NYC to Washington, DC by Train

Washington, D.C. Walking Tour 🌸 June 5, 2025

🌸Start: Union Station Arrival at 11:12 AM)

Walking Distance: ~4 miles

End: Return to Union Station by 5:30 PM for the 6:10PM train

**Itinerary with Optional Group Meet-Up Points:

11:30 AM- Walk to Capitol Hill(Pass by) 0.5 miles about a 13 minute walk.
Walk to National Mall. You will be on your own to explore the many free museums and monuments. It is a 0.9 mile or a 20-30 walk from the beginning of the mall ti the middle at the Washington Monument. The end of the mall is located at the Lincoln Memorial which is a straight 2 mile walk from the start of the National Mall.

1:00 PM- National Archives Museum:

**Group Meet-Up at the National Archives Museum at the National Mall (Free Admission!) at 1:00pm. Please inquire with Group leader for tickets if interested.

All museums on this list are free to enter and located along the National Mall in Washington, D.C.

History & Culture Museums:

-National Museum of African American History & Culture (Timed entry recommended)

-National Museum of American History (Home to the Star-Spangled Banner and First Ladies gowns)

-National Museum of the American Indian (Cultural exhibits and indigenous foods at the Mitsitam Cafe)

-United States Holocaust Memorial Museum (Timed entry required for permanent exhibit)

Art Museums:

-Smithsonian American Art Museum (Housed in the same building as the National Portrait Gallery, a few blocks north of the Mall)

-National Portrait Gallery (Features portraits of every U.S. president)

-Freer Gallery of Art & Arthur M. Sackler Gallery (Asian art collections and the famous Peacock Room)

-Hirshhorn Museum & Sculpture Garden (Modern and contemporary art and outdoor sculptures)

Science & Nature Museums:

-National Air and Space Museum (Iconic aircraft and space artifacts; timed entry required)

-National Museum of Natural History (Home to the Hope Diamond and dinosaur fossils)
Important Notes:

-Museums and memorials are optional to explore at your own pace!

-Wear comfortable shoes and bring a camera for peak cherry blossom season!

-Timed-entry passes for the African American Museum are strongly recommended.

Public tours of the White House are available but must be requested in advance through a Member of Congress for U.S. citizens or through your embassy for international visitors. Tours are self-guided and typically available Tuesday through Saturday. Visitors must go through security screening, and photography is limited inside. If you're interested in visiting, it's recommended to submit a request at least 21 days in advance.
Plan your day your way:

https://www.si.edu/exhibitions

https://washington.org/DC-faqs-for-visitors/how-can-i-tour-white-house

Optional: We will gather near the Tidal Basin food kiosk/Padel boat area before heading to the MLK Memorial.

Optional: Visit the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial (0.5 miles, ~10-minute walk)

**Group Meet-Up at the Tidal Basin🌸

From here, travelers can either visit more monuments or museums at their own pace, or join us at the National Museum of African American History & Culture (Optional Visit) (0.7 miles, ~15-minute walk) for a visit at 2:45PM.

Note: Timed-entry passes are highly recommended for museum entry. Inquire with Group Leader for tickets.

2:45PM- 5:00PM is on your own time if you do not want to visit the National Museum of African American History & Culture (Optional Visit).

5:00 PM Return to Union Station (1.5 miles, ~30-minute walk or short Uber/taxi ride)

We will all meet back at Union Station at 5:30PM sharp. You will have time to grab snacks and use the bathroom prior to our train departure at 6:10PM. Please plan to arrive on time.

Info: Our train will depart at 7:49am. Please arrive on time. We will not be able to hold the train.

Info: On e we arrive, we will have time to use the restroom before heading out to begin our journey. Or book an optional hop on hop off tour of the city!

Info: Photo ops

Info: Start your day at the National Mall. All museums are free! From start to finish, this will be a 2 mile walk starting at the National Museum of the American Indian and ending at the Lincoln Memorial.

Info: Please plan to meet the group at 12:45 if you would like to join us at the National Archives Museum. Please inquire with Group Leader for tickets.

Info: Join us for an optional museum visit. Please arrive 15 minutes prior to our set time at 2:45PM. Please inquire with Group Leader for tickets!

Info: Take time to visit one of my favorite cities, Washington, DC.

Info: Our journey will come to an end at 5:30pm. Please plan to arrive on time as own train back to NYC will depart at 6:10pm.

Info: Thank you for joining us!

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

District of Columbia, Union Station, Washington, United States