If you’re searching for your next weekend trip destination, look no further. Washington DC is an awesome city to visit with world-renowned museums, historical buildings, and fun activities for the whole family. Whether you’re a history buff, nature-lover, or food connoisseur, Washington DC is sure to impress. Keep reading for a complete guide to one weekend in Washington DC.
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Table of Contents
How do I get to Washington DC?
The Washington D.C. region is home to not one, but three airports: Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport, Washington Dulles International Airport, and Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport. With plenty of airport options, DC is very easy to visit by plane, although catching an Amtrak train into the city is also a popular option.
As far as navigating throughout the city, the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority offers a number of popular options, including the Metrobus and DC Circulator, as well as the Metro itself. These are the most common ways to navigate the city as they are convenient and affordable. DC is also quite walkable, so you can always explore on foot or via bike.
What is the best time?
Spring and fall are typically the best times to visit Washington DC to avoid sweltering heat and excessive crowds. Spring and fall are both very moderate seasons in DC, making for a pleasant trip, especially if you plan on being outside for a good amount of time. As a bonus, you’ll also be able to catch a glimpse of the city’s iconic cherry blossoms if you visit in the spring.
Where should I stay in Washington DC?
Booking.comIf you plan on visiting some of Washington DC’s most popular destinations, like the Smithsonian Museum and the White House, downtown is a great place to stay. Although hotels in the downtown area can get pricey, you’ll be conveniently located near a lot of the must-visit spots. The Renaissance Washington, DC Downtown Hotel offers sleek, reasonably-priced accommodations, while the Sofitel Washington DC Lafayette Square is more upscale and trendy, for those looking to splurge.
Another great home base in Washington DC is Georgetown, home to Georgetown University. This neighborhood is more laid back and casual, with lots of fun bars, restaurants, and shopping. The Georgetown House is a comfortable option with casual accommodations at an affordable price point, while the Ritz-Carlton Georgetown, Washington DC offers a luxurious experience for a higher price tag.
Sample 3-Day Washington DC Itinerary
Day 1 in Washington DC
Morning
Begin your trip with a visit to the iconic Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History. This museum is world-renowned for its size and quality of exhibits, and visitors of all ages are sure to be amazed by the experience.
The museum is home to a number of exhibits that cover topics ranging from sea life to dinosaur fossils to gemstones and so much more. You could truly spend an entire day just exploring the museum, so take your time as you stroll through.
The best part is that admission to the museum is completely free! It’s crazy how many things you can do for free in Washington DC!
Afternoon
Continue on with your tour of some of DC’s most iconic sights by taking a walk along the National Mall. The National Mall is a roughly 2-mile-long walkway that features some of the city’s most famous monuments, such as the Capitol Building and the Lincoln Memorial. Seeing these incredible monuments in person will make you feel as though you’re living and breathing history.
Tip! Check out Let’s Roam’s guided scavenger hunt that turns these historic sites into a fun game. You’ll learn fun historical facts + compete against your family/friends to earn the most points! OR if you aren’t up for walking, you can check out this 2-hour electric car tour of the National Mall!
Evening
Spend the evening exploring the charming neighborhood of Georgetown. Georgetown is located right along the Potomac River, offering great opportunities to walk along the water and enjoy the waterfront views. There are some beautiful historic buildings in the Georgetown neighborhood, as well as plenty of options for shopping, eating, and grabbing a drink.
Day 2 in Washington DC:
Morning
Start the day by doing some shopping at Eastern Market, a large indoor/outdoor market selling everything from flowers and jewelry to books and produce. Eastern Market is a great opportunity to support local businesses and enjoy Washington DC’s beautiful weather. Take your time strolling through the vendors and you’re sure to snag some awesome goodies.
Afternoon
One of the best museums in the Washington DC area is the International Spy Museum. This museum is truly one-of-a-kind, featuring the world’s largest collection of espionage-related artifacts. The museum also incorporates hands-on exhibits where you can test your spy skills, making for a fun and engaging experience. Tickets are $16.95 for youth 7-12, and $26.95 for adults 13-64, though discounts are available for seniors, military, and students.
Evening
Close out the day by catching a live performance at the Ford’s Theatre, the infamous site of Abraham Lincoln’s assassination. The historic site has a museum detailing the theater’s background and the famous events that took place there. The theater also hosts performances such as musicals, plays, and even comedy shows!
Day 3 in Washington DC
Morning
The U.S. National Arboretum is a must-visit spot, featuring countless trees, flowers, herbs, and aquatic plants. The Arboretum boasts over 400 acres of beautifully landscaped greenery, and there are a number of hiking, walking, and biking trails throughout the area. However you choose to enjoy the gardens, you’re sure to be impressed by the sheer size and attention to detail that shines through.
Afternoon
Spend the afternoon at the National Geographic Museum, a beautifully-curated museum highlighting the history of the organization and some of the iconic photography featured in the magazine’s pages. You’ll see some of the most well-known National Geographic Magazine covers and learn about the organization’s continued efforts to promote global connection and conversation. Tickets range from $10 for children 5-12 (under 5 are free), $12 for student/senior/military, and $15 for regular admission.
Evening
The Adams Morgan neighborhood of DC is the perfect place to spend your final evening in town. This area is known for being culturally diverse, with plenty of options for nightlife ranging from bars to restaurants and some live music venues as well. You can sample a wide variety of foods in the Adams Morgan neighborhood and spend the night dancing or singing karaoke. Adams Morgan also features quirky architecture and street art, making for a fun environment to wander around and explore.
Traveling to DC with your pup? Check out this dog-friendly itinerary!
Other Things to Do in Washington DC
- Tour the Library of Congress (free, but must have a timed-entry pass)
- Do some shopping at Capitol Hill Books
- Visit the National Gallery of Art (free)
- Take a day trip to Mount Vernon, George Washington’s home ($15 for youth 6-11 and $28 for adults 12+)
- Take a tour of the Mounuments at night during the Monuments by Moonlight Tour!
Other Tips to Know Before Visiting Washington DC
Early summer tends to be primetime for field trips from local schools, so try to avoid April and May if you want to have a more peaceful visit!
One Weekend in Washington DC Packing List
Even though you are only in Washington DC for one weekend, it is best to arrive prepared to avoid having to waste time by running to the store for forgotten items. Below you will find everything (okay…maybe not everything) you will need for 3 days in Washington DC!
- Comfy walking shoes (for your walking tours and parks. I wear my keens EVERYWHERE. Not only are they great hiking shoes, but they are also great for keeping your feet cool if visiting in the summer. No socks needed 🙂
- Travel-sized toiletries (shampoo, conditioner, lotion, face wash, deodorant…you know all your daily essentials). This is a perfect travel case that meets TSA regulations!
- All the clothes (this one is going to be a personal choice as to how much to bring). I am typically good with three nice dinner outfits, my favorite joggers, a comfy shirt, some athletic shorts, and maybe a swimsuit for the hotel pool!
- Makeup and hair supplies
- ID and any other travel documents or itineraries needed.
- Phone charger
- Kindle or current reading book
- Any needed medications
- Airplane snacks and water bottle (bring an empty bottle along to save plastic and money at the airport and on your daily adventures)
- Sunglasses! (I always forget this one)
- Andddd of course your camera! A gopro would be fun for these adventures!
3-day Washington DC Itinerary Recap:
- Day 1: Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History, National Mall, Georgetown
- Day 2: Eastern Market, International Spy Museum, Ford’s Theater
- Day 3: US National Arboretum, National Geographic Museum, Adam’s Morgan Neighborhood
Keep Reading::: One Weekend in Charlotte, North Carolina
One Weekend In Washington DC Isn’t Enough
As you can see, there’s SO much to do in Washington DC that one weekend would never be enough to see it all. You can customize your 3-day Washington DC itinerary based on what interests you. No matter what you’re looking for, you’ll find plenty of entertaining activities to create your own fun-filled, jam-packed adventure weekend in Washington DC!
What else would you add to this “One Weekend in Washington DC” Itinerary?
Tip! Make sure to follow me on Instagram for more USA weekend getaways and dog-friendly adventures!
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