Curator’s statement
DC has such a special place in my heart when it comes to traveling with kids. There are so many highlights! Like, its diversity, great food, historical sites, and above all: free museums!! Need I say more? We visited during December, which meant less crowds, more Christmas lights! Our trip included the National Mall monuments and memorials, several museums, and a trip to the White House! We stayed in Arlington, as Rosslyn is only a 6min metro ride from the city, while offering a more quiet vibe.
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Day 1: Arrive in DC
We flew in mid-afternoon, and checked into our hotel in Arlington.
Explore Georgetown: We headed into Georgetown for an evening stroll and to check out Georgetown Glow DC, a free outdoor light display. Highly recommend it if you visit around the holidays! Otherwise, explore the streets of Georgetown! They’re fun on their own
Dinner: While in Georgetown, the possibilities are endless when it comes to food! We opted for Filomena Ristorante, before ending our stroll and heading back to our hotel for the night.
Day 2: US Capitol and National Mall
Breakfast: We took the metro to Pete’s Diner for breakfast, near the Library of Congress. Highly recommend!
Tour of the US Capitol: We booked a reservation to take a tour of the US Capitol building. On our way, we checked out the Library of Congress, and the Supreme Court.
Walking tour of the National Mall: This tour was a great way to spend the rest of the day!
Dinner: Reservations at Old Ebbitt Grill, a DC staple! (Pro tip: oyster happy hour goes on daily from 3pm to 5pm & 11pm to 1am)
Post-dinner: Before heading back to our hotel, we visited the illuminated White House and the National Christmas Tree.
Day 3: Natural History Museum
Breakfast: Early breakfast at Wicked Waffle.
Natural History Museum: You could very easily spend an entire day here!
Dinner: We headed to the charming and eclectic Adams Morgan neighborhood. Roofers Union is a great rooftop dinner option!
Post-dinner: Head to the Smithsonian National Zoo for their ZooLights event!
Day 4: US Holocaust Memorial and African American History Museums
Breakfast: Headed to 14th Street for breakfast at Ted’s Bulletin.
US Holocaust Memorial Museum: We spent all morning here. Very heavy, but without a doubt, everyone should visit and learn.
African American History and Culture Museum: Another very important museum to visit in the area. The building is beautiful! (Pro tip: do not miss the restaurant! Great option for lunch before getting started!)
Dinner: We took an Uber back to Georgetown for dinner at El Centro DF before heading back to the hotel.
Day 5: National Air Space Museum and National Archives
Breakfast: We decided for breakfast at our hotel.
National Air Space Museum: Great museum! We spent around four to five hours here.
National Archives Museum: We stopped by for a few hours before closing since it was located right across!
Chinatown/City Center DC: We didn't want to leave DC without strolling the streets of Chinatown, and the City Center DC shopping area. There are lots of options for dinner nearby! We opted for Fig & Olive.
Day 6: Arlington National Cemetery and last day
Breakfast: Our last day meant breakfast on the go!
Arlington National Cemetery: We wanted to be able to pay respects before heading home. It was located very close to our hotel, and we were able to visit before heading to the airport!
Fly home!
Need to know
This was the perfect itinerary for older kids or teens, but it would also make such a great trip without kids! DC is the perfect place for a few days of cultural immersion, great food, diversity and so much to do!
Travel Advisor
Marisol Carrillo
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