Washington, D.C. Day 4 – The U.S. Capitol & Union Station

June 11, 2026

Our final day in Washington, D.C. took us to one of the places I had been looking forward to the most—the U.S. Capitol.

Unfortunately, this was the one stop on our trip that didn’t quite live up to our expectations. We had reserved a tour, but with hundreds of school groups visiting that day, it was incredibly crowded. Instead of being able to take our time and really appreciate the history and architecture, we often found ourselves simply moving along with the crowd.

That said, it wasn’t a wasted visit.

Sometimes travel teaches you just as much about how to plan your next trip as it does about the destination itself. If you’re planning a visit to Washington, I would encourage you to check school schedules and seasonal events before booking your tours. If possible, reserve your Capitol tour well in advance and consider a private guided tour if you prefer a more relaxed, in-depth experience. It’s something we’ll definitely do the next time we’re here.
After leaving the Capitol, we made our way to Union Station, and once again Washington surprised us.

From the outside, it’s an impressive building. Step inside, though, and it’s a completely different experience. The soaring ceilings, marble details, and grand architecture immediately caught our attention. Throughout our week in Washington, one thing became clear—the interiors of these historic buildings are every bit as breathtaking as the monuments and memorials outside.

As our time in Washington came to an end, we found ourselves talking about all the places we’d seen, the miles we’d walked, and everything we’d learned along the way.

We experienced moving memorials, witnessed the precision of Arlington National Cemetery, explored museums and monuments, and discovered that even the places that don’t go exactly as planned can become memorable parts of the journey.

Washington, D.C. exceeded our expectations in more ways than one.

It reminded us that history isn’t just something you read about in a textbook—it’s something you can stand beside, walk through, and experience for yourself.
Without a doubt, this city has earned a permanent spot on our “we’ll be back” list. Next time we’ll come with a little more knowledge, a few better plans, and just as much excitement to see what we missed the first time around.

Until then…Washington, thank you for the memories.

(click pic for larger version)