Union Station is a dazzling entry point to Washington, D.C.

Hotels in this story

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Washington Court Hotel

Hyatt Regency Washington on Capitol Hill

Liaison Washington Capitol Hill

A few weekends ago, I rediscovered the wonder that is Union Station in Washington, D.C. when I took my family to visit for National Train Day, a fun annual event featuring a scavenger hunt and educational exhibits.

The beautiful Beaux Arts-style building, completed in 1908, is a magnificent site to behold: The towering vaulted ceiling is adorned with over 70 pounds of gold leaf, and when light streams in through the arched windows, it’s momentarily blinding. The building, located on Massachusetts Avenue at Columbus Circle, was designed to be a gateway to the capital city, and it’s certainly an impressive entry point. Today, a whopping 25 million people visit Union Station each year — more than any other tourist spot in D.C.

Union Station is a short walk away from tourist attractions like the Capitol, the Smithsonian National Postal Museum, and the National Mall, as well as hotels, like the Washington Court Hotel, Hyatt Regency Washington on Capitol Hill, and The Liaison Capitol Hill. It’s also the departure point for a number of sightseeing tours: Gray Line, Old Town Trolley, DC Ducks, and Tourmobile.

Whether you are spending time waiting for your train or stopping at Union Station for a bite to eat, you will find restaurants and stores to suit everyone. Union Station is home to over 130 shops and restaurants, which are open from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Saturday, and from noon to 6 p.m. on Sunday. See a breakdown of them below.

Five restaurants are available for regular dining or private functions — America, B.Smith’s, Center Cafe Restaurant, Pizzeria Uno, and Thunder Grill A myriad of casual dining establishments, offering breakfast, lunch, and dinner options including: Au Bon Pain, Johnny Rockets, Corner Bakery Cafe, Starbucks, Ben & Jerry’s Ice Cream, Great Wraps, Kabuki Sushi, Mamma Ilardo’s Pizzeria, Panda’s Rice Bowl, and Salad Works.

Accessorize — Street level concourse — scarves, costume jewelry, handbags, and accessoriesAndrew’s Ties — Street level concourseVerizon Wireless — Street level concourse — Cell phones, accessories, and wireless communications servicesClaire’s — Street level concourse — accessories for girls and womenLids — Street level concourse — hats from college and pro teams.The Body Shop — Street level concourse — bath and body productsCell Phone Accessories — Mezzanine levelTschiffely Pharmacy — Lower level food court — Pharmacy, drug store and convenience items

Optical Images — Mezzanine level — One-hour eye glass service and eye exams by appointmentCobbler’s Bench Shoe Repair — Lower level food court — Shoe repair and accessories as well as key copyingFast Fix Jewelry Repair — Lower level food court — Watch, clock, and jewelry repair; batteries and watch bands replaced and repaired

Traveler’s Aid — Street level concourse — Assists travelersTravelex — Street level concourse — Wide range of money services including foreign exchange, wire transfers, money orders, and moreU.S. Postal Service — Street level concourse — Full service post office (does not have money orders)

Citibank — Street level concourse — Citibank Branch location with all banking services typical of Citibank branchesAdams National Bank — Lower level food court

Art of Shaving — Street level concourse — Men’s shaving accessories and 2 barber chairsCreative Hands Chair Massage— Mezzanine level — chair massage by licensed and insured masseursEyebrow Threading Mezzanine level — Specialty kiosk providing eyebrow services and accessories

Barnes & Noble Booksellers — Street level — Books, magazine, bookmarks, greeting cardsFantom Comics — Street Level — Comics of all varieties and subjectsFYE — Street level concourse –electronics, tapes, movies, DVDs, DVDs, CDs, ipods, and accessoriesHudson News — Lower level food court — Newspapers, magazines, books, snacks, and convenience items.Hudson News — Street level Gate C and Gate K — Newspapers, magazines, books, snacks and convenience items

–Jill Berry of Musings from Me