Family Trip to D.C. and New England – July 2023
This summer, the Devani family took a trip with the Jessani family—Anar, Asif, Fiza, and Tahj. We kicked things off in Washington D.C., flew up to Boston, and then road-tripped around the New England area with Hyannis as our base. The mix of history, beaches, food, and small-town stops made it a well-rounded trip.
Early July—especially around the 4th—is a solid time to go. D.C. and New England have patriotic energy, summer events, and good weather. Expect crowds and plan ahead.
Washington, D.C. | June 30 – July 4
We stayed at the JW Marriott on Pennsylvania Ave—central and walkable to major sights. On July 2, we visited the National Mall, starting with the Washington Monument and the Lincoln Memorial. Long walkways and reflection pools connect the two. The Lincoln Memorial is one of the most recognized spots in D.C.—worth taking time to walk through, read the inscriptions, and take in the view across the Mall.
Later that day, we explored the National Air and Space Museum, packed with planes, rockets, and hands-on exhibits. Plan for at least 2–3 hours.
On July 1, we visited the International Spy Museum. The museum leans into interactivity—think decoding games, secret missions, and clever displays. It’s fun for all ages. Set aside 2–2.5 hours.
On July 3, we stopped at the Supreme Court, a major piece of the country’s judicial history. It sits across from the Capitol and makes for a quick visit.
Then we walked through Lafayette Square, just north of the White House.
The park has historical significance and is often used for protests and gatherings. Nearby is The Ellipse, a large green space behind the White House that connects to the National Mall. It’s good for a walking break or views of surrounding landmarks. We didn’t get tickets for the U.S Capitol tour this time, but here’s the site to plan ahead. Also, If interested in doing the White House Tour, plan ahead
National Museum of American History is a great museum to visit with the kids. Later we explored the National Air and Space Museum, packed with planes, rockets, and hands-on exhibits. Plan for at least 2–3 hours.
Hyannis & Cape Cod | July 4 – July 6
We made Hyannis our base and stayed at the DoubleTree by Hilton. The location was convenient for exploring the Cape, but the hotel was dated and underwhelming.
On July 5, we took a day trip to Martha’s Vineyard with Hy-Line Cruises. The ferry left at 11:40 AM and returned at 6:10 PM.
The island has walkable towns, beaches, lighthouses, and places to grab food. A full day is enough to explore without feeling rushed.
We also did the scenic drive up Cape Cod’s “elbow and fist” (Google Maps makes it make sense). There are lots of beaches along the Atlantic side if you want a wilder feel, or Cape Cod Bay beaches if you prefer calm water.
We ended the drive in Provincetown and recommend renting bikes to explore the town—half a day is perfect. Staying in Hyannis made this whole loop doable without switching hotels.
Boston | July 6 – July 8
We stayed at the Boston Marriott Long Wharf. The location is close to everything—easy access to the waterfront, Quincy Market, and historic sites.
On July 6, we visited Harvard Square and ate at Quincy Market. July 7 was the Freedom Trail and Boston National Historical Park, which gives you a walkable route through Boston’s key landmarks.
On July 8, we visited the MIT campus, mainly for Ziya, who had been looking forward to seeing both schools.
Bonus Tips from Friends
Some friends started their trip in Hartford and saw a Yard Goats game at Dunkin’ Donuts Park. They also visited Rhode Island—either Ocean House for a scenic meal or Newport for a similar coastal experience. No need to do both. If you have extra time, this route is worth looking into.
Overall Vibe
A good mix of cities, coast, and history. Plenty of walking, some ferry time, and enough beach stops to keep it relaxed. Having Hyannis as a base worked really well, and we’d recommend planning around that if you want to explore the Cape without moving hotels every night.