Tourist season is quickly approaching! Spring break, class trips, and summer vacation all bring throngs of people for their week in D.C. If you are one of those people this year, welcome! As a local-from-the-suburbs, I’ve been here most of my life and have had the privilege to tour the city untold times.
Though guidebooks and opinions abound, I’m adding my personal voice to the mix on where I would visit if I were coming to for a classic week in D.C. as a tourist. It’s hard to really take a step back and imagine seeing the city through virgin eyes, but it’s enlightening too, and makes me grateful for the opportunities I’ve had here.
This itinerary is full of classically “D.C.” things, all the top must-sees (in my opinion) for the first time tourist looking to take on the city. Take this recommendation as completely or as piecemeal as you’d like, and in whatever order, particularly the evening activities. I also tried to alternate indoor/outdoor days as it gets quite hot during the summer and you’ll be grateful for the air conditioning. This post is specifically about sites to see, but another post on D.C. touring tips is coming soon!
A week in D.C. – Day 1
On the first day, I’d visit the Smithsonians. Do your research ahead of time! Know which museums and what exhibits within them you really want to see. It’s impossible to see it all; better to see a small chunk really well than to breeze quickly through too much and effectively see nothing. My favorites are the Natural History and American History Museums.
My recommendation is to see one museum in the morning and one in the afternoon. Grab a quick bite for lunch in the museum cafeteria. It’s not going to be a super memorable or healthy meal, but it’s worth it to not have to trek all the way out to find a real restaurant. Sadly there are basically no restaurants along the Mall.
In the evening, I would treat myself to a performance at the Kennedy Center! Have a pre-show dinner on the rooftop restaurant for a fun experience, and don’t forget to return to the roof after the show for a surprisingly not crowded but beautiful view of the city.
A week in D.C. – Day 2
On the second day I would walk the National Mall. Start at the east side to visit the Library of Congress (the most beautiful building in D.C.!), then tour the Capitol (need reservations, and check with your Congressmen/Senators for a special tour!). Afterwards, grab some lunch from a food truck or pack a lunch if you wish.
After lunch, continue along the Mall seeing the sites and Monuments, roughly in the following order: Washington Monument, White House, WWII Memorial, Lincoln Memorial, MLK Memorial, FDR Memorial. From around this point on the Tidal Basin, there is an excellent view of the Jefferson Memorial. To actually go there, try a bike rental from Capital Bikeshare for a ride around the tidal basin and return the bikes at another kiosk near the Jefferson.
For dinner, you’ll have to leave the Mall. Your dinner location might depend on where you’re staying or how hungry you are. I’ve listed a few of my favorites at various price points and different locations around the city:
- If you’re looking for a nice date night, you can’t go wrong with Fogo de Chao or the Capitol Grille. Both are expensive, but delicious.
- If you need a family friendly place, Founding Farmers is amazing, and home of my absolute favorite burger ever (Avocado Bacon Burger).
- For quick eats, try Sweetgreen, Cosi, or District Taco.
A week in D.C. – Day 3
Day 3 has me back inside for more museums and A/C. I’m torn here. My first choice for the morning would be the International Spy Museum, currently closed for relocation and opening spring 2019. It’s phenomenal, though, and no doubt even better after the re-opening. Tickets required and reservations highly recommended. If it’s still closed when you come or that doesn’t interest you, head to the Mint and the Holocaust Museum, located very close to each other. The Mint is fascinating and runs free first-come tours every 30 minutes on weekdays between 9am-2pm. The Holocaust Museum is sobering but tells a story that should not be forgotten. Reserve advance tickets during peak season (March – August).
If you’re at the Mint, there’s nothing good to eat nearby. Head to the next destination and grab a quick lunch at a nearby café. At the Newseum, your next stop, it’s so interesting to see the intricacies of news-related topics up close. Purchase your tickets in advance. The Newseum is closing late 2019; definitely visit before it does if you can!
Your final destination before dinner is the National Archives, just down the street. It is home to many important national documents including the Declaration of Independence and others. Reservations available but not required. Pop in for a quick visit before it closes.
For dinner I’d head to Jaleo, which is nearby. I’ve actually never been, but it’s on my list! I love tapas, and the chef, José Andrés, is locally famous. And finally, after dinner, hopefully it’s dark enough for you to enjoy the monuments at night, the most splendid time of day to experience them. Drive yourself around, take another stroll, rent an uber, or take a guided tour. However you get yourself there, do it.
A week in D.C. – Day 4
Today you’re headed to the National Zoo! I love the zoo. Top sights for me are the giant pandas, the red pandas, the orangutans if they’re crossing the ropes (beware falling poop!), and the big cats. Have lunch in the zoo since you’re probably not finished yet. You can also take a picnic.
For dinner, head to Adams Morgan. I’ll confess, if I’m in Adams Morgan, I’m eating pizza at the Mellow Mushroom. But it’s a very eclectic section of the city with a wide variety of options, and adorably unique row houses lining the side streets.
A week in D.C. – Day 5
Day 5 has you enjoying the glorious shopping in Georgetown. Don’t forget to stroll the waterfront park too! For a light lunch, grab a salad at Sweetgreen. For a fancier experience, try Sequoia.
The afternoon is dealer’s choice. I’ve listed a few great ways to spend your afternoon, mostly across the river into Virginia. For myself, I’d take the Pentagon tour!
- Walk the beautiful Campus of Georgetown University
- Tour the Pentagon
- Honor soldiers at Arlington Cemetery
- Visit the Air Force and Marine Corps Memorials
- Hike Great Falls
For dinner, since you’re probably on the Virginia side of the river anyway, I would explore Clarendon in downtown Arlington. My favorite restaurant there is Cava Mezze, a tapas restaurant, but there’s lots to choose from and more shopping. It’s a fun local place to hang out that’s not super touristy.
A week in D.C. – Day 6
On this last day, head to Mount Vernon, former home of George Washington. You’ll need advance tickets and check if anything extra is happening that day! Plan to spend most of your day here. It’s truly fascinating, and the property is quite large.
Whenever you’re done there, pop over to Old Town, Alexandria. It is a quaint section of the city with little shops, another waterfront view, and tons of restaurants. For a fancy dinner with a beautiful view, make reservations at the Chart House (and order the chocolate lava cake!). From experience, don’t take 1 and 3 year old boys. *Wink.* Il Porto is also excellent Italian food. Otherwise, there are plenty of other restaurants from which to choose. If you didn’t get lava cake, same room for some ice cream from Pop’s!
Week in D.C. – Concluded
Whew! Having spent most of my time in D.C. on day visits, I’ve never realized how exhausting it is for visiting tourists! Regardless, I certainly hope that you have an excellent week in D.C. It’s busy, but it’s awesome and wonderful and full of so much history and culture.
As I said, this is a classic itinerary. In the works are plans to craft specialized itineraries for the D.C. adventurer, the child, and more. Have an idea for a custom D.C. itinerary you’d like to see, please let me know! I’m always open to new ideas.
Want to do more of your own research? Here’s how I plan my trips. I applied much the same process to my own hometown for this itinerary. Think you need some help? Please reach out!
