Top Five Popular Attractions Between Buffalo, NY and Arlington, VA

Are you planning a road trip between Buffalo, New York, and Arlington, Virginia? Whether you're a history buff, nature lover, or thrill-seeker, this journey has something for everyone. Here are our top five popular attractions to add to your itinerary.

The Route and Halfway Point: Altoona, PA

Before we dive into the attractions, let's highlight the route and halfway point. The drive between Buffalo and Arlington takes about eight hours, passing through stunning scenery along the way. One of the best halfway points on this route is Altoona, Pennsylvania.

Located at the base of the Allegheny Mountains, Altoona boasts stunning mountain views and charming small-town vibes. Be sure to check out the Horseshoe Curve National Historic Landmark, a railroad engineering marvel that features sweeping views of the surrounding hills and valleys.

Now let's begin with our top five attractions.

1. Watkins Glen State Park, NY

Located in central New York, about an hour south of Syracuse, Watkins Glen State Park is a must-visit for nature enthusiasts. The park features a series of stunning waterfalls, narrow gorges, and lush forests, all easily accessible via a well-maintained trail system.

Be sure to bring your camera, as the park's centerpiece, Rainbow Falls, is a dramatic 90-foot cascade that's a favorite photo spot. If you're up for a challenge, the Gorge Trail offers over 800 stone steps and countless photo ops.

2. Gettysburg National Military Park, PA

History buffs won't want to miss Gettysburg National Military Park, located in south-central Pennsylvania. This park is home to the famed Gettysburg battlefield, the site of the bloodiest battle of the Civil War.

Visitors can take a guided tour of the park, which includes stops at key battle sites, historic buildings, and monuments honoring the brave soldiers who fought and died there. Be sure to visit the museum and visitor center, which houses fascinating exhibits about the battle and the war.

3. Shenandoah National Park, VA

Located about an hour west of Charlottesville, Virginia, Shenandoah National Park offers breathtaking views of the Blue Ridge Mountains. The park's signature feature is Skyline Drive, a scenic drive that winds through the mountains for 105 miles.

There are plenty of opportunities to hike, picnic, and camp along the way, with over 500 miles of trails and 4 campgrounds to choose from. The park is also home to a variety of wildlife, including black bears, deer, and wild turkeys.

4. Hersheypark, PA

For a day of family fun, stop at Hersheypark, located in Hershey, Pennsylvania. This amusement park is known for its thrilling roller coasters, family-friendly rides, and water attractions.

In addition to rides, Hersheypark offers a variety of entertainment, from live shows to Character Meet and Greets. And of course, no visit to Hershey is complete without indulging in some chocolatey treats! Be sure to stop at Hershey's Chocolate World to sample the famous chocolate and pick up some souvenirs.

5. Arlington National Cemetery, VA

Our final attraction is Arlington National Cemetery, located in Arlington, Virginia, just across the Potomac River from Washington DC. This historic cemetery is the final resting place of over 400,000 service members and their families, including President John F. Kennedy.

Visitors can explore the cemetery on their own or take a guided tour, which includes stops at notable gravesites and memorials, such as the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and the John F. Kennedy Eternal Flame.

Conclusion

With so much to see and do on this road trip, it's hard to choose just five attractions. But by including Watkins Glen State Park, Gettysburg National Military Park, Shenandoah National Park, Hersheypark, and Arlington National Cemetery, you're sure to have a trip you won't forget.

As for the best route to take, we recommend following Interstate 90 from Buffalo to Erie, then taking Interstate 79 and Interstate 70 through Pennsylvania and Maryland. From there, you can pick up Route 50, which will take you straight into Arlington. Safe travels!