Start your New York adventure with a visit to Central Park, an iconic landmark that offers plenty of activities such as biking, picnicking, and rowing. You can also explore the park's various attractions such as the Central Park Zoo and the Bethesda Fountain.
Pay tribute to the victims of the 9/11 terrorist attacks at the 9/11 Memorial. The memorial includes two gigantic pools that sit within the original World Trade Center footprint, which features the largest man-made waterfalls in North America. The pools are surrounded by a grove of trees and engraved with the names of the nearly 3,000 people who died in the attacks.
Dive into American history at the National Museum of American History. The museum showcases American heritage and culture through its exhibitions, including the Star-Spangled Banner, First Ladies' Inaugural Gowns, and the original Kermit the Frog.
Explore the wonders of space and flight at the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum. The museum features thousands of artifacts and exhibits dedicated to aviation, space exploration, and planetary science, including the original Wright Brothers' 1903 Flyer, the Apollo 11 Command Module, and the Hubble Space Telescope.
Pay your respects to America's fallen heroes at the Arlington National Cemetery. The cemetery is the final resting place for over 400,000 military service members, veterans, and their families, including President John F. Kennedy and Supreme Court Justice Thurgood Marshall. Catch the Changing of the Guard ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier for a patriotic experience.
If you have more time, consider visiting the Statue of Liberty or taking a tour of the White House. Alternatively, you can opt to spend more time exploring each museum, especially the National Museum of American History and the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum, which have extensive collections that can easily take up a day each. If you have less time, consider skipping one of the museums or limiting your visit to the highlights. Finally, don't forget to pack comfortable walking shoes, sunscreen, and plenty of water as you explore the city by foot!