Washington D.C.
3-DAY Washington, District of Columbia ITINERARY
Washington, DC, the U.S. capital, is a compact city on the Potomac River, bordering the states of Maryland and Virginia. It's defined by imposing neoclassical monuments and buildings - including the iconic ones that house the federal government's 3 branches: the Capitol, White House and Supreme Court. It's also home to iconic museums and performing-arts venues such as the Kennedy Center, per Google.
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To read about My Travels, click here.
Must do, must see, must try:
REMEMBER
Monuments, memorials and the fallen heroes. Take a moment at each sight.
FOOD MUST: OYSTERS
Shuck, slip or suck the freshest oysters you can find.
CHERRY BLOSSOMS
Catch the Cherry Blossoms tress in full bloom during March through April.
The 3-Day Washington, D.C. Itinerary
ACCOMMODATIONS
AirBnB close to Downtown Washington or Dupont Circle
Hotel: Marriott Marquis Washington ($$$), Hamilton Hotel Washington ($$)
CLIMATE
Avoid the sweltering summers by visiting from September to November or March to May. Plan around the cherry blossoms if possible.
TRANSPORTATION
The itinerary pieces activities together that are walk-able, but Lyft to the outskirts or take the local trolley. Renting a car is a nice option but street parking and hotel parking is over-priced.
ENVIRONMENT
Language is English
Currency: US Dollar (USD, $)
LIFESTYLE
Washington DC attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors each year. Besides the political significance, Washington DC offers beautiful museums (a lot of them), peaceful gardens and historical significance. Bucket list city that offers a lot of activities and food options that won't break your budget. The atmosphere is ideal for a romantic getaway, friends reunion or a family vacation.
Day one
Super early flight, check-in to AirBnB and drop off bags
10 AM - Walk the National Mall; full loop is 4 miles
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Start the loop and sights to see: ​
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The Lincoln Memorial - yes, you should climb all the steps but it's worth it​
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Continue South a little out of the loop for ​Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial
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Noon - The White House, you may be walking back later in the evening to see the White House at night
1 PM - Lunch at The Old Ebbitt Grill ($$, Bar & Sandwiches) and try the oysters​ are delicious
2 PM - Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History; time spent is 3 hours, free
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The building behind this one is the U.S. Department of Justice​
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Walk next door to Pavilion Cafe for a coffee and dessert; the building behind this one is the National Archives Building​
5:30 PM - Smithsonian Castle; free
Stroll around Tidal Basin
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Sights To See: ​Cherry Blossoms (bloom in March through April)​; U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum, free; Thomas Jefferson Memorial, and take a paddle boat out if you have time
7:00 PM - Walk to the U.S. Capitol Building and take in all the sights​​, really gorgeous at night
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Behind this building is the Supreme Court of the U.S. and Library of Congress
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Don't worry - you're coming back for a tour
8 PM - Dinner at Birch & Barley ($$$, American) in Logan Circle
Bar: DNV Rooftop ($$$, Rooftop Bar) just down the street
Day Two
9 AM - The Pentagon Tour; time spent is 1.5 hours, free; must register in advance​
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City within a city with drug stores, florists, candy shops and more​
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Take a moment to reflect on where the 9/11 plane hit
11:30 AM - Arlington National Cemetery; time spent is 1 hour
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Sight: U.S. Marine Corps War Memorial​
Lunch at Central Michel Richard ($$$, French) or Zaytinya ($$$, Mediterranean)
2 PM - Back to the National Mall - there's so much here!
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So many museums, so see one that fits your interests:
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Smithsonian Arts & Industries Building
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Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum
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Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture
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National Museum of the American Indian
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Smithsonian's National Postal Museum
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National Gallery of Art
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The building behind this one is Federal Trade Commission Library​
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The Newseum​; time spent is 2 hours, $25; this is a MUS visit, actual sections of the Berlin Wall​ are kept here
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Get to the top for a great view​
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Smithsonian National Museum of American History; time spent is 2 hours; another must
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Other options: National Geographic Museum, International Spy Museum, Federal Bureau of Investigation Headquarters and the National Building Museum
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6:30 PM - Library of Congress, take a look up at the most beautiful ceiling you'll ever see​
Dinner at Good Stuff Eatery ($$, Burger) or We, the Pizza ($, Pizza)
Evening activities options: see a show at Ford's Theater or nightlife: Adams Morgan neighborhood
Day Three
Breakfast at Union Market
9:30 AM - Tour the U.S. Capitol Building; time spent 1.5 hour, free
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Book in advance → tickets​
Or take a Day Trip to Georgetown
Check out from the AirBnB
Goodbye Washington DC. ​Head home.
Travel a GO-Go
Use the Google map on the left to get a lay of the land and see all the fun spots that you'll visit. Download the free PDF by clicking the icon below to have this itinerary at your finger-tips.
How to Use the Map: Click the tab in the top left hand corner to view the layers (days, points of interest, route).
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If you click the star, this map will be added to your Google Map account. To view, open your Google Maps, click the menu button "Your Places", select the map to open.
MY TRAVELS
Washington D.C. is still on my bucket list. I desperately want to visit and see everything that US history has to offer. This itinerary was created from the Personalized Itinerary request form when planning Your Trip. Get your personalized itinerary for anywhere in the world but answering a few questions.
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Want to collaborate and share your Washington D.C. itinerary? Drop me a message using the contact form at the bottom of the page.
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'Merica,
Itinerary Traveler
