3-Day Washington DC Itinerary

Arrive and drop bags near a Metro stop

Arrive by air or train and stay near a Metro station; Reagan National (DCA) is about 15-20 minutes by Metro or car.

National Museum of Natural History

See the rotunda elephant, the T. rex in the Fossil Hall and the Hope Diamond. No passes needed.

Food-truck picnic and the Washington Monument

Grab lunch from a food truck near the museums, picnic on the Mall, then ride up the Washington Monument with your timed tickets.

Lincoln Memorial and Reflecting Pool at sunset

Walk past the WWII Memorial to the Lincoln Memorial for sunset, then see the illuminated Korean War and MLK Jr. memorials.

National Air and Space Museum

Use your free timed-entry pass to see the Wright Flyer, the Apollo 11 command module and interactive flight galleries.

Kid-friendly lunch near the Mall

Eat at a museum cafeteria such as the Mitsitam Cafe in the American Indian museum, known for its varied, family-friendly menu.

Carousel and US Botanic Garden

Ride the classic carousel on the Mall, then explore the free Botanic Garden's jungle conservatory and children's garden.

Penn Quarter family dinner

Take the Metro to Gallery Place-Chinatown for a casual dinner in a lively neighborhood full of family-friendly options.

National Museum of American History

See the Star-Spangled Banner and the ruby slippers, and let little ones play in Wegmans Wonderplace.

Picnic lunch on the Mall

Pick up sandwiches or food-truck fare and enjoy a picnic with room for kids to run.

Tidal Basin, Jefferson and FDR memorials

Walk the Tidal Basin loop past the Jefferson and FDR memorials, or rent a paddle boat in season.

Dinner at the Wharf

Head to the Wharf waterfront for dinner, ice cream and boat watching, with free fire pits in cooler months.