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Boston: Looking towards the harbor from the Pru's observation deck
Photo: Emmanuel Huybrechts from Laval, Canada · CC BY 2.0 · Wikimedia Commons
Destination template · 12 days

Boston & Washington DC in 12 days

5 sightseeing days in Boston, a dedicated relocation day, then 6 days in Washington DC. Includes The Museum of Fine Arts and National Air and Space Museum, with guide-listed dining suggestions.

Adapted from community travel guides · Researched Sources & notes

The stops are drawn from the guides below; daily order, times and durations are our suggested adaptation. Available map pins are approximate, not provider-verified; missing coordinates remain unset. Prices are left unknown; check tickets, opening hours and transport before booking.

Route data adapted from Wikivoyage contributors, with our own selection and suggested timing; shared under CC BY-SA 4.0. Source pages link to contributor histories. This is an editorial multi-day schedule; the source community has not rated this itinerary.

  • Stay in Boston for the first 5 sightseeing days; move to Washington DC on day 6, then stay for 6 sightseeing days. Book accommodation in both bases rather than returning each night.
  • The 632 km figure is approximate straight-line separation, not transit distance. The relocation day reserves room for travel and check-in without promising a direct service or a same-day connection. Verify the journey before booking this two-base plan.
  • City visits and restaurants are adapted from the linked retained community-guide material, not newly verified opening hours, live menus or first-hand visits. Suggested times are editable planning blocks. Check closures, reservations, accessibility and dietary needs.
  • Cover photo shows the first city. Original source and photo credits remain attached. Adapted community route selections retain CC BY-SA 4.0 attribution; source research dates remain in the individual stop and dining notes.
6 local dining picks added to this itineraryDining sources

These picks have positive travel-guide coverage or a named professional recommendation; they are not live customer ratings. Suggested times are not reservations. Confirm service days, dietary needs and prices. Other days remain open for your own food discoveries.

  • Day 1 · Cafe Polonia — Restaurant meal; ask about house specialties. Community guide highlights this restaurant’s food or dining experience positively. Wikivoyage contributors ↗
  • Day 2 · The Black Rose — Restaurant meal; ask about house specialties. Community guide highlights this restaurant’s local popularity. Wikivoyage contributors ↗
  • Day 3 · Dolce Vita Ristorante — Restaurant meal; ask about house specialties. Community guide highlights this restaurant’s food or dining experience positively. Wikivoyage contributors ↗
  • Day 7 · Lalibela — Restaurant meal; ask about house specialties. Community guide highlights this restaurant’s local popularity. Wikivoyage contributors ↗
  • Day 8 · Le Diplomate — Restaurant meal; ask about house specialties. Community guide highlights this restaurant’s local popularity. Wikivoyage contributors ↗
  • Day 9 · Komi — Seafood. Community guide highlights this restaurant’s food or dining experience positively. Wikivoyage contributors ↗

Sources checked 2026-10-30. Community-guide dining data is adapted from Wikivoyage contributors under CC BY-SA 4.0; source pages link to contributor histories.

Boston & Washington DC itinerary: 12 days at a glance

Review the original daily plan before editing below. Times and durations are suggested planning blocks; dining stops are not reservations. Your personal edits appear in the editor and downloads.

Day 1: Boston: The Museum of Fine Arts & Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum

  • · The Museum of Fine Arts · 120 min
  • · Transfer to Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum · 30 min
  • · Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum · 120 min
  • · Dinner: Cafe Polonia (Restaurant meal; ask about house specialties) · 75 min

Day 2: Boston: Boston Common & The Boston Public Garden

  • · Boston Common · 75 min
  • · Transfer to The Boston Public Garden · 30 min
  • · The Boston Public Garden · 120 min
  • · Dinner: The Black Rose (Restaurant meal; ask about house specialties) · 75 min

Day 3: Boston: Museum of Science & West End Museum

  • · Museum of Science · 120 min
  • · Transfer to West End Museum · 30 min
  • · West End Museum · 120 min
  • · Dinner: Dolce Vita Ristorante (Restaurant meal; ask about house specialties) · 75 min

Day 4: Boston: Panopticon Gallery & Massachusetts Historical Society

  • · Panopticon Gallery · 120 min
  • · Transfer to Massachusetts Historical Society · 30 min
  • · Massachusetts Historical Society · 75 min

Day 5: Boston: USS Constitution Museum & Lo Presti Park

  • · USS Constitution Museum · 120 min
  • · Transfer to Lo Presti Park · 30 min
  • · Lo Presti Park · 120 min

Day 6: Boston → Washington DC: travel and check-in

  • · Relocate: Boston → Washington DC · 600 min

Day 7: Washington DC: National Air and Space Museum & Hirshhorn Museum & Sculpture Garden

  • · National Air and Space Museum · 120 min
  • · Transfer to Hirshhorn Museum & Sculpture Garden · 30 min
  • · Hirshhorn Museum & Sculpture Garden · 120 min
  • · Dinner: Lalibela (Restaurant meal; ask about house specialties) · 75 min

Day 8: Washington DC: National Museum of Natural History & National Gallery of Art

  • · National Museum of Natural History · 120 min
  • · Transfer to National Gallery of Art · 30 min
  • · National Gallery of Art · 120 min
  • · Dinner: Le Diplomate (Restaurant meal; ask about house specialties) · 75 min

Day 9: Washington DC: Lincoln Memorial & National World War II Memorial

  • · Lincoln Memorial · 75 min
  • · Transfer to National World War II Memorial · 30 min
  • · National World War II Memorial · 75 min
  • · Dinner: Komi (Seafood) · 75 min

Day 10: Washington DC: National Museum of the American Indian & United States Botanic Garden

  • · National Museum of the American Indian · 120 min
  • · Transfer to United States Botanic Garden · 30 min
  • · United States Botanic Garden · 120 min

Day 11: Washington DC: Capital Jewish Museum & National Postal Museum

  • · Capital Jewish Museum · 120 min
  • · Transfer to National Postal Museum · 30 min
  • · National Postal Museum · 120 min

Day 12: Washington DC: National Portrait Gallery & Smithsonian American Art Museum

  • · National Portrait Gallery · 120 min
  • · Transfer to Smithsonian American Art Museum · 30 min
  • · Smithsonian American Art Museum · 120 min

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Day 1
  • 09:30120m
    465 Huntington Ave

    Check admission, timed-entry availability and the current exhibition or visitor route. Approximate map pin; confirm the entrance. Source: Wikivoyage contributors, https://en.wikivoyage.org/wiki/Boston/Fenway-Kenmore (CC BY-SA 4.0). Selection and timing adapted; route data shared under CC BY-SA 4.0.

  • 12:0030m
    Boston

    Estimated transfer allowance between visits (0.39 km straight-line distance, not road distance). Check walking, transit, ferry or taxi options before travelling; allow a meal break before the 15:00 visit.

  • 15:00120m
    25 Evans Way

    Check admission, timed-entry availability and the current exhibition or visitor route. Approximate map pin; confirm the entrance. Source: Wikivoyage contributors, https://en.wikivoyage.org/wiki/Boston/Fenway-Kenmore (CC BY-SA 4.0). Selection and timing adapted; route data shared under CC BY-SA 4.0.

  • 18:0075m
    Dining
    611 Dorchester Ave

    Restaurant meal; ask about house specialties. Community guide highlights this restaurant’s food or dining experience positively. Suggested dining time, not a booking. Confirm service days, availability, dietary needs and current menu prices before travelling. Guide-listed service: Mon-Thu 11AM-9PM, Fri 11AM-10PM, Sat 10AM-10PM, Sun 10AM-9PM. Recheck with the restaurant. About 3.6 km straight-line from the preceding stop; allow transit or taxi time as needed, not a measured walking route. Approximate map pin; confirm the entrance. Dining source: Wikivoyage contributors, https://en.wikivoyage.org/wiki/Boston/South_Boston (checked 2026-10-30). Guide recommendations are not live customer star ratings. Wikivoyage revision 5395678; selection and timing adapted under CC BY-SA 4.0.

Day 2
  • 09:3075m
    139 Tremont St

    Use this as a flexible sightseeing stop; check current visitor access before setting dates. Approximate map pin; confirm the entrance. Source: Wikivoyage contributors, https://en.wikivoyage.org/wiki/Boston/Back_Bay-Beacon_Hill (CC BY-SA 4.0). Selection and timing adapted; route data shared under CC BY-SA 4.0.

  • 12:0030m
    Boston

    Estimated transfer allowance between visits (0.37 km straight-line distance, not road distance). Check walking, transit, ferry or taxi options before travelling; allow a meal break before the 15:00 visit.

  • 15:00120m
    4 Charles St

    Check weather and access conditions; arrange any required ferry or return transport separately. Approximate map pin; confirm the entrance. Source: Wikivoyage contributors, https://en.wikivoyage.org/wiki/Boston/Back_Bay-Beacon_Hill (CC BY-SA 4.0). Selection and timing adapted; route data shared under CC BY-SA 4.0.

  • 18:0075m
    Dining
    160 State St

    Restaurant meal; ask about house specialties. Community guide highlights this restaurant’s local popularity. Suggested dining time, not a booking. Confirm service days, availability, dietary needs and current menu prices before travelling. Guide-listed service: 9AM-2AM daily. Recheck with the restaurant. About 1.5 km straight-line from the preceding stop; allow transit or taxi time as needed, not a measured walking route. Approximate map pin; confirm the entrance. Dining source: Wikivoyage contributors, https://en.wikivoyage.org/wiki/Boston/Downtown (checked 2026-10-30). Guide recommendations are not live customer star ratings. Wikivoyage revision 5395672; selection and timing adapted under CC BY-SA 4.0.

Day 3
  • 09:30120m
    1 Science Park

    Check admission, timed-entry availability and the current exhibition or visitor route. Approximate map pin; confirm the entrance. Source: Wikivoyage contributors, https://en.wikivoyage.org/wiki/Boston/North_End (CC BY-SA 4.0). Selection and timing adapted; route data shared under CC BY-SA 4.0.

  • 12:0030m
    Boston

    Estimated transfer allowance between visits (0.66 km straight-line distance, not road distance). Check walking, transit, ferry or taxi options before travelling; allow a meal break before the 15:00 visit.

  • 15:00120m
    150 Staniford St

    Check admission, timed-entry availability and the current exhibition or visitor route. Approximate map pin; confirm the entrance. Source: Wikivoyage contributors, https://en.wikivoyage.org/wiki/Boston/North_End (CC BY-SA 4.0). Selection and timing adapted; route data shared under CC BY-SA 4.0.

  • 18:0075m
    Dining
    221 Hanover St

    Restaurant meal; ask about house specialties. Community guide highlights this restaurant’s food or dining experience positively. Suggested dining time, not a booking. Confirm service days, availability, dietary needs and current menu prices before travelling. Guide-listed service: Mon-Wed 4PM-10PM, Thu-Sun 1PM-10PM. Recheck with the restaurant. About 0.8 km straight-line from the preceding stop; allow transit or taxi time as needed, not a measured walking route. Approximate map pin; confirm the entrance. Dining source: Wikivoyage contributors, https://en.wikivoyage.org/wiki/Boston/North_End (checked 2026-10-30). Guide recommendations are not live customer star ratings. Wikivoyage revision 5395676; selection and timing adapted under CC BY-SA 4.0.

Day 4
  • 09:30120m
    502c Commonwealth Ave

    Check admission, timed-entry availability and the current exhibition or visitor route. Approximate map pin; confirm the entrance. Source: Wikivoyage contributors, https://en.wikivoyage.org/wiki/Boston/Fenway-Kenmore (CC BY-SA 4.0). Selection and timing adapted; route data shared under CC BY-SA 4.0.

  • 12:0030m
    Boston

    Estimated transfer allowance between visits (0.47 km straight-line distance, not road distance). Check walking, transit, ferry or taxi options before travelling; allow a meal break before the 15:00 visit.

  • 15:0075m
    1154 Boylston Street

    Use this as a flexible sightseeing stop; check current visitor access before setting dates. Approximate map pin; confirm the entrance. Source: Wikivoyage contributors, https://en.wikivoyage.org/wiki/Boston/Fenway-Kenmore (CC BY-SA 4.0). Selection and timing adapted; route data shared under CC BY-SA 4.0.

Day 5
  • 09:30120m
    Charlestown Navy Yard

    Check admission, timed-entry availability and the current exhibition or visitor route. Approximate map pin; confirm the entrance. Source: Wikivoyage contributors, https://en.wikivoyage.org/wiki/Boston/Charlestown (CC BY-SA 4.0). Selection and timing adapted; route data shared under CC BY-SA 4.0.

  • 12:0030m
    Boston

    Estimated transfer allowance between visits (1.06 km straight-line distance, not road distance). Check walking, transit, ferry or taxi options before travelling; allow a meal break before the 15:00 visit.

  • 15:00120m
    Summer and New streets

    Check weather and access conditions; arrange any required ferry or return transport separately. Approximate map pin; confirm the entrance. Source: Wikivoyage contributors, https://en.wikivoyage.org/wiki/Boston/East_Boston (CC BY-SA 4.0). Selection and timing adapted; route data shared under CC BY-SA 4.0.

Day 6
  • 08:00600m
    Boston → Washington DC

    Dedicated relocation day from Boston to Washington DC; no transport is booked. The city centres are approximately 632 km apart in a straight line, not a measured road or rail route. Choose and book a suitable flight, train, bus or ferry; confirm operating days, total door-to-door time, luggage rules and arrival before making reservations. This full-day block is reserved time, not a timetable. Move the following day if your journey needs longer.

Day 7
  • 09:30120m
    Washington DC

    Check admission, timed-entry availability and the current exhibition or visitor route. Approximate map pin; confirm the entrance. Source: Wikivoyage contributors, https://en.wikivoyage.org/wiki/Washington%2C_D.C./National_Mall (CC BY-SA 4.0). Selection and timing adapted; route data shared under CC BY-SA 4.0.

  • 12:0030m
    Washington DC

    Estimated transfer allowance between visits (0.26 km straight-line distance, not road distance). Check walking, transit, ferry or taxi options before travelling; allow a meal break before the 15:00 visit.

  • 15:00120m
    Washington DC

    Check admission, timed-entry availability and the current exhibition or visitor route. Approximate map pin; confirm the entrance. Source: Wikivoyage contributors, https://en.wikivoyage.org/wiki/Washington%2C_D.C./National_Mall (CC BY-SA 4.0). Selection and timing adapted; route data shared under CC BY-SA 4.0.

  • 18:0075m
    Dining
    1608 7th St NW

    Restaurant meal; ask about house specialties. Community guide highlights this restaurant’s local popularity. Suggested dining time, not a booking. Confirm service days, availability, dietary needs and current menu prices before travelling. Guide-listed service: 9AM-11PM daily. Recheck with the restaurant. About 2.5 km straight-line from the preceding stop; allow transit or taxi time as needed, not a measured walking route. Approximate map pin; confirm the entrance. Dining source: Wikivoyage contributors, https://en.wikivoyage.org/wiki/Washington%2C_D.C./Shaw (checked 2026-10-30). Guide recommendations are not live customer star ratings. Wikivoyage revision 5357971; selection and timing adapted under CC BY-SA 4.0.

Day 8
  • 09:30120m
    Washington DC

    Check admission, timed-entry availability and the current exhibition or visitor route. Approximate map pin; confirm the entrance. Source: Wikivoyage contributors, https://en.wikivoyage.org/wiki/Washington%2C_D.C./National_Mall (CC BY-SA 4.0). Selection and timing adapted; route data shared under CC BY-SA 4.0.

  • 12:0030m
    Washington DC

    Estimated transfer allowance between visits (0.51 km straight-line distance, not road distance). Check walking, transit, ferry or taxi options before travelling; allow a meal break before the 15:00 visit.

  • 15:00120m
    Washington DC

    Check admission, timed-entry availability and the current exhibition or visitor route. Approximate map pin; confirm the entrance. Source: Wikivoyage contributors, https://en.wikivoyage.org/wiki/Washington%2C_D.C./National_Mall (CC BY-SA 4.0). Selection and timing adapted; route data shared under CC BY-SA 4.0.

  • 18:0075m
    Dining
    1601 14th St NW

    Restaurant meal; ask about house specialties. Community guide highlights this restaurant’s local popularity. Suggested dining time, not a booking. Confirm service days, availability, dietary needs and current menu prices before travelling. Service hours need confirmation. About 2.4 km straight-line from the preceding stop; allow transit or taxi time as needed, not a measured walking route. Approximate map pin; confirm the entrance. Dining source: Wikivoyage contributors, https://en.wikivoyage.org/wiki/Washington%2C_D.C./Shaw (checked 2026-10-30). Guide recommendations are not live customer star ratings. Wikivoyage revision 5357971; selection and timing adapted under CC BY-SA 4.0.

Day 9
  • 09:3075m
    Washington DC

    Use this as a flexible sightseeing stop; check current visitor access before setting dates. Approximate map pin; confirm the entrance. Source: Wikivoyage contributors, https://en.wikivoyage.org/wiki/Washington%2C_D.C./National_Mall (CC BY-SA 4.0). Selection and timing adapted; route data shared under CC BY-SA 4.0.

  • 12:0030m
    Washington DC

    Estimated transfer allowance between visits (0.84 km straight-line distance, not road distance). Check walking, transit, ferry or taxi options before travelling; allow a meal break before the 15:00 visit.

  • 15:0075m
    Washington DC

    Use this as a flexible sightseeing stop; check current visitor access before setting dates. Approximate map pin; confirm the entrance. Source: Wikivoyage contributors, https://en.wikivoyage.org/wiki/Washington%2C_D.C./National_Mall (CC BY-SA 4.0). Selection and timing adapted; route data shared under CC BY-SA 4.0.

  • 18:0075m
    Dining
    1509 17th St NW

    Seafood. Community guide highlights this restaurant’s food or dining experience positively. Suggested dining time, not a booking. Confirm service days, availability, dietary needs and current menu prices before travelling. Guide-listed service: Tue-Thu 5:30-9:30PM; Fri Sat 5:30-10PM. Recheck with the restaurant. About 2.3 km straight-line from the preceding stop; allow transit or taxi time as needed, not a measured walking route. Approximate map pin; confirm the entrance. Dining source: Wikivoyage contributors, https://en.wikivoyage.org/wiki/Washington%2C_D.C./Dupont_Circle (checked 2026-10-30). Guide recommendations are not live customer star ratings. Wikivoyage revision 5388383; selection and timing adapted under CC BY-SA 4.0.

Day 10
  • 09:30120m
    Washington DC

    Check admission, timed-entry availability and the current exhibition or visitor route. Approximate map pin; confirm the entrance. Source: Wikivoyage contributors, https://en.wikivoyage.org/wiki/Washington%2C_D.C./National_Mall (CC BY-SA 4.0). Selection and timing adapted; route data shared under CC BY-SA 4.0.

  • 12:0030m
    Washington DC

    Estimated transfer allowance between visits (0.31 km straight-line distance, not road distance). Check walking, transit, ferry or taxi options before travelling; allow a meal break before the 15:00 visit.

  • 15:00120m
    100 Maryland Ave SW

    Check weather and access conditions; arrange any required ferry or return transport separately. Approximate map pin; confirm the entrance. Source: Wikivoyage contributors, https://en.wikivoyage.org/wiki/Washington%2C_D.C./Capitol_Hill (CC BY-SA 4.0). Selection and timing adapted; route data shared under CC BY-SA 4.0.

Day 11
  • 09:30120m
    575 3rd Street NW

    Check admission, timed-entry availability and the current exhibition or visitor route. Approximate map pin; confirm the entrance. Source: Wikivoyage contributors, https://en.wikivoyage.org/wiki/Washington%2C_D.C./East_End (CC BY-SA 4.0). Selection and timing adapted; route data shared under CC BY-SA 4.0.

  • 12:0030m
    Washington DC

    Estimated transfer allowance between visits (0.58 km straight-line distance, not road distance). Check walking, transit, ferry or taxi options before travelling; allow a meal break before the 15:00 visit.

  • 15:00120m
    2 Massachusetts Ave NE

    Check admission, timed-entry availability and the current exhibition or visitor route. Approximate map pin; confirm the entrance. Source: Wikivoyage contributors, https://en.wikivoyage.org/wiki/Washington%2C_D.C./Capitol_Hill (CC BY-SA 4.0). Selection and timing adapted; route data shared under CC BY-SA 4.0.

Day 12
  • 09:30120m
    850 F St NW

    Check admission, timed-entry availability and the current exhibition or visitor route. Approximate map pin; confirm the entrance. Source: Wikivoyage contributors, https://en.wikivoyage.org/wiki/Washington%2C_D.C./East_End (CC BY-SA 4.0). Selection and timing adapted; route data shared under CC BY-SA 4.0.

  • 12:0030m
    Washington DC

    Estimated transfer allowance between visits (0.09 km straight-line distance, not road distance). Check walking, transit, ferry or taxi options before travelling; allow a meal break before the 15:00 visit.

  • 15:00120m
    8th St & F St NW

    Check admission, timed-entry availability and the current exhibition or visitor route. Approximate map pin; confirm the entrance. Source: Wikivoyage contributors, https://en.wikivoyage.org/wiki/Washington%2C_D.C./East_End (CC BY-SA 4.0). Selection and timing adapted; route data shared under CC BY-SA 4.0.

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