Washington DC in A Day

Union Station in Washington DC is the second busiest train station in the United States. It's the gateway to the nation's capital and within walking distance of famous sights. Personally, I think the Amtrak train is the perfect way to arrive to the nation's capital.  Union Station itself is worthy of an hour of exploring with its lovely architecture and an array of unique shops and restaurants.  On my past visits to Washington DC I walked a lot and took the efficiently run Metro when needed. The Metro system in Washington DC is outstanding. Fares range from $2.25 to $6.75 with peak hours being more expensive. There are also reduced fares on the Metro for those eligible. If you're in Washington DC for the day, the 1-Day Unlimited Ride is only $13.50. 

Last week I left Williamsburg, Virginia in the early morning and had a seven hour layover in Washington DC. Train 40 which was heading to Chicago from Miami was running two hours behind. Due to the government shutdown a lot of attractions weren't open. To top it off I had extra bags that I couldn't check in with Amtrak so walking around with those bags wasn't going to be easy. Just as I stepped outside with my bags and took a short walk, a representative for Old Town Trolley Tours approached me. "Would you like to take a tour of Washington DC on our trolley? It's only forty five dollars and you can hop off and on as much as you like," he said. I took the tour and loved it.

Things to Do in A Day in Washington DC

The Old Town Trolley Tour is superior. Forbes rated it as "10 Best Tours in the World. It's Washington DC's longest running city tour and the knowledgable tour guide is also your driver. You can hop-on and hop-off as often as you like, all day long and it's the only tour authorized to enter the grounds of Arlington National Cemetery. The padded seats are comfortable and no matter where you sit on the trolley you are assured a great view. Depending on the tour there are between fifteen and twenty one stops on the Old Trolley Tour. The Old Town Trolley departs right in front of Union Station.

Right across from Union Station is the Smithsonian National Postal Museum. Located at 2 Massachusetts Avenue NE. It's open daily from 10:00 am to 5:30 pm. Admission is always free, Here you can explore the history of America's postal service from colonial times to the present. Free tours are available for visitors.

Chinatown is only a one mile walk from Union Station. It's located along H and I Streets between 5th and 8th Streets, Northwest. You can dine and shop in Chinatown and even check out the Smithsonian American Art Museum in Chinatown.

Georgetown is a historic and upscale neighborhood in Washington DC. Home to Georgetown University you'll find plenty of shopping and dining options here. The C & O Canal towpath along the Potomac River is worth exploring as is the Old Stone House, the oldest standing structure in Washington DC, located at 3051 M Street, NW.

The National Mall, a two mile long park in the center of Washington DC (America's Front Yard) is an awesome place to explore important memorials and museums.  You can take a taxi or Uber here.

Obviously if you only have one day in Washington DC you have to pick and choose your top choices of places to visit. Here's a list of other amazing places to check out in Washington DC.

Arlington National Cemetery

Capital Visitor Center (Tour)

Ford's Theater

Mount Vernon, Alexandria Virginia

Tidal Basin

White House Visitor Center

If you're waiting for your train out of Washington DC and have limited time, there are plenty of places to eat. You can also relax in the waiting room.

A Partial List of Eating Establishments in Union Station

Bullfrog Bagels are hand rolled and boiled. They have a variety of sandwiches.

Cava, tasty and healthy Mediterranean bowls and pitas. The house-made Cucumber Mint Line drink is so refreshing and delicious.

Chipotle, fresh organic Mexican food, The burrito bowls are highly recommended.

Chop't, healthy creative salads and warm bowls.

Jamba Juice, delicious blended beverages, smoothies, juices, and snacks.

Pret is known for fresh, preservative free and chemical free sandwiches and salads, 

Shake Shack is known for their roadside style burgers, 100% pure Angus beef. Veggie Burger options are available too.

Starbucks, the ever popular Starbucks is inside Union Station.

Suki Hana is a Japanese restaurant known for their Chicken Teriyaki.

and if you love chocolate I highly recommend two chocolatiers inside Union Station.

Laderach, Swiss made chocolate is exceptional. They'll offer you some samples here too. Try the FrishSchoggi in a variety of flavors. It's absolutely divine.

Neuhaus, a Belgian chocolatier shop dates back to 1857 and their chocolates are exquisite. With the holidays just around the corner, Neuhaus Chocolates make the perfect gift. The staff here is so kind and helpful. They'll even give you some samples. Delicious chocolates, indeed.

If you make your way to Washington DC, a three to four day trip is ideal but if you have one day in Washington DC, I hope you'll choose one or two of my recommendations.

ENJOY Washington DC, our nations's capital.