The Best Places to See on a Road Trip from Alexandria to Philadelphia
Are you planning a road trip from Alexandria, Virginia to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania? The journey is a beautiful drive that offers some great sights and experiences. This road trip is a must-include on your travel itinerary. You will pass by quaint townships, historic sites, and awe-inspiring national parks along the way.
In this article, we’ve created a list of the top five places you must visit on this lovely road trip. Buckle up and get ready to explore some of the best places on the east coast.
Via Rt. 50
Skyline Drive - Shenandoah National Park
One of the most scenic places to see on your road trip from Alexandria to Philadelphia is the Skyline Drive in Shenandoah National Park. It is an iconic scenic route renowned for its picturesque views of the Blue Ridge Mountains. The winding road is roughly 105 miles from the North Entrance to the South Entrance of the park.
You’ll experience breathtaking views of the valley, hills, and foliage. The park offers many picnic spots, hiking trails, and waterfalls, making it an ideal place to spend a family day outdoors. Fall is a great time to visit and witness the changing colors of the foliage.
Gettysburg, PA
Another historical destination to visit on the road trip is Gettysburg, which is less than two hours from Alexandria. It’s one of the most pivotal and bloodiest battles of the Civil War, and is now home to the Gettysburg National Military Park. This national park preserves the battle site; visitors can explore the Visitor Center and Museum.
You can also take a guided tour and experience the battlefields that helped shape American history. The town of Gettysburg has a charming small-town feel, with local restaurants and cafes and shops selling souvenirs.
Hershey, PA
If you have a sweet tooth, you must visit Hershey, Pennsylvania. The town is known as the “Sweetest Place on Earth,” and is the home of Hershey’s chocolate. The town offers delicious treats, unique amusement parks, and chocolate factory tours.
Visitors can explore the Hershey’s Chocolate World attraction, where you can take chocolate-making classes and experience a behind-the-scenes tour of how Hershey makes its famous chocolate. It's a great place to visit with the family, especially for the kids.
Valley Forge National Historical Park
An important revolutionary site that you should visit is the Valley Forge National Historical Park. It takes around 45 minutes to reach from Philadelphia. The fort is crucial to American history as it was the site where George Washington and his troops camped during the winter of 1777-1778.
The park features 26 miles of trails and has various monuments and historic structures. You can also participate in a ranger-led tour or explore on your own. It's a must-visit for history enthusiasts.
Independence Hall
Our next must-visit place on the road trip is Independence Hall. It is about a twenty-minute drive from Valley Forge National Historic Park. The site is the birthplace of America’s independence, where the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution were signed.
The red-brick building is an architectural masterpiece, and visitors can take guided tours of the site and learn about the rich history of the place. You can see the Liberty Bell nearby, and it's a great photo-op moment.
Conclusion
From historic places to stunning natural landscapes, a road trip from Alexandria, Virginia, to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, has it all. You'll enjoy the drive through small towns, scenic routes, and nature preserves. We hope our suggested stops, starting with Shenandoah National Park’s Skyline Drive and ending with Independence Hall, will help you plan your road trip itinerary. Enjoy the views, learn new things, and create unforgettable memories on your journey.