Day Trip to DC via NYC on Amtrak and DC guide
Our DC trip was actually a day trip via Amtrak from NYC. We got up during the night, or so it seemed, and took a very early train to DC. We decided to take the Old Town Trolley as our transportation to all of the tourist sites. This was great because we were able to get off anywhere we desired and stay as long as we liked. We would just hop back on a frequently scheduled trolley and ride until we wanted to get off and explore again.
Highlights:
- Union Station-Amtrack Train Station where you can grab food and your Trolley tickets. Lots of shopping and dining options here.
- Old Town Trolley Tours-This is the tour we took. The hop-on-hop-off tours give you a narrated and educational ride to all of the points of interest in DC. We’ve linked several tour options below.
- The White House– well of course, if you are in DC! US Capitol–again, if you are in DC.
- Smithsonian Air & Space Museum-very cool. You may could spend all day.
- National Museum of the American Indian-so interesting.
- Lincoln Memorial-obviously a popular spot.
- Arlington National Cemetery-seriously a must.
Big Dog’s Review: On our day trip to Washington DC from New York City we packed a lot of site seeing into a short period of time. Utilizing public transportation we got off at each point of interest, took it all in, got back on and continued. The monuments, especially the ones dedicated to our veterans, were most moving to me. The museums were amazing. You could spend all day in each. Visiting the capital was very interesting as well. When we go back we will say in DC and explore the surrounding area.
Lulu’s Review: I love that this trip was a train excursion from New York City. Utilizing the Old Town Trolley made for a very efficient use of our time. If you know me, you know I like to pack a lot in while traveling. But, it really was an excursion. We just got an overview and could have spent so much more time here.
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Wrap Up: We would love to return to DC as a destination rather than an excursion. As much as we enjoyed our quick trip and all of the highlights, we would like to revisit some of the sites and experience the rest of what DC has to offer…the restaurants, the neighborhoods, the local vibe!
About Us
We are Bud and Debbie Lilly, two travel lovers from Texas. Spending an enormous amount of time researching each location to find the best places to eat, sites to see and things to do is actually something I love to do. Not for everyone, I know. But, we are blogging our experiences to let you know what you can expect in each location and so you don’t have to redo the research. Let us know if you go on any of the same trips and if you find places that impress you. We would love to hear from you!
We feel so enriched by the people we meet and the places we see. Thank you for supporting our blog!
DC is on my travel list! I look forward to visiting some day.
Hope the post gave you some ideas! Enjoy, Cindy!
You could do multiple day trips if to DC to see more. I know we were there a week and still didn’t think it was enough time!
I bet you had a great experience!
Love DC. So many interesting places to visit.
I agree, Maya!
Great pics! I hope to get to DC one day soon, once things open back up.
I would love to go back again too!
It is amazing how much you can pack into a trip when you have a lot on the agenda with limited time.
Yes!! This is me-every time!! Haha
I’ve only been once, very briefly in January. Didn’t linger too long with the outdoor sites!
Yes, I bet it was chilly in January!
I loved DC can’t wait to show my husband someday!
Awe that is sweet Tiffany! I bet he will love it too!
So many great things to do. I wish I would have made this trip when I visited NYC years ago.
DC is a great destination!!
We have been to DC several times, but we tend to go into the Smithsonian and the spend all of our time there. Thanks for some ideas to help us branch out a bit!
Haha I can see how you would be drawn into the Smithsonian for hours!!
Fun idea to take the train from NYC. Makes it more of an adventure!
Yes, it was a fun adventure!!
You did all that in one day? I haven’t been there since the early 90’s. I loved going to all those places.
We travel pretty quickly!! Keep moving, see as much as we can and sleep when we get home! Haha
Great list of landmarks to visit. I have actually NEVER been to DC, but its on my list. I’ll be pinning this for later – thanks!
Glad you enjoyed the list! Enjoy DC!
I loved DC! We were there for three days, and I still didn’t get to see everything I wanted. Hopefully I will get back there again some time!
There is just so much to see and some great museums!
So many exciting places to visit!!
Yes for sure, Melissa!
Washington DC is an amazing city!
I agree!!
I love visiting DC. I especially love all the monuments and tributes. However, lately, I have enjoyed the African American Museum the most. So rich with American history.
I would love to check that museum out!
Back when I was in HS (way back), I took summer courses at Georgetown U, so took the ‘Metroliner’ between NYC and DC many times.
But, yeah, DC in one day — probably could use a tad more time there! 😉
Yes even a long day is not enuf!
My husband and I were just talking about train trips and how we’d love one where we could get on and off at our leisure, so this sounds like a perfect answer!
We’ve done a couple of Amtrak excursions and Trolley tours. It’s. A good combo!
It’s funny, I have traveled around the world and DC is still on my bucket list! I want to go when the cherry blossoms are in bloom!
Oh yes! That would be a great time, Holly!