Washington DC — Travelrags

Condé Nast TravelerSep 2, 2026

Planning a Fall Foliage Trip? Book These Amtrak Routes

Each journey offers scenic and convenient access to premier leaf peeping destinations in the US and Canada.

20 things in this story

AmtrakPlaceRail service with routes across US and Canada
VermonterPlaceAmtrak train route from Washington DC to St. Albans, VT
Elsewhere
California ZephyrPlaceChicago, United StatesAmtrak train route from Chicago to Emeryville, CA
Millennium ParkParkGrand Rapids, United States1,500-acre park with 18 miles of treelined trails
Dells of the Wisconsin River State Natural AreaNature reserveWisconsin Dells, United StatesArea with trees, cliffs, canyons, and rock formations
Smoky MountainsMotelGatlinburg, United StatesArea with a fall foliage map for predictions
Farmer’s AlmanacPlaceNew York, United StatesSee probable peak fall color dates for every US state, from early October through early November, plus top leaf-peeping…
Fort Dummer State ParkTrailBattleboro, United StatesPark with hiking trails and overlooks near Battleboro
Pere MarquettePlaceChicago, United StatesAmtrak train route from Chicago to Grand Rapids, MI
Blanford Nature CenterTrailGrand Rapids, United StatesNature center with walking trails through old-growth forest
Calvin Ecosystem Preserve and Native GardensTrailGrand Rapids, United StatesPreserve with scenic trails through forests and wetlands
Robinette’s Apple Haus and WineryRestaurantGrand Rapids, United StatesOrchard for apple picking and winery
The Leonard at Logan HouseHotelGrand Rapids, United StatesHistoric bed and breakfast built in 1914
Empire BuilderPlaceChicago, United StatesAmtrak train route from Chicago to Seattle
River WalkTrailWisconsin Dells, United StatesScenic walk along the water in Wisconsin Dells
Sundara Inn & SpaHotelWisconsin Dells, United StatesDestination spa in the Midwest with various treatments
Lake TahoeHotelTruckee, United StatesRegion with colorful foliage and outdoor activities
Hyatt Regency Lake TahoeHotelTruckee, United StatesResort and spa on Lake Tahoe
DowneasterPlaceBoston, United StatesAmtrak train route from Boston to Brunswick, ME
Peaks IslandNeighborhoodPortland, United StatesIsland in Casco Bay accessible by ferry

Read the full piece at Condé Nast Traveler →

nytimes.com

The New York TimesSep 2

An East Coast Summer Vacation, All by Public Transportation

A self-described transit romantic set out to visit prime summer destinations using only public transportation. Would getting there really be half the fun?

National GeographicAug 14

This National Park Will Let You Spend the Night in a 200-Year-Old Lockhouse

Hugging the Potomac from D.C. to the Appalachian foothills, the C&O Canal is best experienced by bicycle and capped off with a night in a historic lockhouse.

21 things in this story

C&O CanalTrailWashington, United States184.5-mile towpath trail from D.C. to Cumberland, Maryland
Potomac RiverSightWashington, United Stateswater-powered commerce channel dreamed of in the 1770s
Chesapeake & Ohio Canal National Historical ParkParkWashington, United States150-mile towpath trail from Georgetown to the Ohio River
Great Allegheny PassageTrailWashington, United Statesbike trail that picks up where the C&O towpath ends
Wheelzup AdventuresPlaceCumberland, United Statesbike outfitter located along the towpath in Cumberland
Locals Farm MarketRestaurantPoolesville, United Statesoffers a mouthwatering lunch in Poolesville
Brunswick Heritage MuseumMuseumBrunswick, United Statesfeatures an impressive model railroad floor
Railroad View ParkParkBrunswick, United Statestwo-story observation deck where B&O workers once overlooked the train yard
Beans in the BelfryCaféBrunswick, United Statesoffers live music
O’Hurley’s General StoreMarketShepherdstown, United States100-year-old store with weekly old-time music circles
Alma BeaRestaurantShepherdstown, United StatesAppalachian bistro led by a James Beard-nominated chef
AntietamSightSharpsburg, United Statessite of one of the Civil War’s bloodiest battles
Cushwa BasinSightWilliamsport, United Statesspot canal infrastructure like a lockhouse and turning basin
Paw Paw TunnelSightPaw Paw, United Stateshalf-mile-long, nearly pitch-black tunnel to walk bicycles through
DelFestFestivalCumberland, United Stateslongstanding bluegrass festival in Cumberland
The Wills HotelHotelCumberland, United States20-room boutique stay on Baltimore Street
Canal Quarters ProgramPlaceWashington, United Stateshistoric lockhouses available for overnight stays
Lockhouse 22HotelWashington, United Statesnicknamed 'Pennyfield', evokes the canal's earliest days
Swains LockHotelWashington, United StatesLockhouse 21, reflects a modern take on the 1920s
Lockhouse 6HotelWashington, United Statesaka 'Brookmont', styled like the 1950s
Lockhouse 49HotelWashington, United Stateshas 'half amenities' like an outdoor water pump

Read the full piece at National Geographic →

Lonely PlanetAug 10

The 11 best museums in Washington, DC

With so many museums to visit (for free!), you could spend your entire trip on the National Mall.

25 things in this story

National Gallery of ArtMuseumMassive two-building art collection.
The National MallHotelEasy to lose a full day to the museums.
Smithsonian Institution BuildingSightViewed across the Enid A. Haupt Garden on the National Mall.
Smithsonian InstitutionMuseumMultiple museums, gratis theater and concerts.
White HouseSightJaunts through the White House.
CapitolSightJaunts through the Capitol.
National Museum of African American History & CultureMuseumOnly museum dedicated to African American culture and history.
Air and Space MuseumMuseumHolds the largest collection of aviation and space artifacts.
Lincoln MemorialParkMain row of sights.
Sweet Home CaféFast foodServes regional African American dishes.
West BuildingMuseumExhibits primarily European works from the Middle Ages.
East BuildingMuseumHolds modern and contemporary art.
MultiverseSightTrippy, twinkling, moving sidewalk connecting two buildings.
Cascade CafeCaféBuzzes with patrons at the walkway's west end.
National Air and Space MuseumMuseumOne of the most visited museums in the world.
Steven F Udvar-Hazy CenterMuseumLocation for nighttime stargazing sessions.
Holocaust museumMuseumGives visitors the identity card of a single Holocaust victim.
Hall of WitnessSightSkylight in the Hall of Witness.
Wexner CenterMuseumFeatures exhibits on other genocides around the world.
Reynolds CenterArts centreHouses the Smithsonian American Art Museum.
Smithsonian American Art MuseumMuseumExtensive collection of American artwork.
National Portrait GalleryMuseumPermanent exhibit of portraits of notable Americans.
Experience America galleryMuseumHangs blockbusters such as Edward Hopper's Cape Cod Morning.
America's Presidents galleryMuseumGives due to 44 past heads of state.
US Patent Office buildingSightNeoclassical beauty that hosted Lincoln's second inaugural ball.

Read the full piece at Lonely Planet →

Lonely PlanetJul 30

The USA's Top 10 Shoulder Season Destinations

Cool mornings, fewer crowds and lower prices make shoulder season an ideal time to explore these 10 fantastic locations in the United States.

25 things in this story

Needles HighwayTrailCuster State Park, United Statesfamed for its granite spires and narrow tunnels
Saguaro National ParkTrailTucson, United Statesfeatures cactus-studded trails like the Valley View Trail
Mount RushmoreSightRapid City, United Statesmarked its 100th anniversary in 2025
Wildlife LoopAirportCuster State Park, United Statesdrive for bison, pronghorn and wild burros
Badlands National ParkSightRapid City, United Statesoffers dramatic landscapes all along the 39-mile Loop Road
Main StreetNeighborhoodRapid City, United Statesstroll for life-size bronze statues of past presidents
Art AlleyNeighborhoodRapid City, United Stateswander for graffiti-style murals
Dinosaur ParkParkRapid City, United Statesseven super-size concrete dinos watched over the city
Firehouse Brewing CompanyPubRapid City, United Statesoldest brewery in South Dakota
Dane County Farmers’ MarketMarketMadison, United Statesoffering local produce, farm-fresh eggs, cheese curds
Wisconsin State CapitolSightMadison, United Statesarchitecturally stunning, features a 360-degree observation deck
Olbrich Botanical GardensGardenMadison, United Statesinvites peaceful strolls, enhanced by outdoor art exhibit
GLEAMPlaceMadison, United Statesoutdoor art exhibit featuring large-scale light installations
Capital City State TrailTrailMadison, United Statescycle for scenic farmland and lakeside views
TaliesinNature reserveSpring Green, United StatesFrank Lloyd Wright's home, an important stop on his trail
Frank Lloyd Wright TrailTrailMadison, United Statesincludes Taliesin and Madison's Monona Terrace
Monona TerraceSightMadison, United Statespart of the Frank Lloyd Wright Trail
Tornado Steak HouseRestaurantMadison, United Statessupper club vibes and hearty chops
Arizona-Sonora Desert MuseumZooTucson, United States98-acre zoo, botanical garden and natural history museum
Valley View TrailTrailSaguaro National Park, United Stateswinds through saguaros, prickly pear and teddy bear cholla
Pima Air & Space MuseumMuseumTucson, United Statesget close to historic aircraft
San Xavier Del Bac MissionSightTucson, United Statesbeautifully preserved Spanish colonial mission
Tucson Bike ToursPlaceTucson, United Statesbook for taco tour, sample Sonoran hot dog
Burns Basin OverlookSightBadlands National Park, United States
Pinnacles OverlookSightBadlands National Park, United States

Read the full piece at Lonely Planet →

Lonely PlanetJul 30

7 of the best places in the US to visit in the fall

There

25 things in this story

Grand Teton National ParkSightJackson, United Statesoffers big mountain west views, explosion of golds and oranges
Schwabacher LandingSightGrand Teton National Park, United Statessnap photo of the range or spot moose and elk
YellowstoneSightJackson, United Statespanoramic autumn views of scenic valleys without crowds
Nora’s Fish Creek InnRestaurantJackson, United Stateshearty breakfast
Snake River BrewingRestaurantJackson, United Stateslunch spot
Teton TigerRestaurantJackson, United Statesdinner and drinks
Triangle X RanchHotelJackson, United Statescozy autumn accommodation with mountain flair
Tahoe Rim TrailTrailLake Tahoe, United Stateshike some of the trail
Hope ValleyPlace of worshipLake Tahoe, United Statesmore foliage-related extravagance
Piping Rock StablesPlaceLake Tahoe, United Statestrail ride through the Sierra Nevada wilderness
FreshiesRestaurantSouth Lake Tahoe, United Statesveggie-oriented dishes
Base CampRestaurantSouth Lake Tahoe, United Statespizza
Himmel HausRestaurantSouth Lake Tahoe, United StatesGerman eats
Old Post Office CafeRestaurantIncline Village, United Statesbreakfast or lunch
Old Range SteakhouseRestaurantIncline Village, United Statesdive into some protein
Cedar Glen LodgeHotelIncline Village, United Statesrustic standouts on the north side
Incline LodgeHotelIncline Village, United Statesboutique standouts on the north side
Coachman HotelHotelSouth Lake Tahoe, United StatesMore flexible cancellation and rescheduling policies.
Rock CitySightChattanooga, United Statesold-school tourism vibes
Ruby FallsAttractionChattanooga, United Stateswaterfall within Lookout Mountain
Hunter Museum of ArtMuseumChattanooga, United Statesspend hours here for contemporary art
Tennessee AquariumAquariumChattanooga, United StatesRiver exhibit explores river environments
Main Street MeatsRestaurantChattanooga, United Stateswows with decadent sandwiches and potato salad
CalliopeRestaurantChattanooga, United Statesmodern Levantine spot with beautiful drinks
Jeffrey HotelHotelSouth Lake Tahoe, United States

Read the full piece at Lonely Planet →

Atlas ObscuraJul 22

Suns Cinema in Washington, D.C.

Set on one of the best streets in Washington, DC, this neighborhood gem has the perfect mix of an impressive film selection and delicious cocktails. Affordable tickets to see a big variety of movies screened almost daily make this spot worth visiting. Independently run, the owner David Cabrera shows films he likes that range in topic, format, and style. The place is decorated with some nods to…

1 sight in this story

Suns CinemaSightDecorated with movie nods like zebra and flamingo wallpaper.

Read the full piece at Atlas Obscura →

Atlas ObscuraApr 10

These Historic D.C. Spots Tell America’s Story

This year, the United States celebrates a major milestone: 250 years since the Declaration of Independence was signed and America became an independent nation. The country’s Semiquincentennial is an important time to reflect on the people, ideals, and events that have shaped it, as well as what the future holds. And what better place to celebrate the U.S. than its capital city? D.C. is home to…

18 things in this story

U.S. National ArboretumParkTry our interactive map and living plant database search, and plant browser, the Arboretum Botanical Explorer (ABE),…
National Herb GardenGardenExtensive collection tracing herbs' roles in culture and history.
USS MainePlaceFour ships of the United States Navy have borne the name USS Maine, named for the 23rd state:USS Maine (ACR-1), was a…
Arlington National CemeterySightMore than 400,000 people are buried in its 639 acres in Arlington County, Virginia.
Frederick Douglass’s GrowlerySightReconstruction of reformer's favorite place to read and write.
Zero MilestoneSightMarker intended to show highway distance measurement origin.
Statue of General Comte de RochambeauSightErected to affirm positive Franco-American relations.
Peirce Mill Spy StationSightAttic space used for intelligence officers during Cold War.
Art BarnSightAlternative art collective on ground floor of Peirce Mill.
Douglass’s Cedar Hill homeSight
Herb Society of AmericaPlace
Lafayette ParkSight
President Theodore RooseveltPlace
Rochambeau statueSight
Cedar HillSight
USS Maine mastSight
MilestoneSight
USS Maine Memorial (Mast of the Maine)Sight

Read the full piece at Atlas Obscura →

Condé Nast TravelerDec 19, 2025

23 Best Hotels in Washington, DC, the Nation's Vibrant Capital

Where to stay in the home of presidents and presidential suites.

24 things in this story

Willard InterContinentalHotel200-year-old landmark hotel
Hay-AdamsHotelExperience staying at The Hay-Adams, one of the finest luxury hotels in Washington DC, offering elegant accommodation…
The JeffersonHotelIt has also been known as The Jefferson Hotel.
WatergateHotelOn June 17, 1972, operatives associated with Nixon's 1972 re-election campaign were caught burglarizing and planting…
The WharfNeighborhoodmodern high-rise downtown or sleek space overlooking Potomac
Riggs Washington DCHotelhistoric bank in Penn Quarter with buzzy cafe
InterContinental Washington DC - The Wharf, an IHG HotelHoteloverlooks the Potomac River from balconies
Viceroy Washington DCHotelsleek residential feel, larger guest rooms
Kimpton BannekerHotelgallery-like space with art from Smithsonian makers
Waldorf Astoria Washington DCHotelluxury hotel with historic architecture
Peacock AlleyRestaurantsee and be seen spot, order namesake cocktail
Pendry Washington DC – The WharfHotelmodern architecture plays off riverfront location
Mercy MeRestaurantlobby restaurant, serves Brazilian coffee-espresso martinis
Yours Truly DCHotellobby transitions to restaurant Mercy Me
InterContinental The Willard Washington DC, an IHG HotelHotelhistoric hotel unveiled restoration in 2018
Rosewood Washington, DCHotelintimate feel with 49 rooms and suites
Conrad Washington, DCHotelflagship property with streamlined, contemporary decor
Ria MontesRestaurantdestination dining at Conrad Washington, DC
Eaton DCHotelactivist hotel with new-age wellness approach
The Watergate HotelHotelrestored in 2016, favorite among politicians and vacationers
The Dupont CircleHoteltraditional Irish hospitality, world-class dining
The PembrokeRestaurantworld-class dining at The Dupont Circle
The WaldorfPlacecocktail at Peacock Alley
Café du ParcCaféoffers a private dining room overlooking the lobby

Read the full piece at Condé Nast Traveler →

Condé Nast TravelerSep 13, 2025

The Soulful Lebanese Restaurants That Bring Together DC's Immigrant Community

Since the 1970s, Lebanese immigrants in the DC area have used food—pillowy pita, tender grape leaves, smoky babaghanoush—to create a sense of home.

12 things in this story

The WharfNeighborhoodwaterfront DC neighborhood
MaydānRestaurantfirst Middle Eastern restaurant to earn a Michelin star
Lebanese TavernaRestaurantfirst on the scene in Arlington, opened in 1979
LebTavRestaurantfast-casual concept, one inside the Pentagon food court
Lebanese Taverna MarketMarketlocated in Arlington
ZaytinyaRestauranteastern Mediterranean mezze eatery in DC’s Penn Quarter
ililiRestaurantstylish Lebanese restaurant, second location at The Wharf
NeylaRestaurantpopular Lebanese restaurant in Georgetown
Kirby ClubPlacesocial club founded in 1933, reopened as NAJA
NAJARestaurantreopened space, named for grandmother Najah
Villa YaraRestaurantopened in 2023 in a renovated Georgetown townhouse
Iskandar Restaurant GroupPlace

Read the full piece at Condé Nast Traveler →

The New York TimesAug 5, 2025

Restaurant Review: Kwame Onwuachi’s Dōgon in Washington D.C.

Dōgon is bigger and more polished than its New York cousin, and every bit as ambitious.

The GuardianMar 16, 2024

A local’s travel guide to Washington DC: what to eat, see and do in three days

Top sights in Washington include Capitol Hill Books, the Black Cat music venue and a top-rated Filipino restaurant From phone chargers to podcasts, the best road trip accessories make the miles fly by People love to be rude about Washington DC because it’s full of so many politicians, feds, and consultants who wear fleece vests and don’t take off their work lanyards when they leave the office.…

18 things in this story

Zorba’s CafeCaféGreek restaurant off Dupont Circle, family favorite.
Phillips CollectionMuseumPrivate museum with extensive impressionist work.
GoodWoodPlaceShop GoodWood for modern furniture, original artwork, rugs, textiles, and home decor.
Keren RestaurantCaféAdams Morgan staple for Ethiopian and Eritrean food.
Black CatNightclubMusic venue, good for a first date.
Hillwood EstateMuseumFormer home of Marjorie Merriweather Post, collector of Russian art.
Capitol Hill BooksSightShabby, warm, overstuffed shop for browsing after brunch.
Smithsonian museumsMuseumFree museums with good, cheap food nearby.
National Gallery of ArtMuseumWander around staring at gorgeous paintings.
Vace Italian DelicatessenDeliPerfect Italian deli on Connecticut Avenue.
Rock Creek ParkNature reserveGreen, tranquil escape for a long walk.
Purple PatchRestaurantFilipino-American establishment with a bright, cozy atmosphere.
AmbarRestaurantBalkan restaurant on Capitol Hill with unlimited brunch.
Diamond Teague ParkParkGreat place to stroll along the Anacostia River.
Salt LineRestaurantOyster bar right in front of Nationals Park.
Trusty’s Full-ServeRestaurantFavorite dive bar, good for drinks and board games.
The National MallHotelBeautiful, lined by free museums and monuments.
Delorean 88 VintagePlace

Read the full piece at The Guardian →