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Road Trip

Philadelphia, PA to Washington, DC Road Trip — Best Stops Along the Way

The best attractions, restaurants, and scenic stops between Philadelphia, PA and Washington, DC. 145 mi, approximately 2 hours 36 mins of driving. Real drive times, real ratings, real photos.

Philadelphia, PAWashington, DC

145 mi · 2 hours 36 mins drive · 12 stops found

12 stops along the way

Philadelphia's Magic Gardens, Philadelphia, PA 19147
1

Philadelphia's Magic Gardens

Philadelphia, PA 19147

6 min from Philadelphia4.6 (5,574)Arts & CultureHistoryAttraction
Independence National Historical Park, PA 19106, USA
2

Independence National Historical Park

PA 19106, USA

6 min from Philadelphia4.6 (26,161)Attraction
Museum of Illusions Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA 19106
3

Museum of Illusions Philadelphia

Philadelphia, PA 19106

9 min from Philadelphia4.5 (3,833)Arts & CultureHistoryAttraction
The Cliffs, PA 19121, USA
4

The Cliffs

PA 19121, USA

11 min from Philadelphia4.7 (42)Attraction
Valley Forge National Historical Park, King of Prussia, PA 19406
5

Valley Forge National Historical Park

King of Prussia, PA 19406

31 min from Philadelphia4.8 (8,650)NatureAttraction
Morris Arboretum & Gardens of the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19118
6

Morris Arboretum & Gardens of the University of Pennsylvania

Philadelphia, PA 19118

34 min from Philadelphia4.8 (2,839)Attraction
Rockford Tower, Wilmington, DE 19806
7

Rockford Tower

Wilmington, DE 19806

43 min from Philadelphia4.8 (111)Attraction
The Palace of Depression, Vineland, NJ 08360
8

The Palace of Depression

Vineland, NJ 08360

44 min from Philadelphia4.0 (84)Attraction
Winterthur Enchanted Woods, DE 19807, USA
9

Winterthur Enchanted Woods

DE 19807, USA

46 min from Philadelphia4.8 (175)NatureAttraction
Canopy Cathedral Treehouse, PA 19348, USA
10

Canopy Cathedral Treehouse

PA 19348, USA

51 min from Philadelphia4.9 (12)Attraction
Delaware Academy of Science, Newark, DE 19702
11

Delaware Academy of Science

Newark, DE 19702

51 min from Philadelphia4.6 (84)HistoryAttraction
Rittenhouse Park, Newark, DE 19713
12

Rittenhouse Park

Newark, DE 19713

51 min from Philadelphia4.5 (375)NatureAttraction

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the drive from Philadelphia, PA to Washington, DC?

The drive from Philadelphia, PA to Washington, DC is 145 mi, taking approximately 2 hours 36 mins without stops. With stops for food, gas, and sightseeing, plan for a full day.

What are the best stops between Philadelphia, PA and Washington, DC?

The best stops include scenic overlooks, state parks, historic towns, and local restaurants along the route. Check the stop cards above for top-rated options with real drive times and ratings from Google.

Is the Philadelphia to Washington drive scenic?

Yes. The route between Philadelphia, PA and Washington, DC passes through several interesting areas. The stops listed above highlight the best scenic, cultural, and food destinations along the way.

Should I make the Philadelphia to Washington trip a road trip or just drive straight through?

We recommend making it a road trip. The stops between Philadelphia, PA and Washington, DC are worth the detour. Most add less than 30 minutes to your total drive and offer experiences you won't find at highway rest stops.

Don't know where to go?

Tell us your interests, budget, and how far you want to drive. We'll find the perfect trip for you.

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