Transportation:
Union Station is the biggest rail hub in the Washington area, with Metro, MARC, VRE and Amtrak converging in the Capitol's shadow. Built in 1908 by Daniel Burnham, Union Station is one of the busiest Amtrak stations in the country. The last Metrorail train departs for Shady Grove at 11:59 p.m. and for Glenmont at 12:11 a.m. Trains leave exactly 2 hours later on Friday and Saturday nights.
Shopping and Dining:
The grandly restored 1908 Beaux Art Union Station houses an eclectic array of more than 100 clothing and specialty stores and restaurants. Visit the East Hall on the street level for unusual shops and kiosks. You'll find Washington souvenirs and patriotic memorabilia at specialty stores like Political Americana. With its marble floors, stone statues and high, arched ceilings, Union Station always dazzles, but its holiday exhibitions and programs make it even more interesting.
The U.S.A. theme continues at popular restaurant America, which features great views of the city along with menu items representing every state. And for special occasions, try B. Smith's: a classy setting for a holiday meal. The food court downstairs -- frequently crowded with busloads of tourists -- offers a mind-boggling 32 eateries, with everything from Acropolis Greek food to Wingmaster's Grill sandwiches.
Catch a new release at the nine-screen AMC Theater next to the food court.
Two-hour parking is $1 with validation. The AMC Theater offers validation for three hours. Otherwise, expect to pay from $5 to $12.
For Kids:
Beautifully renovated to its 1908 Beaux-Arts splendor, Union Station is a great place for kids fascinated by trains or simply by big, old beautiful places. You can tour the platforms where Amtrak's passenger trains depart, watch the action in the enormous train yard from the parking garage or walkway behind the station, or simply absorb the cosmopolitan rush of people departing, arriving or just waiting for trains. The Main Hall is a gorgeous public entrance, the East Hall has a collection of small vendors, and the shopping mall pulls up the rear. On the basement level is a multi-screen movie theater.
-- John Kelly and Craig Stoltz
Food: The basement level holds a shopping mall-style, multi-vendor eatery. On the main floor are several quick-service restaurants and carryouts plus sit-down establishments.
Parking: The huge garage, accessible via North Capitol Street, is rarely full.
Nearby: Capital Children's Museum, National Postal Museum and the U.S. Capitol.
