20-Day December USA Holiday Itinerary: New York, Washington D.C., and Florida Adventure

Day 1: Arrival & Iconic Sites

New York City, USA on December 1, 2025

9:00am

Breakfast at Ess-a-Bagel

Start your NYC adventure with a classic New York bagel at Ess-a-Bagel, open from 6:30am. Their fresh, hand-rolled bagels are a local favorite.
USD10, 0h45m

10:00am

Visit Central Park

Explore Central Park, a sprawling green oasis in the city center. December offers beautiful winter scenery perfect for a leisurely walk or carriage ride.
Free, 2h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at The Smith

Enjoy modern American cuisine at The Smith, located near Central Park, open 11:30am to 10pm, with great seasonal dishes and cocktails.
USD25, 1h0m

2:00pm

Visit the Metropolitan Museum of Art

Spend the afternoon at The Met, featuring world-class art from ancient to modern times. Open 10:00am to 5:00pm daily, perfect for a cultural immersion.
USD30, 3h0m

6:00pm

Dinner at Carmine's Italian Restaurant

Experience hearty Italian family-style dining at Carmine's in the Theater District, open until 11pm, perfect after a day of sightseeing.
USD40, 1h30m

Day 2: Iconic Landmarks & Broadway

New York City, USA on December 2, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Balthazar

Enjoy French bistro delights at Balthazar, open from 7:30am, to fuel your day near SoHo.
USD20, 1h0m

9:45am

Visit Statue of Liberty & Ellis Island

Catch the ferry from Battery Park to see the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island. Tours start at 9:00am; plan about 4 hours.
USD25, 4h0m

2:00pm

Lunch at Fraunces Tavern

Dine at Fraunces Tavern, a historic spot near Battery Park, serving American fare. Open 11:30am to 9:00pm.
USD30, 1h0m

3:30pm

9/11 Memorial and Museum

Pay respects at the 9/11 Memorial and explore the museum, open 9:00am to 8:00pm. A powerful experience to understand recent history.
USD28, 2h0m

6:00pm

Broadway Show

Enjoy a Broadway show starting around 7pm. Book tickets in advance for popular shows. Located in the Theater District.
USD100, 2h30m

9:45pm

Dinner at Junior’s Restaurant

Late dinner at Junior's, famous for cheesecake and American diner fare, open until midnight.
USD25, 1h0m

Day 3: Museum Day & Midtown

New York City, USA on December 3, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Sarabeth's Central Park South

Start with a classic American breakfast at Sarabeth’s, open from 8am, known for its fresh pastries and eggs benedict.
USD25, 1h0m

9:30am

American Museum of Natural History

Explore this vast museum with exhibits from dinosaurs to space, open 10:00am to 5:45pm. Great for all ages.
USD23, 3h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at Shake Shack

Grab casual but delicious burgers and shakes at the nearby Shake Shack, open noon to 10pm.
USD15, 0h45m

2:00pm

Top of the Rock Observation Deck

Visit Rockefeller Center’s Top of the Rock for stunning city views. Open daily 9:00am to midnight.
USD40, 1h0m

3:30pm

Stroll Fifth Avenue & Christmas Windows

Enjoy the festive holiday window displays along Fifth Avenue, open to view any time during daylight.
Free, 1h30m

6:30pm

Dinner at Keens Steakhouse

Dine at historic Keens Steakhouse, open until 10pm, famous for its mutton chop and cozy ambiance.
USD60, 1h30m

Day 4: Travel to Washington D.C.

New York City to Washington D.C., USA on December 4, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Blue Bottle Coffee

Enjoy artisan coffee and light bites at Blue Bottle Coffee, opening at 7:00am.
USD12, 0h30m

8:00am

Train to Washington D.C.

Take the Amtrak from Penn Station to Washington D.C.'s Union Station. The journey takes about 3h15m.
USD130, 3h15m

12:00pm

Lunch at Founding Farmers

Enjoy farm-to-table dishes at Founding Farmers near the White House, open from 11am to 10pm.
USD30, 1h0m

1:30pm

National Mall Landmarks

Visit the Washington Monument, Lincoln Memorial, and WWII Memorial. Walking tour open all day and free.
Free, 3h0m

5:00pm

Check into Hotel and rest

Check into your hotel near downtown D.C. and rest before dinner.
Varies, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Old Ebbitt Grill

Dine at the historic Old Ebbitt Grill, open until 10:30pm, featuring classic American fare close to the White House.
USD40, 1h30m

Day 5: Smithsonian Museums

Washington D.C., USA on December 5, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Le Pain Quotidien

Enjoy organic breads and pastries at Le Pain Quotidien, open from 7:00am.
USD15, 1h0m

9:00am

Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum

Explore iconic aerospace exhibits including the Wright brothers’ plane. Open 10:00am to 5:30pm daily.
Free, 3h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at Mitsitam Native Foods Cafe

Dine inside the National Museum of the American Indian with native-inspired cuisine. Open 11am to 4pm.
USD20, 1h0m

1:45pm

Visit Smithsonian National Museum of American History

Discover American cultural artifacts and history, open 10:00am to 5:30pm daily.
Free, 2h0m

4:00pm

Walk around Tidal Basin

Enjoy scenic views around the Tidal Basin and monuments, especially beautiful in winter light.
Free, 1h0m

6:30pm

Dinner at Zaytinya

Enjoy Mediterranean mezze at Zaytinya, open until 10pm, offering a great atmosphere near the Wharf.
USD45, 1h30m

Day 6: Historic Sites & Capitol

Washington D.C., USA on December 6, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at The Coupe

Relax with a hearty breakfast at The Coupe in Columbia Heights, open from 8am.
USD18, 1h0m

9:30am

Tour U.S. Capitol Building

Take a guided tour of the Capitol Building, open to the public with advance reservation.
Free, 1h30m

11:30am

Visit Library of Congress

Admire the stunning architecture and exhibitions, open 8:30am to 4:30pm weekdays.
Free, 1h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at We, The Pizza

Enjoy artisan pizza near the Capitol. Open 11:30am to 10pm.
USD20, 0h45m

1:30pm

Visit National Gallery of Art

Explore masterpieces from European and American artists, open 10am to 5pm.
Free, 3h0m

5:00pm

Explore Georgetown

Stroll historic Georgetown, browse shops, and enjoy waterfront views.
Free, 2h0m

7:30pm

Dinner at Filomena Ristorante

Enjoy classic Italian fare in a cozy, festive environment. Open until 10pm.
USD50, 1h30m

Day 7: Travel to Florida

Washington D.C. to Miami, USA on December 7, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Blue Duck Tavern

Experience upscale American breakfast at Blue Duck Tavern, open from 7:00am.
USD35, 1h0m

9:00am

Flight to Miami

Morning flight from Washington D.C. to Miami International Airport, approximately 3 hours.
USD150, 3h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at Joe’s Stone Crab

Enjoy the famous stone crab and seafood at Joe’s Stone Crab, open 11:30am to 10pm (seasonal hours).
USD50, 1h0m

2:30pm

Relax at South Beach

Spend the afternoon soaking up sun and strolling along the iconic South Beach, open all day.
Free, 3h0m

6:00pm

Dinner at Versailles Restaurant

Dine at Versailles, the famous Cuban restaurant open until 11pm, offering authentic Cuban dishes.
USD35, 1h30m

Day 8: Miami Cultural Tour

Miami, USA on December 8, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at The Front Porch Cafe

Enjoy a relaxing breakfast with ocean views at The Front Porch Cafe, open from 8am.
USD20, 1h0m

9:30am

Visit Wynwood Walls

Explore vibrant street art and murals at Wynwood Walls, open 10am to 7pm.
USD12, 2h0m

12:00pm

Lunch at Coyo Taco

Casual Mexican street food spot open from 11am to 10pm, perfect for quick and tasty tacos.
USD15, 1h0m

1:30pm

Visit Perez Art Museum Miami (PAMM)

Modern and contemporary art museum overlooking Biscayne Bay; open 10am to 6pm.
USD16, 2h0m

4:00pm

Relax at Bayfront Park

Take a scenic walk and enjoy events or music at Bayfront Park along the waterfront.
Free, 1h0m

6:30pm

Dinner at Komodo Miami

Dine at Komodo offering Asian fusion dishes with a lively atmosphere. Open until 11pm.
USD60, 1h30m

Day 9: Everglades Excursion

Miami, USA on December 9, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Panther Coffee

Grab specialty coffee and light breakfast snacks at Panther Coffee, opens at 7 am.
USD15, 0h45m

8:00am

Everglades National Park Airboat Tour

Full morning tour into the Everglades with wildlife sightings and airboat rides, tours typically start at 8am, lasting about 4 hours.
USD60, 4h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at Robert Is Here

Famous produce stand and casual eatery in Florida City, open 10am-6pm, offering fresh fruit shakes and sandwiches.
USD15, 1h0m

2:00pm

Return to Miami & Rest

Return to your hotel and relax for the afternoon.
Free, 2h0m

6:30pm

Dinner at Yardbird Southern Table & Bar

Savor Southern comfort food with a modern twist, open until 10pm in Miami Beach.
USD45, 1h30m

Day 10: Day Trip to Key West

Miami to Key West, USA on December 10, 2025

6:00am

Early Breakfast at The Salty Donut

Indulge in gourmet donuts and coffee, opens at 7:00am, consider grabbing a quick bite or takeout to start early.
USD10, 0h30m

7:00am

Drive or take shuttle to Key West

Scenic 3.5-4 hour drive or shuttle trip via Overseas Highway, offering beautiful ocean views.
USD50, 4h0m

11:00am

Explore Duval Street & Mallory Square

Shop and sightsee on Duval Street, then relax at Mallory Square waterfront.
Free, 3h0m

2:00pm

Lunch at Blue Heaven

Casual island-style dining with fresh seafood and Caribbean flair, open from noon to 4pm for lunch.
USD30, 1h0m

3:30pm

Visit Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum

Tour the historic house of the famous author, open 9am to 5pm.
USD17, 1h0m

5:00pm

Return to Miami

Drive or shuttle back to Miami for evening rest.
USD50, 4h0m

Day 11: Chill & Explore Miami

Miami, USA on December 11, 2025

9:00am

Breakfast at Big Pink

Relax with a big American breakfast at the popular Big Pink diner in South Beach, open from 9am.
USD20, 1h0m

10:30am

Visit Vizcaya Museum and Gardens

Tour the beautiful estate and surrounding gardens; open 9:30am to 4:30pm.
USD25, 2h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at The Rusty Pelican

Enjoy seafood with waterfront views in Key Biscayne. Open 11:30am - 9pm.
USD40, 1h0m

2:30pm

Relax at Crandon Park Beach

Spend the afternoon at this vast and beautiful beach with calm waters and amenities.
USD5 parking, 3h0m

6:30pm

Dinner at The Local House

Enjoy casual yet refined seafood dining near South Beach, open until 11pm.
USD35, 1h30m

Day 12: Departure or Further Florida Travel

Miami, USA on December 12, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Panther Coffee

Light and fresh breakfast with excellent coffee at Panther Coffee, open from 7am.
USD15, 0h45m

9:00am

Prepare for departure or optional Florida itinerary extensions

Organize your departure or continue further travel in Florida, such as Orlando or Tampa, depending on plans.
Varies, Varies