Solo Trip from NYC to Washington, D.C

As a solo female traveler, nothing excites me more than exploring a new city from Los Angeles. I decided to explore a city with history, character, and iconic landmarks. Exactly, it’s Washington, D.C, it had all that and more.

As part of my U.S. journey , I decided to take a full-day solo female trip to the nation’s capital. So, I decided to book the joint tour from GetyourGuide, which allows you to cancel within 24hrs. As a solo traveler , it’s a convenient , affordable and safe trip to explore the new city without hesitation.

This post is for all the people who love solo traveling especially for women. And, planning their solo female trip to Washington, D.C from NYC. Here’s how my day unfolded, from sunrise to starlight.

Table of Contents

Beginning of My Journey

My alarm buzzed at 5:00 AM and I was ready to explore a long day packed with excitement. I booked an Uber in advance, smoothing my solo journey.

By 6:00 AM, I was on the tour bus( 45 seaters), sipping a hot Mcdonald’s coffee. I joined a guided tour from Getyourguide , departing from Manhattan by a comfortable air conditioned coach. As for me , traveling alone doesn’t mean being alone. This group tour was perfect for a solo female traveler like me. I got to know some solo women travelers on the bus. I totally felt freedom to explore on my own during stops.

As we left NYC behind, the bus gently rolled through New Jersey and into Delaware. We had a short break in Delaware—just enough time to stretch, use the restrooms, and grab breakfast.

The clean restrooms and quick breakfast made me fuel up easily. I grabbed donuts, scrabble eggs and hot coffee from Dunkin, chatting with other travelers . Mostly some solo traveler’s like me. The ride was smooth and relaxing. On the bus , our professional guide, Maria, introduced herself, shared interesting stories.

Arlington National Cemetery: Stories of Sacrifice

Speaking of exploring Washington, D.C. , it felt like stepping into a living museum.

Our first stop was Arlington National Cemetery—a solemn and beautiful place. Our tour guide guided us through the grounds and led us to the President John F. Kennedy and his brother Robert’ s gravesites, where I found myself quietly reflecting and imagining deeply the lives they represented.

Next, we took a short walk to the Iwo Jima Memorial, one of D.C.’s most photographed landmarks. My solo friend and I captured amazing shots from every angle until we were pleased . It became the best part of my trip and the joy of solo traveling.

Georgetown and Federal Architecture

Next, our wheels rolled into Georgetown, D.C.’s oldest neighborhood. At first, we got to know the tales of 18th-century and the historic architecture. Next ,the sense of local bakery when pasting the Cobblestone streets . Then, we went down the State Department and the Albert Einstein Memorial on the way.

The National Mall: Reflecting Pool and Memorials

When I stepped into the National Mall , it felt like I was in the movie as many of these locations have appeared in films and TV series. Especially the reflecting pool featured in Forrest Gump, where my favorite actor Tom Hanks once ran across the country.

We stopped at the Korean War Memorial, from there, we approached the Lincoln Memorial, perched atop a grand staircase. I joined the flow of visitors climbing the steps, eager for that moment of revelation. At the top, the colossal, seated Lincoln greeted me, eyes cast toward the Reflecting Pool.

A brief detour brought us to the Vietnam Veterans Memorial; its dark granite walls etched with over 58,000 names. I ran my fingers over a name, realizing each represented a story. Solo, I felt both small and connected, part of a continuum of remembrance.

World War II Memorial and the Obelisk

Next, we admired the World War II Memorial, surrounded by fountains and stone pillars representing all U.S. states. Just beyond, we saw the tall and elegant Washington Monument, the iconic obelisk that defines D.C.’s skyline.

Seat of Power: White House and Pennsylvania Avenue

Back on the bus, we passed the headquarters of the Organization of American States, the American Red Cross, the Department of the Treasury, and the Federal Reserve Building.We even passed the Office of the Vice President.

Then, there it was : the White House , the reason for taking this day trip that represents history and security and also reminding me that this place is always at the center of the world’s attention.

Though we can’t enter the White House on this tour, just being near it was thrilling. It was bustling with tourists, but I didn’t miss to capture the moment by taking photo with the background of this. One benefit of traveling solo let me linger at each vantage point, embracing every single moments and photo angles without rushing.

The U.S. Capitol: Democratic Heart

Our final guided stop was the U.S Capitol, which is one of my best spots to take many photos. As the tour continued along Pennsylvania Avenue, we passed buildings like the FBI Headquarters, the National Archives, the Canadian Embassy, and the Department of Justice.

Our guide gave us a short photo break. Standing on the Capitol grounds, I realized how important this building is—not just for Americans, but for democracy around the world.

This was the moment I felt most proud to be taking this solo female trip, learning firsthand rather than from a book or screen. Plus, I also had fun taking selfies with other travelers I had befriended during the tour.

Free Time on the National Mall

Our final stop was at the National Mall, where we were given 90 minutes of free time. I used mine wisely and I grabbed a quick bite at a food truck—there are a lot of halal foods and a variety of food to choose from there.

Then, popping into one of the Smithsonian Museums. Admission is free, which is a huge bonus, especially for budget-conscious solo travelers. You can see many halal food trucks and MacDonald around there.

Sunset Return: Night Views of NYC

By mid-afternoon, the tour ended and reassembled for the journey home. As a bonus , our guide dropped us to see the panoramic night view of Manhattan from across the river. So, my solo friend and I captured the photo and the moment of the night view sparkling like the stars. It was the best moment of the day to feel the incredible sights against the dark sky and was the perfect end of my solo female trip. I leaned back in my seat, exhausted but full of joy, replaying the images of the day in my mind.

It’s not the last, my solo friend and I went to the TimeSquare after ending the tour. We went to buy souvenir and embrace the night-life by seeing the starlight.

Traveling solo doesn’t mean staying isolated—sometimes we meet kind people and connected each other who are just as curious about the world as I am.

Reflections on My Solo Female Trip

Traveling solo as a woman can feel daunting, but my Washington, D.C. day trip proved it to be empowering and safe because it was my first solo trip aside from Asian countries. Here are a few takeaways:

Choose a Reputable Tour Operator

It plays a vital role for your solo trip to pick the right reliable agency has provided a professional guide and organized schedule which reduces stress. This guided full-day coach tour offered structure and security.
Dress Comfortably and Pack Light

I wore layers—comfortable walking shoes, a light jacket, and a small backpack with water, snacks, and my phone. This kept me agile during stops.
Stay Alert, Yet Open

No matter how much the tour was safe, we need to remain aware of surroundings but also embraced conversations with fellow travelers. Solo, it can be lost anytime if crowded.
Balance Guided and Unguided Time

The 90 minutes of free time allowed me to personalize the experience—whether it was window shopping, enjoying fast food or at food truck or simply resting on a bench.
Document and Share

Taking photos and jotting quick notes in a journal helped me capture not just sights, but feelings. Later, these memories can be crafted into blog posts, social media updates, or keepsakes. Luckily, I got to know friendly solo traveler who captured photos of me to embrace the moment of each attractions.
Use the “Solo Female Trip” Tag Wisely

Incorporating the keyword “solo female trip” into blog titles, social posts, and search tags helps fellow women travelers find your content and feel inspired.

Final Thoughts: Why D.C. is Perfect for a Solo Female Trip

Speaking of my solo trip , it was far more than a sightseeing tour , but also one of the most enriching parts of my U.S travels. As a solo female traveler, I always look for experiences that are secure, guided, and filled with history—and this tour checked every box. Not only having the smooth transport and professional guide, but also meeting with friendly traveler’s during my trip.

If you’re planning a solo female trip in the U.S., I highly recommend including Washington, D.C. on your itinerary. Whether you’re standing at the foot of the Lincoln Memorial, walking through Arlington Cemetery, or gazing at the Capitol, you’ll feel empowered, inspired, and connected to something greater.

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Have you been to Washington, D.C. or are planning your own solo female trip? Let me know in the comments below! And if you found this helpful, don’t forget to share it with your fellow travel lovers