Believe it or not, heading out to museums isn’t an everyday thing for residents of Washington, D.C. They’re more likely to enjoy a half-smoke hot dog on U Street, duck into an upscale boutique in Georgetown, or head to the nightlife hub of Adams Morgan for some blues and beers. That’s why this four-day itinerary gives you a little of both—a mix of the must-see sights and the places where locals congregate.
We’ve grouped the sights by location, so you won’t waste your precious time crisscrossing the city. We’ve also built in time for rest and relaxation so that you won’t need a vacation from your vacation. Maybe best of all, every pick is informed by Tripadvisor ratings, with real reviews highlighted below.
DAY ONE
MORNING: A monumental tour of the National Mall
Wake up early, lace up your sneakers, and hit the National Mall. (If you’re visiting in the summer, it’s key to get here before the sun is blazing.) The aim is to walk from the iconic Lincoln Memorial to the Washington Monument, focusing on the sights around the enormous reflecting pool. But don’t worry, there will be plenty of pit stops along the way.
The Lincoln Memorial is the number-one destination in D.C. for Tripadvisor users, and for good reason. If you’ve ever seen footage of the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr.’s “I have a dream” speech, the view from these steps will give you chills. From here it’s a short walk to the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, a moving must-see for its black granite wall engraved with the names of those lost in that war. South of the reflecting pool is the Korean War Veterans Memorial, and at the eastern end is the National World War II Memorial.
Be sure to look out across the Tidal Basin (if it’s cherry blossom season, you’ll want to stick around a little longer) toward the Jefferson Memorial. Two other memorials along its shores—the Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial and the Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial—are both incredibly inspiring.
Cap off your morning with an epic view from the top of Washington Monument—and be sure to book free timed tickets ahead. And here’s a heads-up for the rest of the itinerary: If you want to visit a museum or government building (even the free ones), you probably need to book a ticket ahead.
NATIONAL MALL AREA TOUR OPTIONS
- Hitting an unbelievable number of sites in less than 3 hours, the Washington, D.C. Sites by Segway Tour is a great way to take in the nation’s capital. The guides are knowledgeable about the city and patient teachers who will have even newbies speeding along in no time.
- Limited to 11 people—the number that fits inside the company’s nicely outfitted vans—the See D.C. in a Day tour takes you to all of the most famous memorials. In a city that often has you standing in line, this four-hour tour is a great way to save your feet.
- We love this good old-fashioned walking tour of the National Mall, which covers a ton of ground—literally and metaphorically—in just a few hours.
AFTERNOON: An afternoon of African American history
The National Mall has more than its fair share of museums, but it’s sorely lacking in good food options. We recommend packing a lunch, if possible. This is, after all, a pretty iconic place for a picnic. Otherwise, there are a ton of food trucks lined up near the major monuments.
You’ve got plenty of other museums to choose from, but we’d opt for the eye-opening National Museum of African American History and Culture, a massive structure on the northwest corner of the National Mall. This popular museum celebrating the richness and diversity of the African American experience gets filled up fast, so book a timed-admission ticket well in advance. If you need a snack about now, the museum restaurant Sweet Home serves up Southern classics. You’ll need a little luck to score a seat, though.
Then stroll north for a closer look at the White House. Honestly, no matter how many times you’ve seen it on TV, it’s pretty cool in person. (Want to join a tour? You’ll have to plan several months in advance.)
EVENING: Dinner and a show at the Kennedy Center
There are plenty of places near the White House where you’ll share the dining room with diplomats hashing out a deal. A favorite is the wood-paneled Old Ebbitt Grill, where the Chesapeake Bay crab cakes get called out by Tripadvisor users. Opt for a reservation on the earlier side and you can catch a show at the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. Make sure to check the calendar before you go. Besides big-name shows in the larger theaters, you’ll often find free performances in the atrium.
DAY TWO
MORNING: A moment of silence at Arlington
To beat the heat and the crowds, take Metro’s Blue Line to the entrance of Arlington National Cemetery as early as possible. It’s an emotional experience to look out across the hills covered with identical gravestones. Within a 20-minute walk southwest are the John F. Kennedy Gravesite, a somber memorial lit by an eternal flame, and the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, where it’s worth waiting for the changing of the guard, which takes place every hour (or every half half, from April to September). A slightly longer walk north from the entrance is the massive U.S. Marine Corps War Memorial, better known as the Iwo Jima Memorial.
AFTERNOON: A killer view and some tasty tacos
From Arlington National Cemetery, take Metro’s Blue Line to Federal Triangle Station. From here you can stroll down Pennsylvania Avenue, the massive boulevard that runs from the White House to the U.S. Capitol. (You’ll recognize it from TV footage of every presidential inauguration parade.) On your right will be the venerable Old Post Office Pavilion, which has a tower with views that just might beat those at the Washington Monument (and there’s hardly ever a wait).
The award-winning Oyamel is our pick for lunch. (A few thousand Tripadvisor users give it their vote, too.) Created by celebrity chef José Andrés, this low-key Mexican eatery serves up seriously delicious tacos in handmade tortillas (we like the veggie-friendly ones with wild mushrooms and poblano peppers) and other traditional dishes.
All filled up, forge ahead to the National Archives Museum, where you can check out John Hancock’s John Hancock on the O.G. Declaration of Independence and other original documents like the Constitution, the Bill of Rights, and the Magna Carta.
NATIONAL ARCHIVES TOUR OPTIONS
- Energetic, personable, and super-smart guides make this two-hour Skip-the-Line National Archives Private Guided Tour a standout, even if you aren’t the biggest history buff.
- Check the National Archives website to see if it’s offering free one-hour tours, typically early in the morning on weekdays.
EVENING: Happy hour, half-smokes, and live music
Take Metro’s Green Line (or just hop in a cab) north to U Street, one of the city’s buzziest neighborhoods. Grab a happy hour special (typically offered between 4 and 6) pretty much anywhere, like the Right Proper Brewing Co., then head to Ben’s Chili Bowl for dinner. This longtime favorite serves a D.C. classic—the half-smoke, a fat and spicy hot dog topped with chili sauce and onions. Don’t miss the eye-popping mural of famous black Americans on the side. If you’ve still got gas in the tank, catch a show at one of the city’s best live music venues, the 9:30 Club. You might catch a local band ready to hit it big
DAY THREE
MORNING: Books, laws, and orchids on Capitol Hill
Spend your morning exploring Capitol Hill. Take in the buildings from the outside or pop inside the U.S. Capitol, where the Senate and House meet, the Supreme Court, where you might catch some oral arguments, and the Library of Congress, home to a truly eye-popping reading room. Access is free to all of these buildings, but check the hours and see if you need to book ahead. Note that some buildings are closed weekends.
AFTERNOON: Perfect pies and tropical gardens
It might have a silly name, but We the Pizza takes its job seriously. Located a block or so from the Library of Congress, this storefront pizzeria serves a truly amazing assortment of hand-spun pies, from double pepperoni to honey ham and pineapple. Presidents have grabbed a few slices here—Obama did twice in a week.
After lunch, head to the United States Botanic Gardens to explore the conservatory’s tropical plants and orchids or wander through the outdoor gardens, especially the sweetly fragrant Rose Garden. Don’t forget the Bartholdi Gardens and their beautiful fountain across the street.
Several more big-name museums are a short walk away. We’d opt for either the National Gallery of Art, where you can catch da Vinci, Vermeer, and Van Gogh (and that’s just the V’s!). Another good choice is the National Air and Space Museum, where you can see the Wright Brothers’ original plane and do a deep dive into the history of the first moon landing.
CAPITOL HILL AREA TOUR OPTIONS
- Limited to eight people, the Capitol Hill, Supreme Court, and Library of Congress Guided Tour covers the U.S. Capitol and other highlights in a swiftly moving 2.5 hours. Tripadvisor reviewers gush about the experience.
- If you like the freedom to explore on your own, this Hop-On, Hop-Off Trolley Tour deposits you near the steps of the U.S. Capitol, as well as other destinations on Capitol Hill and around the city.
EVENING: Tapas and after-hours entertainment
Hey, you’re saving some serious cash with all these free museums, so why not splurge out on one of the city’s best restaurants? For dinner, we’d opt for tapas at Jaleo, a 10-minute walk from the National Gallery. A favorite of Tripadvisor reviewers, it gets high marks for dishes like garlic sautéed shrimp and tuna tartare with avocado mousse. Can’t decide? Go all out with the tasting menu.
Head back down to the National Mall for some after-hours entertainment. In the summer, Jazz in the Garden offers free live performances in the National Gallery of Art Sculpture Garden. There’s also an indoor concert series throughout the rest of the year.
Or hike up to the buzzy Adams Morgan neighborhood for a night of blues at one of the city’s longstanding music venues, Madam’s Organ. The main drag, 18th Street, is always hopping after dark, especially on weekends.
