NYC to Washington, DC for Barbecue Battle

Washington, D.C. Walking Tour and 33rd Annual Barbecue Battle🌸 June 21, 2025

🌸Start: Union Station Arrival at 11:12 AM)

Walking Distance: ~2 miles

End: Return to Union Station by 5:30 PM for the 6:10PM train

11:30 AM- Walk to 555 Pennsylvania Ave. 1.1 miles about a 24 minute walk.

Walk to the barbecue festival. You will be on your own to explore the festival and the many free museums and monuments. If you would like to explore the National Mall, it will be a 10 minute walk from the festival to The National Air and Space Musem. It is a 0.9 mile or a 20-30 walk from the beginning of the mall to the middle at the Washington Monument. The end of the mall is located at the Lincoln Memorial which is a straight 2 mile walk from the start of the National Mall.

History & Culture Museums:

-National Museum of African American History & Culture (Timed entry recommended)

-National Museum of American History (Home to the Star-Spangled Banner and First Ladies gowns)

-National Museum of the American Indian (Cultural exhibits and indigenous foods at the Mitsitam Cafe)

-United States Holocaust Memorial Museum (Timed entry required for permanent exhibit)

Art Museums:

-Smithsonian American Art Museum (Housed in the same building as the National Portrait Gallery, a few blocks north of the Mall)

-National Portrait Gallery (Features portraits of every U.S. president)

-Freer Gallery of Art & Arthur M. Sackler Gallery (Asian art collections and the famous Peacock Room)

-Hirshhorn Museum & Sculpture Garden (Modern and contemporary art and outdoor sculptures)

Science & Nature Museums:

-National Air and Space Museum (Iconic aircraft and space artifacts; timed entry required)

-National Museum of Natural History (Home to the Hope Diamond and dinosaur fossils)
Important Notes:

-Museums and memorials are optional to explore at your own pace!

-Wear comfortable shoes and bring a camera for peak cherry blossom season!

-Timed-entry passes for the African American Museum are strongly recommended.

Public tours of the White House are available but must be requested in advance through a Member of Congress for U.S. citizens or through your embassy for international visitors. Tours are self-guided and typically available Tuesday through Saturday. Visitors must go through security screening, and photography is limited inside. If you're interested in visiting, it's recommended to submit a request at least 21 days in advance.
Plan your day your way:

https://www.si.edu/exhibitions

https://washington.org/DC-faqs-for-visitors/how-can-i-tour-white-house

5:00 PM Return to Union Station (1.5 miles, ~30-minute walk or short Uber/taxi ride)

We will all meet back at Union Station at 5:30PM sharp. You will have time to grab snacks and use the bathroom prior to our train departure at 6:10PM. Please plan to arrive on time.

Info: Our train will depart at 7:49am. Please arrive on time. We will not be able to hold the train.

Info: On e we arrive, we will have time to use the restroom before heading out to begin our journey. Or book an optional hop on hop off tour of the city!

Info: You are free to explore on your own if you will not be attending the Barbecue Battle.

Info: Start your day at the National Mall. All museums are free! From start to finish, this will be a 2 mile walk starting at the National Museum of the American Indian and ending at the Lincoln Memorial.

Info: Our journey will come to an end at 5:30pm. Please plan to arrive on time as own train back to NYC will depart at 6:10pm.

Info: Thank you for joining us!

Also check out other Arts events in Washington, Festivals in Washington, Exhibitions in Washington.