Curator’s statement
Washington, DC, is a one-of-a-kind destination, blending rich history with modern vibrancy. As the nation's capital, it offers unparalleled access to iconic landmarks like the White House, the Capitol and the National Mall. Beyond its historical significance, DC boasts a thriving arts scene, world-class museums and diverse neighborhoods, making it a cultural melting pot. Whether you're exploring its political heart or its dynamic food and nightlife, Washington, DC, offers something truly unique for every traveler.
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Day 1: The Capitol, American History Museum and monuments
Start at about 7:30/8 am. Make your way to Union Station via the Metro (on the Red Line). Explore the Station and make sure to look up at the architecture with the knights.
Exit the station on the Massachusetts Ave side and walk toward the Capitol. Bare to the right as you get closer, so that you will end up at the Russell State Office Building. This is the building where a majority of the Senators work, and yes, it is open to the public. After entering through security, feel free to explore the floors and see the offices of your state senator! Walk into any office and and ask for Chamber passes (for both the House and Senate).
Walk across the street to the Capitol and enter into the Capitol Visitor Center. Take a tour of the Capitol (typically about 90 minutes) and at the conclusion, ask to be pointed toward the Chambers. (Sometimes there is a line for both, so choose either the House or Senate). Be sure to place all your items at check-in near the Chambers, you will not be allowed in with cellphones, keys, etc.).
Make your way to the underground tunnel toward the Library of Congress (located on the second level of the Visitor Center). Walk around the Library of Congress, it has some of the coolest architecture in all of DC. Exit and walk next door to the Supreme. Be sure to go upstairs and sit in the courtroom and listen to the guide.
Time for lunch! Head a few blocks east to the Eastern Market (clever name, I know). This is a perfect local spot for everyone. Between a meat market, sandwiches, soup, seafood, etc., they really have everything. There is an indoor and outdoor market. The outdoor one typically has local artists and live music. This is a great place to get gifts like art, pottery, flowers, etc.
After you have had your fill, make your way back toward the Capitol and The Mall (no, not a shopping mall, the expansive lawn on the other side of the Capitol). After passing the Capitol, walk on the right-hand side of the Mall toward the Washington Monument. Make a stop at the American History Museum, which is free! Explore the museum and be sure to check out: The Star Spangled Banner and The American Stories Exhibit. If history isn't up your ally, go across the street to the Air and Space Museum, also free.
After being indoors, head back outside toward to the Washington Monument. After taking your pictures of the big pencil in the sky, turn right and walk toward the White House. This will not be as far of a walk as the Eastern Market to the Capitol.
This will be over a six-mile walking day, so you are probably ready for dinner. Take the fifteen-minute walk to Founding Farmers for dinner. This farmer-owned, farm-to-table restaurant is hands down one of my favorite local spots. After dinner, feel free to go home and take a quick nap, shower, change, etc.
One of the coolest parts of DC is that one, almost everything is free, and two, the monuments never close. Check out the sunset from the Mall to watch it set over the buildings/monuments. After the sun sets, head to the Lincoln Memorial. Once there, go see the big man on his chair. Take a seat on the seats and look out onto the Mall, relax, and realize you are in the most powerful city in the world, with no one around you (it is typically a ghost town at night).
Day 2: Dupont Circle
Grab brunch at either Boqueria Dupont, Agora DC Mediterranean Restaurant or Tabard Inn (all of which are in Dupont Circle). All of these have bottomless mimosas. Walk the few blocks to Georgetown to explore the shopping and waterside. This is a hopping place on the weekends, so be prepared for crowds. If you are not on board to swipe the credit card, wander down to the water for a relaxing walk. Be sure to grab a cupcake at Georgetown Cupcakes (yes, the wait is 30–45 minutes, but totally worth it) or Baked and Wired.
Walk back toward Dupont Circle and hop on the metro to the National Zoo. You can either spend all day, or just a few hours. This will leave you with the latter part of the afternoon to check off anything you personally want to see/do.
Day 3: Historic sites
Depending on what you are feeling for the rest of the weekend, you can mix in any of the following:
Jefferson Memorial
Lincoln Memorial
Arlington Cemetery
Old Town Alexandria (half day recommended, do the ladder half and grab dinner down by the water)
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Travel Advisor
Stuart Sokoloff
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This itinerary is part of our ongoing series on travel to Washington, DC. Looking for more travel inspiration? Check out my guide, Guide to the Valley of the Sun in Arizona.