While some East Coast residents might take for granted how many incredible cities they have within close proximity, visitors from more spread-out regions quickly take note of how many desirable destinations feel within easy reach in the Mid-Atlantic.
Whether you decide to rent a car or hop aboard an Amtrak train, we’ve come up with alluring itinerary ideas on how to enjoy the best parts of New York, Baltimore and D.C., ranging from tried-and-true favorites to brand-new additions creating plenty of buzz.
New York
Hornblower Sightseeing Cruises take guests by can’t-miss sites like the Statue of Liberty — Photo courtesy of Hornblower Sightseeing Cruises
There’s truly nowhere on earth like New York – a delightfully intense swirl of customs, cultures and languages from seemingly every pin on the map. It’s equal parts hectic and invigorating, curt and kind. The high-sensory scene is marked by dizzying bright lights and quiet dark nooks; concrete jungle chaos gets blissfully muted on lush rooftop oases around town.
Purchasing a New York CityPASS may be the best way to check out some of the most iconic attractions, ranging from the soaring Empire State Building and spellbinding Met to the beautifully sobering 9/11 Memorial & Museum. See the metropolis from new angles aboard sightseeing cruises or while meandering the public art-dotted High Line, a 1.45-mile-long elevated greenway and rail trail.
Guests soak up glorious floor-to-ceiling views at the AC Hotel New York Times Square — Photo courtesy of AC Hotel New York Times Square
In order to stay just close enough to the action (especially for Broadway buffs), make AC Hotel New York Times Square your comfortable home base (that’s also a stone’s throw from the subway). The hotel’s shared spaces feature original artwork, and guest rooms offer a quiet urban retreat marked by sleek furnishings and options like private balconies and floor-to-ceiling windows that show off captivating city views.
Grab cocktails, sangria and shareable bites downstairs at Boqueria – a Barcelona-style tapas bar that has several different locations. Don’t miss the crispy patatas bravas, blistered shishito peppers, lamb meatballs, garlic shrimp and one of the venue’s proudest offerings: 30-month-aged, hand-carved jamón ibérico.
Castell Rooftop Lounge describes its beverage menu as “evocative of the 1960s, with a bit of a ‘Mad Men’ vibe” — Photo courtesy of AC Hotel New York Times Square
However, the hotel’s most enticing asset is Castell, a sultry, year-round lounge that grants an escape high above the city buzz. Cozy up at the luxe granite bar, or head onto the verdant terrace to enjoy a martini or wine under the night sky.
For a completely different scene (and to brush up on local history), grab a nightcap at the storied side bar of Keens Steakhouse. Home to the world’s largest collection of churchwarden pipes, the venue’s Pipe Club membership roster contained more than ninety thousand names, including those of Teddy Roosevelt, Babe Ruth, Will Rogers, Grace Moore, J.P. Morgan and John Barrymore.
The Amtrak Acela Express travels at speeds of up to 150 mph — Photo courtesy of Amtrak
After enjoying your short stay in NYC (and vowing to return soon), simply stroll to Penn Station and hop on a southbound Amtrak train. Take advantage of one of the friendliest baggage policies around (two bags and two carry-ons), as you watch the East Coast scenery pass outside your window.
For a truly enjoyable ride, choose a “quiet car” business class seat on an Acela Express train.
Baltimore
Located within easy walking distance of one another, historic vessels show off Baltimore’s rich maritime history — Photo courtesy of Ken Stanek Photography / ©2012
Two hours later, you glide into Baltimore, a happening hub for seafood, enthralling American history, music of all genres and quirky claims-to-fame like Natty Boh beer, Old Bay Seasoning and “hon” culture. Each neighborhood here has a distinctive and intriguing personality of its own.
Head to the Inner Harbor to explore the buzzed-about National Aquarium, to hop aboard a “Chessie” paddle boat or water taxi, and to pay solemn tribute at the Maryland 9/11 Memorial. If in need of sightseeing sustenance, visit the Harbor Market food truck hub on Wednesdays and Fridays through mid-October; think options like salmon tacos and mini-doughnuts served alongside fried chicken.
The Baltimore Public Market System is the oldest continuously operating public market system in the country — Photo courtesy of Justin Tsucalas / Plaid Photo
To dig deeper into this important city’s past, join a Mount Vernon Cultural Walk or take a self-guided tour of the cemetery that memorializes Edgar Allan Poe. Attend a baseball game at Oriole Park at Camden Yards (consistently ranked the #1 stadium in the MLB), explore the public spaces of Mount Vernon Place, Federal Hill and Fort McHenry, and absorb invigorating exhibits on display at the American Visionary Art Museum.
Funky meets chic in the living room/lounge area of Kimpton Monaco Baltimore — Photo courtesy of Tracey Brown/Kimpton Monaco Baltimore
The central Kimpton Hotel Monaco Baltimore places guests a short stroll away from the attractions of the Inner Harbor, as well as near plenty of dining and nightlife finds. Get immediately wowed by the grand entryway staircase of this 202-room boutique hotel, and then enjoy signature Kimpton perks like imaginative decor touches, sleek bathrooms, in-room yoga mats, free PUBLIC bikes to borrow, complimentary morning coffee and tea and a hosted wine hour every evening from 5 to 6 pm.
B&O American Brasserie serves market oysters with gin mignonette and Tabasco-horseradish sorbet, among other ways — Photo courtesy of Adam Milliron/B&O American Brasserie
At mealtime, the options are endless. Enjoy fresh seafood and locally-sourced small plates at adjoining restaurant B & O American Brasserie, housed inside the former Baltimore & Ohio Railroad headquarters. Stunning architectural features have been preserved, while the space has been updated with contemporary design elements and nostalgic touches like chairs and table lamps from original B&O dining cars.
For delicious pizza (vegan too!) and friendly rounds of skee-ball, mosey to nearby HomeSlyce. To celebrate a special night on the town, savor the elegant ambiance and rich Italian flavors of Cinghiale (meaning “wild boar” in Italian).
Washington
Explore the National Mall via bike, Segway or on tours led by companies like Washington Photo Safari — Photo courtesy of washington.org
Next stop: Washington, where local riches range from gorgeous architecture and omnipresent green spaces to an abundance of free culture (found, for starters, inside the Smithsonian’s museums, gardens, galleries and top-notch zoo). Now – more than ever – the importance of getting educated inside venues like the the United States Holocaust Museum, Newseum and National Museum of African American History and Culture cannot be overstated.
Sample cuisines from around the globe at eateries that range from white-tablecloth, fine dining establishments to hole-in-the-wall cafes with loyal followings, as well as grab-and-go stands at sites like Union and Eastern markets.
The Wharf, on D.C.’s Southwest waterfront, proves a great spot to find culinary and cultural gems — Photo courtesy of washington.org
Some neighborhoods experiencing growth worthy of exploration include the entire Shaw area as well as the Navy Yard / SW Waterfront near Nationals Park and the Audi Field soccer arena. Sample local brews at bustling Bluejacket, or dive into a pre- or post-game Mexican feast at Mission.
Highlights of The Wharf include water-centric activities (kayaking, SUP), shopping (enhance your home library at Politics and Prose), and dining and drinking at standouts like Whiskey Charlie (a rooftop cocktail lounge) and Kith/Kin, where James Beard Award-winning chef Kwame Onwuachi delights guests with Afro-Caribbean-inspired creations.
And while music lovers still flock to D.C. institutions like 9:30 Club and Black Cat, this neighborhood’s The Anthem has become one of the buzziest spots for live shows.
There are few better ways to spend a summer evening than on the lawn of Vienna, Va.’s Wolf Trap — Photo courtesy of Wolf Trap National Park for the Performing Arts
Out in Virginia, seeing Filene Center shows at Wolf Trap National Park for the Performing Arts has been a staple of D.C.-area summers since 1971. Nestled among the trees of Vienna, Va., groups gather in this 117-acre park for picnics and music magic under a wide-open night sky.
And speaking of Northern Virginia discoveries, Annandale is now home to one of the region’s hippest food halls – The Block. A true gathering place for the community and themed event fun, this vibrant space showcases a variety of vendors who serve Asian-inspired delicacies from bubble tea and Vietnamese iced coffees to bowls of poke, dandan noodles, sushi burritos and banh mi sandwiches.
You’ll likely leave these cities feeling happily sated, inspired and alive – and already plotting your next East Coast return.