Washington DC is one of the most layered travel destinations in the world; there’s so much to do that it’s almost overwhelming, and there’s something for everyone. While three days is a short trip, I think you could live in DC for years and still not see (or do) it all. I’ve been to the city quite a few times over the years, and have compiled my top recommendations and tips for getting the most out of your three-day trip to DC (click here for my full travel guide).

Overall, I recommend making a priority list and then mapping everything out by location or theme. For example, when I’m in DC, I always do a museum day, a city day, and the third day is separated into two halves (outdoor explore, then museum or spend the first half walking around Arlington, then the evening doing something more low-key). You won’t be able to fit everything in your trip, but having a plan (and coordinating with the weather forecast) will help you maximize your time. Below I’ve included my personal itinerary that gives you the best of the best of DC, and the spots that are “can’t miss” level for me.

3 days in washington dc itinerary and travel guide

day one

Breakfast: If you’re a foodie, the brunch at Peacock Cafe is totally worth it. They also have vegan and vegetarian options, incredible service, and outdoor seating. Truth be told, I like to hit the ground running, so I opt for something quick near my hotel.

If you can, start with a White House tour. This and the Capitol tour require advance reservations through your Congressman. I haven’t toured the White House yet, but loved the Capitol tour. It’s engaging (not boring), timed well as far as pacing goes, and makes both history and politics feel more real, especially since you might see a Congressman (or woman) walking the halls.

Following the Capitol tour, you’ll then be able to take the tunnel to the Library of Congress, skipping an extra security screening since you’ve already done it at the Capitol. I have had lunch at the Capitol cafeteria before; it’s much more high quality than it sounds and the patriotic treats are fun, but foodies won’t love it. Continue onto the Smithsonian museums; plan to dedicate around 2 hours to each, unless you move quick (my family is known to skim haha). I recommend visiting the National Museum of African American History and Culture close to lunch time, as the food is really, really good. Again, foodies might want a more “aesthetic” option, but if you’re spending the day exploring the museums, this is the one to eat at. Other Smithsonians I recommend:

American History Museum

Natural History Museum
Portrait Gallery
Smithsonial Castle
National Archives Museum
National Museum of African American History and Culture
United States Holocaust Memorial Museum

Dinner: Old Ebbitt Grill, which is Washington’s oldest saloon. This place has been around for years; I first ate there over ten years ago and have gone back every trip since. The decor is historic and while it looks fancy, don’t let that keep you from going. Order the calamari, which comes with pickled cherry peppers that are addicting. If you’re tired and want something quick or delivered to your room, We the Pizza is the best pizza in DC. They deliver to hotels, and even with a pizza place right next door to ours, we still saw 3 different deliveries from here one night alone.

At night, explore the National Monuments. A lot of people start their day with the Monuments, but you get the most out of your limited time in the city by seeing them at night, since they don’t “close.” They’re almost more breathtaking at dusk/ night, and you don’t have to deal with crowds.

day two

Georgetown day! I have a full travel guide for Georgetown here, but you can get the most out of this historic college town in a day.

Brunch: While there are lots of trendy bagel spots, you can have a solid brunch with quick service at Martin’s Tavern, a historic location that’s been around for almost 100 years. JFK proposed to Jackie Onassis here, and they’ve served numerous presidents since.

Head over to M Street, and enjoy all of the shops and historic architecture. If you’re feeling adventurous (and fit), check out the Exorcist Steps. – Famous for being featured in The Exorcist movie, these concrete steps are located at the corner of Prospect St and 36th St NW. It’s definitely a lot of steps so consider it a mini workout haha. For a more cozy (and cuddly) vibe, spend some time with the cutest cats at Crumbs and Whiskers. These cats are rescued from risk of euthanasia and available for adoption. You truly make a difference with the purchase of your ticket, and it’s a chill, calm break from the bustle of the city streets.

Lunch: Good Stuff Eatery isn’t too expensive, and locals love it, especially since they offer lunch specials. Don’t sleep on the Cajun fries.

If you want a little break after lunch without having to trek back to your hotel, Overlooking the Potomac River, stop at Georgetown Waterfront Park, where there are benches to sit and a walking path to explore Georgetown’s Historic District. I make sure to bring a coffee from Bitty and Beau’s Coffee, my absolute favorite stop in Georgetown. Much more than just a coffee shop, this cafe is run by people with disabilities so it’s a truly beautiful and heartwarming experience. For me, traveling is also about immersing myself in the local community, and the friendly baristas at Bitty and Beau’s are so engaging and fun to talk to. And yes, the coffee, chai, and muffins are out of this world good.

Dinner: If you’re gluten free, check out Il Canale, which has great pizza and is located near the C&O Canal with lots of outdoor seating. Another option, Filomena, is a true Georgetown staple; the portions are huge and perfect for sharing. For those with lots of food sensitivities, Clyde’s is a little more upscale and the servers are very attentive of food allergies and dietary preferences.

Dessert: Grab ice cream at Thomas Sweet, a popular spot that has been visited by both Presidents Obama and Biden. They have unique flavors like Swiss chocolate malt and butter brickle as well assorbets and vegan options. Then make sure to bring sweets back to the room with you. Georgetown Cupcake is insanely popular and a top destination for cupcakes. The menu rotates and features seasonal specialties. Some of our favorites: coconut, key lime, mint cookies & crème, vegan apple cinnamon, and raspberry chocolate chip. You also must stop at Levain Bakery. I still dream about their cookies, which are crispy on the outside and chewy on the inside. I recommend the chocolate chip walnut and caramel coconut chocolate chip.

day three - option 1

Breakfast: Tatte Bakery has great coffee and pastries, plus a pretty aesthetic, so foodies will enjoy it. There’s also a full menu if you want something larger, but I see it more as a grab-and-go spot.

Explore Mount Vernon or Arlington National Cemetery. Don’t wear your best shoes since the grounds can get muddy.

Lunch: Don’t eat at the cafeteria. Instead, go to the Mount Vernon Inn Restaurant, which is right next door. The prices are similar to what you’d find at the cafeteria, and you don’t have to deal with field trip chaos.

Afterwards, you can continue the outdoor theme with the United States Botanic Garden or visit another museum. Ford Theater, where Lincoln was shot, does guided tours that take a couple of hours, and it’s near the Portrait Gallery, too.

Dinner: Hawk & Dove is so good we had dinner here twice one trip. Their French fries were some of the best we’ve ever had, and the burgers were also good. They’re open late, which is super convenient if you’re busy all day.

day three - option 2

Same breakfast, but then head out to Arlington National Cemetery. You can’t do this and Mount Vernon back to back as they’re not near each other, but I want to include both as options since they’re great morning activities. If you’re visiting Arlington National Cemetery, make sure to take a map with you. It’s a lot of walking, but you can locate notable graves on your own (I also use the website look-up feature, which helped us find the graves of some of my dad’s friends).

Lunch: Great options near the cemetery include Clyde’s, Quarterdeck, and Murphy’s Pub. Celtic House is also really good, especially for larger groups.

If you want something that’s not a museum for the afternoon, head to Dupont Circle. This is a residential area that has lots of shops and restaurants, like Kramer’s bookstore. Don’t forget to check out Dupont Underground, which is a cool arts organization.

Since you’re in Dupont Circle, plan to have appetizers or a snack at Swingers Crazy Golf. This indoor mini golf is a fun way to break up the museums/ historic sites, with great food and drink options and fast service.

Dinner: Dupont Circle is electric and home to Embassy Row, so you’ll also find lots of unique restaurants. Boqueria Dupont is a favorite, but if you love Mediterranean food, you’ll want to try Agora DC.

Dessert: End the day with dessert at Dolcezza Gelato & Coffee, home to some of the freshest gelato you can find in the city.

where to stay in washington dc

DC has so many options, including boutique hotels and Air B&Bs. Personally, I see the hotel more as a place to sleep and recharge rather than an experience in itself, especially in a city like DC with so much to do. This isn’t the most aesthetically pleasing option, but I recommend the Residence Inn (National Mall location). It’s budget friendly but high-quality, had the best water pressure out of any hotel we’ve ever stayed at (ever), and is walking distance of the Capitol, Botanical Gardens, and Museum of the Bible. The complimentary breakfast gets crowded but the gym was decent and had a station to refill your water bottle.

Regardless of your hotel preferences, I recommend staying out of Navy Yard unless you’re in town just for a baseball game. The area was loud, kinda dirty, you’re farther away from the historic sites, and the nearby restaurants aren’t great.

dulles international airport (IAD) vs ronald regan washington national airport (dca)

I recommend flying into Ronald Regan Airport (DCA). While it’s technically in Arlington, Virginia, it’s better for accessing downtown and most of metro D.C. (and has a metro stop, if you’re looking into public transportation). If you have flexibility with your flight, try to avoid afternoon traffic, even on the weekends. That being said, DCA sometimes has to deal with random delays for presidential traffic, so if you’re on an extremely tight schedule, IAD might be better for you.

where to eat in washington dc

Peacock Cafe - A little overpriced but the brunch is really good. Modern vibe, and some of the best service. They have vegan and vegetarian options, plus outdoor seating.

Tatte Bakery - Pretty aesthetic and great coffee and pastries if you’re just looking for a snack, but they also offer a menu if you want more.

Potbelly Sandwich Shop - Out of all of the research and more upscale places we ate at, my family still talks about the sandwiches from here. A simple fast-food type vibe, but they’ve all said they want to go back to DC for these sandwiches alone. Good bread, fresh ingredients, and the line moves quickly, which is perfect if you’re in a rush or don’t want something sit-down.

Old Ebbitt Grill - Washington’s oldest saloon, this place has been around for years; I first ate there over ten years ago and have gone back every trip since. The decor is historic and while it looks fancy, don’t let that keep you from going. Order the calamari, which comes with pickled cherry peppers that are addicting.

Hawk & Dove - So good we had dinner here twice. Their French fries were some of the best we’ve ever had, and the burgers were also good. They’re open late, which is super convenient if you’re still adjusting to the time or busy all day.

National Museum of African American History and Culture - One of the best lunches. If you’re spending the day exploring the museums, this is the one to eat at.

We the Pizza - The best pizza in DC. They deliver to hotels, and even with a pizza place right next door to ours, we still saw 3 different deliveries from here one night alone.

Filomena - Pricey, but similar to most Italian restaurants. This is a great place for family dinner, and the atmosphere and service can’t be beat.

Bourbon Steak - Expensive and fancy, but this is the place to go for special occasions and a 5-star dinner.

Van Leeuwen Ice Cream - A little pricier, but they have great vegan options.

The Creamery at Union Market - Very fresh and they have great milkshakes and ice cream sandwiches.

things to do in washington dc

Smithsonian Museums - These are free, expertly curated, and provide such a comprehensive, immersive experience. These are some of my favorites that I highly recommend:

American History Museum
Natural History Museum
Portrait Gallery
Smithsonial Castle
National Archives Museum
National Museum of African American History and Culture
United States Holocaust Memorial Museum

National Monuments - There are tons of monuments at and around the National Mall, including the Lincoln Memorial, World War II Memorial, and Washington Monument. I recommend exploring monuments in the evening (around sunset) as they are open 24/7, but the museums close so it’s better to spend your time there during the day.

U.S. Capitol & White House - I mention these together because while you can tour them, they do require an advanced reservation and tend to fill up quickly. You have to reach out to your Congressman in order to book them. I recommend booking your Capitol for earlier in the morning (around 10 or so) as you can have lunch in their cafeteria (which is nice) and then head over to the Library of Congress.

Library of Congress - You don’t need a tour for this, and I don’t think you need to follow the guided audio tours, either. This is a gorgeous building to explore, and don’t forget to head up the stairs to peer into the archive section.

Ford Theater - This is a paid, guided tour experience and requires a couple hours of your time. We still haven’t had a chance to do this, but I’ve heard it’s worth it.

Botanical Gardens - Within walking distance of the Capitol, it’s a great outdoor activity for families. If you’re walking, take a short detour to check out the Disabled Veterans Memorial, too.

Museum of the Bible - This was right by our hotel and while it may not be for everyone, my mom and I thoroughly enjoyed it and thought it was worth the paid admission.

Arlington National Cemetery - Download the app before you get there, as it has a map to help you navigate and a list of notable spots and graves that you may want to visit, such as the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, John F. Kennedy’s gravesite, and more. Some of the people my dad served with are buried at Arlington and we used the app to locate their graves, too (it’s not just limited to notable people).

Georgetown - DC’s oldest neighborhood, it runs along the Potomac river. Family-friendly with beautiful shops to explore and incredible dining, there’s also plenty to do at night, too. View my full guide on what to do, where to shop, and what to eat here.

Dupont Circle - This is a residential area that has lots of shops and restaurants, but don’t forget to check out Dupont Underground, which is a cool arts organization.

Swingers Crazy Golf - Indoor mini golf also located in the Dupont Circle area. Fun way to break up the museums/ historic sites, with great food and drink options and fast service.