English
English
Contents
Find the perfect itinerary for you
DC isn’t just for senators and students—whether you’re wrangling kids, flying solo, or geeking out over the Constitution, there’s a path for you here. Think epic monuments, secret spy missions, and stories that shaped a nation. On the Washington DC 1-day itinerary, we’ve lined up the stops, detours, and must-sees to match your vibe. All you have to do? Pick your adventure.
Washington DC for families
Washington DC for solo travelers
Washington DC for history and political enthusiasts
Morning (7am - 11am)
Breakfast: Start your morning at Union Station with more than just trainspotting—hello, croissants! Head to Le Pain Quotidien for soft scrambled eggs, flaky almond croissants, and organic oatmeal loaded with berries. It’s cozy, kid-friendly, and perfect for fueling up before blast-off at the museum next door.
Attraction: Air & Space Museum
Buckle up—this place is a full-throttle ride through aviation and space history. From real spacecraft to hands-on flight simulators, the Air & Space Museum keeps kids and grown-ups wide-eyed and wowed. It’s educational, epic, and best of all, zero gravity is not required.
Nearest stop: Air & Space Museum
Highlights:
- Gawk at the actual 1903 Wright Flyer—the OG of human flight, propellers and all.
- Peek inside the Apollo 11 Command Module, where moon dreams became moon reality.
- Go full space nerd in the Planetarium or IMAX for giant-screen cosmic adventures.
Pro tip: Check out “How Things Fly,” the hands-on exhibit where kids can test real physics concepts.
Suggested time to spend: 2 hours
Time to next stop: Take a 10-minute bus ride to the next attraction.
Afternoon (12pm - 3pm)
Lunch: No meltdowns at L’Enfant Plaza Food Court—this place is a picky eater’s paradise. From Five Guys’ juicy burgers and Cajun fries to Panda Express orange chicken and fresh pizza slices at Sbarro, there’s something for every tastebud. It’s casual, chaotic (in a good way), and perfectly placed for your museum pit stop.
Attraction: Natural History Museum
This museum is a full-on adventure in evolution, glittering gems, and massive, prehistoric jaws. From towering dinosaur skeletons to live butterflies, the Natural History Museum is where science meets "whoa, look at that!" It’s hands-on, kid-hypnotizing fun for all ages.
Nearest stop: Natural History Museum
Highlights:
- Stand under a full T. rex skeleton mid-roar in the Fossil Hall, where every bone tells a story millions of years old.
- The Hope Diamond glows under special lighting. Watch how its blue hue changes as you move around it.
- Inside the Butterfly Pavilion, hundreds of tropical butterflies flutter freely, one might even hitch a ride on your shoulder.
Pro tip: Don't miss the Fossil Basecamp; there’s a touch table and tools for mini paleontologists.
Suggested time to spend: 2 hours
Time to next stop: Take a 5-minute walk to your next destination.
Evening (4pm - 7pm)
Attraction: Lincoln Memorial
The Lincoln Memorial is where history feels larger than life—literally. With its towering columns and massive seated statue, it’s a great way for kids to connect with stories of leadership and courage. There’s space to roam, steps to climb, and views that stretch across the National Mall.
Nearest stop: Lincoln Memorial & Korean War Memorial
Highlights:
- Lincoln’s 19-foot marble statue is absolutely massive—your kids might spend more time counting his fingers than listening to the history.
- Peek at the engraved speeches inside. Short enough for kids to read, powerful enough to spark questions on the walk back.
- The view from the steps? Straight shot to the Washington Monument, with bonus glow-up at golden hour.
Pro tip: Find the exact spot where MLK gave his “I Have a Dream” speech—it’s marked right on the steps.
Suggested time to spend: 1 hour
Time to next stop: Enjoy a 15-minute walk to your next stop.
Late Night (8pm – 12am)
Dinner: Wrap up the day with a carb-fueled victory lap at Carmine’s, where the pasta is plentiful and the vibe is pure Italian family chaos. Share a giant plate of spaghetti and meatballs, dig into the chicken parm that’s as big as your head, and don’t skip the Titanic-sized tiramisu.
Morning (7am - 11am)
Breakfast: Start your morning with the comforting scent of fresh bread at Firehook Bakery. Go for the buttery, golden-crusted cheddar-chive scone or the cranberry-orange muffin that’s practically a personality. Their granola yogurt parfait hits that sweet-healthy spot. Cozy, laid-back, and a neighborhood favorite since the 90s.
Attraction: US Capitol
Whether you're a politics junkie or just here for the architecture flex, the US Capitol is worth the solo stroll. The whole place feels like walking through a living civics lesson, minus the homework. Great for those who like their travel with a side of power moves and marble columns.
Nearest stop: US Capitol at Garfield Circle
Highlights:
- The Rotunda's frescoed dome and sweeping art will have you spinning—figuratively, unless you're on too much caffeine.
- Peek into the Old Supreme Court Chamber and whisper like you’re plotting something historic.
- The Exhibition Hall in the Visitor Center brings Congress’s greatest moments—without the filibusters.
Pro tip: Check out the Library of Congress tunnel nearby—it’s like Narnia for bookworms and barely anyone knows it exists.
Suggested time to spend: 1.5 hours
Time to next stop: Hop on the bus for a quick 5-minute ride to the next stop.
Afternoon (12pm - 3pm)
Lunch: Slide into a booth at Old Ebbitt Grill. Their crab cakes are basically local royalty, and the Oysters Rockefeller are classic DC indulgence. Want something low-key luxe? The trout parmesan delivers. Ornate, old-school, and steps from the White House, it’s the kind of place where solo diners get treated like VIPs in mahogany-lined charm.
Attraction: The Smithsonian Castle
More Hogwarts than history textbook, the Smithsonian Castle is your launchpad to the entire museum complex. Its red sandstone vibes are as photogenic as they are practical—it’s part landmark, part info hub, and part serene hideaway. Think of it as your intro-level DC decoder ring.
Nearest stop: Washington Monument East & West
Highlights:
- The Commons room lets you sample bits from every Smithsonian—perfect if you're a curious wanderer.
- The Enid A. Haupt Garden out back? A blooming, quiet retreat from the tourist shuffle.
- Original 19th-century architecture plus founder James Smithson’s crypt? Spooky, but stylish.
Pro tip: Grab a Smithsonian map here and plot your museum-hopping route like the nerdy rebel you are.
Suggested time to spend: 1 hour
Time to next stop: Take a leisurely 10-minute walk to your next destination.
Evening (4pm - 7pm)
Attraction: The Wharf
The Wharf is DC’s riverside where solo travelers can go full main-character mode. Whether you're strolling with gelato or people-watching from a wine bar patio, this is where the sunset meets the city’s cool side. Also, it's incredibly safe, walkable, and packed with little surprises.
Nearest stop: The Wharf & Potomac Boat Cruise
Highlights:
- Swing by District Pier for live music, pop-ups, and some of the best golden-hour photo ops in town.
- If you’re into night photography, this is your dream spot—glass, water, and neon reflections galore.
- Ride the free jitney to East Potomac Park and feel smug about finding the scenic shortcut.
Pro tip: Make sure to visit the Politics and Prose bookstore at the Wharf—discover an incredible read and immerse yourself until time fades away.
Suggested time to spend: 2 hours
Time to next stop: Stroll for 10 minutes to reach your next spot.
Late night (8pm – 12am)
Dinner: Grab a bar seat at Jaleo and order the gambas al ajillo (garlicky shrimp that could raise the dead) and the jamón ibérico. Add a glass of sangria and the patatas bravas for good measure. Vibrant, loud in the best way, and full of José Andrés flair, this spot makes dining alone feel like a bold, brilliant choice.
Morning (7am - 11am)
Breakfast: Start your day at Founding Farmers, a cozy spot beloved for its farm-to-table breakfast. Don’t miss their signature chicken and waffles—crispy, juicy perfection. Pair it with their house-made bacon and a cup of robust coffee, or go for the decadent French toast if you’re feeling extra indulgent.
Attraction: Jefferson Memorial
The Jefferson Memorial stands as an impressive tribute to one of the most influential figures in American history. Nestled by the Tidal Basin, this neoclassical structure houses a towering bronze statue of Thomas Jefferson and inscribed excerpts from his writings, offering a glimpse into the ideals that shaped the nation.
Nearest stop: Jefferson Memorial
Highlights:
- Marvel at the larger-than-life bronze statue of Jefferson, his figure captured in a contemplative pose.
- Walk the circular path around the memorial, where you’ll spot famous quotes from Jefferson that still resonate in modern discourse.
- Take in views of the Tidal Basin from the memorial’s steps as the Washington Monument and the White House peek in the distance.
Pro tip: Pause by the northern side for a spectacular view of the Washington Monument framed through the memorial’s columns—perfect for a unique photo.
Suggested time to spend: 1 hour
Time to next stop: Take a 15-minute walk to your next destination.
Afternoon (12pm - 3pm)
Lunch: If walls could talk, Martin’s Tavern would tell tales of political power lunches and late-night discussions that shaped history. A Georgetown gem, it’s been a hangout for everyone from JFK to modern-day politicos. Sink your teeth into their legendary crab cakes or go for the decadent Shepherd’s Pie, which is a comforting classic.
Attraction: National Archives
Home to the nation’s most revered documents—the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution, and the Bill of Rights—it’s a living testament to American democracy. Walk the halls where the founding ideals were born and marvel at the exhibits that chronicle our nation’s evolution. This is where history truly comes to life, and it’ll leave you feeling like a part of it.
Nearest stop: City Center & Chinatown
Highlights:
- See the original Charters of Freedom, including the Declaration of Independence and U.S. Constitution.
- Dive into history with exhibits on American wars, civil rights, and major political moments.
- Don’t miss the Public Vaults for behind-the-scenes glimpses of America’s archives.
Pro tip: If you’re into political history, check out the Rotunda’s moving exhibit on the Constitution's enduring impact.
Suggested time to spend: 1.5 hours
Time to next stop: Hop back, it takes only 5 minutes to your next must-see.
Evening (4pm - 7pm)
Attraction: FDR Memorial
Set around flowing waterfalls, bronze statues, and speeches that still echo through history, this outdoor tribute tells the story of Franklin D. Roosevelt's bold leadership during the Great Depression and WWII. It’s a place where the past feels alive, and you’ll leave with a new respect for the man in the wheelchair.
Nearest stop: FDR and MLK Memorial
Highlights:
- Walk through the "presidential rooms" for each of FDR’s four terms, capturing the highs and lows of his legacy.
- Get up close to FDR’s statue in his wheelchair and think about the man who changed America while keeping his own battle against polio quiet.
- The water features are more than just pretty—they symbolize the challenges FDR faced, and you’ll probably get a moment of calm too.
Pro tip: Don’t skip the quote wall. You’ll find some of FDR’s most memorable speeches etched in stone, offering a glimpse into his mindset!
Suggested time to spend: 1 hour
Time to next stop: A 10-minute walk will take you to the next stop.
Late night (8pm – 12am)
Dinner: End your day with a splash at Muze. The sleek, modern ambiance pairs perfectly with dishes like miso-glazed duck breast—tender and full of flavor—or the crisp, delicate roasted sea bass. With floor-to-ceiling windows and views of the Potomac, it’s the kind of place where every bite feels like a celebration.