Washington, D.C.

Board the train south

Grab a coffee and board Amtrak at Moynihan or Penn Station. Sit back as you glide past Philly and Baltimore, arriving right in the heart of D.C.

📍 Moynihan Train Hall, New York

Tip · Book early to lock in the cheapest Northeast Regional fares.

Arrive at Union Station and walk to Capitol Hill

Union Station is a stunner, so take a quick look up before walking five minutes to the Capitol. The iconic dome and reflecting pool are perfect for your first photo.

📍 United States Capitol, Washington

Tip · Score free inside tours by booking ahead via your member of Congress or the Visitor Center.

Lunch at Eastern Market

Head to this historic 1873 market hub for legendary crab cakes and diner classics. On weekends, the streets come alive with outdoor vendors and local growers.

📍 Eastern Market, Washington

Tip · Go on the weekend for the bustling outdoor flea and farmers markets.

National Air and Space Museum

Geek out over the Wright brothers' actual 1903 flyer and the Apollo 11 command module. It is a legendary, free look at the history of flight.

📍 National Air and Space Museum, Washington

Tip · It is free, but you will want to grab a timed pass online during busy months.

National Gallery of Art

Stroll through a massive art collection ranging from medieval treasures to Rothko masterpieces. Do not miss the cool sculpture garden and glass atrium.

📍 National Gallery of Art, Washington

Walk the National Mall to the monuments

Wander west past the Washington Monument and along the reflecting pool. Time your walk perfectly so you hit the Lincoln Memorial just as golden hour starts.

📍 Washington Monument, Washington

Tip · The Mall stretches two miles, so wear your favorite walking shoes.

Lincoln Memorial at sunset

Walk up the steps for that famous view back down the reflecting pool. Stick around to watch the Washington Monument and Capitol glow against the night sky.

📍 Lincoln Memorial, Washington

Tip · Hang out for 20 more minutes to see the whole scene light up after dark.

Dinner on U Street

Dive into this historic jazz corridor for dinner. Grabbing a half-smoke at Ben's Chili Bowl is a must, but the street is packed with global flavors.

📍 U Street, Washington

Check in near Dupont Circle

Base yourself here to stay close to the Metro's Red and Green lines. It makes getting to the Mall or Georgetown tomorrow a breeze.

📍 Dupont Circle, Washington

Breakfast near Dupont Circle

Grab a pastry and coffee at a local neighborhood joint before heading west to Georgetown for canal walks and shopping.

📍 Dupont Circle, Washington

Georgetown and the C&O Canal

Explore historic brick rowhouses and quiet cobblestone streets. Walking the C&O Canal towpath is the perfect way to spend a lazy morning.

📍 C&O Canal, Georgetown, Washington

Browse M Street and the waterfront

Window shop your way down M Street's boutiques, then walk down to the Georgetown Waterfront Park for beautiful views of the Potomac.

📍 M Street, Georgetown, Washington

Lunch in Georgetown

Georgetown is packed with dining options. Grab a table at a cozy bistro or find a sunny riverside patio for lunch.

📍 M Street, Georgetown, Washington

Smithsonian National Zoo

Take a quick ride up to see the pandas and the cool Amazonia exhibit. Since entry is free, it is the perfect relaxed final afternoon stop.

📍 Smithsonian National Zoo, Washington

Tip · Snag a free timed-entry pass online if you are visiting in peak season.

Last stop: Union Station

Make your way back to Union Station early to grab a souvenir or enjoy one last coffee under the spectacular gold-leaf ceiling.

📍 Union Station, Washington

Train back to New York

Board your train north, settling in for a smooth ride back to Penn Station or Moynihan after an epic weekend.

📍 Union Station, Washington

Tip · Sunday night trains fill up fast, so book your return ticket in advance.