The perfect way to start your trip! Visit the National Mall, a park filled with historic memorials like the Lincoln Memorial, Washington Monument, and World War II Memorial. Enjoy walking around and taking in the beautiful scenery.
The iconic Statue of Liberty is a must-visit destination for any family trip to New York! Take a ferry to the island and tour the museum and the statue's pedestal. Afterwards, head to nearby Ellis Island where you can see the National Museum of Immigration and learn about the millions of immigrants who came to America.
Central Park is a beautiful green space with many attractions to enjoy such as the Central Park Zoo, The Pond, and the Alice in Wonderland statue. Pack a picnic lunch and enjoy the scenery and fresh air.
A great day to explore Washington's cultural treasures! Visit the world-renowned National Museum of American History with exhibits such as the Star-Spangled Banner and First Ladies' Inaugural Gowns. Best part, it's free to enter!
Experience the excitement of seeing over 2,700 different animals on display at the National Zoo. The zoo's highlights include the Giant Pandas and the Elephant Trails exhibit. Entrance to the zoo is free but parking is limited, so arrive early for a spot.
Take a secure tour of the President's home and office, The White House. Not too far away, tour the U.S. Capitol Building to learn about American history and take a peek at the Senate and House of Representatives.
Discover the interactive museum that highlights the media's role in U.S. history. The Newseum expands over seven floors with exhibits about The Berlin Wall, Pulitzer Prize-winning photographs and news broadcasting history.
The International Spy Museum is Washington's only institution dedicated to identifying and exploring espionage throughout history. Learn about the spies among us with a multitude of interactive games and exhibits.
Taking the trip back to New York, make a stop at the New York Aquarium. It is the nation's oldest continually operating aquarium with more than 250 species on display. Enjoy learning about sea life and seeing plenty of aquatic mammals.
No family trip to New York is complete without a visit to the top of the Empire State Building. The building stands tall and proud at 1,454 feet, and provides a stunning view of New York's skyline. Tip: purchase tickets in advance to avoid long waiting times.
Public transportation and walking is the best way to see both cities. In New York City, you can use the subway system or hail a taxi/ride shares while in Washington DC, trains and buses are the primary mode of transportation. Expect to spend around $50/day/person for transportation costs in both cities
If you have more time, consider adding a trip to the Disney World in Florida or the National Air and Space Museum in Washington. If you have less time, consider skipping the aquarium and the spy museum. Also, if you are travelling in the summer, be sure to pack light clothes and comfortable shoes for all the walking you will do!
New York is served by three main airports: John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK), LaGuardia Airport (LGA) and Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR). JFK is located in Queens, around 16 miles southeast of Midtown Manhattan. LGA is located in northern Queens, around 8 miles east of Midtown Manhattan. EWR is located in New Jersey, around 16 miles southwest of Midtown Manhattan. Washington DC is served by Ronald Reagan International Airport (DCA), located only 3 miles away from downtown, and by Dulles International Airport (IAD), located 26 miles away from downtown DC.