15-Day Road Trip from Chicago to New York via Detroit, Niagara Falls, the Finger Lakes, and Washington DC

Late Morning

Start at Millennium Park around 10:30 a.m., when the Loop is lively but not yet at its busiest. Give yourself about an hour for Cloud Gate, Crown Fountain, and Lurie Garden; the park is free and open daily, and the best photographs of the skyline are usually from the garden’s southern edge. From here, it’s a short walk east to the Art Institute of Chicago—allow roughly two hours for its American and Impressionist galleries. General admission is typically around $32 for adults, with hours varying by day, so check the museum’s calendar and reserve a timed ticket if available.

Lunch

Walk or take a quick bus or rideshare north to Lou Malnati’s Pizzeria in River North for deep-dish pizza, budgeting $20–35 per person. Deep dish takes about 30–45 minutes to bake, so order promptly and treat lunch as a proper pause rather than a quick stop. Afterward, head back toward the river—walking takes about 15 minutes, while a rideshare is useful if the weather is warm or wet.

Afternoon and Evening

Spend the afternoon on the Chicago Riverwalk, strolling beneath the Loop’s architectural canyon and stopping at one of the riverfront terraces for a drink or coffee. The Riverwalk is free and open into the evening; a relaxed hour is enough to enjoy it without turning the day into a march. Continue by rideshare or on foot toward Navy Pier in Streeterville—about 20 minutes walking from the central Riverwalk, or 5–10 minutes by car depending on traffic. Stay for the early-evening lake views, public art, and waterfront atmosphere. The pier itself is free, though attractions and the Centennial Wheel cost extra; sunset is an especially good time to be there, and the lakefront can feel cool, so bring a light layer.

Morning

After the early drive from Chicago, go straight to Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation in Dearborn. Allow about 2½ hours for the landmark vehicles, presidential history, aircraft, and everyday inventions; the collection is much larger than its name suggests, so focus on the galleries that interest you most. It generally opens at 9:30 a.m., with admission typically around $30–35 per adult; check the official schedule before leaving, as hours and ticket prices can change. Parking is straightforward and usually included with admission.

Early Afternoon

Have a quick lunch at The Eagle, near Eastern Market if you want a hearty sandwich, or use the museum café to protect your time, then walk or drive a few minutes to Greenfield Village. Set aside roughly 2½ hours for the historic homes, workshops, farms, and demonstrations—comfortable shoes matter, since this is a large outdoor site. It usually opens at 9:30 a.m. and often closes around 5 p.m.; admission is commonly about $35–40, with some special events costing extra. Leave Dearborn by about 3 p.m. for the 15–20-minute drive into Midtown, allowing extra time for traffic and parking.

Late Afternoon and Evening

Spend the late afternoon at the Detroit Institute of Arts, one of the city’s real highlights, especially for the Diego Rivera Industry murals and its strong African, European, and American collections. Plan about two hours; general admission is often around $14–16 for non-Michigan residents, and the museum is typically open until 5 p.m. on Sundays, so verify the exact closing time for this date and arrive with enough margin. Afterward, walk or take a short rideshare to Selden Standard for dinner—reserve ahead, and order several seasonal small plates to share; expect roughly $45–70 per person before drinks and tip. Finish with a short evening visit to the Fisher Building in New Center, about a 10-minute drive away. Its ornate Art Deco lobby is best appreciated before offices fully quiet down; check whether the interior is open to visitors that evening, and use a rideshare rather than moving your car if possible.

Morning

Begin at Eastern Market around 9:00 a.m., when the sheds and surrounding streets are at their liveliest. Spend roughly two hours browsing produce, flowers, baked goods, and the market’s colorful murals; Saturday is the main market day, while Sunday is generally quieter and more art-focused. Pick up breakfast from a vendor or settle into Russell Street Deli nearby. The market itself is free, though bring cash as a backup, and use the market’s public lots or metered street parking rather than trying to park directly beside the sheds.

Drive about 15 minutes to Belle Isle Park via the MacArthur Bridge. The island is a perfect change of pace: follow the scenic loop road, stop for skyline views from the western side, and wander through the Anna Scripps Whitcomb Conservatory and surrounding gardens. Allow two hours, and remember that Michigan’s recreation passport or a small nonresident day-use fee may apply to vehicles entering the park. The conservatory is typically open Wednesday–Sunday, but hours can vary, so check before leaving Eastern Market.

Afternoon and Evening

Continue roughly 10–15 minutes back toward downtown for the Detroit Riverwalk in Rivertown. Walk west or east for about 1½ hours, taking in the river, public art, and views across to Windsor, Canada; the section near Robert C. Valade Park is especially pleasant for a break. From there, drive about 10 minutes north to the Motown Museum in New Center. Its guided visits usually run on timed entry and sell out, so reserve ahead; expect around 1½ hours and roughly $20–30 per adult. The original Hitsville U.S.A. house is compact, and the stories from the guides are the real highlight. Finish in Corktown, about 10 minutes away, for dinner at Michigan & Trumbull or Marrow—budget approximately $25–50 per person—and take a relaxed walk along Michigan Avenue afterward. Expect many Corktown restaurants to fill by 7:00 p.m.; booking ahead is wise, and rideshare is easier than moving the car again.

Late Afternoon

After the long drive, check in and leave the car parked if your hotel is within walking distance of the falls. Head first to Niagara Falls State Park, America’s oldest state park, for an easy introduction before sunset. Walk toward Prospect Point for the broadest view of the American and Horseshoe Falls, then continue across the short pedestrian bridge toward Luna Island, where the water feels dramatically close. Allow about 90 minutes, including time for photographs; entry to the park and its viewpoints is free, though parking commonly costs about $10–20 for the day.

Dinner

For dinner, go to Top of the Falls Restaurant on Goat Island, reached from the park by a short walk or shuttle depending on the season. Request a window-side table if available—the falls are particularly striking as the light fades. Expect roughly $25–45 per person before drinks and tip. Restaurant hours can vary with the season, so check the same-day schedule and reserve if possible; if the kitchen has already closed after your late arrival, eat beforehand near Old Falls Street and treat the restaurant as an optional stop.

Evening

Stay in the park after dark for the Niagara Falls illumination, when colored lights wash over the American and Horseshoe Falls. The display typically begins at dusk and continues late into the night, with changing times as September evenings grow earlier; check the official illumination schedule before setting out. Prospect Point is the simplest viewpoint from the U.S. side, while the paths around Goat Island offer quieter angles. Bring a light jacket and shoes with decent grip—the spray can make the walkways damp, even on a clear evening.

Morning

Start early at Cave of the Winds, ideally around 8:30–9:00 a.m., before the main tour groups arrive. It is in Niagara Falls State Park, and the visit takes about 1½ hours, including the elevator ride, poncho pickup, and time on the Hurricane Deck beside Bridal Veil Falls. Tickets are typically around $21–25 per adult, though pricing and timed-entry procedures can change; wear sturdy shoes and expect to get thoroughly soaked. From there, walk through the park to the Maid of the Mist landing, allowing roughly 10–15 minutes between attractions. The boat ride lasts about 20 minutes, but plan 1½ hours total for boarding and queuing. Tickets are generally around $30–35, and ponchos are provided. If you are driving, use an official state-park lot rather than relying on street parking; walking between these attractions is much easier than moving the car.

Midday

After the boat ride, continue to Prospect Point for about 45 minutes. This is one of the best places on the American side to take in the full sweep of the falls, especially from the observation area near the river’s edge. Then walk along the park toward Old Falls Street for lunch, a pedestrianized strip just outside the park with casual restaurants and quick-service options. Allow $15–30 per person and take a relaxed hour here; it is a convenient break rather than a destination meal. In September, the area can still be busy, so eating slightly before noon or after 1:00 p.m. usually means shorter waits.

Afternoon and Evening

Spend the afternoon on Three Sisters Islands, reached by walking across the bridge from Goat Island. The footbridges lead over the rushing water above the rapids, offering a much more intimate and surprisingly powerful perspective than the main overlooks. Give yourself about an hour, and be careful on the wet railings and spray-covered paths. Afterward, return through Niagara Falls State Park and keep the evening easy—this is a good night for an early dinner near your hotel, since the combination of spray, walking, and crowds is tiring. The falls are illuminated after dark, and you can return to the riverfront for a short nighttime look without committing to another major attraction; check the official illumination schedule before setting out.

Morning

Leave Niagara Falls around 8:00 a.m. for Geneva, allowing roughly three hours with a short break; I-90 and NY-414 are the simplest route. After checking in or dropping bags, park near Seneca Lake State Park and spend about 1½ hours along the shoreline. The park is free to enter, with a small parking fee sometimes charged seasonally. Its broad lake views and quiet paths are a good reset after the drive—bring coffee and a light layer, since the lakefront can feel cool even in September.

Midday and Afternoon

Drive about 15 minutes south on NY-14 to Rose Hill Mansion, a beautifully preserved 19th-century estate overlooking Seneca Lake. Allow around 1½ hours for the guided house tour and grounds; check the September schedule before leaving, as historic-site hours can be limited outside peak summer, and admission is generally in the US$10–15 range. Continue north for roughly 20 minutes to Three Brothers Wineries and Estates, where you can settle in for two hours of wine, cider, and beer tastings across the property. It is an easygoing stop rather than a formal tasting-room sprint, but designate a driver and expect tasting flights to cost about US$10–20; the estate may close earlier than dinner hours, so verify same-day times.

Evening

Return to Geneva for dinner at Kindred Fare, a polished but relaxed restaurant using produce, meat, and grains from the surrounding region. Reserve ahead for a 6:30–7:00 p.m. table and budget roughly US$35–60 per person before drinks. It is a short drive from the lakefront, with street parking and nearby lots generally easier than trying to leave the car at the hotel. If you still have energy afterward, take a gentle walk through downtown Geneva along Exchange Street before turning in; keep the evening unhurried after the long arrival day.

Morning

Leave Geneva after breakfast, around 8:30–9:00 a.m., and drive south on NY-96A toward Watkins Glen State Park; with the stop, plan on reaching the trailhead around 10:00 a.m. The Gorge Trail is the essential route, winding beneath cliffs and across stone bridges past a series of waterfalls. Allow about 2½ hours, and wear shoes with good grip—the gorge can be damp, and sections may close after heavy rain. Parking is typically paid in season, and the trail is much more enjoyable before midday crowds arrive.

Midday

Continue south along the west side of Seneca Lake to Hector Falls, a quick roadside stop just off NY-414. Give yourself roughly 30 minutes to photograph the cascade and stretch your legs, taking care with traffic and uneven ground near the roadside. From there, continue to Ithaca, arriving at the waterfront in time for the Ithaca Farmers Market. Spend about 1½ hours grazing through prepared food stalls, local fruit, baked goods, and Finger Lakes specialties; budget approximately $15–30 per person. The market operates on selected days and hours, so confirm the schedule before setting out—if it is closed, keep the waterfront stop but plan a nearby café or food hall as a backup.

Afternoon and Evening

Drive or take a short rideshare from the waterfront to Cornell Botanic Gardens, where two hours is enough for a relaxed walk through native plant collections, landscaped gardens, and elevated viewpoints. The grounds are generally open from morning into early evening and admission is usually free, though parking rules vary by lot; avoid leaving the car in permit-only spaces. Finish in Collegetown with dinner at Moosewood, the long-running vegetarian restaurant known for globally influenced cooking. Reserve ahead for the 6:30–7:00 p.m. window, especially on a Friday or Saturday, and expect about $35–60 per person before drinks and gratuity.

Morning

Leave Ithaca around 7:00 a.m. for New York City, allowing 4½–5½ hours plus a rest stop and possible traffic approaching the city. Use I-81 and I-78, and arrange the one-way car return before setting off; Manhattan garages commonly charge roughly $50–80 for a day. Aim to drop the car and leave luggage at your hotel by early afternoon, then take the subway or walk to Hudson Yards. The easiest start to the High Line is at 34th Street, where you can stroll south through gardens, public art, and former rail infrastructure toward Chelsea. Allow about 1½ hours, and wear comfortable shoes—the park is free, but its narrow sections become busy after lunch.

Late Afternoon

Exit the High Line near 14th Street and continue a few minutes to Chelsea Market, the ideal place for a flexible lunch or early dinner. This former Nabisco factory has casual counters serving tacos, seafood, noodles, and baked goods; budget $15–30 per person, and expect the busiest period between noon and 2:00 p.m. After eating, wander through the market’s lower-level shops or browse the nearby galleries along West 24th and West 25th Streets rather than rushing straight on.

Evening

Walk west to Little Island, entering from the Hudson River Greenway at 13th Street. Its planted terraces and looping paths make for an easy hour of exploring, with particularly good light over the river in late afternoon. Finish at the Whitney Museum of American Art, a short walk away in the Meatpacking District. Reserve an evening timed ticket—general admission is typically about $30, with hours often extending to 6:00 or 9:00 p.m. depending on the day—and save time for the outdoor terraces, which are as rewarding as the modern American collection for views across the Hudson and downtown skyline. Check the museum’s September schedule before leaving Ithaca, since evening hours can vary.

Morning

Start around 8:30 a.m. at the 9/11 Memorial & Museum in the Financial District. The memorial pools are free to visit and usually accessible from 8:00 a.m., while the museum generally opens at 9:00 a.m.; reserve a timed museum ticket in advance, especially for a Sunday. Allow about 2½ hours to take in the memorial pools and the museum’s extensive exhibits without rushing. The nearest subway stops are Fulton Street and Cortlandt Street; avoid driving, as nearby garages are expensive and street parking is scarce.

Walk a few minutes to One World Observatory for a late-morning view over the harbor, bridges, and Manhattan. A timed ticket is essential, and the visit takes roughly 1½ hours including security and the elevator experience; admission commonly runs about $40–55 before extras. For lunch, continue to Fraunces Tavern, a short walk south through the historic district. The restaurant usually opens around noon, and its period rooms make it worth the modest $25–45 per-person spend; allow an hour, and consider booking if you want to eat in the museum-like upstairs spaces.

Afternoon and Evening

After lunch, stroll down toward Battery Park for about an hour along the waterfront. The paths around The Battery are free, with benches, gardens, harbor breezes, and good views toward the Statue of Liberty—an easy pause before the boat tour. Be at the Statue City Cruises departure area well before your timed boarding slot, ideally 30–45 minutes early; security lines can be slow, and tickets should be purchased only through the official operator. Set aside roughly three hours for the boat, Liberty Island, and Ellis Island. Wear comfortable shoes, bring water, and expect the return to Lower Manhattan in the early evening; from the terminal, South Ferry and Whitehall Street subway stations make the onward journey simple.

Morning

Start around 8:30 a.m. at Central Park, entering near 72nd Street and walking south toward Bethesda Terrace. Spend about 2½ hours taking the Mall to the terrace, then continue through the Ramble and around The Lake; this is one of the city’s best unhurried walks, with surprisingly quiet wooded paths just minutes from Fifth Avenue. The park is free and open from 6:00 a.m.; wear comfortable shoes and bring coffee or water, since vendors are scattered and restrooms are limited. From the park, take the M1/M2/M3/M4 bus or walk down Fifth Avenue to Museum of Modern Art, allowing roughly 20–30 minutes.

Midday and Lunch

Give Museum of Modern Art about two hours, concentrating on the fifth-floor collection for Van Gogh’s The Starry Night, Picasso, and other modern masters before moving through the contemporary galleries. It is generally open 10:30 a.m.–5:30 p.m., with later hours on some evenings; timed admission is usually around $30 for adults, and advance booking is sensible. Afterward, take the B or D train from 47–50 Streets–Rockefeller Center toward Grand Street, then walk to Katz’s Delicatessen on East Houston Street. Allow an hour and expect about $25–40 per person; keep the ticket handed to you at the entrance, and order the classic pastrami on rye with mustard rather than trying to overcomplicate the meal.

Afternoon and Evening

After lunch, return uptown by the F train from Delancey Street to 34th Street–Herald Square, then take the B, D, F, or M one stop to 47–50 Streets–Rockefeller Center. Explore Rockefeller Center for about 1½ hours, looking beyond the famous plaza at the Art Deco details, Channel Gardens, and side passages around Radio City Music Hall. Reserve a timed sunset or early-evening entry for Top of the Rock—tickets commonly run about $40–60 before extras—and arrive 20–30 minutes early for security and the elevator queue. The observation decks are especially good here because you face both Central Park and the Empire State Building; after the visit, linger around the plaza or walk a few blocks along Fifth Avenue for the nighttime atmosphere.

Morning

Start around 8:30 a.m. at Brooklyn Bridge Park, entering from Old Dock Street in DUMBO and walking south along the waterfront toward Pier 1 and Pier 2. Give yourself about 1½ hours for the skyline views, especially from the pebble beach near Main Street Park and the grassy terraces at Pier 1; early light is kinder on the Manhattan buildings, and the park is free and open from 6 a.m. Take a few minutes to wander the cobbled streets of DUMBO afterward, then visit Jane’s Carousel, the beautifully restored 1922 carousel in its glass pavilion. It usually operates from late morning into the evening, weather permitting, with rides around $3; check the day’s schedule before relying on an early spin.

Lunch and Afternoon

Take the F train from York Street to Avenue J, then walk roughly 10 minutes to Di Fara Pizza in Midwood—allow 35–45 minutes for the trip, and more if the subway is delayed. Order a classic round pie or a couple of slices; a full pie is generally about $30–40, while a lighter meal can stay near $15–30 per person. Lines and occasional waits are part of the experience, so this is better treated as a late lunch than a tightly timed stop. From there, use the D train from Avenue J to 36th Street and walk west to Green-Wood Cemetery in Greenwood Heights. Spend about two hours among the winding paths, elaborate mausoleums, and mature trees, looking for the high ground near Battle Hill, Brooklyn’s highest natural point, with broad views toward the harbor and Manhattan. The grounds are free and generally open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.; bring water and wear comfortable shoes, since the paths are extensive.

Evening

Head to Greenwich Village by subway—typically the D train to West 4th Street–Washington Square, with a change depending on service—and allow roughly 35–45 minutes. Have an early, casual bite in the Village rather than making dinner compete with the music, then arrive at Blue Note Jazz Club about 30 minutes before your booked set. Shows commonly run around 8 and 10:30 p.m., with tickets often $40–100 plus a food-and-drink minimum; reservations are strongly recommended, and seats are close together. The intimate room is best enjoyed without rushing, so keep the rest of the night open for a slow walk along MacDougal Street after the performance.

Morning

Take the Amtrak Northeast Regional from Moynihan Train Hall to Washington Union Station, ideally around 8:00 a.m.; the journey usually takes about 2¾–3½ hours. After arrival, take the Metro Red Line one stop to Gallery Place–Chinatown, or use a taxi if you have luggage. Leave bags at your hotel and keep the afternoon light—Washington is easy to explore on foot, but its broad avenues make distances feel longer than they look.

Late Afternoon

Begin in Penn Quarter at the National Portrait Gallery, usually open until 5:00 p.m. and free to enter. Allow about 1½ hours for the portraits of presidents, artists, activists, and other American figures; the quiet Kogod Courtyard is an excellent place to pause. From there, it is a five-minute walk along F Street NW to Ford’s Theatre. Reserve a timed admission in advance, and allow roughly 1½ hours for the theater, museum, and Petersen House across the street. Check the final entry time carefully, as hours and access can vary with performances or special events.

Evening

Walk about 10 minutes west to Old Ebbitt Grill, near President’s Park, and aim for an early dinner or reserve ahead—this popular historic dining room is especially busy before theater and sports events. Expect roughly $30–55 per person before drinks and tip; oysters, crab cakes, and the classic American menu are dependable choices. After dinner, spend 45 minutes wandering the Capital One Arena district: the blocks around 7th Street NW, F Street NW, and Chinatown are lively in the evening, with illuminated storefronts and plenty of people heading to games or concerts. If you are tired from the train, this compact loop keeps the first Washington evening enjoyable without adding another major attraction.

Morning

Begin at the United States Capitol around 8:30 a.m., entering through the Capitol Visitor Center on First Street SE. Reserve a free timed tour in advance through the official Capitol website; the guided experience generally lasts about 90 minutes to two hours, and security screening can add time. Afterward, walk a few minutes to the Library of Congress Thomas Jefferson Building. Timed-entry passes are usually required, and the building is commonly open from Tuesday through Saturday, with morning availability; allow about 1½ hours for the Great Hall, ornate corridors, and the overlook into the Main Reading Room. Keep your ID handy and avoid bringing bulky bags, as both sites have airport-style security.

Lunch

Walk east along Independence Avenue SE and through the residential streets of Capitol Hill to Eastern Market, roughly 10–15 minutes away. For a relaxed lunch, choose something from the market hall or nearby Market Lunch, where a meal typically runs $15–30 per person. September Saturdays are especially lively, with outdoor stalls and local makers around the market, but expect crowds and limited seating. This is a good point to slow down rather than add another attraction; browse the surrounding blocks of Capitol Hill before taking the Blue, Orange, or Silver Line from Capitol South toward the National Mall, or walk west for about 20 minutes.

Afternoon and Evening

Spend the afternoon at the National Museum of the American Indian, near Fourth Street SW and Independence Avenue. Admission is free, and the museum is generally open 10 a.m.–5:30 p.m.; allow around two hours for the galleries on Indigenous history, sovereignty, art, and contemporary life. The building itself is worth lingering over, particularly its curved limestone exterior and sweeping interior spaces. From there, walk west along the Mall to the Washington Monument, about 15–20 minutes. Plan roughly an hour around the grounds near sunset, when the light softens and the views along the Mall are at their best. If you want to go inside, elevator tickets are separate and timed, so reserve them ahead; otherwise, the exterior grounds are free and open into the evening. Use Smithsonian or L’Enfant Plaza Metro stations afterward, or pick up dinner nearby in Penn Quarter or Barracks Row.

Morning

Begin at the National Air and Space Museum when it opens—typically at 10:00 a.m.—and allow about 2½ hours. Reserve a free timed-entry pass if required, since popular morning slots can disappear quickly. Focus on the landmark aircraft and spacecraft rather than trying to see every gallery, and remember that museum security can add a few minutes. From downtown hotels, take the Metro to L’Enfant Plaza or Smithsonian; the museum is on the National Mall and does not have convenient visitor parking.

After a quick walk across the Mall, continue to the National Museum of African American History and Culture for a midday visit of roughly 2½ hours. Timed tickets are strongly recommended and are normally free, though availability is limited. This is a substantial, emotionally demanding museum, so avoid rushing the lower-history galleries; the upper floors offer a gentler transition into music, food, sports, and contemporary culture. For lunch, use the museum’s Sweet Home Café if you want to stay nearby, or grab something simple from a food stand along the Mall before heading south.

Afternoon and Evening

Take the Metro from Smithsonian or L’Enfant Plaza toward the waterfront, or use a rideshare for the short trip to The Wharf. Spend about 1½ hours strolling the promenade, browsing the small shops, and enjoying views along the Washington Channel. The Wharf is especially pleasant in the late afternoon, when the riverfront light improves and outdoor seating fills up; allow extra time if you stop for a drink or a snack. Later, continue by Metro or rideshare to Ben’s Chili Bowl on U Street, where a half-smoke and fries make a casual dinner for roughly $15–25 per person. It is a counter-service institution, so expect a line at busy times but quick turnover.

After dinner, wander the U Street Corridor for about an hour. The neighborhood’s historic jazz legacy is still visible in its clubs, murals, and longtime storefronts, while the side streets have plenty of bars and cafés if you want to extend the evening. Stay on the busier stretches of U Street and 14th Street, and use the U Street Metro station or a rideshare when you are ready to return.

Before Dawn and the Long Drive

For the planned return by car, leave Washington, DC before 6:00 a.m. to get ahead of the Beltway and start the westbound run on I-70, continuing toward I-65 in Indiana. This is a demanding 10½–12-hour day before stops, so fill the tank the night before, pack breakfast, and rotate drivers if possible. Expect fuel and toll costs of roughly $100–180, with extra time needed around Indianapolis and again approaching Chicago. If you have not already committed to the rental-car return, compare the cost and fatigue with a morning flight from Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport; the nonstop flight is only about 2 hours 10 minutes.

Midday Break

If traffic and opening hours line up, use Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum in Speedway, Indiana, as your main break. It is a worthwhile 1½-hour stretch stop, with famous Indianapolis 500 cars, racing memorabilia, and a good sense of the speedway’s importance to the region. Check the museum’s current hours before leaving—hours and admission can change during renovations or event periods—and allow time for parking and the short detour from the interstate. Otherwise, keep this leg practical: stop every two to three hours for coffee, fuel, and a proper meal rather than trying to push through.

Evening Arrival

Continue north on I-65, allowing a generous final buffer for traffic through Gary and into Chicago. If you are returning a rental car, refuel near the agreed drop-off area and verify whether the agency’s evening return procedure requires a key box, inspection photos, or a shuttle connection. An early departure may still mean an evening arrival, so keep dinner simple near home or the airport rather than adding another downtown stop. If you choose to fly instead, arrive at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport about 90 minutes before a domestic departure, and confirm whether Chicago O’Hare or Midway is more convenient for your final destination.