Washington, DC Itinerary: 2, 3, and 5 Day Guides

Are you looking for a Washington, DC itinerary for 2, 3, or 5, days? We’ve got you covered!

We love Washington, DC! Living in Philadelphia means we are a short drive to our nation’s capital, giving us plenty of opportunities to visit the town.

Over our multiple visits, we’ve explored most of the National Mall memorials and museums and have found some other gems that you don’t want to miss.

However, many people don’t have the option to visit Washington, DC, several times, so they want to know the best things to see and do over their short visit. And this guide has it!

Whether you’re looking for the best DC weekend itinerary or have a longer stay, the guide below shares the best things to do in Washington, DC, over 2, 3, or 5 days. So, let’s start planning!

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If you are visiting Washington, DC with kids, you’ll want to check out our tips to plan the best trip!

Getting Around Washington, DC

Before you visit Washington, DC, for a weekend or longer, you’ll need to know the best ways to get around the city. We love parking our car and using the Metro. But there are plenty of options to suit your needs.

Visitor Tip: If you’re flying into DC, book a flight to Reagan National Airport. The Blue and Yellow Metro lines stop there, making it super easy to get to and from town.

The Washington, DC Metro

Our favorite way to get around Washington, DC (besides walking) is by the Metro. We love that it is fast, convenient, and relatively inexpensive.

Of course, every public transportation system comes with a learning curve. These are some of the things you’ll want to know before you hop on.

• Metro fare is calculated based on the time of day and distance between stops. The fare is listed on the SmarTrip machines at each station.

• The Metro offers unlimited use of 1, 3, and 7-day passes instead of paying for each trip individually.

• Every rider ages six years and older needs their own SmarTrip card. You can buy them at any Metro station and refill them as needed.

• Up to two children five years old and younger can ride the Metro for FREE with a paying adult.

• Each rider has to scan their card at the departing station and the arrival station. This is how they determine the fare charge.

• There is only one Metro stop on the National Mall (the Smithsonian stop). The Blue, Orange, and Silver lines stop there.

• L’Enfant Plaza is only a few blocks from the National Mall. Blue, Orange, Silver, Green, and Yellow lines stop there

Driving Around Washington, DC

If you plan to do a lot of sightseeing along the National Mall, a car isn’t the best way to get around Washington, DC.

Paid street parking is usually limited to two-three hours, so you’d have to move a car around. And parking can be tricky to find, especially in the summer and over holiday weekends.

You can park at the several parking garages north of the National Mall, but then you’ll still be walking a few blocks to the museums and monuments anyway, so you might as well leave the car at your hotel (if you have one).

Walking

Overall, walking is one of the best ways to get around Washington, DC. Most of the monuments and museums on this Washington, DC, itinerary are all along the National Mall.

Keep in mind that the size of the National Mall size can be deceiving. The monuments and museums appear closer to each other than they are. Many first-time visitors to Washington, DC, don’t realize how big it is! For example, the Lincoln Memorial and the Washington Monument are almost one mile apart.

Electric Scooters

One thing you can miss as you walk around Washington, DC, are the electric scooters! They are on every corner and sidewalk, especially along the National Mall.

Electric scooters can be a fun way to get around the city. Riders have to use the company’s app to pay for the scooter. The rate fluctuates based on demand and is charged by the minute.

Companies that have permits for dockless scooters in DC for 2023-2024 are Lime, Lyft, Spin, and VeoRide.

🚌 A Hop On/ Hop Off Bus Tour is a Fun Way to Get Around DC!

The Best Weekend in Washington, DC Itinerary

We did this exact itinerary when we visited Washington, DC, for a weekend, and it worked out perfectly. You hit many of the big items without feeling like you crammed in too much. It’s also relatively inexpensive, as many of the museums in Washington, DC, are FREE to visit.

Day One: Arlington Cemetery, Museums, and Memorials

Start your day off at Arlington National Cemetery. You can either drive or take the Metro. Paid parking is available on-site.

It is FREE to visit Arlington Cemetery, but we recommend paying for the tram tour. The tour is a hop-on/hop-off style and takes you to some of the most popular spots in the cemetery, including John F. Kennedy’s gravesite and the Tomb of the Unknown.

Visitor Tip: The Changing of the Guard ceremony occurs every hour on the hour from October 1st – March 31st, and every 30 minutes on the half-hour from April 1st – September 30th.

After Arlington National Cemetery, head back into DC for lunch at one of the museums. We love the café at the National Museum of the American Indian.

Take the afternoon to enjoy the many FREE museums on the National Mall. You’ll probably only have time to enjoy two of them, but you might be able to squeeze in a third one. Everyone has their favorites, but we love the National Air & Space Museum and the National Museum of American History.

Some of the more popular museums are the National Museum of African American History and Culture and the National Museum of Natural History.

Grab a bite to eat along the Wharf before enjoying the memorials at night. There is nothing like viewing them all lit up! You can either walk or enjoy this bus tour.

Day Two: Views and Zoo

Let’s hope for a clear day because we’ll be taking in the views from above in the morning.

If you’re staying near the White House, walk by and get a photo op before heading to your first stop.

Next, head to the Washington Monument first thing in the morning to grab some incredible views of the National Mall and Tidal Basin. You can see for miles and might even get a glimpse of the George Washington Masonic Memorial in Alexandria.

If you couldn’t secure tickets to the Washington Monument, the next best option is the Old Post Office Tower. From there, you can see the Washington Monument and the Capitol Building.

The National Park Service runs both structures. The Old Post Office Tower is FREE to visit. The Washington Monument charges $1 per ticket.

After you’re done, drive or take the Metro to the National Zoo. If you drive, you’ll need to reserve paid parking ahead of time. It’s FREE to visit the zoo, but they require advanced reservations. The National Zoo has plenty of places to grab lunch, or you can stop somewhere along the way.

Alternate Option: If the National Zoo doesn’t appeal to you, there are other ways you can spend your afternoon. A Capitol Building tour is a great way to spend the afternoon. Afterwards, head over to the Botanical Gardens.

Washington, DC Itinerary For 3 Days

Are you spending a long weekend in Washington, DC? We know how to spend that extra day!
Follow the 2-Day Itinerary above to start, and then add on these activities for your third day.

Day Three: Capitol Building and the Capital Wheel

If you followed our Washington, DC, 2-day itinerary and went to the National Zoo, then today is your day to visit the Capitol Building. They offer FREE tours Monday- Saturday. You’ll want to book your tour far in advance, as they sell out quickly.

After the Capitol Building, if you’re visiting Washington, DC, during the week, you can tour the Supreme Court. Otherwise, you might enjoy the Botanical Gardens, the Library of Congress, or one of the art museums nearby.

In the afternoon, head over to the National Harbor in Maryland to take a ride on the Capital Wheel and enjoy dinner at one of the many restaurants close by. Don’t forget to visit the Gaylord National Resort. They often have events, like ICE, going on.

5 Day Itinerary For Washington, DC

If you have a week to explore Washington, DC, lucky you! You’ll want to follow the above itineraries for days 1-3 and then add on these two days.

Day Four: Mount Vernon and Alexandria

It’s time to leave the city and drive 25 minutes to George Washington’s estate. You can spend a whole day at Mount Vernon with the many things to do, including the mansion tour, exploring the grounds, and the museum.

You can have a casual lunch at the food court in the visitor center. For something a little fancier, try the Mount Vernon Inn.

Before you leave the area, stop by George Washington’s Distillery and Gristmill. Admission is included with your Mount Vernon Grounds Pass.

As you drive back to Washington, DC, stop in Old Town Alexandria. You can park near the Metro station and take the FREE King Street Trolley to the waterfront and enjoy some shopping and history. While you’re there, grab a bite to eat at one of the many restaurants in town. We love the food at Blackwall Hitch.

Day Five: Museums and Memorials Part Two

There are so many excellent museums and memorials in Washington, DC that it would be hard to visit them all in one day. That’s why, if you have five days in Washington, DC, you’ll want to spend another day visiting the ones you missed.

On Day One of the itinerary, we suggested visiting the museums on the National Mall. So, for Day Five, it’s time to explore the rest of the city.

Our favorite museum that is off the National Mall is Planet Word. This unique museum all about language is fun for everyone, not just kids. And the best part? It’s FREE to visit! You need to reserve tickets ahead of time.

Another fantastic museum off of the mall is the Renwick Gallery, which is a Smithsonian museum. It’s right next to the White House and not a far walk from Planet Word.

For the memorials, if you haven’t visited the Franklin D. Roosevelt Memorial yet on this trip, this is the day to do it. This massive memorial walks you through the four terms of his presidency and includes famous sculptures like “Depression Bread Line.”

The Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial is nearby, so you can visit both easily.

Where to Stay in Washington, DC

There are several excellent hotels in Washington, DC, and many that are within short walking distance to the National Mall and other attractions.

Your budget will also determine where you’ll stay. It’s typically more expensive to stay in Washington, DC, than in Arlington or Alexandria. But those towns are a short Metro ride away, so they are a great option if you want to save some money.

We have stayed at the following hotels and had a good experience at each one:

• Hyatt Place Washington DC/White House: Nice hotel with FREE hot breakfast. Larger rooms make it great for families. Walking distance to the White House and a 15-minute walk to the National Mall.

• Hampton Inn Washington, D.C./White House: Nice hotel with FREE hot breakfast. Walking distance to the White House and a 15-minute walk to the National Mall.

• Embassy Suites Alexandria Old Town: Beautiful hotel with FREE made-to-order hot breakfast. Across from the Metro and a 20-minute ride into Washington, DC.

Common Washington, DC Itinerary Questions

How Many Days Is Enough for Washington, DC?

You can pack a lot into two days in Washington, DC. However, three days is the perfect amount of time to explore Washington, DC, and get to see many of the museums, memorials, and monuments.

What is the Number One Attraction in Washington, DC?

In 2022, the most-visited place in Washington, DC, was the National Museum of American History, with 3.9 million visitors!

When is the Best Time to Visit Washington, DC?

The best times to visit Washington, DC, are when the weather is milder and the crowds are low. September through November and March through May. However, the Cherry Blossom Festival in the spring will increase the crowds.

Washington, DC Itinerary Wrap Up

Even with a lot of planning, you will only be able to see some of the DC offers in one trip. However, these 2, 3, and 5-day itineraries for Washington, DC, will help you see some of the city’s best attractions.

The biggest tip about visiting Washington, DC, we can leave you with is this: Remember to make your reservations! Several museums, the Washington Monument, and the National Zoo require advanced reservations. You’ll want to make them ahead of time to ensure entry.

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