Best Washington DC 3 Day Itinerary For Families!

Washington, DC, is known for its monuments, museums, and memorials, but did you know that it’s also one of America’s best restaurant cities? 

Having lived in America’s capital for a couple of years, it has a special place in my heart. With some of the best restaurants for foodies, eclectic neighborhoods, and fun activities for the whole family, if you haven’t visited our nation’s capital, you need to!

Our family loved this Washington DC 3 day itinerary, as it was a great way to get an overview of some of the most historical and important cities in the world. It’s also great for school-aged kids to see some of the important sites in the United States.

We love sharing the history of America with our kids. With so many exciting attractions, free activities, and inexpensive places to stay, it’s especially great for family travel on a budget. 

However, it can be overwhelming trying to fit everything into just 3-days, which is why I made the ultimate itinerary. This way, you can make the most out of your time in Washington, DC, and create unforgettable memories with your family.

Stuck at home and need a neat staycation for the family? Here are 15 Travel and Multicultural activities you can do from home, including things in Washington, DC.

Pittsburgh, PA, is also about four hours from the DC area, so if you’re looking for a quick, fun road trip, read this post on the best things to do in Pittsburg with your family.

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Why Visit Washington, DC

Washington, DC, has an endless number of attractions and things to do. If you live in the surrounding states, you likely took a field trip there when you were in elementary school. That’s because it’s a museum and monument lovers’ dream full of history and plenty of ways to sneak in learning while having fun.

No matter how long your Washington DC trip is, you’ll learn more about the history and government of the United States and sample food from many different cultures. An adventure to this iconic city will be a fun trip to create family memories that last a lifetime.

There are so many free things to do, like visiting the Smithsonian Museums and historical memorials. Also, get a peak at the Declaration of Independence. You won’t run out of things to do.

Plus, there’s no better time to explore Washington, DC, than the spring during The National Cherry Blossom Festival. Enjoy this month-long celebration of culture, film screening, art, music, and more.

Now it’s time to create your Washington, DC, itinerary for 2 days or more.

Washington DC Itinerary Day One

• Arlington National Cemetery and the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier
• Air and Space Museum
• African American History Museum
• National Museum of American History
• Dinner
• Evening Washington Monument and the National Mall (or do this in the morning on day 2)
• Lincoln Memorial and Vietnam Veterans Memorial
• Korean War Memorial

Arlington National Cemetery and Tomb of the Unknown Soldier

These two attractions are a great place to start your Washington, DC, itinerary. The cemetery lies just across the Potomac River in Virginia and is the resting place for many soldiers from the Revolutionary War, Civil War, and other wars.

Arlington National Cemetery is also home to the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, which holds several unidentified military service members from WWI, WWII, and the Korean War. Make sure you stay for the changing of the guard ceremony, which happens every hour on the hour. My kids enjoyed watching this and learning about the importance of honoring our fallen soldiers.

The National Air and Space Museum

The Air and Space Museum is one of the Smithsonian Museums and is open Thursday through Monday, 10 AM to 1:30 PM. My kids loved learning about the U.S. space program and seeing the various airplane exhibits, including one of the original Wright Brother’s planes. This very popular museum is free to visit, but you will have to pay for parking if you drive.

If you ever take a family vacation to Florida, make sure you visit the Kenndey Space Center! This article, Visit Kennedy Space Center With Kids: What You Need To Know, will give you all the information you need.

African American History Museum

The African American History Museum is another Smithsonian National Museum where you can see just about every part of the African American experience, from slavery, athletics, the Civil Rights Movement and more. You can see artifacts like the shawl given to Harriet Tubman by Queen Victoria, the Musical Crossroads exhibit, and learn more about African American culture.

We spent about three hours here, but you could easily spend all day. The museum is open daily from 10 AM to 5:30 PM, and admission is free, but timed entry passes are required to enter. Make sure to reserve your tickets in advance, as they tend to sell out quickly.

National American History Museum

The National American History Museum is another one of the Smithsonian’s free museums, and it showcases the complex history of America. It’s one of my favorite museums because it houses a diverse range of artifacts like Dorthy’s ruby slippers from The Wizard of Oz. You’ll also find Duke Ellington’s shoes (a DC legend), sheet music, and three million more artifacts.

Dinner

Take a dinner break at one of these unique restaurants close to the museums in this Washington, DC, itinerary for day 1.

• Cafes at the National Museum of American History
• Fogo de Chao Brazillian Steakhouse
• Central Michel Richard
• Old Ebbitt Grill ( The oldest saloon in town with rave reviews)
• The Capital Grill
• Fiola
• District Taco

Visit the George Washington Monument and National Mall

Some of the monuments are lit up and fun to visit at night, and the Washington Monument is one of those! The tickets are free unless you want to pre-order tickets for $1 each, and there is a $1 service charge with a limit of six tickets for each order. 

My kids loved walking around the National Mall, learning about American history, and taking in the iconic views of the city. The National Mall is in the area and has some popular memorials, and we’ll talk about some of them on this Washington DC 3 day itinerary.

Visit the Lincoln Memorial and Vietnam Memorial at Night

These are two of the most popular memorials in Washington, DC. They are part of the National Mall and are neat to visit at night since they’re well-lit. We loved how the Lincoln Memorial, commemorating Lincoln’s assassination, reflected in the pool shimmers. It’s breathtaking to see in person. 

The Vietnam Memorial is dedicated to the 58,000 soldiers who sacrificed their lives during this controversial war. The kids loved rubbing crayons on some of the names on the wall. It was a somber moment, but also an opportunity to educate them about this significant part of history.

Korean War Memorial

The Korean War Memorial is dedicated to the millions of U.S. soldiers who served during the Korean War. It has four different components, including a remembrance pool and a memorial wall. My family and I enjoyed walking through this memorial and reading the inscriptions on the wall. We also found it interesting to see our reflections on the polished granite surface, symbolizing how the war is still a part of us.

Washington DC Itinerary Day 2

If you only have a couple of days in DC, these are the activities you can add to your Washington DC Itinerary for 2 days.

• FDR Memorial
• MLK Jr Memorial
• WW II Memorial
• Holocaust Memorial Museum
• Visit Mount Vernon

Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial

FDR was one of the nation’s most well-known presidents. He led our nation during our entry into World War II following the bombing of Pearl Harbor. We noticed it was a little more secluded than all of the rest of the memorials but beautiful with its cascading waterfalls. My kids loved the statues of FDR’s dog, Fala. The quotes from FDR on the walls were very inspiring and thought-provoking.

Martin Luther King Jr Memorial

The Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial honors this great Civil Rights activist’s accomplishments during the fight for freedom, equality, and justice in the modern Civil Rights Movement. We were all impressed by the 30-foot-tall statue of MLK Jr., called the “Stone of Hope.” The inscription on the wall with his famous quote, “Out of the mountain of despair, a stone of hope,” was inspiring and left an impact on us.

World War II Memorial

Dedicated in 2004 at the Rainbow Pool, the WWII Memorial recognizes and honors military service members who fought and died in World War II fighting tyranny worldwide. My family and I found this memorial especially beautiful at sunset. 

If you don’t have time to see the Washington Monument on the first day of your trip, you could visit it while you’re at the World War II Memorial. You’ll get a perfect view of the monument from there!

Holocaust Memorial Museum

This somber museum is a must-see as it honors the struggle of Jews in Europe and the history of the war against antisemitism everywhere. I was so glad my kids were old enough to understand the gravity of this museum. The exhibits are powerful and emotional, but it’s a crucial reminder of the importance of standing up against hate and discrimination.

You can get free tickets to tour exhibits like Americans and the Holocaust, American Witnesses, and Burma’s Path to Genocide. The museum also has archives where you can search for films, personal stories, and photos of Jewish life before, during, and after the Holocaust.

Visit Mount Vernon

If you’re seeking a relaxing outdoor stroll, you and your family will love the Mount Vernon Trail that starts on Theodore Roosevelt Island and connects to a footbridge in Virginia. It gives you a totally different view of the Washington Monument and National Mall.

While you’re in the area, take one of the guided tours of the 18th-century home of George Washington, Mount Vernon, where you can even see his dentures that weren’t made of wood, contrary to popular belief!

Washington DC Itinerary Day 3

If you have time for more than a weekend trip, consider some of these activities for a Washington DC 3 day itinerary.

• U.S. Capitol Building
• White House Tour
• U.S. Naval Academy

U.S. Capitol Building

The United States Capitol Building is one of the most iconic landmarks of Washington DC. It has an enormous dome and is located on the famous Capitol Hill. The U.S. Capitol was built on Capitol Hill back in 1793 but is also home to the Supreme Court, Botanic Garden, and Library of Congress.

While your kids may not be interested in government yet, it’s the perfect time to introduce them to the topic and take a guided tour of the Capitol Building. My kids enjoyed seeing the old chambers and artwork and learning about Congress.

White House Tour

If you can, add a free White House tour to your Washington, DC, itinerary. My kids had a blast visiting the home of the president and catching a glimpse of life at the White House! The only thing is that you must request a White House tour at least 21 days in advance, so it does require some planning, and they only run on Tuesday through Saturday between 8 AM and 12:30 PM.

Also, keep in mind that all visitors to the White House 18 years and older must show a photo ID, such as a valid U.S. Passport, driver’s license, or military ID. 

U.S. Naval Academy

Located just outside of Washington DC in Annapolis, Maryland, is the U.S. Naval Academy. The academy offers tours to visitors and provides an inside look at the life of a midshipman. You can also wander around the beautiful campus and visit the nearby Naval Academy Museum.

My family’s favorite part of the visit was watching the noon formation of the midshipmen, where they marched in their uniforms and performed drills. It was a unique experience that my kids still talk about.

Washington, DC, Itinerary Day 4

If you have four days in Washington, DC, consider creating an itinerary for 4 days and adding the following activities.

• Natural History Museum
• Ford’s Theater
• Walk around Old Town Alexandria

Natural History Museum

This museum is one of our favorite places to tour on our Washington DC 3 day itinerary because it boasts wonders from the natural world.

The Smithsonian Museum is free, and my kids loved seeing one of the largest diamonds in the world, the Hope Diamond, real mummies, and learning about Phoenix, the 45-ton whale. 

Ford’s Theater

This historic theater is where President Abraham Lincoln was assassinated and is a great place to catch a show. It’s also one of the Penn Quarter Museums, and you can take a guided tour. We loved learning more about Abraham Lincoln and his presidency while visiting this iconic landmark.

Old Town Alexandria

Spend the afternoon touring one of the oldest historic districts in the U.S., Old Town Alexandria. With tons of history and charm, you’ll find cafes, bars, and shops to visit on your own, or you can take a self-guided walking tour of Old Town Alexandria. 

My family’s favorite part was strolling along the cobblestone streets and admiring the 18th- and 19th-century architecture. We also loved visiting the Torpedo Factory Art Center, a former torpedo factory turned into an art museum with over 80 artist studios.

And so much more!

Other Things to Do in Washington DC

• Cherry Blossom Season
• Smithsonian National Zoo
• National Arboretum
• Dumbarton Oaks Museum
• National Portrait Gallery
• Thomas Jefferson Memorial
• Take a guided Georgetown Food and History Tour
• Washington National Cathedral
• Rock Creek Park
• Visit Georgetown Cupcake

Where to Stay in Washington, DC

Washington, DC, has plenty of places to stay for all budgets, and here are some of our favorites.

• Sheraton Pentagon City
• Hyatt House Washington DC
• Washington Marriott at Metro Center
• Four Seasons Hotel, Washington, DC
• Omni Shoreham Hotel
• Club Quarters Hotel – Located just down the road from the White House and steps from the Metro!
• St. Regis Washington DC
• A Historic Capital Hill Brownstone Apartment from VRBO

Getting To Washington, DC

Washington, DC, is pretty easy to get to, with three major airports in the area:

• Washington Dulles International Airport
• BWI Airport
• Washington Reagan National Airport

If you live nearby, you can get to Washington, DC, by the Metro or Amtrak. You can also take a road trip to DC, though the streets here can be a little confusing.

Many hotels have parking garages or places to park, and you can easily get around Washington, DC, by Metro or rideshares like Lyft and Uber.

Final Thoughts on Washington, DC, Itinerary

As you can see, there are so many fun things to do in DC with family and friends, and you can base your itinerary on how many days you have to stay, whether that’s a Washington DC 3 Day Itinerary or a Washington, DC, 5 Day Itinerary. 

You don’t want to miss touring iconic landmarks like the Washington Monument, the White House, the Capitol Building, the Martin Luther King Jr Memorial, or the Lincoln Memorial. My family loved experiencing new cultures through guided food walking tours or visiting each Smithsonian National Museum.

If you’re taking a short vacation to Washington, DC, I definitely recommend you come back for more than one Washington, DC trip. It’s impossible to see everything the city has to offer in just one trip.  

I hope this itinerary helps make planning your trip a little easier and more enjoyable. Happy travels!