2 DAYS
DAY 1
You might as well dive right into the good stuff, and the Lincoln Memorial is about as iconically DC as it gets. It’s also a convenient starting point, since Abe sits at the far end of the Mall
Next up as you walk east is the powerful Vietnam Veterans Memorial
Then comes the Washington Monument, which is pretty hard to miss, being DC’s tallest structure and all
After lunch, it’s time to explore the National Museum of African American History and Culture or the National Gallery of Art. Pick a side: East, for modern; or West, for Impressionists and other classics.
Afterward, mosey across the lawn to the National Air and Space Museum and gape at the stuff hanging from the ceiling. The missiles and the Wright Brothers’ original plane are incomparably cool.
DAY 2
Start in the Capitol and tour the statue-cluttered halls
Walk across the street and up the grand steps to the Supreme Court
Next, The Library of Congress and its 500 miles of books blow minds next door.
Explore White House Area & Foggy Bottom
Zip over to the Kennedy Center to watch the free 6pm show
After dinner, sink a pint in a friendly pub like the Tombs. On warm nights the outdoor cafes and boating action make Georgetown Waterfront Park a hot spot
4 DAYS
DAY 1
You might as well dive right into the good stuff, and the Lincoln Memorial is about as iconically DC as it gets. It’s also a convenient starting point, since Abe sits at the far end of the Mall
Next up as you walk east is the powerful Vietnam Veterans Memorial
Then comes the Washington Monument, which is pretty hard to miss, being DC’s tallest structure and all
After lunch, it’s time to explore the National Museum of African American History and Culture or the National Gallery of Art. Pick a side: East, for modern; or West, for Impressionists and other classics.
Afterward, mosey across the lawn to the National Air and Space Museum and gape at the stuff hanging from the ceiling. The missiles and the Wright Brothers’ original plane are incomparably cool.
DAY 2
Start in the Capitol and tour the statue-cluttered halls
Walk across the street and up the grand steps to the Supreme Court
Next, The Library of Congress and its 500 miles of books blow minds next door.
Explore White House Area & Foggy Bottom
Zip over to the Kennedy Center to watch the free 6pm show
After dinner, sink a pint in a friendly pub like the Tombs. On warm nights the outdoor cafes and boating action make Georgetown Waterfront Park a hot spot
DAY 3
Walking around Arlington National Cemetery you can’t help but be moved, from the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier’s dignified guards to John F Kennedy’s eternal flame
One Metro stop south, the Pentagon offers another affecting memorial to those who died in the September 11, 2001, attacks
See the Declaration of Independence at the National Archives, and the seat where Lincoln was shot at Ford’s Theatre
Explore The Reynolds Center for American Art & Portraiture which hangs sublime paintings
Head to the Newseum which has the Unabomber’s cabin. You’ll have to make some hard choices about which sights to visit
Mosey around 14th St and U St NW, and there’s nightlife galore
Sip beneath the Elizabeth Taylor mural at free-spirited Dacha Beer Garden, split your eardrums at the rock-and-roll Black Cat, or grab a beer at neighborhood favorite Right Proper Brewing Co.
DAY 4
If you have kids, get to the National Zoo. Even without kids, the zoo entertains thanks to its giant pandas and brainy orangutans
Earmark some quality time for Washington National Cathedral and its Darth Vader gargoyle, moon rock and Helen Keller’s ashes, among other esoteric offerings
Hesd to Adams Morgan which is Washington’s party zone, but during the day Meeps and Idle Time Books provide plenty to do. Plus you’re well situated for happy hour at Songbyrd Record Cafe & Music House, a cool retro bar
Walk along Constitution Ave from east to west. The dramatically lit monuments glow ethereally at night
Climb the steps of the Lincoln Memorial and turn around for one last, long fantastic view
