FREE | 36 Hours in Washington, D.C. | Premium Itinerary
Itinerary
Friday
Fly into Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) for the easiest access to get into the city in the morning. Alternatively you can choose to fly to Dulles International Airport (DIA), but you'll want to choose a hotel closer to the city.
If you fly to Ronald Reagan (DCA), a hotel close to the airport is a great choice for a weekend trip when time is precious since the drive into the city is less than 10 minutes.
Depending on your arrival time, either head to bed or check out the restaurants or bars nearby. There are several great options nearby on 23rd street between S Fern & S Eads, including:
After dinner, head back to the hotel and get ready for an early start on Saturday!
Saturday
Day 1 is all about memorials and government, but you'll end the day practicing your espionage skills while exploring the International Spy Museum. Be sure you aren't carrying a bag larger than 18x16x8 inches for the Washington Monument tour, and leave any lighters, aerosols (sunscreen included), or sharp objects behind. If it's expected to be sunny or rainy (or both!) it's never a bad idea to pack an umbrella.
This plan is good for a nice weather day. If you're expecting rain, consider switching Saturday & Sunday, but note that the Capitol and Library of Congress are not open on Sundays. Throw a pair of earbuds in your bag to be prepared for the audio tour at the Library of Congress.
Saturday Morning
From your hotel, catch a quick 10 minute Uber or Lyft to the Memorials. You'll take a leisurely pace through each Memorial over the next two hours, ending at the Washington Monument. This schedule is ideal for 11am tickets to the Washington Monument, but could be adjusted or reversed based on your ticket time.
8:15 AM: Uber to FDR Memorial and start your walking tour of the Memorials. (You'll want to be dropped off at the North West entrance to the memorial so you can walk FDR's presidency in chronological order, then double back as you head towards MLK. We're getting our daily steps in early!)
8:30 AM: FDR Memorial
8:50 AM: Walk to the MLK Jr Memorial
9:10 AM: Walk to the Korean War Veterans Memorial
9:30 AM: Walk to the Lincoln Memorial
10:00 AM: Walk to the Vietnam Veterans Memorial
10:20 AM: Walk through the Constitution Gardens to the World War II Memorial
10:40 AM: Walk to the Washington Monument
It's just a short walk over to the Washington Monument from the WWII Memorial. Head straight there and find the appropriate sign for your tour time. Visitors will be taken up in groups of 8. You'll be waiting in direct sun, so plan ahead with sunscreen/hat/umbrella/fan as needed.
11:00 AM: Washington Monument Tour
11:45 AM: Start making your way towards the White House, stopping for lunch at any of the food trucks along 17th St NW
Saturday Afternoon
12:30 PM: After lunch, make your way to the gate in front of the White House. Take a few pictures and then keep walking down E St NW.
12:45 PM: White House Visitor Center
1:45 PM: Catch a bus fromĀ H St NW & Madison Pl NW to Capitol HillĀ
Not sure where the bus stop or bus is? Toggle to the "public transportation" tab on Google Maps for a live view.
2:00 PM: Capitol Visitor Center
Hop off the bus and head to the lower level entrance of the Capitol Hill Visitor Center.
If you weren't able to get tour tickets ahead of time, head straight to the ticket counter in the line designated for visitors without tours. Many tickets are held for day-of requests and you will likely be able to walk up and get a tour within 30 minutes with no problem.
Depending on your tour time, take 30 minutes before or after to explore the exhibit halls of the Capitol Visitor Center. When you're done, follow signs for the tunnel to the Library of Congress.
3:30 PM: Library of Congress
4:15 PM: After the Library, take the metro line to the International Spy Museum (reload your card with another $2 if needed). You'll ride from Capitol South Station to L'Enfant Plaza with brief walks to and from each station. Reload your SmarTrip card with the trip cost.
4:30 PM: International Spy Museum
Saturday Dinner
7:00 PM: Take a short walk towards the Wharf for dinner
9:00 PM: Finish your evening with a walk to the Jefferson Memorial
10:00 PM: Time for bed! Catch an Uber or Lyft back to your hotel.
Sunday
Day 2 will take you to through the museum highlights! Mix & match with the other options listed in Honorable Mentions to suit your taste.
Sunday Morning
8:00 AM: Pack up and check out of the hotel. Drop your bags at the hotel security room and plan to pick them up at the end of the day.
8:30 AM: Uber to the US Holocaust Memorial Museum
8:45 AM: Holocaust Memorial MuseumĀ
11:15 AM: Walk to the National Museum of American History
12:45 PM: Find lunch at a food truck on Constitution Ave NW on the North side of the American History Museum
Sunday Afternoon
1:30 PM: Walk to the National Museum of Natural History
2:30 PM: Walk to the National Gallery of Art
3:30 PM: Walk to the National Air & Space Museum
5:30 PM: Uber back to the hotel to grab your bags & then head to the airport. 36 hours in DC done!
Accommodations
If you want to stay near the Reagan International Airport (DCA), opt for a large hotel chain like Hyatt, Hilton, or Marriott. These hotels will all offer free shuttles to the airport and will be the most convenient for a short trip. If you aren't already a member, register for the loyalty program of your chosen hotel to earn points towards free nights and other upgrade benefits.
DCA Area Hyatt hotels:
DCA Area Hilton hotels:
DCA Area Marriott hotels:
If you fly into Dulles (IAD) or just want to be closer to the action for early mornings or late evenings, here's a wider range of choices from budget to luxury. We always opt for a budget stay (as long as there are good reviews!) so we can save money on accommodations and spend more on food and activities.
City Center, Budget Hotels:
City Center, Mid Range Hotels
City Center, Luxury Hotels
Packing List
Umbrella & rain jacket - showers may pop up at any time, and an umbrella makes for excellent shade in afternoon heat
Good walking shoes - you'll be covering lots of ground. Make sure your shoes are broken in before the trip!
Light jacket - a must for the plane and chilly evenings
Travel fan - a small hand held fans will keep you cool in the hot sun
Power bank - you'll be gone all day and may need to recharge your phone mid-day
Small backpack or fanny pack - throw all your essentials in one bag
Advance Ticket Purchases
SmarTrip - Bus Fares
If you have Google Wallet or Apple Pay, add the "SmarTrip" card to your wallet, paying a $2 activation fee, plus an additional $2 per ride you anticipate taking. It's easy to recharge, so you may want to just start with $4 (activation + 1 ride).
If you don't have access to those options, download the SmarTrip app and follow the in-app instructions to load your card.
Washington Monument Tour
Tickets are free but have a $1 service fee. Booking window opens 30 days early, but there are an additional limited number of tickets released at 10am ET the day before.
We had good luck with the day before; be online and refresh your window on the hour. We got Saturday 11am tickets no problem. Make sure you've made an account before you try to get tickets!
Capitol Hill Tour
Tours are available in 10 minute intervals from 8:20am - 3:20pm. You can reserve a tour for free online.Ā If you weren't able to get tour tickets ahead of time, some day-of tickets are held for visitors. Arrive before 2:30pm to get day-of tickets.
Library of Congress
Free timed-entry passes are required to enter the Library in 15 minute intervals. Passes are available 30 days in advance.
International Spy Museum
Tickets vary by day but are roughly $30/adult and $20/youth. Ticket windows are in 15 minute intervals. There are senior, college, and military discounts available.
US Holocaust Museum
Tickets are free plus a $1 service fee per ticket. Timed entry is in 15 minute blocks.
National Air & Space Museum
Free timed entry reservation with no service fee. Timed entry in 1 hour blocks.
Honorable Mentions
Extend your trip with these extras, or swap them out with other activities in the agenda to suit your preferences!
Alternative Smithsonian Institutions
Outdoor Activities
Indoor Activities
The home for unique & authentic travel
