Ready to explore monuments, museums, and American history? Head to Washington, D.C.! The U.S. capital offers iconic landmarks, world-class museums, diverse neighborhoods, and a thriving culinary scene. Whether you're taking in the National Mall or exploring vibrant local culture, Washington, D.C. is both educational and inspiring.
Washington, D.C. Highlights:
- For History Buffs: Tour the National Mall and monuments – Visit the Lincoln Memorial, Washington Monument, WWII Memorial, and more.
- For Museum Lovers: Explore the Smithsonian Institution – Enjoy free access to world-class museums like the Air & Space Museum and National Museum of African American History and Culture.
- For Families: Visit the National Zoo – A family favorite featuring giant pandas, elephants, and kid-friendly exhibits.
- For Art Enthusiasts: Discover the National Gallery of Art – View classic and modern masterpieces in stunning galleries and sculpture gardens.
- For Culture Seekers: Stroll through Georgetown – Cobblestone streets, boutique shopping, riverside dining, and colonial charm.
Best Time to Visit Washington, D.C.
The best time to visit Washington, D.C. is in the spring (March–May) for cherry blossoms and festivals, or fall (September–November) for mild weather and fewer crowds. Summer is busy and hot, while winter offers fewer tourists and festive holiday displays.
How to Get to Washington, D.C.
- By Air: Fly into Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA), just 15 minutes from downtown. Dulles (IAD) and Baltimore (BWI) are also nearby.
- By Train: Amtrak’s Union Station offers direct service from New York, Boston, and other East Coast cities.
- By Metro: The Washington Metro (WMATA) system makes it easy to navigate neighborhoods and reach top attractions.
Where to Stay in Washington, D.C.
- Recommended for Families: Embassy Suites by Hilton – Georgetown – Spacious suites, free breakfast, and easy metro access.
- For Couples: Hotel Hive – A trendy micro-hotel near the Lincoln Memorial with modern amenities and rooftop views.
- For Luxury Travelers: The Hay-Adams – Historic elegance across from the White House with impeccable service and style.
Best Things to Do in Washington, D.C.
1. Admire Masterpieces Like a Pro at the National Gallery of Art
I decided to start here on my first day in D.C. because of National Gallery of Art's location in the National Mall on Constitution Avenue. It's one of the country’s top art galleries so I definitely didn't want to miss it. Since the the museum covers such a vast area, I spent half a day here and only saw parts of it. The original neoclassical West Building, which was designed by John Russell Pope, and the newer East Building, designed by I.M. Pei, are both impressive but my favorite was the Sculpture Garden.
Just in the Gallery’s main collection, you can see major works of art from the Italian Renaissance period to the Middle Ages, a vast selection of European paintings, including the only painting by Leonardo da Vinci in the United States, and over 75,000 prints.
Address: 6th & Constitution Ave NW, Washington, D.C., Phone: 202-737-4215
2. Stroll along the National Mall to Capture Iconic DC in a Single Day
After spending hours at the museum, I had a quick snack at the museum cafe and proceeded outside to see the National Mall. I'm sure you've seen pictures in countless news stories and movies. Don't miss walking in this large green urban space in the heart of the city which stands as a symbol of our nation and its democratic values. You'll be able to admire the White House, the State Capitol, Constitution Gardens, East and West Potomac Parks, and monuments such as the Washington Monument, Thomas Jefferson Memorial, Lincoln Memorial, Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial, and D.C. War Memorial, among others. Plan to spend quite a bit of time walking around and be sure to wear comfortable shoes!
National Mall and Memorial Parks is open 24 hours a day, but I found that the best times to visit are the early evening and during the morning, when the area is tranquil, romantic and less crowded.
900 Ohio Drive, SW, Washington, D.C., Phone: 877-444-6777
What to do if you are traveling with kids:
3. Dine and Shop at the Wharf District
Washington’s Southwest Waterfront has in its time been a Native American village, the city’s water entryway, a military hub, and a fish market. The city’s new Wharf District was developed as a great meeting place with spectacular water views, hot restaurants, and live entertainment as the newest and most exciting new neighborhood in the nation’s capital. A mile-long stretch of land on the banks of the Potomac River, The Wharf re-establishes Washington as a lively waterfront city. There is so much to do at The Wharf besides eating your way through the great restaurants and cafes. Strolling along the pier offers fantastic views of the river and the city. Visitors can rent a kayak and see some of the city’s famous landmarks from the water. There are frequent concerts at The Anthem as well as street performers, fun shops, and all sorts of businesses.
4. Wander Through the Smithsonian Gardens
The Smithsonian Gardens are located around museums and monuments throughout the National Mall and aim to extend the surrounding museums’ exhibits and learning environment in an eco-friendly garden setting. Open year-round, seven days a week, the Gardens offer visitors something new every season. Some of the possible attractions include horticultural exhibits, floral collections, specialty gardens, and educational programs.
The Smithsonian Gardens feature a few outdoor museums, including the Butterfly Habitat Garden, the Enid. A. Haupt Garden, the Heirloom Garden, and the Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden, all of which can be enjoyed throughout the year. The Gardens are also home to a variety of living plant, artifact, and archival collections for research and exhibition purposes.
Capital Gallery, Suite 3300, 600 Maryland Avenue, S.W., Washington, D.C., Phone: 202-633-2220
Activities and Attractions for Couples and Singles:
5. Visit Cork Market & Tasting Room
The Cork Market & Tasting Room is located just south of the U Street Corridor in Washington and has a market-style menu accompanied by a vast selection of wines. The menu features an array of charcuterie and cheese boards, breads and crackers, homemade pasta and prepared foods, and a selection of gourmet delights such as truffle butter.
If you are looking for fun date ideas in DC, this is a great place to try. The impressive wine list boasts both local boutique wines and international vintages from around the world that can be ordered by the glass or bottle, as well as a range of spirits and beers. The Cork Market & Tasting Room is open for dinner and serves weekend brunch.
1805 14th Street, N.W., Washington, D.C., Phone: 202-265-2674
6. Book a Table at The Red Hen
Established by long-time friends Michael Friedman, Michael O'Malley, and Sebastian Zutant, The Red Hen is an Italian-influenced restaurant located in the beautiful neighborhood of Bloomingdale. Wooden floors and tables and a roughly-hewn exposed brick wall create an inviting and informal atmosphere, while the menu features authentic Italian fare such as whipped ricotta crostini, mezze rigatoni, and caramelized scallops, as well as indulging desserts. The cuisine can be paired with a refreshing beverage from their selection of signature cocktails and boutique wines from Italy.
1822 First Street NW DC 20001, Washington, D.C., Phone: 202-525-3021
7. If You Love Local Art, Explore Touchstone Gallery’s Rotating Exhibits
Touchstone Gallery is a high-quality art gallery along Washington, D.C's New York Avenue NW, located approximately half a mile between the United States Capital Building and the White House near attractions such as CityCenter DC and the National Museum of Women in the Arts. The gallery, which was originally founded in 1976, strives to promote the D.C.'s region's best and brightest artistic talent and enrich the lives of its surrounding community members through a diverse slate of contemporary art exhibitions. More than 50 artists are members of the artist-owned and managed gallery and help to guide gallery policies and oversee solo exhibitions. Artists showcasing exhibitions include Linda Bankerd, Jill Brantley, Rick Braswell, Anna Katalkina, and Janathel Shaw.
901 New York Ave NW, Washington, DC 20001, Phone: 202-347-2787
8. Osteria Morini
After walking all day, I was hungry for Italian food so we ate at Osteria Morini. At this stylish restaurant, you can taste the flavors of the Emilia-Romagna region of Italy.
Address: 301 Water Street Southeast, Suite 109, Washington, D.C., Phone: 202-484-0660
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