7-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.

Metro to Woodley Park

Take the Red Line to Woodley Park or Cleveland Park and walk about 10 minutes to the zoo's Connecticut Avenue entrance.

Pandas, elephants and Amazonia

See the giant pandas, Asian elephants and the indoor rainforest in Amazonia while animals are most active.

Great apes, lions and a downhill walk

Have lunch at the zoo, then see the orangutans, gorillas and big cats as you head downhill.

Dinner in Adams Morgan or Woodley Park

Choose an international restaurant nearby, or try DC's local favorite, the half-smoke sausage.

US Capitol tour

Book a free tour online through the Capitol Visitor Center or your representative's office; arrive early for security.

Library of Congress

Walk the tunnel from the Capitol to the Jefferson Building's ornate Great Hall; free timed passes may be needed.

Eastern Market and Capitol Hill

Have lunch at Eastern Market, a historic food hall, and explore the brick rowhouses of Capitol Hill.

Union Station dinner

Dine at the food options around Union Station and admire the grand Beaux-Arts hall.

International Spy Museum

Take on a secret identity and complete interactive missions; best for kids 8 and older.

Lunch at the Wharf

Walk about 10 minutes to the Wharf for casual waterfront dining, from seafood to burgers.

Water taxi or paddle on the Potomac

Ride a water taxi along the Potomac or rent kayaks in season for a different view of the city.

Rest night

Take it easy with pizza and an early night after a busy few days.

Drive or cruise to Mount Vernon

Drive about 30-45 minutes south, or take a seasonal Potomac cruise from the Wharf or Alexandria.

Mansion tour and grounds

Tour the mansion with your timed ticket and see the outbuildings, slave quarters and the memorial to the enslaved people who lived there.

Museum, farm and lunch

Visit the education center, the pioneer farm and the gardens, and eat at the on-site food court.

Return and casual dinner

Head back to the city for a relaxed dinner near your hotel.