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Independence National Historical Park

Independence National Historical Park: Our most recommended tours and activities

From New York City: Washington and Philadelphia 1-Day Tour

1. From New York City: Washington and Philadelphia 1-Day Tour

Learn about American history on a tour of Washington DC and Philadelphia, both of which played important roles in the development of democracy in the USA. Visit the Lincoln Memorial, the National Mall, Independence Hall, and more on a guided day trip with roundtrip transfers from NYC. Your day will begin with an early morning departure from Times Square in Manhattan, where you’ll be greeted by your bilingual tour guide for the day. After 4-5 hours, your first destination will be the nation's current capital, Washington, DC. Once there, visit the Iwo Jima Memorial and the Lincoln Memorial. During the tour, stop for a classic outside view of the White House, home and office of the U.S. President, and the Capitol Building, home of the U.S. Congress. Your visit to Washington concludes with free time for lunch on your own. Your next destination, after a 3-hour journey, will be the first-ever U.S. capital, Philadelphia, PA. Visit its historic Old City neighborhood and the Independence National Historical Park where your guide will lead you on a brief walking tour. Then, ascend to the top of the Rocky Steps before returning to Times Square in Manhattan.

From New York City: 5-Day Tour w/Niagara Falls & White House

2. From New York City: 5-Day Tour w/Niagara Falls & White House

Embark on a 5-day trip to Niagara Falls, Toronto, the 1000 Islands, Philadelphia, Washington DC, and the Amish Country in Lancaster from New York City. Witness the magnificent Niagara Falls, visit the Arlington National Cemetery, and enjoy the convenience of included accommodation and entry tickets. Day 1: NEW YORK – FINGER LAKES – NIAGARA FALLS Depart from the Big Apple heading north where you will pass the beautiful Delaware Water Gap to Watkins Glen State Park in the heart of the Finger Lakes region. Walk through Watkins Glen Canyon to visit the beautiful waterfalls and then continue to Niagara Falls passing Seneca Lake, arriving in the late afternoon. Tour the US side of Niagara including the American Falls, Goat Island, and Luna Island. Experience the power of Niagara aboard the Maid of the Mist. At night, you can appreciate the colorful lighting of the waters. Stay at the Ramada by Wyndham. Day 2: NIAGARA FALLS – TORONTO – 1000 ISLANDS Start with the magnificent Horseshoe Falls view followed by the visit to the picturesque village of Niagara on The Lake. Continue to Toronto, the financial capital of Canada. Visit the HTO Park, Brookfield Place — home of the Hockey Hall of Fame — City Hall, and The Distillery Historic District. Towards the evening, depart Toronto east along the world-famous Lake Ontario for an evening arrival to the 1000 Islands area (in April, based on weather conditions the tour may return to Niagara Falls for overnight). Stay overnight at Gananoque – Comfort Inn (April, Niagara Falls – Ramada by Wyndham). Day 3: 1000 ISLANDS – NEW YORK Start the day with a cruise through the amazing 1000 Islands along the St. Laurence River. See the houses of the rich and famous built atop private islands — such as Boldt Castle and Heart Island. Enjoy a shopping excursion at one of the large outlet malls along the way. Arrive at your hotel in New Jersey at the La Quinta Inn and Suites. Day 4: NEW JERSEY – PHILADELPHIA – WASHINGTON DC Depart from New Jersey to Pennsylvania and to the city of brotherly love Philadelphia. Visit the famous Liberty Bell, Constitution square, and Congress Hall. Continue on a panoramic tour of Philadelphia that includes the financial district, Benjamin Franklin Parkway, Historic Philadelphia, and more. See the famous “Rocky Steps” and then continue to Lancaster county home of the Amish people. Enjoy an authentic Amish Buggy ride through the Amish farm country. In the late afternoon, depart east for an evening arrival in Washington DC where you will stay at the Fairfield Inn and Suites Alexandria. Day 5: WASHINGTON DC – NEW YORK Start the day with a visit to Thomas Jefferson Memorial, by the Tidal Basin, surrounded by famous Japanese cherry blossom trees. Visit the Arlington National Cemetery, the Changing of the Guard, and the Kennedy family gravesite. The next stop is Capitol Hill. See the US Capitol and the White House to understand the core of the US government. Continue to the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History (while the Air and Space Museum is closed due to renovations) before visiting the Lincoln, Korea, and Vietnam Memorials. In the late afternoon, depart for an evening arrival in New York.

Philadelphia: History, Highlights & Revolution Walking Tour

3. Philadelphia: History, Highlights & Revolution Walking Tour

Immerse yourself in the vibrant and varied past of Philadelphia, one of the US' most historically significant cities, on this walking tour. Learn more about America's former capital and how it helped to shape the United States of America. Take a guided stroll through Independence National Park, along the cobblestone streets of Old City, past buildings, statues, and monuments, and through the history you think you know. Be amazed by Philadelphia’s remarkable past as your local guide separates the fact from the fiction. Get the chance to give back with a donation to a local non-profit included in the cost of your tour. You will also visit the Museum of the American Revolution and enjoy a live demonstration about George Washington’s war tent and the important role it played during the Revolution.

From NYC: Niagara Falls, Washington, and Philadelphia Tour

4. From NYC: Niagara Falls, Washington, and Philadelphia Tour

During your visit to New York, don’t miss the allure of visiting one of the most amazing natural wonders of the world, Niagara Falls, and two of the nation’s capitals, Washington D.C. and Philadelphia. On your first day of this combo tour, you will travel by comfortable bus to Niagara Falls, enjoying the scenic landscape of upstate New York (travel time is approximately 7-8 hours, each way. Upon arrival at your destination, you will begin experiencing the adventure, beauty, and natural wonder of Niagara Falls on board the historic Maid of the Mist boat cruise or from other observation points such as the Gorge Walk or other available observation points (when the Maid of the Mist is not running). During your visit, you will learn about the interesting history of these mighty waters and enjoy spectacular views of the falls from different vantage points. After an unforgettable experience and wonderful memories, you will return to Times Square in Manhattan arriving back between 11:00 PM and midnight. Two days later you will depart again from Times Square now heading south to two of the nation’s capitals. Your first destination visit will be Washington D.C. the current capital, where your tour will begin with a visit to the Iwo Jima Memorial, dedicated to honoring the US Marines. You will continue with a visit to the impressive Lincoln Memorial honoring the president who promoted the abolition of slavery in the United States. Washington D.C. is the center for all three branches of the U.S. government. During this tour, you will stop for a classic outside view of the seat of two of them, the White House, home and office of the U.S. President and the Capitol Building, home of the U.S. Congress and where the laws of this country are made. Your visit to Washington concludes with free time for lunch on your own. Your next destination is the first-ever U.S. capital, chosen during the Revolutionary War, Philadelphia, PA. After an approximately 3-hour journey, you'll arrive directly to Philadelphia's historic Old City neighborhood. Your first stop will be at the Independence National Historical Park where your guide will lead you on a brief walking tour. You will have the opportunity to see some of the main historical sites such as the Liberty Bell, the famous symbol of America's independence, and Independence Hall, the birthplace of the United States. It was within its walls that America's founding documents, the Declaration of Independence (July 4, 1776) and Constitution, were debated and adopted. Your visit to Philadelphia concludes with a stop at the Rocky Steps, in front of the Philadelphia Museum of Art, where you'll have an opportunity to re-enact the famous scene from the 1976 movie by ascending to the top of the steps.

Philadelphia Ghost Tour by Candlelight

5. Philadelphia Ghost Tour by Candlelight

Join an entertaining evening tour of Philadelphia on a ghostly walking tour by candlelight. You will see Philadelphia's historic districts, including Independence National Park, Old City, and Society Hill in a completely new light! A costumed tour guide will lead you off the beaten path and spin tales of the rich and famous, and of heroes and villains from America's colonial era. You will hear tales of the well-known, like William Penn, Ben Franklin, Benedict Arnold and Mad Anthony Wayne, and tales of the unknown, such as the spectral Quakeress of Washington Square and the ghost of Old Pine Street Cemetery. The tour departs from Signers Garden at 5th and Chestnut Streets, lasts approximately 90 minutes, is appropriate for all ages, and is ideal for anyone with the inclination to hear Philadelphia's dead brought back to life! The Ghost Tour of Philadelphia has offered tours since 1995 and continues to be one of the city's most popular night-time attractions. It was recently named one of the top 15 "must see" attractions in the country by Budget Travel Magazine.

Philadelphia Founding Fathers: Outdoor Escape Game

6. Philadelphia Founding Fathers: Outdoor Escape Game

The city game starts at The President’s House Site. It will take you around 1 hour to complete and you can also explore at your own pace: pause the game and resume anytime from the location where you paused it. You will finish at the National Constitution Centre. As you solve challenges, the story unfolds and exact directions on your phone will guide you to the next location. Ready for an adventure? After your booking you will receive an email with instructions on how to download and play the game on your phone. You can play on your own, in a large group or in several smaller groups that compete against each other and meet at the final stop of the game. We recommend that each user purchases a ticket for an optimal experience, although several people can share a phone. You will visit the following locations: • The President’s House Site • President’s House Site Archeological Excavation • Liberty Bell Centre • The Library of the American Philosophical Society • Thomas Jefferson Garden • The Signer’s Garden • Portrait Gallery • Congregation Mikveh Israel • Final Resting Place of Benjamin Franklin • The Meeting House • National Constitution Centre

From NYC: Private Washington & Philadelphia Tour in 1 Day

7. From NYC: Private Washington & Philadelphia Tour in 1 Day

Begin your day with early morning pickup at a location of your choice between Lower Manhattan and 125th St. Be greeted by your professional, bilingual tour guide, then travel for around 4–5 hours to Washington, DC, the current capital of the United States. Upon arrival, visit the Iwo Jima Memorial, which honors the US Marines raising the American flag in a famous photograph at the battle of Iwo Jima, Japan. Continue to the impressive Lincoln Memorial dedicated to the president who promoted the abolition of slavery in the United States. Washington D.C. is the center for all 3 branches of the U.S. government. During this tour, stop for a classic outside view of the seat of two of them: the White House and the Capitol Building. Conclude the Washington leg of your tour with free time for lunch on your own. Your next destination is the first-ever U.S. capital: Philadelphia, PA. Re-board your comfortable motorcoach for an approximate 3-hour journey. Arrive directly in Philadelphia's historic Old City neighborhood. Make your first stop at the Independence National Historical Park where your guide will lead you on a brief walking tour. Enjoy the opportunity to see some of the main historical sites such as the Liberty Bell, the famous symbol of America's independence, and Independence Hall, the birthplace of the United States. Your visit to Philadelphia concludes with a stop at the Rocky Steps, in front of the Philadelphia Museum of Art. Have an opportunity to re-enact the famous scene from the 1976 movie by ascending to the top of the steps. At the end of the day, relax on board your motorcoach for the return to New York.

Other Sightseeing Options in Independence National Historical Park

Want to discover all there is to do in Independence National Historical Park? Click here for a full list.

What people are saying about Independence National Historical Park

Overall rating

4.5 / 5

based on 777 reviews

This is definitely an experience that is worth the cost. If time is limited but your trying to fit in as much as possible this is a great adventure. You will pass through multiple states which is interesting and nothing felt rushed. We had plenty of time to site see at the monuments. You do have to pack your own food. At a couple of stops you can find food from food trucks but they do not make a stop for food other than the morning coffee. I do recommend taking your own snacks especially if you are not ok with just grabbing food from a food truck or food from a fast food market

The tour was well-paced, with a real breadth of content, delivered in an engaging way. I learned so much (without feeling mentally drained), and the balance of exhibits mixed in with the walking made for a really enjoyable couple of hours. I’d highly recommend this tour to anybody looking to explore Philadelphia and learn some cool history at the same time!

our ghost tour guide Jamar, I think that is his name was absolutely amazing!He's an amazing story teller and you can tell he's passionate about it!we can't wait to come back to Philly everyone was so nice and made our sightseeing a very great experience

The tour was the perfect way to see a lot in one day! I would definitely recommend this tour to anyone visiting NYC. It was such a great experience.

Incredible trip! Our host was so knowledgeable. Fantastic value & great way to spend your day visiting multiple states. Highly recommend it!!