Union Station and the Postal Museum

Let's say you are standing by the capitol building admiring the beautiful architecture when someone on a Segway tour whizzes by and makes you spill your coffee all over yourself.  What to do?? Well my friend, you can just go north a couple of blocks to Union Station.  

"Union Station?" you may ask.  "I don't want to leave the city!"

I like your attitude.

Indeed, Union Station is the hub of all things transportation: bus, subway and rail.  And has gorgeous architecture. But it also is kind of a mini mall, with an Express, Victoria's Secret, Ann Taylor, Jos. A. Bank, Barnes and Noble, FYE (man, that chain is still in business?) as well as souvenir shops and much more. These stores tend to be quite expensive, but window shopping is still free!

There are also sometimes art displays (of sorts) in the main room.  In the fall of 2009 there was an exhibit of artists that made sculptures out of Red Bull cans. It looks like currently they have model trains on display.

There are sit down restaurants on the main and upper levels, but in the basement there is also a food court.

After you are done browsing through Union Station hop over to the National Postal Museum (really hop, it's right across the street) and learn about the history of the postal service! Very worthwhile museum.  And free!

And since you're right there anyway, if it's warm out visit the Japanese American Memorial.  It looks like the rocks are floating in water! (The water is drained during the winter.)

{Via}

You can get to Union Station a variety of ways.  You can use the subway, bus, the Virginia Rail Express (rail), the MARC train (rail), or Amtrak.  If you drive there is no parking close, so you will have to hunt for a space and will have to walk a little bit.