Essential Tips for Exploring Washington DC

By The Backseat View

Hello Friends!!

Welcome to a walk through American history exploring Washington DC. DC is a delight filled with unexpected trendy restaurants influenced by the variety of cultures in the city. The best part of exploring DC is almost everything is free, allowing visitors to experience remarkable museums and historic monuments, without breaking the bank. DC is perfect for all ages to explore, whether you’re planning weekend trips packed with activities or two-week vacations that delve deeper into the city’s rich offerings. Additionally, a trip to DC takes lots of planning, as there are countless sights and experiences to prioritize. To help you navigate this vibrant city effectively, I have tons of information to assist you, including my detailed itinerary featuring recommendations for must-see attractions and tips on how to maximize your visit for an unforgettable experience.

Top Things

I’ll start with the Top 10 Things for your itinerary: Smithsonian Museums (pick 5), a U.S. Capital Tour, Monuments, White House Tour, Arlington, Georgetown, Old Town Alexandria, Library of Congress, Ford’s Theater, and the National Zoo.

Top 5 Essential Tips for Exploring Washington DC:

Tip 1: Wear the most comfortable shoes you own. Have an idea of where things are to decrease steps when planning your days.

Tip 2: Most museums don’t allow BIG backpacks. It is best to travel light. There are lockers for bags over 17×26 inches. There’s no eating or drinking in the museums.

Tip 3: You can’t do it all. This is a Disney trip for history which means lots of planning and rest breaks or your family will quit on you.

Tip 4: DC is busiest in the summer, especially in late March for cherry blossoms and in April & May for school trips and graduations. For fewer crowds, visit from September to November or early March. Winter has low crowds but very cold weather. Warning: It’s too hot to walk 10 miles a day in summer.

Tip 5: Make dinner, tours, and museum reservations three months in advance.

Exploring Washington DC Guide

All right, put on your walking shoes and I’ll show you around.

National Mall

The National Mall is America’s front yard filled with gardens and fountains where visitors can unwind amidst nature. The edges are lined with numerous museums and monuments that showcase the nation’s history and culture. Spanning two miles long between the iconic Lincoln Monument and the impressive Capitol, this cherished space serves as a focal point for political demonstrations, national celebrations, and memorial events. It’s the heart of the city, drawing in tourists and locals alike, who come to stroll, relax, and take in the grandeur of the surrounding architecture, all while feeling a deep connection to the nation’s past.

Monuments/Memorials

Most of the monuments are located around the National Mall, creating a stunning panorama of history and culture that draws millions of visitors each year. I enjoy visiting during the early night when the crowd levels are lower, allowing me to take in the serenity of these important sites without the hustle and bustle of daytime tourists. There’s more than 160 monuments, each with its own unique story, commemorating significant figures and events that have shaped our nation. The soft glow of the lights illuminating the monuments adds a magical quality to the experience, often making them appear even more majestic against the night sky.

Lincoln Memorial

The Lincoln Memorial sitting on the western end of the National Mall is the top thing to do in DC. You can spend time inside reading quotes and famous speeches. However, most people snap a photo with the 19-foot-tall Lincoln and move on.

WWII Memorial is in front of the Lincoln Memorial. It’s an impressive monument with 56 pillars with a fountain in the middle honoring all who served in the U.S. Armed Forces.

Vietnam Veterans

Vietnam Veterans Memorial is a place where families search for their loved ones’ names. It’s a somber reminder of the sacrifices made by American families in this war. It is the second most popular attraction in DC, located next to the Lincoln Memorial, and the path can get crowded.

“Imagination is more important than knowledge” Albert Einstein

Washington Monument

Washington Monument and the reflection pool are across from the Lincoln Memorial in the National Mall. I love the sunset views of the monument from the Lincoln Memorial. Going to the top is free, but you need a timed-entrance ticket. You can pay $1 to buy a ticket online. Alternatively, you can line up at 8 am at the Monument Lodge on 15th Street. Tickets are available starting at 8:45 am. The Old Post Office Tower offers a similar view without needing a ticket.

The tidal basin holds Thomas Jefferson, FDR, and MLK, JR monuments. If you plan to walk around during the Cherry Blossom blooming in late March, arrive at 7 am. During late March there’s also a Kite Festival that’s fun to watch.

“In matters of style, swim with the current; in matters of principle, stand like a rock. ” Jefferson

Museums

• The 116 museums are endless, literally. So, these are my favorites.
• I wouldn’t plan to cover more than two museums a day.
• Most of the museums line the National Mall area and are open 10 am-5 pm.
• For lunch options, museum cafeterias and food trucks are quick options.
• Behind the Museum of Natural History are several food options 0.4 of a mile such as Elephant & Castle, Carmine’s (fantastic Italian), Chipotle, and McDonalds.
• I recommend making a lunch reservation and taking a break.
• Most ticketed museums aren’t overly strict with the time. If you arrive early, don’t sit outside waiting.
• There are lots sculpture gardens to rest in so leave “wandering around” time.

Holocaust

The Holocaust is my must-do museum because it changes you. There’s something about that big pile of shoes left outside the gas chamber that haunts you. The heart-breaking stories leave the museum with you and provide extra inspiration to care about your neighbor. It’s somber and gut-wrenching but it’s real history that needs to be remembered. Time-entrance tickets are required and the museum gets crowded so go early and allot 2-3 hours.

“Monsters exist, but they are too few in number to be truly dangerous. More dangerous are the common men, ready to believe and act without asking questions.”

Natural History

Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History was established in 1910. It holds the world’s largest collection, 146 million, natural artifacts. This place is like traveling through time filled with dinosaurs, the Hope diamond and whales. You can stay all day, but allow a minimum of three hours. This is the most visited museum in DC, if not the world. No timed entrance tickets are required. A half mile behind the museum are the restaurants Elephant & Castle (British Pub) and Carmine’s (Italian & my favorite).

Air & Space

The National Air and Space Museum is the largest collection of historic air and spacecraft in the world. The museum feels fun and mesmerizing with planes hanging everywhere and tales of adventure at every turn. You do need a free time-entrance ticket. This museum needs at least 2-3 hours. This is my guy’s favorite museum and the second most visited in D.C.

National Gallery of Art

The National Gallery of Art Museum holds over 141,000 works spanning from the Middle Ages until today. If you have a favorite artist grab a map and make the most of your time. We just wandered around for two hours enjoying the beauty.

Tip: If you are traveling with tired people who aren’t interested, there’s a reasonably priced cafeteria on the ground floor.

Natural Museum of American History

The Museum of American History has over 3 million artifacts that reflect America’s past, telling the story of a nation through its most significant events. The museum is massive, allowing visitors to immerse themselves an entire day of exploration. Among its most cherished displays are The Star-Spangled Banner, the First Ladies Inaugural Gown Collection showcasing the elegance of America’s first women, Lincoln’s Top Hat, and the captivating Vietnam movies that portray the struggles and sacrifices of that era.

Additionally, the museum boasts an impressive array of sports and Star Wars memorabilia, and Dorothy’s Ruby Slippers, which bring a touch of pop culture magic to the experience. However, the place doesn’t feel as crowded or updated as some of the other museums, allowing you to move at your own pace without the pressure of timed entrance tickets, making each visit a relaxed adventure into America’s history.

International Spy Museum

The Spy Museum houses the world’s largest collection of spy artifacts. It’s a fun museum that immerses you in missions and the life of a spy. This museum is a Metro ride, or a mile walk, away from the National Mall. You need timed entrance tickets weeks in advance. Allot 2-3 hours or longer for the museum and expect all the school tours to be here. This museum is open 9 am to 7 pm with an average of $35 per person charge. L’Enfant Plaza is next door for several food options.

The National Postal Museum

The Postal Museum is next to Union Station so we wandered in and were so surprised. The museum is overlooked so it’s not busy. Come for the stagecoaches, airplanes, and mail cars but fall in love with the USPS dog. It’s a delightful hidden treasure with lots of baseball memorabilia. My guys loved it so stop by.

National Archives

The National Archives holds the most important historical documents of the United States, such as the original Declaration of Independence, the Bill of Rights, and the Constitution. The security line can be long and the documents are faded. I think it’s important to see the documents but my teenagers weren’t impressed. Tickets are available to let you in a shorter security line.

Other Top Museums:

• The Natural Museum of African American History & Culture is the newest museum with 10 floors and over 40,000 artifacts.
• National Portrait Gallery stays open until 7 pm.
• Museum of the Bible is $30/person, near Air & Space.
• Smithsonian American Art Museum open 11:30 to 7 pm.
• Smithsonian Institute Building
• Smithsonian Natural Museum of Asian Art
• Natural Museum of the American Indian is excellent.
• National Geographic Museum is a hidden treasure near the White House and worth $15. However, the museum is closed until 2026 for renovations.

Historic Sites

White House

The White House Tours take advance tickets and the security is intense. You must reach out a month to three months in advance to a Congressional Representative or Senator of your state. You need a background check before receiving a ticket. Everyone on tour must have an ID ready to enter the tour and it will be checked and re-checked. NO BAGS OR PURSES ALLOWED and no lockers nearby! It’s worth every hassle to visit the East Wing, library, Red, Blue, and Green rooms. The tour ends with photos in front of the seal with the flag. There are no restrooms during your visit. The White House Visitor Center has restrooms. The self-guided tour takes 30 minutes and another 40 minutes in the security line. If you can’t get tickets, visit the People’s House to see a model of the White House. Old Ebbitt Grill and Hamilton(expensive) are nearby for lunch options but make reservations weeks in advance.

Ford’s Theater

Ford’s Theater is the site of President Abraham Lincoln’s assassination. Free, timed-entry tickets for daytime visits include the museum, theater, and Peterson House, where Lincoln died. The theater is open from September to May for matinee and evening performances of plays and musicals. If you come at Christmas, buy tickets for “A Christmas Carol”. Ford’s Theater is a few blocks from the White House and behind the Museum of Natural History. There’s a Hard Rock Café next door if you need a walking break. Sephora & Lululemon are also on this block.

Library of Congress

The Library of Congress is just WOW on a different level of spectacular. It has over 115 million books and over 500 miles of shelves. It’s jaw-dropping. From the painted ceilings to the architecture and statues, this place is worth a visit. The free tickets are timed entrance and tours require another tour ticket.

The U.S. Capital

Tour reservations are required for entry and can be obtained online. The Capital has impressive architecture and around 90-minute educational tours. With tight security, arrive 30 minutes early to navigate the lines and make your tour. If you arrive earlier, get through security and wait inside. There’s a tunnel that connects to the Library of Congress.

Union Station

Just blocks from The U.S. Capital Building is Union Station, a historic transportation center filled with shops. Amtrack trains and buses depart constantly. If you are walking by, stop in and look at the amazing architecture. I wouldn’t come out of my way.

Washington National Cathedral

The Cathedral is a stunning Gothic masterpiece complete with gargoyles and stained glass windows. It’s the 6^th largest cathedral in the world. There are behind-the-scenes tours for a more in-depth experience. You need a daily self-guided tour ticket that’s $15 to enter. It’s about four miles from the National Mall and a mile from the National Zoo.

Old Post Office Tower

The Old Post Office is a National Park and the 270-foot observation deck has visibility of 12 miles over DC. It’s open 9-5 and the entrance is located on 12^th Street at the door marked “Museum and Clock Tower.” It’s an easier option than the Washington Monument.

Pentagon/FBI/Engraving

The Pentagon Tour was my least favorite tour, activity, in Washington. It took extra travel time so allot half a day. Tickets are required weeks in advance. The FBI and the Bureau of Engraving have tours available.

George Town

Georgetown has cool shops, trendy restaurants, and live entertainment. Businesses are housed in buildings from the 1700s, giving off a quaint feel to the famous neighborhood. However, the brick sidewalks can be crowded and you need to Uber there. Another option is the Circular Bus that runs between Georgetown and Union Station for $1. For some fun, try The Escape Game with rooms like Curse of the Mummy. Then, stroll along to Georgetown Cupcake or Baked & Wired. As night approaches, find the ghost in The Haunted Tour. When you are ready to move on, catch a water taxi on the Potomac River to The Wharf or Old Alexandria.

Old Town Alexandria

Old Town Alexandria is like stepping back in time with cobblestone streets, and 18^th-century townhouses along the Potomac River. You can take the metro or the water taxi which goes past Ft. McNair. Come early enough to shop the over 100 independent stores and dine on the waterfront. It’s on several lists of “most charming towns in America.”

Hillwood Estates Museum

Hillwood Estates is the grand estate of Post cereal heiress with 25 acres of extensive gardens. The mansion is filled with lavish art collections. Take an Uber to Hillwood since the Metro isn’t nearby. Tickets are $18 per person.

Arlington National Cemetery

Arlington is another place that changes you. As far as you can see in any direction are graves, so you feel the sacrifices on the altar of freedom. You come to pay your respects to the men and women who served our country. From the visitor center to the Changing of the Guard for the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier is about a 20-minute walk. You can also take a trolley tour, $20/person, to visit the famous graves. It’s an easy 2-3 hour stop opening at 8 am requiring a metro or Uber ride.

Mount Vernon

Mt. Vernon is a day trip to tour George Washington’s home for $22 per person. It takes around two hours to tour the house and grounds. I felt it was surreal to stand where George Washington stood and visit his grave. The Uber from Arlington to Mt. Vernon was around $30 for 15 minutes. Mt. Vernon has a food court and a restaurant (reservations) for lunch options.

Sports

Nationals Ballpark

The Nationals Ballpark is a fun way to spend an evening, cheering on the home team. The ballpark is located near the Navy Yard section of Washington.

Ben’s Chili is a DC tradition for chili half-smoked. The original location on U Street has been visited by almost everyone famous. However, just grab you a bowl at the game in sections 110, 140, 307.

Hockey/Soccer

The Wizards (NBA) and the Washington Capitals (NHL) share the Capital One Arena for games. Y’all know I LOVE hockey so support the home team. Watch a match for D.C. United (soccer) at the Audi Field.

National Zoo

The National Zoo is free but you need a timed entrance ticket and parking is $30. We enjoyed the gorillas, Giant pandas, tigers and elephants. The National Zoo is great for a few hours & opens at 8 am.

TIP: Get off the metro at the Cleveland Park stop so you are walking downhill to the zoo.

Nature

• The U.S. Botanical Gardens holds more than 44,000 plants with roses, orchids, and plants native to the U.S. It’s in the Capital area.
• The National Arboretum features the U.S. Capital columns and 446 acres of fabulous flora.
• Rock Creek Park is more than a hiking trail park with Civil War Forts, a cemetery, and a 19th-century mill to explore.

The Wharf

The Wharf is filled with restaurants and live music. You need to Uber or metro with parking being expensive $30/three hours. It’s a new development without any history, very cookie-cutter, and not a must-do for me.

Shopping

• Window shopping in City Center DC with 40 luxury shops.
• Union Market for shopping and over 60 dining options. It’s 1.5 miles from Union Station so don’t confuse the two.
• Eastern Market is more of a farmer’s market with fresh foods.

O Museum

O Museum in the Mansion is a quirky and unique antique museum located in a DC mansion. It has around 100 rooms with 70 secret doorways that are fun to try and find. You can also rent a room for the night. Tickets are around $35.

Planet World

Planet Word is a voice-activated museum featuring interactive galleries that engage visitors of all ages with words and language. Kids love the karaoke-style activities and the talking Willow Tree. Nearby, Immigration Food offers lunch with a taste of different cultures from around the globe, located near the White House.

Kennedy Center of Performing Arts offers plays and musicals. If you enjoy plays, The Shakespeare Theater Company has positive reviews.

Underground Comedy is the best-kept secret in DC. I love to laugh so head to Adam’s Morgan from 7 pm to 11 pm.

Hotels- Chinatown

The main TIP is to BE NEAR A METRO STOP!

With most of your activities near the National Mall area, that’s where I choose to stay. I loved the $250 to $375-a-night Hilton Garden Inn Washington DC Downtown that’s closest to the National Mall and Chinatown. Washington has limited parking. Walking to the museums and taking afternoon breaks made the extra hotel money worth it. Chinatown is a mile from the National Mall, a metro stop with several line options, and plenty of food options.

We stayed in an Air B&B in the Capital Hill area, which was beautiful, but the extra two-mile walk to the museums or a metro ride just wasn’t worth it with kids.

While I love Old Town Alexandria, I didn’t enjoy the extra half-mile walk to the metro, 30 minute metro ride and back for every trip. It was an extra hour of daily commuting.

Cherry Hill Park Campground has a metro stop and fabulous reviews.

Restaurants

• Restaurants are endless options for every budget including lots of food trucks.
• For nightlife look in the Dupont Circle, Adams Morgan, and U Street areas.
• Old Ebbitt– oldest tavern in DC, reservations required– $30 each
• Le Diplomat- French bakeries with history are my weakness at $50-$100 each
• Founding Farmers– average $30 each with several locations
• Pineapple & Pearls (or little sister Rose’s Luxury) is $100 each. It’s the fine dining for foodies with reservations required near Capital area.
• Paul French Bakery has FAMOUS MACAROONS so y’all know I’m having a few!
• Chinatown favorites Bantam King, Dlena, & Zatinya.

Transportation

• METRO/Buses: reliable, affordable, fastest
• The Smart Trip App allows tap in & out of the metro or use the Smart Trip card.
• While the Metro is reliable, it’s also dark at night with shady characters. We aren’t from a big city so it’s Lyft or Uber for us at night. Lyft is a little cheaper than Uber. Empower is a new option that’s cheaper than Lyft.
• However, if you have kids requiring car seats, rent a car since Uber isn’t an option. It’s a hassle to get strollers on the packed metro during busy seasons.
• Car parking cost around $25/day. Pay attention to meter parking if it says 10 am-4 pm, then you will be ticketed at 4 pm.
• Google Maps helps you with the best options for public transportation.
• Bikes rentals are everywhere with Capital Bikeshare being the most popular and $8 a day. However, traffic is insane with crazy drivers.
• Hop On Hop Off Buses are run by the most popular attractions.
• Water Taxi-run by the Potomac Riverboat between Georgetown, The Wharf, and Old Alexandria.
• Airport: arrival by Ronald Reagan National Airport (DCA) is the best option.

Basic Itinerary Planning for Exploring Washington DC

• 3 months before travel- request a White House Tour, Capital, and museum tickets
• Traveling September to May, buy night-time tickets for a play in Ford’s Theater.
• Check the Nationals Baseball Park, Wizards, or Capitals schedule for tickets.
• A month out make dining reservations.

Last Thoughts

Thank you for reading my Exploring Washington DC Guide! I’ll leave you with a few last tips before you BOOK THAT TRIP to EXPLORE WASHINGTON DC!

My cost for DC ran in the ballpark of $200-$500 a day plus the hotel price. We did the free museums because $30 activities add up.

For free tours take a look at DC by Foot for free itineraries.

We have combined DC trips with New York City, or Buffalo, NY for Niagara Falls or Shenandoah National Park, or Baltimore.

5 Packing Tips

1. COMFORTABLE shoes
2. Portable battery charger
3. Re-usable water bottle
4. SMALL, backpack
5. Rain jacket or ponchos (outside the entire trip)