Ferry departs Battery Park; visit the island and immigration museum for US immigration history and skyline views. Ferries typically run 8:30am–5:00pm; prebook tickets (allow 3–4 hours).
Early breakfast, collect luggage and head to Penn Station for Amtrak or to the airport for a short flight; Amtrak to DC takes ~3h15m from Penn Station.
Start at the Visitor Centre to get maps and ranger advice, then walk to Mather Point for spectacular canyon views; Visitor Centre typically 9:00am–5:00pm.
Drive up to a Griffith Park viewpoint for evening skyline views then dine in nearby Los Feliz; park access is generally open daylight to early evening (observatory hours vary).
Allow 60–90 minutes for airport transfer plus recommended 2–3 hours for international check-in if outbound flight is international; adjust timing for your flight.