Travel - US

Weekend in Washington, DC

June 14, 2024 - By thehealthyishfood

Washington, DC! Capital of United States! 3 days in the city is the perfect amount of time to see the nation’s capital. With many museums, monuments and thriving food scene.

HOW TO GET TO WASHINGTON DC

There are 3 different airports which serve the greater Washington DC area: Ronald Regan National Airport (DCA), Dulles International Airport (IAD), and Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI). We flew into DCA as it is closest to downtown and most common airport to fly into if you’re visiting Washington, DC.

GETTING AROUND WASHINGTON DC

Okay so we rented a car, but I would say if you’re staying in downtown area definitely use public transportation. Parking can be difficult so keep that in mind if you’re renting a car.

WHERE TO STAY IN WASHINGTON DC

As far as where to stay in the city. You have many options. Hotels can get expensive in the downtown area so make sure you book ahead of the time. We stayed in Bethesda, Maryland as it was only a 20 minute drive to Washington, DC downtown so if you’re renting a car it is definitely worth it to look at surrounding cities as the hotels are more affordable.

3 DAYS IN WASHINGTON DC ITINERARY

I think 3 days is a perfect amount of time to see the monuments and have a great town so let’s start! This was our itinerary, because of where our hotel was located, so depending on where you’re staying, move the days around!

Day 1

Walk the National Mall

The Lincoln Memorial

National Mall is a lot bigger than you probably think! Start early in the morning and walk towards Lincoln Memorial. This was definitely my favorite monument. The monument is built to honor 16th president of United States, Abraham Lincoln and it is located on the far end of National Mall.

The Washington Monument

It is located in the middle and it rises up 555 feet into the sky. You won’t miss it! You can purchase a ticket for $1 to go on the top.

Some of the other memorials are The Korean War Veterans Memorial, The Vietnam Veterans Memorial and The National World World II Memorial.

Smithsonian Museums

All of the museums are free, but you do need to make reservations ahead of the time.

White House

You can get an actual tour of the White House, but you’ll need to plan this months in advance. We didn’t do the tour, but it’s nice to see the White House from outside.

DAY 2

Washington DC itinerary wouldn’t be complete if you don’t visit the Capitol Building. The tickets are free, but you do need to get them ahead of the time.

You’ll also see Supreme Court and Library of Congress. The tickets are free for Library of Congress, just make sure you get them beforehand.

DAY 3

Don’t skip Georgetown! My favorite neighborhood with beautiful townhouses. You can spend hours walking around. They have plenty of restaurants and shopping options. You can also visit Georgetown University and Logan Circle. I also highly recommend stopping by Washington National Cathedral, it is beautiful!