Rarely has an American not made an itinerary for Washington DC trips. A big number already must have visited the Capital in one of the school- sponsored trips. For those who didn’t, they still know how cool life feels in the metropolitan.
TV and movies didn’t help either- crime dramas like Criminal Minds always had a pace up in the crime chase when the jet would land in DC. Perhaps what motivated us to revisit this one of the best tourist destinations in the US was its stint in Designated Survivors. The series may have ended, but the thrill that surrounds the political life in the White House makes you reminisce about the turmoil of what our political predecessors have faced. And what is Washington if not a geographical imagery of all that has happened and all that could.
Washington, D.C. is a running discourse of all things political and historical, making it a perfect destination for a Weekend Itinerary Washington DC experience. For a capital, Washington lives up to the tag. Over the years, the city has been the backdrop of many books and novels. Perhaps one of the most enlightening novels was ‘The Lost Symbol” by Dan Brown. While Brown views the city almost as a mystic, it was not the divination that drew us to the allure of the Capital City. It was the lack thereof. The real Washington is mysterious but roots itself in the reality of human existence and the consequences of history.
While putting together this Washington DC 3 day itinerary, we discovered that there’s a lot that those school trips never even encompassed. This is your clue to hit the rite of passage of an American. Play out this amazing trip, and it will be as invigorating as if you were planning a first-time visitor’s Washington, DC itinerary.
Where Will You Arrive in Washington
Washington, D.C. is serviced by three primary airports and one central railway hub. The first is the Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport- best for domestic flights. This is also the airport that is closest to Downtown and perhaps the most accessible one. At the concourse level of Terminal 2, the airport has established an elevated station. This connects you to Virginia and Maryland as well.
The Washington Dulles International Airport works for international flights and connects to the Silver Line. The Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport serves the joint Baltimore- Washington area and is quite busy throughout the year. From here, most travellers take the shuttle to BWI MARC or the Amtrak rail station.
If you’re arriving by train, Union Station will be your hub. The station falls very close to the National Mall and the Capitol and is the primary terminal for Amtrak, MARC, and Virginia Railway Express. For further commute, you can take the Union Station Metrorail stop that functions on the Red Line.
Day 1-
We love a good complimentary breakfast at our hotel. Flight hours are gruesome enough, and a little snack before you set out in one of the busiest places in the US helps you in the long run. Here are some hotels that offer free breakfast in the US Capitol area-
- Capitol Hill Hotel
- Hyatt House, Washington DC/ The Wharf
- Residence Inn Washington Capitol Hill/Navy Yard
Even if you’re looking for a cheaper hotel and it does not include breakfast, a morning meal at the Willard Intercontinental is a great pick. It was at this place that Martin Luther King, Jr. completed his “I Have a Dream” speech. Of course that means your next stop would be at the Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial at the National Mall. It barely takes a 10-minute walk to reach the area. You could also take a little stroll at the United States Botanic Garden before, but the garden is big, and you might have to skip out on a few other checks on your list. From there, visit the beautiful Peace Monument. This marble memorial commemorates the fallen sailors of the Civil War. The US Capitol falls next on the list, which is just minutes from the Peace Monument.
For our itinerary, the Library of Congress is an absolute must. The de facto national library of the US hosts millions of books, movies, recordings, photos, newspapers, clippings, maps, manuscripts, and so much more- you name it. You might not know this, but this tour is completely free. You can explore the Thomas Jefferson Building via tickets that must be booked a month in advance. Since this tour itself starts at 10 am, we’d highly recommend an early breakfast and post-meal plans.
Nobody does lunch the way Bistro Cacao does. The bistro is especially famous on Reddit and has been a favorite among locals. The atmosphere is nice—it’s quiet, feels luxe, and you are likely to get a walk-in reservation. And you won’t be disappointed by the decor. The Art Nouveau style is astounding, to say the least. The tarte tatin is especially heavenly for dessert. Google Reviews don’t lie—having wine at the Bistro is one of the most fun things to do in DC for adults. If you are planning a weekend trip itinerary in DC, Bistro Cacao makes the perfect brunch or lunch stop between exploring iconic attractions, museums, and charming neighborhoods around the city. It’s the kind of relaxing dining experience that balances a busy sightseeing weekend beautifully. 10/10 recommendation.
After lunch, we prefer a quick detour to the hotel to rest and freshen up. Post that, you can take a trip to Theodore Roosevelt Island. The island almost feels foreign in the Brutalist architecture of Washington- an island forest in the midst of tall and wide buildings and columns. The walk in the woods itself makes it worth it. The hike is minute, but kids will love it. The imposing statue of Roosevelt will never let you forget that the island is his namesake.
Our most-awaited stop is the Lincoln Memorial- one of the most beautiful sunsets in Washington DC. Although we have added the Lincoln Memorial towards the end of our list, almost at night, it also looks otherworldly at sunrise. You can view the Potomac from the back or read the Gettysburg Address. Why we love the Memorial is because of the Reflective Pool. Ever since the iconic speech of Forrest Gump at the Peace Rally in the Lincoln Memorial and the following reunion of Jenny and Forrest, people have added it to their bucket list! One of the best things to do in Washington DC!
Day 2
Like the day before, we have a recommendation for a good breakfast place if your hotel does not provide it already. Cafe Milano on M Street Northwest Washington DC has a good breakfast menu. The place also hosts a lot of famous people, if they are eager, you can also get an autograph to your name.
From there, you can take a stroll around the Dupont Circle. At the center is the famous Dupont Circle Fountain, which has a Beaux-Arts style statue amidst the showers of water. The statues represent 3 keys of ocean navigation in Greek Mythology: the Sea, the Stars, and the Wind. Now, we have seen a lot of itineraries that propose a visit to the O Street Museum. As much as we are big fans of great museums, this one is too crowded for a visit. Even so, if you’re looking for a night blast, Washington DC bars, Dupont Circle is the place to be.
Instead of the O Street Museum, we recommend a visit to the Planet Word Museum near Thomas Circle Washington DC. The museum is a nerd- haven, even if you’re not one! The libraries have interactive books and other cool things to do. For lunch, we stand by the Spanish Barcelona on 14th Street. Now, the food is delectable- we would vouch for it. But the bar is also famous, which means sans reservation, you might need to wait in the hallways for a good 15 minutes. Le Diplomat is nearby, and even though the Internet has served mixed reviews, we love the food, and the ambience is chef’s kiss.
After lunch, you’d probably want to cool down back at your hotel.
The next stop on our list is something all of us truly cherish. The Eastern Market is amazing and a must-add to any weekend in DC itinerary. The best finds of the market are possibly there on Saturdays, and you’ll need to plan your visit accordingly. But the vibe of the market is impeccable. It is one of the oldest public markets in the area. The artisan shops are so cool—you’ll most definitely want to take a souvenir or two back. Whether you’re exploring food stalls, local crafts, or neighborhood charm, this stop adds an authentic touch to your weekend in DC itinerary.
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