American Road Trip: The Best of the US Capital Region in 7 Days

Day 1: Smithsonian Museums & the National Mall

The National Mall is home to many magnificent monuments and institutions, including 11 of the world-renowned Smithsonian museums. All the museums are free, and you can easily spend a full day exploring them to take in artwork spanning millennia and cultures, and to learn about space exploration, dinosaurs, African American history and more.

At the National Museum of the American Indian, hear the stories of Native Americans and marvel at their innovative skills in architecture and agriculture, as well as making tools, jewellery and more. Art aficionados can admire the works of artists ranging from da Vinci to O’Keeffe to Gauguin at the  National Gallery of Art, which also puts on rotating exhibitions that showcase the works of people from different cultural backgrounds, specific artists and arts that use similar techniques.

Explore all the Smithsonian museums in Washington, DC.

Tour the majestic bronze and marble of 100-plus monuments and memorials as you explore the National Mall and Memorial Parks. Climb the nearly 900 steps of the Washington Monument or view the iconic obelisk mirrored in its reflecting pool. Learn about the presidency of Abraham Lincoln as you explore the Lincoln Memorial and Ford’s Theatre National Historic Site — the unfortunate site of his assassination. Or pay homage to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. at his memorial; the US Civil Rights Movement leader’s profile is flanked by the pale-pink blossoms of cherry trees in spring.

You’ll find no shortage of guided adventures in Washington, DC, whether you prefer to travel by foot or on a Segway, bike or bus. Check out DC tours.

Day 2: Washington, DC Neighbourhoods

America’s capital city is made up of numerous neighbourhoods, each with its own distinct personality. Here are some highlights you’ll find as you dive into DC’s charm.

U Street

Said to be the section of DC that never sleeps, U Street is the place to go for nightlife and live music. Fun fact: Jazz legend Duke Ellington was born here. Make sure to stop by Ben’s Chili Bowl to have lunch at a local institution that fed the likes of Ellington, Ella Fitzgerald, Nat King Cole and Martin Luther King, Jr. Known for their hot dogs smothered in chili (a spicy meat stew), the restaurant also offers hamburgers, sandwiches and vegetarian options.

Capitol Hill

The Capitol Hill neighbourhood is the base for America’s national government. Schedule a tour of the US Capitol to gaze at the stunning architecture of the rotunda. Visit the Library of Congress to admire a masterpiece of columns, arches and stained-glass. Or take a self-guided tour of the Supreme Court, where you can attend a lecture and see the current exhibitions when court isn’t in session. Capitol Hill is also home to the Folger Shakespeare Library, which houses the largest collection of Shakespeare memorabilia in the world.

Penn Quarter & Chinatown

Located in the city centre, this neighbourhood has a reputation for eclectic eateries. Choices here gamut from minibar by José Andrés’ MICHELIN-starred cuisine to the traditional Shanghai and Szechuan dishes of the aptly named Dumpling Hot Pot Beyond.

When you’re not eating, visit the International Spy Museum, where you can crack codes or let your group take on its own covert operation. Professional sports fans can head to Capital One Area, which serves as home court for the Washington Wizards basketball games and Washington Capitals hockey matches.

You’ll find it easy to explore using DC’s public transport, which includes a Metrorail system and bus routes.

Day 3: History, Culture & Cuisine in Frederick, Maryland, USA

The charming town of Frederick has figured prominently in three centuries of US history. As such, you’ll find no shortage of museums in the area. In fact, the area has more than 20 museums and historical sites.

Plan a visit to the National Museum of Civil War Medicine to learn about the healthcare — including surgery and nursing — provided during the American Civil War. Knowledgeable guides provide insight into the lives of German settlers at the Schifferstadt Architectural Museum — the oldest house in Frederick and home to a lush colonial kitchen garden. Pay tribute to the first canonized American saint at the National Shrine of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton.

Don’t miss the 50-block historic district, which boasts hundreds of boutiques, speciality shops, art galleries in more. And as you stroll the city centre, keep an eye out for the amazing trompe l'oeil murals throughout, including the Community Bridge Mural over Carroll Creek.

When you work up an appetite, treat yourself to regional delights at Frederick restaurants: The Tasting Room for New American fare, Sabor de Cuba or Jerk N Jive for Caribbean flavours, and B. Anderson for dishes traditional to the American South. The area is also home to nearly 40 breweries, wineries and distilleries.

Keep the historical fun going with a stay at one of Frederick’s cosy bed and breakfasts or take your pick from nearly 30 hotels.

Day 4: History, Shopping & Fine Arts in Hagerstown, Maryland, USA

Once the far west of the New World, Hagerstown is now a modern city with a vibrant arts and shopping scene. But that doesn’t mean the area doesn’t value its historic roots. Hear the town’s history at the home if its founder at the Jonathan Hager House Museum — a lovingly restored limestone property with a kitchen garden and natural spring in the basement. And just 14 miles (23 km) south, you can stroll the grounds of Antietam National Battlefield, an infamous American Civil War battle site.

Shop for gifts for family back home (or yourself) at Hagerstown Premium Outlets. With brand-name shops like Under Armour, Kate Spade, Coach and The North Face, there’s something for every type of shopper. 

Sample the area’s creative side at the Washington County Museum of Fine Arts, whose collections span the works of Old Masters, American painters and local artists. Or catch a Maryland Symphony Orchestra performance at the historical Maryland Theatre.

Day 5: Farms, Markets & Wineries in Leesburg, Virginia, USA

Immerse yourself in Virginia’s pastoral countryside in Leesburg — a city set in the agricultural gem of Loudoun County. At Temple Hall Farm Regional Park — a 300-acre working farm — you meet the animals and learn about daily farm life. Check their calendar for seasonal events, including autumn’s pumpkin patch, as well as winter closures. Find pigs, ponies, goats and other farm animals at Leesburg Animal Park, along with camels, lemurs, sloths and other critters.

While in town, make sure to sample the area’s finest fresh produce and locally made goods at the year-round Leesburg Farmers’ Market. You’ll also find more than 50 wineries in Loudoun County, so you can enjoy your merlots and chardonnays along with the gentle swells of the surrounding landscape.   

Day 6: George Washington’s Life & Historical Sites in Fredericksburg, Virginia, USA

Fredericksburg is home to an abundance of Colonial American history and was the boyhood home of George Washington, America’s first president. George Washington’s Ferry Farm offers guided tours that explore the life of the Washington family and the enslaved people who lived on and worked the property.

Historic Kenmore, a mansion and former plantation that belonged to Washington’s sister, find hands-on activities for children, an interpretive tour and self-guided explorations of the grounds and gardens. Other historical must-visits include the Hugh Mercer Apothecary Shop and Rising Sun Tavern (once the family home of Washington’s brother).

Day 7: Adventures Near Washington Dulles International Airport, Virginia, USA

In addition to offering non-stop flights to destinations around the world, Dulles Airport is within easy reach of numerous attractions. Pick up last-minute gifts at the Leesburg Premium Outlets, whose 100-plus shops boast deals on Burberry, Armani, Steve Madden and more.

You can also continue your deep dive into presidential history at George Washington’s Mount Vernon, where you can tour the estate, dine at the on-site restaurant and sample whiskey (tastings available seasonally).

Or bring your adventure full circle and finish just as you started — touring the wonders of the Smithsonian museums. At the Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center, you can marvel at aviation and aerospace artefacts, like the Space Shuttle Discovery and the Enola Gay Boeing B-29 Superfortress bomber.  

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