A Northeast road trip, for two
Adirondack lakes, Finger Lakes villages, Letchworth's gorge and Niagara Falls, a Pennsylvania mountain town, Newport's mansions, Acadia on the Maine coast and the White Mountains: twelve stops through the most romantic corner of the USA.
Full 17-day road trip for two, door to door
Where the money goes
Estimated budget for two over 17 days, in US dollars. Fall foliage weekends push lodging to the top of the range.
| Category | Estimated cost |
|---|---|
| International flightsDomestic flights to Albany or Syracuse, return from Portland (ME) or Boston, 2 people. Skip them if you drive from home. | $400 – $900 |
| Accommodation (16 nights)About $180–$450 a night: lakeside lodges, country inns and coastal hotels. | $2,880 – $7,200 |
| Meals and diningFarm-to-table dinners, lobster shacks and Finger Lakes wineries. | $1,600 – $2,800 |
| Activities and experiencesOlympic sites, lake cruises, Niagara boat, Newport mansion tours, Acadia park pass. | $400 – $900 |
| Transport in the regionRental car, gas and tolls for about 1,500 miles. | $1,200 – $1,900 |
| Ground totalAll costs on the ground, excluding international flights | $6,080 – $12,800 |
| Grand totalFull 17-day road trip for two, door to door | $6,480 – $13,700 |
Estimates only. Prices vary by season, departure city and availability.
Suggested route
Adirondacks, Finger Lakes, Niagara, Pennsylvania, New England. Each stop shows the estimated cost of your stay.
Tupper Lake, NY
Adirondack wilderness
- The Wild Center and its treetop Wild Walk.
- Paddle on Raquette Pond at sunset.
Lake Placid, NY
Olympic village
- Mirror Lake walk and the Olympic ski jumps.
- Whiteface Mountain Veterans Memorial Highway.
Lake George, NY
Queen of American lakes
- Steamboat cruise on the lake.
- Prospect Mountain views.
Cazenovia, NY
Lakeside village
- Historic village on Cazenovia Lake.
- Chittenango Falls State Park.
Skaneateles, NY
Finger Lakes charm
- Boat cruise on one of the cleanest lakes in the US.
- Wine tasting and lakeside dinner.
Letchworth State Park, NY
Grand Canyon of the East
- Gorge trails and three major waterfalls.
- Hot-air balloon flight over the gorge (summer).
Niagara Falls, NY
The falls by night
- Maid of the Mist and the Cave of the Winds.
- Illuminated falls and fireworks in summer.
Jim Thorpe, PA
Switzerland of America
- Victorian mountain town and the Asa Packer Mansion.
- Lehigh Gorge scenic railway.
Newport, RI
Gilded Age seaside
- Cliff Walk past the Breakers and Marble House.
- Sunset sail in Narragansett Bay.
Bar Harbor, ME
Acadia and the coast
- Sunrise from Cadillac Mountain.
- Carriage roads by bike and popovers at Jordan Pond.
- Lobster dinner on the harbour.
North Conway, NH
White Mountains
- Conway Scenic Railroad.
- Kancamagus Highway, glorious in fall.
Lincoln, NH
Franconia Notch
- Flume Gorge and the Cannon Mountain tramway.
- Drive to Boston or Portland for your flight home.
Special notes for an intimate escape
Road-trip romance.
Great Camp stay
Book a lakeside cabin or a historic Adirondack Great Camp with a private dock and fireplace.
Lobster bake
End the trip with a lobster bake on the shore near Bar Harbor.
Logistics and travel tips
Best time to go
Late September to mid-October for foliage; June–August for lakes.
Reservations
Book Acadia's Cadillac sunrise vehicle permit in advance (May–October).
Driving
About 1,500 miles in total; plan two to four hours of driving between most stops.
Packing
Layers; mountain evenings are cool even in summer.
Plan the Northeast USA trip at $191 – $403 per person a day
Browse tours and activities, or compare it with our 15-day Thailand honeymoon.
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