A Complete Guide to Making the Most Out of a Weekend in Washington DC [2024]
LOOKING FOR THINGS TO DO OVER A WEEKEND IN WASHINGTON DC?
You’ve come to the right place. We’ve been traveling together since 2010, and on one of our adventures, we learned that Washington DC, is an amazing place to visit, even if you only have a weekend in Washington DC.
The National Mall in Washington DC is one of America’s most-visited national parks. It is estimated that nearly 25 million people visit the National Mall each year.
It is the stage for many historic American events like the “I Have a Dream” speech, and It is full of inspiring monuments, memorials, and museums – all with a story to tell.
As you plan your trip, don’t forget that Washington DC, is more than just the National Mall with great restaurants, waterfronts, and neighborhoods.
In this article, we have it all covered so you don’t miss out on the great activities Washington DC has to offer.
How many days do you need in Washington DC?
Depending on what you want to see, your style of travel, and how in-depth you are when checking out the museums on the national mall will determine how many days you should spend in Washington DC.
If you are looking to get a good overview of most of the great things Washington DC has to offer and you go quickly, 3 days is pretty good.
If you are someone who goes slower and spends a day at each museum, then you are either going to want to spend at least a week, or you could just jump around to some of the sights that seem most interesting to you.
Washington DC Itinerary
Day 1 in Washington DC: Tour of the National Mall, National Mall Monuments and Memorials, Arlington National Cemetery, the U.S. Holocaust Museum, and DC Wharf/Fishermans Market
Day 2 in Washington DC: Museum of Natural History, National Archives, White House, and Georgetown
Day 3 in Washington DC: National Air and Space Museum, U.S. Capitol Tour, Supreme Court, and Library of Congress
Tours of the National Mall
We highly recommend doing a tour of the National Mall on your first day. We would recommend taking a tour from Urban Adventures. It is a very relaxing tour where they give you a lot of information, and it gives a great overview of the National Mall.
▶ Book Urban Adventure Tour Here
A tour of the National Mall helps you become familiar with the layout. It will help you know where everything is located and gives you the ability to see many of the memorials that you might miss if you were to spend three days walking around on the large National Mall campus.
Here are some of the best and high-rated tours of the National Mall. We loved our tour of the National Mall and would highly recommend going on a tour if you can.
Washington DC Moonlit Tour
The national monuments and memorials are beautifully lit up at night. Tours of the national mall at night are very popular and are a great way to see this historic area. This tour lasts three hours and includes 10 different photo stops.
Urban Adventure Tour
This is the tour we went on when we were in Washington DC, and loved our tour. Our tour guide had so many great stories and historical facts to share on our tour. This tour will take you to the main highlights of the National Mall.
Old Town Trolley Tour
We also used the Old Town Trolley to get around Washington DC during our visit, and it made it so easy to get around town. This is a great option for those wanting help getting around town but wanting to explore at their own pace.
This also includes a tour of Arlington National Cemetery, which we really enjoyed. It made it very easy to see the highlights in the cemetery, including the Changing of the Guard and the JFK gravesite.
Bicycle Tour of the National Mall
If you want a way to see the National Mall and its highlights more actively, a biking tour is a great option. Tour guides have amazing stories and historical information to share, and they have bikes for kids as well.
▶ BOOK National Mall Bicycle Tour
National Mall Monuments and Memorials
There are many great memorials, and each is unique and a fun experience. If you go on the Urban Adventures tour, you will drive by and stop at many of the top spots.
The best way to explore the memorials if you aren’t going on a tour is by renting a bicycle or renting a scooter. (You can rent a bike here or you can rent an e-bike here.) Below we have listed the best order to see the most famous memorials.
Best Order to See National Monuments:
Vietnam Veterans War Memorial > Lincoln Memorial & Reflecting Pools > Korean War Veterans Memorial> Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial > Tidal Basin > Franklin D. Roosevelt Memorial > Thomas Jefferson Memorial > Washington Monument > World War II Memorial
If you’re going to be exploring the National Mall on your own, we highly recommend this Washington DC self-guided audio tour. It has great stories and history about the National Mall and will really add to your experience of touring the National Mall. It is really inexpensive but will add a lot to your time here.
Vietnam Veterans War Memorial
The Vietnam Veterans Memorial is a short walk to the Lincoln Memorial and honors the service men and women who fought in the Vietnam War. It is Northeast of the Lincoln Memorial.
The memorial is a black stone wall with the names of more than 58,000 Americans who gave their lives during the Vietnam Conflict.
Lincoln Memorial & Reflecting Pools
The Lincoln Memorial and Reflecting Pools are one of our favorite stops. The reflecting pools are awesome and very iconic. You have seen these pools in popular movies like Forest Gump, but they are so much better to experience in person.
The scenery in this area is fantastic, and the steps leading up to the Lincoln Memorial fit so well with the memorial. The Lincoln Memorial is very beautiful and such a fun place to visit.
If you look at the back of the head of Lincoln, some believe there is a face of Robert E. Lee carved in the back of his head. Many believe it is just the lighting, but it is still fun to take a peek.
The National Mall is full of symbolism pay attention to the placement of Lincoln’s hands. One is clinched to show determination for the ending of the Civil War, and the right hand is open, welcoming the confederacy back into the Union.
Korean Veterans War Memorial
The Korean Veterans War Memorial is southeast of the Lincoln memorial and on your way to the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial.
The memorial is in the shape of a triangle leading up to a circle of hedges. Along the way, in the middle of the memorial, there are statues of servicemen.
Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial
The MLK Memorial is a beautiful memorial found on the banks of the Tidal Basin. It honors Martin Luther King, Jr.’s legacy and the struggle for freedom and equality. Also, be on the lookout for quotes engraved in the memorial throughout the area.
The quotes are very inspirational and worth spending the time reading. When you stop at the MLK Memorial, you will also be able to visit the FDR Memorial because they are close together along the Tidal Basin.
Franklin D. Roosevelt Memorial
The Franklin D. Roosevelt Memorial remembers a great leader and the hopefulness and strength he shared with many during World War II and the challenges of the great depression. The Open air rooms represent the four terms
“We have faith that future generations will know that here, in the middle of the twentieth century, there came a time when men of good will found a way to unite, and produce, and fight to destroy the forces of ignorance and intolerance, and slavery, and war.”
If you pay attention, you will notice, along with Franklin D. Roosevelt’s statue, you will see him sitting in the same type of wheelchair that he used throughout his presidency because of his fight with polio that paralyzed his legs.
This memorial is specifically designed to be easily accessible to those who suffer from some disability or another.
Tidal Basin
The Tidal Basin is a large body of water that is surrounded by memorials and cherry blossom trees. If you have the chance to visit while the cherry blossom trees are in bloom, we would highly recommend it. These trees are beautiful.
The Tidal Basin is also surrounded by many monuments in the National Mall, and you will ride along the tidal basin as you head to the Jefferson Memorial.
You can rent paddle boats and paddle around the Tidal Basin. They are located close to the parking area south of the Washington Monument.
Thomas Jefferson Memorial
The Thomas Jefferson Memorial is dedicated to the third president of the United States and the author of the Declaration of Independence. Sitting on the Tidal Basin, the architecture and location make it stand out.
It resembles the Pantheon in Rome, an architectural style that Thomas Jefferson admired. The memorial is surrounded by the Tidal Basin.
Washington Monument
The Washington Monument is constructed of marble, granite, and bluestone gneiss. It is the world’s tallest stone structure and the tallest obelisk at 554 feet tall. The construction began in 1848 but stopped from 1854 to 1877 due to the Civil War.
This is what led to the color change in the stone about one-third of the way up. After the war, the stone was brought in from a different quarry.
Another great reason to take a tour like Urban Adventures is because of the unique history they teach you on the tour. There is so much to learn while visiting the National Mall. Take some time to learn about the different monuments, what they mean, and the great history they share.
World War II Memorial
The World War II Memorial is a popular memorial that opened in 2004. There is symbolism in the symmetric nature of the memorial. In the north of the memorial, you will see the tribute to the victory in Europe and the Axis troops.
The south of the memorial pays tribute to the victory that happened in the Pacific. The fountains in the middle of the memorial are remarkable and emphasize both the victories that happened in the war.
There is so much meaning behind all of the memorials and how they were made. Take some time to appreciate all that goes into making these magnificent structures and what they mean to the country.
Arlington National Cemetery
Arlington National Cemetery is located just across the Potomac River from Washington DC, and is the resting place for approximately 400,000 people who served the U.S. honorably beginning with the Civil War. These hallowed grounds are a place you want to come to pay your respect.
The best way to tour the grounds is with the Old Town Trolley Tours. This is a hop on hop off tour that includes a tour of the Arlington National Cemetery. The cemetery is huge, and the main highlights are not that close together.
This tour gets you to the main highlights of the cemetery, and the guides are very knowledgeable, making for a great experience. Some of the best stops are the gravesite of President Kennedy and the Changing of the Guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.
We used the hop-on hop-off Old Town Trolley Tour when we were here and loved it.
The Changing of the Guard takes place every half an hour from April 1 through September 30. Outside of that, the Changing of the Guard is every hour.
U.S. Holocaust Museum
The United States Holocaust Memorial Museum is a memorial of the atrocities that happened and a remembrance of the 6 million Jews who were murdered by Nazis. The memorial is a great way to remember the dangers of antisemitism and hatred.
The museum gives a good overview of many of the different aspects of the Holocaust and the timeline of events that transpired throughout that time.
DC Wharf and Fishermans Market
The Fish Market is the oldest continuously operating fish market in the United States. The delicious food is amazing. Located just south of the National Mall, it is somewhere you will want to visit on an empty stomach.
The market is made up of seafood barges selling crab, oysters, clams, shrimp, and fresh fish.
It is literally a seafood lover’s paradise. You can request either cooked or fresh. Grab a bite to eat and enjoy the beautiful views of the Potomac River.
Next to the Fish Market and the Potomac River is the DC Warf. The DC Wharf is a beautiful waterfront destination that makes the perfect location for an evening stroll as the sun is setting. There are four different piers, each with different activities.
One of the piers has Scrabble and Jenga games with the cutest outdoor seating. The entertainment, dining, and retail options are endless. It is a beautiful location with many gorgeous yachts and high-rise apartments. The Warf has many games and a great atmosphere.
You will love a trip to the DC Warf and Fish Market. It is the perfect place to spend an evening during a weekend in Washington DC.
Day 2 in Washington DC
Museum of Natural History
The Museum of Natural History has some of the most amazing exhibits. They have huge life-size exhibits everyone will love. Some of our favorites are the African Bush Elephant, Bone Hall, the Butterfly Pavilion, and Sea Monsters Unearthed.
There are so many amazing exhibits in this museum you could spend days learning about all the amazing things they cover. You can learn about the human genome, to insects, gems, mammals and even examine the global influence of Africa’s people and their culture.
The Museum of Natural History is a place you must during your weekend in Washington DC.
National Archives
The National Archives is one of our favorite things to see in Washington DC. The National Archives is home to the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution, the Bill of Rights, and billions of other records such as textual records, maps, charts, photographs, motion picture films, and electronic data.
Admission to the National Archives is free like the other museums in the area, but there can be a wait to get in, especially if you’re visiting between March and July. You can reserve a guided tour ticket or a time entry online. Security here is like the airport, and pictures aren’t allowed anywhere in the building.
You may have a small wait outside of the Charters of Freedom until some of the crowd ahead of you has gone through. Give yourself around another hour to visit the other galleries in the museum. It is home to the original copy of the 1297 Magna Carta and countless other documents important to American history.
White House
There are few buildings that are as famous and identifiable as the White House. If you’d like to take a tour of the White House, you will need to submit a request through your Member of Congress.
There is a White House Visitor Center you can visit that features many parts of the White House, such as furnishings, first families, social events, and more. It is located at 1450 Pennsylvania Ave.
Georgetown
Georgetown is one of DC’s oldest neighborhoods and is a favorite of tourists and locals alike. Georgetown’s cobblestone sidewalks, calm C&O Canal, and impressive homes are just part of what the area has to offer.
Our favorite spot in Georgetown was Waterfront Park. The park stretches along the banks of the Potomac River from 31st Street to the Key Bridge. There is also a great fountain that the kids will love to play in.
And, of course, no trip to Georgetown is complete without visiting a cupcake shop. We visited Baked & Wired, and we were impressed. Their large cupcakes made in small batches do not disappoint.
They have so many fun and unique flavors. The bakery can be crazy busy, though. There can be a line out the door, but it typically moves pretty fast.
Day 3 in Washington DC
National Air and Space Museum
The National Air and Space Museum is a center for research into the history of aviation and spaceflight as well as a museum showcasing items like the 1903 Wright Flyer, a lunar rock you can touch, and much more. Two of our favorite exhibits were the World War II German Aviation and Destination Moon.
The museum has approximately 7.5 million visitors each year, making it the most visited museum in the United States and the third most visited in the world. Admission to the museum is free.
U.S. Capitol Tour
The United States Capital is one of the most iconic symbols of a working democracy in the world. Visitors are welcome in the nation’s capitol, but if you would like to go on a tour, advanced reservations are the only way to guarantee a spot.
There are multiple ways you can go on a tour. You can book a tour through your member of Congress, and most likely, an intern will take you on your tour. You can also book a tour with the Capitol Visitor Center here. Walk-ups are also available, but you may have a wait.
Supreme Court
In 1935 the Supreme Court Building finished after three years of construction. The Supreme Court is open to visitors Monday-Friday, 9 am – 4:30 pm. You enter the building through the Plaza doors, found on each side of the main steps.
You do have to clear through security before entering the building. The main level has self-guided exhibits. Our favorite part of the Supreme Court was the large steps out front.
Sitting on the steps thinking of the history that has happened there was just incredible. So many Americans have come to these steps to exercise their right to demonstrate.
Library of Congress
The Library of Congress is the largest library in the world. It is made up of three different buildings and has more than 167 million items, including more than 39 million books. The print materials represent 470 languages!
It is also the home of the U.S. Copyright Office. Plus, the Jefferson Building is one of the prettiest buildings on the National Mall.
You can take a free one-hour walking tour of the library, or you can explore on your own. Our favorite exhibits were the Baseball Americana and Thomas Jefferson’s Library.
Thomas Jefferson sold his library of 6,487 books to the library in 1815 after the British burned the original Library of Congress during the War of 1812. Today, you can see a replica of the library Jefferson sold to the United States.
Other Ideas of Fun Things to Do During a Weekend in Washington DC
Carousel on the National Mall
The carousel was a big hit for our family on the National Mall. As we were waiting for our turn, we learned so much about this historic carousel. It was originally built for a segregated amusement park that only allowed whites to enter.
Eventually, the park agreed to desegregate on August 28, 1963 – the same day MLK gave his “I Have a Dream” speech. On that day, 11-month-old Sharon Langley became the first African-American to ride the carousel along with two white children.
Smithsonian Castle
There are two reasons to visit the Smithsonian Castle. First, admire the building from the outside and take a picture or two. It is a beautiful building showcasing 19th-century architecture. Second, inside is the information center for the Smithsonian Institute.
Here you can get an idea about the scale of the Smithsonian Institute and see highlights from each of the museums. If you aren’t sure which museums you want to go to, this would be a great starting place.
Einstein Memorial
This was by far our kid’s favorite memorial because you can climb on it. Found on the grounds of the National Academy of Sciences grounds, Einstein is a memorial kids can climb on and explore. His nose is actually a different color because kids come to rub his nose for good luck before finals.
We stayed here for around 30 minutes because my kids wanted to wait so many times to climb on him and have their picture taken.
Botanic Garden
The Botanic Garden is found on the grounds of the U.S. Capitol building on the National Mall and is the oldest continually operating botanic garden in the country. The botanical garden is free to go to.
The garden has many different exhibits and gardens inside, ranging from the rose garden to the butterfly garden.
The conservatory has awesome plants. There were such unique plants from all around the world – including cabbage on a stick. They also have an interesting section of rare and endangered plants.
The National Zoo
The National Zoo is one of the oldest zoos In the United States. What’s even better is that it does not charge for admission. It is home to more than 1,500 animals representing 300 different species.
Hands down, our favorite animals were the giant panda bears. We got our first glimpse of giant pandas in San Diego and were excited to see more.
The National Zoo participates in the Giant Panda Species Survival Plan, and they have a great viewing area for you to see the pandas and watch where they study the panda’s behavior.
National Cathedral & Crypt
Whether you’re visiting to worship or just looking in wonder, the National Cathedral is worth a stop during your trip. The stained-glass windows, Gothic spires, and neo-Gothic architecture combine to make an impressive building on the highest point in DC.
Although the building looks very old, it was completed in 1990, after a two-century-long plan for construction.
President Woodrow Wilson and his wife are buried in the Cathedral. From the West Front Door, the grave is on the right-hand side, halfway to the high altar. In the bay, you will see the American flag and the Princeton University flag.
A fun point of interest inside is in the lower Crypt. Many people are buried in the crypt behind the gate, but the most famous are Helen Keller and her teacher Anne Sullivan. The Cathedral offers a variety of tours, or you can walk through it yourself.
If you visit on a Sunday, admission is free. This is one of many fun and great things to do during a weekend in Washington DC.
Chinatown
Chinatown is a small neighborhood that features a variety of Chinese attractions. If you’re looking for delicious Chinese food, this is your place. There are about 20 Chinese and Asian restaurants in the neighborhood, along with trendy stores, hotels, nightclubs, and more.
The 60-foot-high Chinese archway will lead the way into intricately decorated storefronts and energetic restaurants. It is really fun to see businesses we were familiar with have their names written in Chinese on the outside of the buildings.
U.S. Bureau of Engraving and Printing
The United States Bureau of Engraving and Printing is where the United States makes currency. The BEP prints trillions of dollars. They do not make coins. All U.S.-made coins are made at the U.S Mint.
Because of the pandemic, the BEP is closed and cannot be visited but check in before you go to see if that has changed if you are interested in visiting the BEP.
Mount Vernon Trail
The Mount Vernon Trail is a great spot for some exercise and great views. It is 18 miles long and paved. The trail goes from the George Washington Mount Vernon Estate to Theodore Roosevelt Island.
Ford’s Theatre
If you were awake during history class, you will know that Ford’s Theatre was where then President Lincoln was assassinated. The theatre is an active theatre, and tickets are required for entry, but tickets are free.
There are times the theatre is closed from matinees and other events but if the theatre is closed, the Peterson House across the stress where Lincoln was rushed to and where he died is typically open when the theatre is not.
Logan Circle Heritage Trail
Logan Circle Heritage Trail is another historical walking trail that is a short 1.5 miles long. The trail is where you can experience the historic Logan Circle Neighborhood.
There are many signs explaining the many historical buildings and their significance along the trail.
Dupont Circle
If you are looking for a popular area with great dining and entertainment, Dupont Circle has many activities. There are great eateries, dance clubs, and bars that are popular destinations for those who are in the area.
National Arboretum
The National Arboretum is a great trail that has blossoms that are different than the blossoms that are visible at the Tidal Basin. The Arboretum has azalea blooms. The blossoms do not happen at the same time of year as the cherry blossoms, so check it out if you want to see some beautiful azalea blooms.
Map of The Best Things to Do During a Weekend in Washington DC
Best Places to Eat During a Weekend in Washington DC
Ambar
Ambar is a Balkan Cuisine restaurant that unites tradition with a beautiful contemporary design. The small plate menu allows you to sample a variety of different dishes, all of which you will love.
We had a hard time narrowing down our order, so our advice is to go with the “Balkan Experience” which allows for unlimited small plates for $35.
You will love everything on the menu. This is a delicious place to eat and a great experience.
Modern Market
Imagine you went to the farmers’ market and bought ingredients to make a fresh and vibrant meal – that’s what you get at Modern Market but without all of the work of shopping and cooking. They work within a network of suppliers who emphasize the importance of sustainable practices.
They have a large menu for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Commissary DC
After a long day of exploring, Commissary DC is a great place to wind down for dinner. They have a great patio, large bar, relaxing armchairs for more of a cozy lounge area feel or a typical table setting for you to enjoy your meal.
The menu offers breakfast, lunch, and dinner and is varied yet reasonable in price. It has such a great atmosphere and is family-friendly!
Chaplin’s
Chaplin’s Restaurant and Bar is a ramen house and cocktail bar based on the silent films from the 1930s. The restaurant is decorated with old movie posters, sheet music, and projections of silent films on the wall.
Chef Myo Htun cooked in Japan for close to 30 years and has brought these same dishes to Chaplin’s.
Best Time to Visit Washington DC
The best time to visit Washinton DC is in the early fall when the weather is still warm but not too hot and humid. Another great time to visit is in the spring before the summer heat starts.
These are also great times because you miss the peak tourist season, giving you a little more room and fewer people and lines.
How to Get Around Washington DC
There are many ways to get around in Washington DC. Some of the best ways to get around are by using the Old Town Trolley, ride share apps like Uber, the metro, or using a bicycle.
Depending on how far you are going to be going and where you want to go will play a significant factor in the types of transportation you will use. There is a good chance you will use all of the above-listed forms of transportation.
It just depends on the day, what you are doing, how fast you want to get there, and what you are doing that day. If you’re going to be exploring outside the city or if your hotel is far from public transportation, you may want to consider renting a car.
Where to Stay in Washington DC
The InterContinental Washington D.C. – The Wharf, an IGH Hotel, is the perfect place to stay when traveling to Washington DC. It is close to the National Mall and along the DC Warf, giving you good food and views for the duration of your stay.
The price is very competitive for a four-star hotel in the area, and it is pet friendly if you are bringing your furry friends. The location can’t be beat, making this one of the top hotels to stay at when visiting Washington DC and its exciting history.
▶ Check Rates & Book: InterContinental
If you are looking for a hotel that is close to the action but not overly expensive, you should check out the Holiday Inn Washington Capital National Mall, an IHG Hotel. They have large bathrooms and are within walking distance of the National Air and Space Museum.
This is a mid-grade hotel that will give you everything you need. Don’t spend all your day traveling to and from a cheap hotel that is miles away when you can stay close and save time and money on your travel expense.
▶ Check Rates & Book: Holiday Inn Washington Capital
A few other great options you should consider are –
What to Bring on a weekend in Washington DC
Travel Insurance
If you are traveling anywhere these days, especially with current events, there are so many unknowns and issues that abound. Don’t be caught off guard without proper insurance.
Travel insurance can protect you from many issues like canceled flights, lost luggage, and other trip issues that arise.
Comfortable walking shoes
If you are going to be visiting many of the National Mall sites, you will undoubtedly walk a lot. The area is huge, and there is so much to see. Comfortable walking shoes are a must even if you plan on using a bicycle or Uber a lot of the time.
Packing Cubes
You don’t have to have packing cubes on your trip, but once you start using them, you will wonder why you didn’t use them sooner. They make your suitcase or bag so much easier to find your clothes. They also make everything so much more organized.
Umbrella
Washington DC can get a lot of moisture. A travel umbrella is something that can prevent you from getting stuck in the rain. Even when the day looks sunny, a rain shower is not uncommon in the DC area.
FAQ: Weekend in Washington DC
Can you visit Washington DC in a weekend?
Yes, you can visit a lot of Washinton DC in a weekend. There are so many sites you could spend a month trying to see them all, but in 2 or 3 days, you can see a lot of amazing things. If you have a weekend available, you should go visit Washington DC.
How do I plan a weekend in DC?
If you only have a weekend, it will be important to prioritize what you want to see. Our guide is a great start for planning your weekend and nailing down what you want to see with your time in DC.
Is 2 days in Washington DC enough?
Yes, two days in Washington DC is enough to get a feel of the area and a lot of what it has to offer. If you have two days, you will probably leave trying to plan your next trip because you won’t see a lot of great things, but you will have a wonderful experience in two days.
Conclusion: Weekend in Washington DC
We hope you find these travel tips helpful. There are so many things to do in Washington DC, this weekend. A weekend getaway in Washington DC is definitely worth it. If you can make it a long weekend, we would try for that, but if you can’t make that happen, still go.
You could live in Washington DC, and it would still be hard to visit all of the amazing historic sites. There is something for everyone on the east coast and Washington DC.
If you are an art lover, make sure you visit the National Gallery of Art, the National Portrait Gallery, and the Smithsonian American Art Museum. The Smithsonian Museums are fantastic. You will love your trip, even if it is only two days in Washington DC.
We hope our 3-day Washington DC itinerary helps you plan your Washington DC weekend trip. The experience will be one you will remember for years to come.
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