24 – 72 Hours in Washington D.C.
Washington D.C. is a mecca for American history. It boasts a host of historical sights and world class museums, most within walking distance of its National Mall. Whether you go in spring for the beautiful blossoms, or the humid summer for the best 4th July fireworks, it’s an essential part of any Northeastern itinerary. Whether you have 1,2 or 3 days – here’s my guide to historical Washington D.C.
Unless otherwise stated, all pictures are my own with full rights reserved.
Day 1 – The National Mall
For your first day in DC put on your walking shoes and explore the National Mall. Whether you’re a history geek or not, the sights along the National Mall are iconic. This two mile long strip of grass forms the heart of DC, running from Capital Hill (Congress) to the Lincoln Memorial. It passes the Washington Monument and the White House, along with dozens of other historical sights and museums. And the best thing is, the sights are all free!
The Lincoln Memorial
Start your day at the Lincoln Memorial. Have a coffee and morning pastry on the memorial steps and appreciate the iconic views over the National Mall. Then walk up the steps to see the seated statue and read the Gettysburg Address engraved on the memorial walls. Don’t forget to look down as you descend the steps – aside from the views, the steps themselves are historic, with plaques marking historical events, including where Martin Luther King delivered his ‘I Have a Dream Speech.’ It’s worth taking a moment here to really take it all in.
The War Memorials
Before you begin your walk along the Reflecting Pool, visit the Vietnam Veterans Memorial to the left and the Korean War Veterans Memorial to your right (towards the river). The wall at the Vietnam Memorial chronologically lists the names of those who lost their lives, and the shine on the wall means that you see your own reflection as you read the names of those who died. Ensure to see The Three Servicemen Statue before you move on. The Korean War Memorial (pictured) is equally striking, with its numerous statues of soldiers making there way through a field.
If you would like to know more about the Vietnam War, I would recommend the excellent documentary The Vietnam War, which includes discussion on the memorial in its final episode.
West Potomac Park
Right next to the Korean War Memorial is the West Potomac Park, which over looks the Potomac River with views of the Jefferson Memorial. During spring time the park has stunning cherry blossoms which should not be missed!
The Reflecting Pool and Washington Monument
Next, stroll along the Reflecting Pool – probably remembering Forest Gump! – and through the World War II Memorial to reach the Washington Monument. At a 169 meters tall, it really is a big as you think it is, so remember to get your pictures at a distance! This is also a great spot to pick up a bite to eat, with plenty of food trucks in the vicinity.
The White House and the Capital Building
Take a left at the Washington Monument and walk towards the White House. How close you can get will depend of the level of security that day. On my 2006 visit, I was able to literally hang on the railings, but in other visits I was pushed a little further back. When in this area keep an eye out for the Presidents motorcade – you can’t miss ‘the beast’! – which I managed to see twice on my last visit!
Return to the Washington Monument and continue your walk towards The Capital Building, which houses the US Congress (the House of Representatives and the Senate). This is the stretch of the National Mall where you will find numerous world class museums and galleries – see below for my favourites.
Day 2 – Museums + DC at Night
Museums
Unsurprisingly Washington DC is a history geeks dream. This article comes to you from a US history graduate, which goes some way to explaining why I have visited DC no less than three times…but you don’t have to know your history to enjoy DC’s museums. From the space museum to art galleries, there is something for everyone, and the best part? They’re nearly all free!
Start with a Google Map search (look up Washington DC and then search ‘museum’ in the area) and pick your top 3-5 to get you started for a day of museums (depending on how efficient a sightseer you are). My personal top 5 recommendations are the:
- National Air and Space Museum (@airandspacemuseum),
- Holocaust Memorial Museum (@holocaustmuseum)
- National Museum of the American Indian (@smithsoniannmai)
- National Museum of American History (@amhistorymuseum) – particularly their American Presidency exhibit
- Spy Museum (@spymuseum).
All are free with the exception of the Spy Museum, which has a $25 entry.
The Monuments at Night Time
While the museums close at night, you are able to visit the memorials 24/7. Sunset views at the Lincoln Memorial and Reflection Pool are beautiful, and once the sun goes down DC’s monuments are strikingly lit up. If you have the time and energy,it is well worth seeing the Mall at night.
On a safety note – as a lone female traveller, I felt safe walking around the Mall in the evening by myself. It is well policed tourist area with plenty of people around the monuments, which can even be quite busy. As ever, take usual precautions and if you feel uncomfortable, hail a taxi / Uber. You can also opt to take an organised tour.
Day 3 – Arlington + Georgetown
Arlington National Cemetery
Over the Potomac River from the main sights, you can visit Arlington National Cemetery. This large military cemetery has buried servicemen and veterans of American wars since the Civil War, and is an incredibly beautiful and peaceful place. Here you can see President John F. Kennedy’s grave, the changing of the guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Solider, and take in views over Washington DC.
Please keep in mind that Arlington is an active cemetery – it is not unusual to see a funeral procession and visitors often come to visit graves of loved ones. So remain respectful and quite throughout – see their websites etiquette guide for further guidance.
You can reach Arlington by walking over the Arlington Memorial Bridge (approximately 1 mile / 1.6 km), or take the Metro to the Arlington Cemetery Station.
Georgetown
The historic Georgetown neighbourhood has has it all – gorgeous old town houses, cobbled streets, little galleries and boutiques, along with great food and fun bars (or ‘taverns’). You can even see The Exorcist stairs! Georgetown isn’t served by the Metro, so recommend jumping in a taxi/Uber to Georgetown University, then walking along the gorgeous O Street for house hunting, and then left along Wisconsin Avenue in the Book Hill area for its independent shops, galleries, and cafes. All the way back down back down Wisconsin Avenue, take a stroll along the C&O Canal , before heading to one of many bars in the canal/M Street/Wisconsin Avenue area.
John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts
If you have the time, the JFK Center for the Performing Arts is well worth a visit. A beautiful building over looking the Potomac River, it regularly hosts free performances, so make sure to check ahead to see what’s on.
When To Go and How
You can visit DC at any time of year, though you risk snowstorms and pretty cold weather in winter! The best time to visit is in spring when the weather is pleasant and you can enjoy the beautiful cherry blossoms. Summertime is worth the humidity to see the really impressive 4th July fireworks, and there is no better place better to enjoy them than on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial.
How long you spend – as ever – depends on how much you want to see. For a standard visit – particularly if you are visiting the wider Northeastern USA – I would recommend three days. This gives you two days to explore the National Mall’s sights and your top museums/galleries, and a third day to see Arlington, Georgetown and any other sights.
DC is easily accessible by plane and has a good Metro system. Ronald Regan Airport has the easiest travel to DC by far and has its own Metro station, but it largely serves domestic routes. International flights mainly go to Dulles International Airport, which has quite a travel time to DC and lacks quick public transport, so best to plan ahead for a transfer.
If you are travelling ‘local’ – onward to Philadelphia or New York City – then you can travel by train (or Greyhound for the budget traveller!). By train you can arrive into Philadelphia in around two hours and New York City in around three. (Side note – having arrived into NYC’s Penn Station off a Greyhound bus, I would agree with the assessment that the station was a “raging dumpster fire” but apparently it’s had a nice new make over!).
What would you like to see the most? What are your recommendations for Washington DC? Let me know in the comments!
