and nearby parks, ideal for a quiet night before heading to your next destination.

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Boston cityscape in sunny day, view from harbor on downtown

7. Boston, MA – A Revolutionary Finale in a Modern Metropolis

End your Northeast Road trip in Boston, a city that ties the entire journey together. This is where the American Revolution took root, and where its legacy still echoes through red-brick streets and landmark halls.

Walk the Freedom Trail, visit the site of the Boston Tea Party, and stand in the same spaces where history turned.

But don’t stop there! Boston today is just as forward-looking as it is historic, with vibrant neighborhoods, world-class universities, and a culinary scene that goes well beyond clam chowder.

It’s the ideal final chapter: rich in story, packed with energy, and impossible to forget.

The must-see sites include:

• Freedom Trail: Follow the Freedom Trail and explore 16 iconic sites that bring Boston’s Revolutionary past to life, just follow the red-brick path.
• North End: Stroll through the North End, Boston’s Little Italy, and treat yourself to a cannoli at Mike’s Pastry, Modern Pastry, or both.
• Fenway Park Tour: Take a tour of Fenway Park, one of the oldest and most storied ballparks in the country, even if you’re not a baseball fan.
• Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum: Wander the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum, where lush courtyards and eclectic art meet intrigue and mystery.
• Boston Public Market: Browse Boston Public Market for local cheeses, maple treats, handmade goods, and a true taste of New England.

Here are a few pro travel tips to help you make the most of your visit:

• Park outside the city and use the “T” (MBTA).
• Duck Tours are surprisingly fun.
• If you have extra time, take a detour to Cambridge for Harvard, MIT, and the Charles River.

Where to Stay in Boston, MT

End your road trip on a high note with a stay that balances comfort, convenience, and a front-row seat to Boston’s rich history.

These Sonesta hotels in Boston offer everything you need to unwind after the journey; easy access to iconic sights, peaceful spaces to recharge, and all the essentials to close out your adventure in style.

1. The Royal Sonesta Boston

40 Edwin H. Land Boulevard

Cambridge, MA 02142

Set along the Charles River with views of the Boston skyline, this upscale hotel offers stylish rooms, a pool, on-site dining, and walkable access to downtown and Cambridge.

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2. Sonesta Simply Suites Boston Braintree

235 Wood Road

Braintree, MA 02184

Located just south of Boston, this all-suite hotel features full kitchens, flexible workspaces, and free parking, ideal for guests looking for a quieter, budget-friendly option.

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Wrapping Up the Journey

As you plan your I-95 Northeast Corridor Road trip, know that you’re charting a course through some of the most historic, vibrant, and culturally rich cities in the country.

From the monuments of Washington, D.C. to the cobblestones of Boston, every stop offers a unique window into America’s past, and its present.

With this itinerary, you’ll experience the local flavor, walk the same streets as revolutionaries, and uncover the hidden gems that make each city unforgettable.

And with Sonesta hotels along the route, you’ll have reliable, comfortable stays that make the journey seamless from start to finish.

So, pack your bags, fuel up, and get ready to hit the road. Your Northeast adventure is waiting for you.

Stay Smarter with Sonesta Travel Pass

With Sonesta hotels at key stops along the route, the Sonesta Travel Pass loyalty program adds extra value to your stay.

Members earn points toward free nights and enjoy exclusive rates, room upgrades, and other tier-based perks like late checkout and bonus point multipliers. It’s free to join and worth considering if you’re planning more than just one trip.