Two-Week Washington DC and Mid-Atlantic Public Transit Itinerary

Morning and Arrival

Start at Union Station, where you can leave luggage with your hotel if the room is not ready; the station itself generally opens early, though luggage-storage arrangements vary by hotel. It is a practical first stop after arriving in Washington, with food counters and sit-down options such as The District ChopHouse nearby, but for a quicker meal, look around the station’s lower-level food hall. Allow about an hour for arrival logistics and eating, then take the Red Line from Union Station to Metro Center and walk toward the Mall, or walk 20–25 minutes if your bags are light.

Afternoon on the National Mall

Spend roughly two hours at the National Museum of the American Indian, an especially approachable first museum: the building is striking, the galleries are readable, and the Mitsitam Native Foods Café is worth considering if you want a snack rather than a full lunch. Admission is free, and it is typically open 10 a.m.–5:30 p.m.; check the museum’s site closer to April for holiday or exhibition changes. Walk west along Independence Avenue for about 10 minutes to the National Museum of African American History and Culture. Reserve a timed-entry pass in advance—this museum is frequently full, even on weekdays—and allow two hours for the emotionally powerful history galleries. It normally operates 10 a.m.–5:30 p.m., with last entry earlier in the afternoon.

Sunset and Dinner

From the museum, walk west across the Mall toward the Lincoln Memorial, about 30–35 minutes at an easy pace, passing the Washington Monument and World War II Memorial along the Reflecting Pool. Go inside the memorial and then linger on the steps for sunset; mid-April light is often best around 7:30 p.m., but check the exact sunset time that week. If arrival fatigue is catching up with you, use a short rideshare rather than turning the first day into a long march. Finish at Old Ebbitt Grill, a 15–20-minute walk from the memorial’s east end or a brief rideshare downtown. This venerable Washington institution is lively and reliably convenient near the White House; budget about $30–50 per person before drinks and expect a wait at peak dinner time, so an early reservation is wise.

Morning

Start at the National Air and Space Museum when it opens, ideally around 10:00 a.m.; reserve the museum’s free timed-entry pass in advance, as entry is often required even though admission is free. Allow about two and a half hours for the landmark aircraft and spacecraft galleries. The museum is on the south side of the National Mall, near L’Enfant Plaza Metro, and the closest Metro exits are currently subject to station and construction changes, so check WMATA that morning. Wear comfortable shoes—security and the building’s popular exhibits can make this a slower visit than expected.

Lunch and Afternoon

Walk or take the short stroll east to Mitsitam Native Foods Café at the National Museum of the American Indian for lunch, allowing roughly $15–25 per person. It is a good place to pause rather than rush through another gallery, with food traditions from several Indigenous regions; seating can be busy around noon, so arriving slightly early helps. After lunch, continue to the Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden, about a 10-minute walk west along the Mall. Its contemporary-art displays are compact and usually take around 90 minutes; check the day’s exhibition schedule because special shows may require timed tickets or a separate fee.

Late afternoon is ideal for the National Gallery of Art. Walk east along the Mall, or use the underground pedestrian route near L’Enfant Plaza if the weather turns wet. Admission is free, and the West Building’s galleries make an excellent gentle finish—choose a few rooms rather than trying to cover everything, then step into the Sculpture Garden if it is still open. Gallery hours are generally 10:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m., with some later hours on selected days, so aim to arrive by about 3:30 p.m.

Evening

For dinner, head north into Penn Quarter, roughly a 10–15-minute walk from the Gallery, or take Metro from Archives–Navy Memorial–Penn Quarter if your legs are tired. Keep the evening unstructured and choose a casual restaurant on or around 7th Street NW; Rasika is a reliable choice for Indian small plates, while Oyamel works well for Mexican food and margaritas, though both can be busy and are worth reserving. Expect about $20–40 per person before drinks and tip. After dinner, wander toward Chinatown and Capital One Arena for the city lights, then return by Metro or on foot depending on where you are staying.

Morning

Begin at the United States Capitol Visitor Center, arriving about 15 minutes before your reserved tour. The main Capitol tour usually takes around two hours and includes the Rotunda, National Statuary Hall, and the Capitol Crypt; reserve a free timed entry through the official Capitol website, since same-day availability can be limited. Enter through the underground visitor center on the east side of the Capitol, near First Street SE, and allow extra time for airport-style security. Afterward, walk a few minutes east to the Library of Congress Thomas Jefferson Building. Its Great Hall and public overlook of the Main Reading Room are especially rewarding, but check the library’s timed-entry requirements and opening schedule before you go; admission is generally free.

Lunch and Afternoon

For lunch, wander along Pennsylvania Avenue SE toward Eastern Market and choose something casual from the market hall or its surrounding stalls—Market Lunch is a reliable local option for sandwiches and seafood, though hours can vary. Continue to the Supreme Court of the United States, about a 15-minute walk north. The exterior steps and plaza are open for viewing, while interior access and public exhibits depend on the court’s schedule; oral arguments and special access are not guaranteed, so treat this as a concise architectural stop of roughly 45 minutes. Return south through the quieter residential streets of Capitol Hill, where the brick row houses and pocket gardens make the walk more pleasant than following the main avenues.

Spend the later afternoon at Eastern Market, browsing the indoor food hall and nearby vendors. Saturday is the liveliest market day, with additional outdoor farmers’ and craft stalls around 7th Street SE and North Carolina Avenue SE; it can be crowded, so keep valuables secure and leave room for an unhurried browse. For dinner, settle in at The Duck & The Peach, a polished neighborhood restaurant close to the market. Expect seasonal, ingredient-focused cooking and roughly $50–80 per person before drinks and gratuity; reservations are strongly recommended. From central DC, the easiest arrival is via Capitol South or Eastern Market Metro stations, but the day’s sights are close enough to connect comfortably on foot.

Morning

Begin at Dumbarton Oaks Museum and Garden, arriving close to opening—typically 10:30 a.m. for the museum and noon for the gardens, though garden hours and seasonal access can vary, so check the official schedule before setting out. From central DC, take a bus toward Georgetown or use a rideshare; the uphill walk from the commercial streets is pleasant but takes roughly 15–20 minutes. The Byzantine collection is compact, while the terraced gardens are the real highlight in April, when spring plantings should be looking good. Allow about two hours, and reserve museum or garden admission ahead if required.

Walk downhill to the C&O Canal Towpath, entering near 29th Street NW. Spend an easy hour beside the canal, looking for the old locks, stone warehouses, and occasional canal boats; comfortable shoes matter more than speed, and the towpath can be muddy after rain. Continue toward Georgetown Waterfront Park, where the broad Potomac views and stepped fountain make a natural pause. For lunch, settle into Martin’s Tavern on Wisconsin Avenue NW—a warmly old-fashioned neighborhood restaurant known for its presidential history. Expect roughly $20–40 per person before drinks, and a short wait is common around midday.

Afternoon and Evening

After lunch, take a taxi or rideshare to Theodore Roosevelt Island—the pedestrian bridge is accessed from the Virginia side, and there is no direct pedestrian entrance from Georgetown. Allow around 15–20 minutes by car depending on traffic; alternatively, take Metrorail to Rosslyn and walk about 20 minutes to the footbridge. The island’s wooded trails and memorial plaza make a wonderfully quiet contrast to Georgetown, with the 1.5-mile perimeter trail generally taking about an hour at an easy pace. Return via Rosslyn or rideshare, leaving enough time before dusk; the island is more enjoyable in daylight, and trail conditions can be damp in spring.

Morning

After breakfast, take the Blue Line from central Washington to Arlington Cemetery—roughly 15–25 minutes, generally $2–4 depending on the stations and time. Use a SmarTrip card or contactless payment, and aim to arrive around 9:00 a.m. The entrance to Arlington National Cemetery is uphill from the station, so wear comfortable shoes; allow about two and a half hours for the cemetery’s broad avenues, memorials, and notable gravesites. The grounds are extensive, and the walking can be more tiring than expected. Check the official site for any security restrictions and current visitor-center hours, and consider the tram if you would rather conserve energy.

From the cemetery entrance, continue to the Women in Military Service for America Memorial, built into the ceremonial entrance at the cemetery’s western end. Its compact exhibits offer a more personal, focused account of women’s military service and take about 45 minutes. Afterward, walk or take a short rideshare toward Rosslyn; it is not worth forcing a long connection when your legs have already had a morning of cemetery walking.

Afternoon and Evening

Reach the U.S. Marine Corps War Memorial around lunchtime or early afternoon. The Iwo Jima monument is especially striking from the Rosslyn side, with a clear panorama toward the Washington skyline; allow about 45 minutes, and remember that the memorial is outdoors with limited shade. From Rosslyn, a rideshare is the simplest way to reach Gravelly Point Park in National Landing, usually 10–15 minutes depending on traffic. Metro and bus connections are possible but awkward for this short outing. Spend about an hour beside the Potomac watching planes descend toward Reagan National Airport—bring water, and check the wind direction if aircraft viewing is your main goal.

For dinner, head to Ruthie’s All-Day in Arlington, ideally with a reservation for around 6:00–6:30 p.m. Its relaxed Southern-inspired cooking and wood-fired dishes make it a good end to a walking-heavy day; budget about $25–45 per person before drinks and tip. From Gravelly Point, allow 15–25 minutes by rideshare, since the park road can be slow at rush hour. The restaurant is in the Westover neighborhood rather than directly beside Metro, so rideshare is more practical than trying to piece together buses after dark.

Morning

Take the Blue Line from Arlington to King Street–Old Town Metro Station, allowing 20–30 minutes and roughly $2–4 with SmarTrip or contactless payment. Start with the pleasant 15-minute walk down King Street toward the historic district; the western end is quieter in the morning, with independent shops and cafés opening gradually. Your first stop is Christ Church, usually open for visitors on weekday mornings, though worship services or special events can affect access. Allow about 45 minutes to see the modest interior, historic graveyard, and memorials connected with George Washington and other early American figures. Admission is generally free, with donations welcome.

Continue east to Gadsby’s Tavern Museum, where a one-hour guided visit gives useful context for Alexandria’s colonial-era inns, politics, and social life. Check the day’s tour times before setting out; the museum typically opens in the late morning and costs around $5–10. From there, walk a few minutes to Old Town Farmers’ Market in Market Square. It is especially lively on Saturday mornings, while Tuesday’s market is smaller but still worth browsing for produce, baked goods, flowers, and local snacks. For lunch, buy something from the stalls or pause at nearby Market Square, rather than making this a formal restaurant stop.

Afternoon and Evening

Head downhill toward Alexandria’s Waterfront, about a 10-minute walk from Market Square. Take your time along the Potomac promenade, looking for the changing public-art installations and river views toward Maryland. The waterfront is compact and easy to explore on foot; if you want a longer, quieter stretch, continue south toward Founders Park before turning back. This is a good point to leave room for browsing King Street’s shops or having coffee rather than adding another museum.

For dinner, settle in at Vola’s Dockside Grill and Hi-Tide Lounge, directly by the water. Expect roughly $30–50 per person before drinks and tip, and request outdoor seating if the weather is comfortable—April evenings can still be cool, so bring a layer. Reservations are sensible, especially for a river-view table. Afterward, walk back up King Street to King Street–Old Town Metro Station or use the free King Street Trolley if it is operating; trains back toward Arlington and central Washington are frequent, but check the last service before lingering over dinner.

Morning

Keep this a deliberately unhurried reset day. Begin with Meridian Hill Park in Columbia Heights, allowing about an hour to stroll the terraces, fountains, and tree-lined paths. The park is free and open from early morning until evening; the famous Sunday drum circle will not be happening today, but the space is still a pleasant place to walk. From central DC, take the Yellow or Green Line to Columbia Heights, then walk roughly 10 minutes south to the park. Afterward, take the same Metro line to Gallery Place–Chinatown and walk about five minutes to the National Portrait Gallery.

Spend around two hours at the National Portrait Gallery, concentrating on the American presidents, entertainers, and cultural figures rather than trying to see every room. Admission is free, though special exhibitions may charge separately; typical hours are 11:30 a.m.–7:00 p.m., so check the schedule before going. For lunch, walk south through Penn Quarter to Teaism Lafayette Park, where a light meal and tea usually run about $15–25 per person. It is a good fit for a slower day—try the tofu curry or a rice bowl, and expect a compact café rather than a long, leisurely restaurant service.

Afternoon and Evening

After lunch, walk toward The White House, then continue about 15–20 minutes north through Dupont Circle to The Phillips Collection. This small, beautifully arranged museum is ideal for an afternoon when you do not want another enormous institution: allow roughly two hours for its modern and Impressionist works. It is generally open Tuesday through Sunday, with admission commonly around $16–20 for adults; reserve ahead if a timed entry is offered, and note that it is closed Mondays. Finish at Kramers, only a few blocks away on Connecticut Avenue, for an easy dinner and bookstore browsing. Budget about $20–35 per person, and leave time to look through the shelves before or after eating. If you still want air afterward, make one relaxed loop around Dupont Circle rather than adding another major sight.

Morning

Take the MARC Penn Line from Washington Union Station on an 8:00–8:30 a.m. train, arriving at Baltimore Penn Station roughly an hour later. From the station, the free Charm City Circulator is the most economical way toward the Inner Harbor, though a short rideshare is easier if you are carrying a day bag; allow about 20–30 minutes altogether. Begin at the National Aquarium, where timed tickets are strongly recommended—especially on a Saturday. Give yourself around two and a half hours for the Blacktip Reef, Amazon River Forest, and living-wetlands exhibits. Tickets commonly run about $50–55 for adults, and the aquarium is generally open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., though check the exact 2027 schedule before booking.

Lunch and Afternoon

From the harbor, walk or take the Circulator toward Lexington Market, roughly 15–20 minutes depending on the route. Have lunch at Faidley’s Seafood, the market’s longtime crab-cake institution; a jumbo crab cake, fries, or a simple seafood plate usually makes this a $20–35 meal. Lexington Market is a working neighborhood market rather than a polished food hall, so expect a lively, informal atmosphere and limited seating. After lunch, continue south toward Federal Hill—a short rideshare is simplest, while walking takes around 25 minutes. Spend about two hours at the American Visionary Art Museum, one of Baltimore’s most entertaining museums, filled with handmade, eccentric, self-taught, and outsider work. Admission is typically around $15–20, and it is usually open Tuesday through Sunday, with afternoon hours worth confirming before you go.

Late Afternoon and Evening

Finish at Federal Hill Park, directly uphill from the museum. The climb is brief but steep; the reward is one of the city’s finest views across the harbor toward downtown, particularly as the light softens. Allow 45 minutes to sit on the grass, photograph the skyline, and take in the neighborhood’s brick rowhouses without trying to add another museum. For the return, take a rideshare to Baltimore Penn Station—usually 15–25 minutes, but allow extra time during rush hour—and aim for a MARC Penn Line train between 6:30 and 7:30 p.m. Check the evening timetable in advance, since MARC service is less frequent than the Metro and some trains do not run late.

Morning

Take an early Annapolis Transit bus from Washington, DC, aiming to arrive downtown around 9:30–10:00 a.m.; public transport is much easier from DC than from Baltimore, so double-check the weekday schedule and connections the night before. From the downtown stop, walk through the compact Annapolis Historic District to the Maryland State House, usually open weekdays from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. and free to visit. Allow about an hour for the historic chambers and exhibits; bring photo ID and expect airport-style security.

Midday and Afternoon

Walk downhill toward the waterfront and join a public tour at the United States Naval Academy—tour times, identification requirements, and access rules can change, so reserve or confirm through the academy’s official visitor information before traveling. The tour takes about 1½ hours and is the best way to understand the campus rather than simply viewing it from the perimeter. Afterward, cross toward Eastport—roughly 20–25 minutes on foot, or a short local bus or rideshare—and spend about an hour at the Chesapeake Children’s Museum if it is open. It is a small, hands-on community museum with variable hours; if closed, use the time for an easy walk along Eastport’s residential streets and waterfront.

Return across the harbor toward City Dock in the late afternoon, allowing about 25 minutes on foot. Wander along the water and up Main Street, where the narrow historic streets, sailboats, and old brick buildings are most enjoyable without trying to fit in another formal attraction. For dinner, head back to Eastport for Chesapeake Brewing Company, a relaxed stop for local beer and a meal—budget roughly $20–35 per person. Check the final bus departure to Baltimore or your onward connection before settling in; service can thin out in the evening, and a rideshare may be the practical backup.

Morning

Take the Amtrak Northeast Regional from Washington Union Station around 7:30–8:30 a.m.; the ride to Philadelphia 30th Street Station is about two hours. From there, use SEPTA’s Market–Frankford Line toward Old City—usually via 15th Street—or take a short rideshare if you are carrying luggage. Aim to reach Independence Hall by late morning, leaving a little buffer for security. Reserve the free timed tour in advance through the National Park Service; the interior visit takes about 30–45 minutes, with additional time for the surrounding Independence National Historical Park.

Walk across Chestnut Street to the Liberty Bell Center, where admission is free and no ticket is normally required, though security lines can build. Allow roughly 45 minutes, and look back toward Independence Hall afterward for one of the best classic views in the district. For lunch, keep it simple in Old City—Campo’s Philly Cheesesteaks on Market Street is convenient if you want the local specialty, while Talula’s Garden is a better choice for a sit-down meal, but check its daytime hours and reservations.

Afternoon and Evening

Spend the early afternoon at the Museum of the American Revolution, a few blocks east on South 3rd Street. Its galleries are particularly good at putting the Revolution into human context rather than presenting only military dates; allow around two hours. Afterward, take the Market–Frankford Line from 5th Street toward Center City, or walk west for about 25 minutes, to Reading Terminal Market. Give yourself an unhurried hour and a half to graze: try Miller’s Twist for a soft pretzel, DiNic’s for a roast-pork sandwich, or Beiler’s Doughnuts for something sweet. Most vendors close in the early evening, so arriving by about 4:00–4:30 p.m. is wise.

Return to Old City by SEPTA or a 20-minute walk via Arch Street for Elfreth’s Alley, where the narrow brick lane is most atmospheric as the day quiets down. The street itself is free to walk; the small museum interiors generally close by late afternoon, so treat this as an exterior stroll of about 45 minutes. For dinner, stay nearby at Khyber Pass Pub on Sansom Street for casual food and local beer, or wander toward Society Hill for a quieter evening. Philadelphia’s historic core is compact and well suited to walking, but use a rideshare back to your hotel if you are staying far from Center City.

Morning

Start at the Philadelphia Museum of Art when it opens, usually 10:00 a.m.; reserve a timed ticket online if required, with general admission typically around $30. From Center City, take SEPTA’s Route 7, Route 32, or Route 38 bus toward Fairmount, or use the Broad Street Line to Spring Garden and walk about 20 minutes. Give yourself roughly two and a half hours—the collection is broad, and it is better to choose a few galleries than attempt the entire building. The café is serviceable, but save your appetite for lunch elsewhere.

Afterward, step outside to the Rocky Steps and the overlook toward Benjamin Franklin Parkway. The staircase is busiest around midday, so take your photographs from the side if you want a less crowded moment, then stroll down the parkway for about 30 minutes. Continue east toward The Barnes Foundation in Logan Square; it is a pleasant 15–20-minute walk, or a short ride on the Route 7 or Route 32 bus. Allow about two hours inside. The Barnes is unusually dense—paintings are hung in distinctive ensembles—so take time with one room rather than rushing through every gallery. Tickets are generally around $30 and timed entry is strongly recommended.

Afternoon and Evening

Walk or take a short bus ride from Logan Square to Rittenhouse Square, allowing roughly 20 minutes on foot. Spend the late afternoon on a bench beneath the mature trees, watching the neighborhood move between cafés, brownstones, and upscale shops. If you want coffee or a small snack nearby, La Colombe on Rittenhouse Square is an easy stop, but keep the break light before dinner. For Zahav in Society Hill, leave Rittenhouse Square around 6:00 p.m.; the walk takes about 25 minutes, while the Route 40 bus or a short taxi is more comfortable if your feet are tired. Dinner is a major part of the evening, so arrive for your reservation rather than trying to squeeze in another attraction. Expect roughly $70–100 per person before drinks; reservations are essential and should be made well ahead. Afterward, wander briefly along the quieter historic streets of Society Hill, or return to Center City by bus or rideshare.

Afternoon

After arriving at Richmond Main Street Station, leave your bags at your downtown accommodation and take a short walk or bus into Capitol Square. Begin with the Virginia State Capitol, whose neoclassical building was designed by Thomas Jefferson; allow about 1½ hours for the interior and exhibits. Tours and visitor access can vary by legislative schedule, so check the official calendar and reserve ahead if timed entry is offered. The surrounding square is worth a relaxed lap, with monuments, lawns, and good views toward Richmond’s downtown streets.

Late Afternoon and Evening

Walk or take the GRTC Pulse a few stops toward The Valentine in the downtown Arts District—roughly 10–15 minutes depending on your starting point. This compact museum is a particularly good introduction to Richmond because its exhibitions focus on the city’s people, neighborhoods, and changing identity rather than only headline events; plan about 1½ hours. Admission is generally modest, around $10–15, and the museum typically closes in the late afternoon, so avoid arriving too close to closing time.

For an easy first-evening overview, head to the Quirk Hotel Rooftop, about a 10-minute walk from The Valentine. Go for a drink and light bite around sunset, budgeting roughly $20–40 per person; rooftop hours and weather-related access can change, so confirm before walking over. Finish with dinner at Mama J’s Kitchen in Jackson Ward, a 15–20-minute walk or short rideshare away. Order one of its generous soul-food plates—fried chicken, catfish, or slow-cooked vegetables are dependable choices—and allow about 1½ hours. It is a warm, satisfying introduction to Richmond, so keep the rest of the night free for an early rest after the long travel day.

Morning

Start at the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, arriving near opening—usually 10:00 a.m.—to enjoy the galleries before the museum gets busier. Set aside about two and a half hours, but keep the visit selective: the East Asian, South Asian, and American collections are especially rewarding, and the museum’s sculpture garden is a pleasant breather. General admission is free, though special exhibitions may charge separately; check the official calendar for opening hours and timed-entry requirements. From downtown, the #20 bus is useful, while a short rideshare is simplest from farther-out neighborhoods.

Midday and Afternoon

Walk or take a quick bus ride through the Museum District to The Broken Tulip for coffee and a light breakfast or lunch. It is a small, relaxed stop—budget roughly $10–20 per person—and a good place to pause rather than turn the day into a checklist. Afterward, take a rideshare to Maymont; public buses can get you close, but the final connection is slower and less convenient. Allow around two and a half hours for the Italian and Japanese gardens, open lawns, scenic overlooks, and animal areas. The grounds are generally free, while some attractions or seasonal exhibits may have separate fees; wear comfortable shoes because the property is spacious and hilly.

Continue by rideshare to Belle Isle, ideally with about an hour before sunset. Take the easy riverside paths and pause on the granite shoreline for views of the James River, the downtown skyline, and the surrounding bridges. Stay on marked paths and be cautious near the water, where rocks can be slippery. Finish in Scott’s Addition at ZZQ Texas Craft Barbeque, one of Richmond’s best casual barbecue stops; allow $20–35 per person and arrive for an early dinner if possible, since popular meats can sell out. From there, buses and rideshares return easily to central Richmond, though rideshare is the more practical choice after visiting Belle Isle.

Morning

Take the Amtrak Northeast Regional from Richmond Main Street Station on an 8:00–9:00 a.m. departure, arriving at Washington Union Station around late morning. Store your luggage at your hotel, then head to the United States Botanic Garden—a short walk or quick Metro ride from Union Station via Capitol South. Allow about 1½ hours for the conservatory, desert and tropical collections, and outdoor gardens. Admission is free, and the conservatory is generally open from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.; it is especially useful on a cool or rainy April day.

Afternoon

Walk or take the Metro back toward NoMa for the National Postal Museum, housed in the historic City Post Office beside the railroad tracks. Its exhibits on mail delivery, postal vehicles, and American stamp history are pleasantly compact and usually take about 1½ hours; admission is free, with typical hours around 10:00 a.m.–5:30 p.m. From there, take the Red Line from Union Station toward U Street, or use a short rideshare, for a late lunch at Ben’s Chili Bowl. Order the signature half-smoke with chili and onions—roughly $10–20 per person—and expect a casual, counter-service atmosphere rather than a long sit-down meal.

Late Afternoon

After lunch, take the Green Line from U Street–African-Amer Civil War Memorial–Cardozo toward Fort Totten, alighting near Columbia Heights or Cleveland Park and continuing by bus or rideshare to Rock Creek Park. For an easy final walk, use the paths around Peirce Mill and the creek rather than attempting one of the longer wooded trails. Give yourself about 1½ hours to enjoy the trees and quiet ravines; April can be muddy, so comfortable shoes are worthwhile. Check sunset and trail conditions before leaving, and allow extra time to return to your hotel for luggage—especially if you have an evening departure.