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The first thing I'd advise you about visiting D.C. is NOT to attempt to drive it yourself. All of the streets are octagonal. We were lost for 3 hours one night trying to find our way back to our hotel.
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The easiest way to navigate Washington, D.C. is by using the Metro, buses, and the DC Circulator, along with walking or biking for short distances.
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​How To Get Around Washington D.C. By Metro, Bus, Bike & More​
Also, parking is an absolute nightmare at many places, being limited to on street parking.
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There are hop on hop off bus tours that visit all of the major attractions and this is another easy way to see D.C., especially if you're disabled or elderly with mobility issues.
Information on hop on hop off tours here
Another great way to see D.C. if you're not up to a whole lot of walking is the Old Town Trolley Tours.
For over 30 years, Old Town Trolley Tours has provided sightseeing tours highlighting the best of DC. Hop aboard one of their trolleys and you’ll experience Transportainment, a delightful combination of transportation and entertainment. Friendly conductors narrate the tour with a fascinating and fun mix of trivia and humorous stories.
The tour is also designed so that you can hop on and off and explore on your own at any time. Frequent pickups at all the stops helps to avoid walking long distances and costly parking. Their all-weather trolleys offer panoramic views and the tallest stadium seating allowed by law for an unmatched viewing experience of the Capital City. Free shuttle service from select hotels to trolley stop #1 is available. With their 100% Satisfaction Guarantee, you can rest assured that you've made the right choice for your sightseeing experience in Washington DC.
Relatively speaking, Washington D.C. is a pretty budget friendly city to visit. Most attractions were paid for with your tax dollars so there's no admission fee to the major attractions.
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While it's certainly worthwhile to visit the attractions D.C. is noted for, there are plenty of other lesser known attractions that are worth checking out - and that won't bore the kids.
THE SMITHSONIAN
Without a doubt, the most interesting thing to see in D.C. are the museums of the Smithsonian.
The Smithsonian comprises 21 different museums such as:
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National Museum of Natural History: Home to the Hope Diamond and dinosaur fossils.
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National Air and Space Museum: Features aircraft and space memorabilia, relevant to aviation history and space exploration.
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National Museum of American History: Showcases the original Star-Spangled Banner and other artifacts reflecting American history.
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National Museum of African American History and Culture: Dedicated to African American history and culture, this museum offers extensive exhibitions covering significant topics from slavery to contemporary art.
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Most Smithsonian museums offer free admission, except for the Cooper Hewitt Smithsonian Design Museum in New York City. This policy allows broad public access to cultural and educational resources.
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It's recommended to plan ahead due to the multitude of museums and their exhibits. Visitors typically can explore two museums per day to fully appreciate what each has to offer. Check for special exhibitions and timings on the Smithsonian's official site.
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All museums are situated in close proximity to public transport routes, making them easily accessible for visitors traveling to D.C.
the national archives museum
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Entry to the National Archives is free.
From March to Labor Day there may be long lines to enter the National Archives. To avoid these lines, you can make a reservation through recreation.gov for timed-entry. Go here for timed-entry tickets.
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The exhibits are open from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Last admissions are 30 minutes prior to closing. They are open every day except Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day.
To get to the National Archives you want to take either the Metro or the bus. It has no parking facility.
Metro:
Take Metrorail’s Yellow or Green lines to the Archives-Navy Memorial-Penn Quarter Station. The stop is across Pennsylvania Avenue from the National Archives Building. You will need to walk around the building and enter on the Constitution Avenue side of the building.
Bus:
Metrobuses stop at the National Archives on 7th Street near Pennsylvania Avenue and Constitution Avenue.
the lincoln memorial
Designed after the temples of ancient Greece, Lincoln Memorial National Memorial honors the 16th president of the United States of America. Standing at the west end of the National Mall, this neoclassical monument is a powerful and moving tribute to the legacy of Abraham Lincoln: his high ideals, his belief in the freedom and dignity of people, and his love of the Union he worked so hard to save. Lincoln Memorial National Memorial not only honors Lincoln, but its design and its use by Americans over the years have made it a symbol of America’s democratic principles and beliefs. It is fitting that the memorial has been the site of some of the nation's most stirring civil rights demonstrations and events.
As visitors approach the memorial--which is 190 feet long, 119 feet wide, almost 100 feet high, and constructed of granite, marble, and limestone--they face 98 granite and marble stairs that lead directly inside the memorial to the Lincoln statue. Climb the steps, they first see the 36 Doric columns around the memorial chamber that represent the States in the Union at the time of Lincoln’s death. Rows of Ionic columns divide the interior of the memorial into three chambers.
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The north and south side chambers contain carved inscriptions of Lincoln’s Second Inaugural Address and his Gettysburg Address. Jules Guerin painted the two large murals placed above these inscriptions. The murals portray principles that guided Lincoln throughout his life including Freedom, Liberty, Justice, the Law, Unity, Fraternity, and Charity.
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Between the north and south chambers of the memorial is the grand central hall that contains the Lincoln statue, which Daniel Chester French designed and the Piccirilli Brothers carved. The statue stands 19 feet tall and 19 feet wide. Lincoln is in a seated position and appears lost in thought and contemplation with one hand clenched and the other more relaxed. The statue's design captures Lincoln's determination, compassion, and thoughtfulness.
Know ahead of time that the Lincoln Memorial draws huge crowds even at night. It's at its most beautiful at night when it's all lit up. Admission to the monument is free.
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Directions page to find your way by public transportation, bicycle, car, or air.
the jefferson memorial
The memorial is a tribute to Thomas Jefferson, the third President of the United States and author of the Declaration of Independence. It features a 19-foot bronze statue of Jefferson standing in the center of the memorial’s rotunda. The walls are inscribed with excerpts from Jefferson’s writings, including the Declaration of Independence.
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The construction of the Thomas Jefferson Memorial was funded by the American people, with donations ranging from pennies to large sums. The memorial was built using Vermont marble and Tennessee marble, giving it a timeless and grand appearance. The memorial is surrounded by cherry blossom trees, making it a popular spot for visitors during the spring.
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The Thomas Jefferson Memorial is open to visitors 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. However, the park rangers are only on duty and the visitor center is open from 9:00 AM to 11:45 PM daily. This allows visitors to explore the memorial at their own pace, day or night.
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There is no admission fee to visit the Thomas Jefferson Memorial. It is free and open to the public, making it a great destination for budget-conscious travelers. Website
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If you want to see the memorial at its finest, go in the spring when the cherry blossoms are in bloom. Be sure to take a stroll through the gardens surrounding the memorial.
the capitol building
Unless you're hell bent on seeing it, skip it. It's boring.
the spy museum
Lipstick pistols and the Enigma cipher machine, transmitters, receivers, tiny cameras, and disguised listening devices—the tools of espionage.
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In an attempt to shed light on the veiled but pivotal roles played by spies throughout history, the museum strives to portray the art of espionage in an educational and nonbiased format, at the same time showing the intricacies of the men and women driven to this lifestyle of lies and secrets.
Opened in 2002, this collection is the largest ever displayed in a public setting. Several items have been revealed to the general public for the very first time, ranging from James Bond kitsch to the very real and historically significant. When you tire of observing relics of missions past and Mission Impossible, there is an interactive program that takes you through an hour-long spy adventure with you playing the part of the undercover agent, walking in the footsteps of the sly masters of the spycraft.
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Advance timed tickets recommended. Save up to 30% by buying in advance. Prices will never fall below what is listed today but will increase until the visit date. Tickets are opened 60 days before sale date. Tickets here
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lincoln's cottage
Once known as Anderson Cottage, this Gothic Revival-style residence was the setting where Abraham Lincoln penned the first draft of the Emancipation Proclamation.
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Built between 1842-1843, the cottage first served as home to George Washington Riggs, founder of Riggs National Bank. It was later used as a seasonal getaway for several U.S. Presidents, including James Buchanan (1857-1861), Abraham Lincoln (1862-1864), Rutherford B. Hayes (1877-1881), and Chester Arthur (1881-1885).
The cottage stands on the same 251-acre complex as the Soldier’s Home, which was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1974, with the cottage receiving designation as a National Monument in the year 2000.
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The cottage was restored in 2007 before being opened to the public in 2008. It is operated by President Lincoln’s Cottage at the Soldiers’ Home, an independent 501(c)(3) charity.
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The original desk on which Lincoln drafted the preliminary version of the Emancipation Proclamation resides in the Lincoln Bedroom at the White House, but a reproduction sits in the cottage where the President laid out his first edition of this momentous document.
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After entering the complex, you will come to a checkpoint where the guards will guide you to the parking lot which is to the left of the cottage. It is free to walk the grounds, but tickets are required to tour the inside of the cottage.
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Tickets for the tour can be purchased inside the gift shop at the adjacent Robert H. Smith Visitor Education Center, which also features exhibits related to the history of the cottage and grounds, with a particular focus on Lincoln's time there.
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Tours begin on the hour between 10am and 3pm and last approximately one hour. Taking a tour is the only way you can access the Cottage interior (unless registered for a program or event). Website
the mansion on o street
I could've easily spent a couple of days nosing around this place. The Mansion on O Street, near Dupont Circle in Washington, D.C., was founded by H.H. Leonards-Spero and opened on Valentine’s Day, February 14, 1980. The house itself boasts “over 100 rooms and 70 secret doors” spread throughout four maze-like floors. Part of this elaborate layout is due to the strange design of the mansion, which is not a mansion at all, but actually four rowhouses opened to one another and turned into one elaborate hotel/museum/private club.
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Though a few items are part of the O Street Mansion’s “permanent collection,” most of the many thousands of items piled throughout the mansion’s themed rooms (many of which are acquired from local junk shops and garages sales) are for sale, including the thousands of books on the numerous floor-to-ceiling bookcases.
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Because the mansion also functions as a hotel, not all rooms will necessarily be open to the public at the time of your visit.
Even so, a self-guided tour of the house can still take hours. Each themed room—some themes include a log cabin room, the French Renaissance room, and the Billiards Room—contains hundreds of pieces of art, books, and other “treasures” to examine and ponder. The mansion also includes also a large amount of Beatles and John Lennon memorabilia, including a Sgt. Peppers jukebox in the John Lennon Room. Be sure you locate the hidden door to the impressive “wine cellar” before you go. And no, that’s not the Amnesia Room, which itself displays a large wine collection. Website
grab brunch on a sightseeing tour
There are so many ways to take in the numerous historical sites around Washington, and one of the most pleasurable has to be by taking a sightseeing day cruise on the Potomac River. Boarding the three-tier Spirit of Washington cruiser, enjoy a buffet lunch or brunch on one of the interior decks or the rooftop lounge, with DJs lifting the mood.
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If you’d prefer, there are evening dinner sightseeing cruises, topped with a three-course meal and bottomless mimosas! Both options range from two to three hours guaranteed on the water.
I recommend the DC: Cruises - brunch, lunch or dinner cruise on the Spirit.
catch a play at ford's theater
The theater where President Lincoln saw his final play is still open for business. It still looks pretty much the same as it did on the night of his assassination, and the actual booth where it happened is completely closed off to outsiders in order to keep it preserved.
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Established as a premier theater in 1961, the showhouse shut down after the president’s assassination in 1965, reopening as a theater in 1968 for the first time since.
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Ford’s Theatre offers educational tours and presentations about its history as well as full performances of classic plays like “A Christmas Carol”. Presented by the theater, its 90-minute ‘History on Foot-Investigation: Detective McDevitt’ walking tour is one of the most authentic activities to get involved in here.
Fly through the air with Trapeze School New York/washington d.c.
You don’t have to run away and join a circus to try out the flying trapeze. Trapeze School New York (TSNY) has a Washington DC branch, where anyone can sign up for training sessions in big-top skills. Other options include trampolining, silks (hanging acrobatically from fabric) and the Spanish Web aerial apparatus.
If you’re not one for heights, there are tricks to be learnt back down on terra firma, such as juggling and balancing. Website
fbi headquarters
The FBI Education Center is open Mon. - Thur. for public visits. Visit requests can be made through constituents' Congressional office. Requests are approved on a first-come, first-served basis and require at least one month of advance notice.
During visits to the FBI Education Center, guests can expect to learn about the history, mission, and operations of the FBI, as well as some of the cases in which the FBI has been involved. Visitors will also be able to observe the space where FBI agents train and qualify with their firearms.
The FBI Experience is a self-guided tour at FBI Headquarters in Washington, D.C. Open to the public, visits may be requested up to five months in advance of, but no later than four weeks prior to the desired visit date. Learn more.
Some of the FBI Education Center content is sensitive in nature and not recommended for children under 14. Parental discretion is advised.
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FBI Headquarters is located between 9th and 10th Streets in northwest Washington, D.C. The closest Metro subway stops are Federal Triangle on the Orange/Blue lines, Gallery Place/Chinatown and Metro Center on the Red line, and Archives/Navy Memorial on the Yellow and Green lines.
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I found the FBI building to be fascinating. Well worth the visit.
rock creek park horse center
Rock Creek Park is beautiful enough in itself to explore but
few know of the stable nestled into a hidden area in the middle.
The Horse Center offers classes and trail rides for equestrians and beginners alike, all just a short distance from the urban centers of DC.
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Ride a friendly pony through the quiet woods or take a class and make a new four legged friend. You’ll be following in the foot (or hoof) steps of presidents like ​​
Woodrow Wilson and Teddy Roosevelt who unwound from the stress of their duties in these peaceful forests.
national zoological park
The National Zoological Park is yet another attraction in DC that’s completely free of charge. It houses more than 2,700 individual animals! Exotic lizards, gorgeous birds, beasts of all shapes and sizes, you name it, you’ll find it here.
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The fully fleshed-out animal habitats within the zoo’s impressive 163 acres were designed with conservation in mind and the team here is dedicated to making sure the species housed here continue to thrive.
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Animals are divided into different zones, such as the Africa Trail, Bird House, Reptile Discovery Center, Kids’ Farm, Primates, Great Cats, Asia Trail and more! Little ones especially love the Me and the Bee Playground, the water-fun Squirt Zone and riding the Speedwell Conservation Carousel.
arlington national cemetery
Arlington National Cemetery is an enduring tribute to those who have dedicated their lives to defending the ideals of our nation.
A visit here will leave an indelible impression on your spirit. You wouldn't think a cemetery would leave such an impression but Arlington does. And one does not realize how huge this cemetery is until they're touring it.
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I recommend a hop on hop off tour of Arlington.
Aboard the continuous 45-60 minute loop, you will have the opportunity to disembark and explore. The tour makes 7 stops on weekdays and 10 stops on weekends. Relax on their comfortable tour vehicles as you journey through history. Tour and ticket options here
neighborhoods
When planning your itinerary, remember that D.C. is divided into multiple neighborhoods and each of them have their own interesting things to offer.
The neighborhoods are:
accommodations
There's no end to the types of accommodations available in D.C. so it would be impossible to list them all.
U.S. News did a ranking of the top 25 here.
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A luxury hotel will run around between $700 and $1000 per night and upwards. However, there are many other really nice hotels, B&B's, boutique hotels, etc. in the $200 to $400 range.
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I'm partial to Fairmont Hotels after my rail trip across Canada, so we stayed at the Fairmont in Georgetown.
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The Fairmont is located 1.5 miles from the city center at 2401 M Street NW, 20037 Washington, D.C.
Current rates start at $333 per night. They do have a Loyalty Program.
dining
There's no end to the unique places to eat in D.C., offering a wide variety of cuisines. Honestly, you want to plan your trip to D.C. (at least in part) around its restaurants, not just its monuments. D.C. is foodie heaven!
the wharf
I'm going to focus on restaurants that are delicious but don't break the budget.
If I had to name my #1 fave place to eat in D.C. it would have to be the Wharf and Jessie Taylor's Seafood.
These days, The Wharf may be known as a splashy new neighborhood that is popular with an out-of-town crowd looking to see and be seen. But true Washingtonians know the gem of The Wharf is the historic fish market, which is the oldest continuously operating open-air fish market in the country. Head to the last remaining stall in the market, Jessie Taylor Seafood, where you can score steamed Chesapeake crabs doused in Old Bay by the dozen. The seafood here is arranged into display cases that span the length of the shop and is open from sun up to sundown, leaving you ample opportunities to pay them a visit.
baked & wired bakery
If you're dining in Georgetown, skip the restaurant dessert offerings and head over to Baked & Wired for out-of-this-world cupcakes.
The cakes come in playful flavors like Pretty Bitchin’ (chocolate with peanut butter frosting) and a colorful Unicorn and Rainbow variety.
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There's another infamous bakery in Georgetown, Georgetown Cupcakes that had its own TV show...but you'll wait in lines around the block and the cupcakes at Bakes & Wired are actually better tasting.
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Baked & Wired is located at 1052 Thomas Jefferson St NW, Washington DC
oyamel
Mexican food is my favorite so I had to check out Oyamel. It was definitely one of the better Mexican restaurants I've eaten at and offered selections not typically featured at other Mexican restaurants.
You’ve never had a Mexican food experience like the one at Oyamel — and José Andrés wouldn’t have it any other way. The adventurous eater may want to try the innovatively tasty grasshopper tacos, but there’s much more to this Penn Quarter hot spot. Journey south with the locale’s unforgettable guacamole, several creative margarita concoctions and yes, there are plenty of other taco options to choose from. ¡Salud!
dauphine's
If you like New Orleans fare as much as I do, then head to Dauphine's.
Situated across three floors downtown, Chef Kristen Essig's Creole-serving Dauphine's will take you to New Orleans in the heart of DC. Bread and Poirier's cane butter starts you off perfectly. Make sure oysters Dauphine is on your agenda and the duck jambalaya is also a must. Save room for the baked Alaska or beignets for dessert.
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Daupine's is located at 1100 15th St. NW, Washington, DC
hitching post
While visiting Lincoln's cottage we ate at the Hitching Post.
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​Opened in 1967, this quaint locale across from President Lincoln’s Cottage is known for its spectacular fried chicken. The family-friendly hangout in Petworth provides a cozy atmosphere and loads up the menu with Southern flavor. In addition to the chicken, there’s blackened catfish, crabcake sandwiches, classic sides like mac and cheese and collard greens and much more.
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We had the blackened catfish and the chicken. Both were delicious.
the best d/c/ brunch - the park at 14th
Normally I don't endorse no cash establishments but I made an exception for The Park at 14th brunch because I wanted to scope the place out as it features bottomless mimosas and unlimited food.
Brunch menu
The brunch offerings are fantastic but there were a couple of things I wasn't real happy about. The brunch costs $60 plus 10% tax and 20% service charge and includes unlimited brunch & bottomless mimosas for 2 hours from your confirmed reservation time. I don't know of many people who can eat $60 worth of food. Nor do I like that there's a 2 hour time limit to eat and if you overstay that 2 hour limit, you're then charged an additional charge. Also there a $10 per person upcharge for same-day at the door payment.
Still, it's rated the #1 brunch in D.C.
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As an alternative, I'd recommend Boqueria.
Using market-fresh ingredients, Boqueria recreates an authentic Barcelona market experience through its distinctive tapas and takes on classic Spanish dishes. This night-on-the-town destination also makes for a great date brunch spot, as $49 will land you a more affordable Brunch for Two experience.
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Over in Foggy Bottom, farm-to-table favorite Founding Farmers is a hard-to-get res for a reason, while Equinox offers an eight-course plant-based meal. Hot new options include Taqueria Las Gemelas located in La Cosecha and Yardbird, which features a Southern menu including Chicken 'N' Watermelon 'N' Waffles. For a Michelin-inspired brunch, check out Mediterranean-inspired Zaytinya, one of many Bib Gourmand restaurants designated by the French tire company for serving great, affordable food.
In Georgetown, Seasons and Sequoia Restaurant each offers a full array of regional and fresh offerings at various food stations – plus the bottomless mimosas to help wash it all down. For an outside-the-box take on brunch favorites, at Michael Schlow's Alta Strada brunchers can nosh on an everything bagel pizza topped with smoked salmon, mascarpone and all the fixings.
speakeasies
Speakeasy-style bars abound in the District, many with unmarked entrances, hidden doors and dimly lit lounges that will add to your evening of intrigue. No trip to D.C. is complete without checking out its Speakeasies.
code red
Travel back in time to the Prohibition era through a mysterious door along 18th Street. Hammer on the vintage knocker, provide the password (hint: it's in the name) and discover the swanky bar and lounge of Code Red.
The cocktails pay homage to the '20s, with clever names and a bit of a backstory, while the menu features an eclectic spread from smoked bone marrow and lamb lollipops to
seared foie gras and Wagyu beef sliders. Bonus: enjoy happy hour daily from 5-7 p.m. and $1 Rappahannock oysters every Tuesday.
the mirror
Once named one of the top five speakeasies in DC by USA Today, The Mirror is tucked away at the bottom of a flight of stairs on K Street NW, where you will be greeted by – you guessed it – a full-length mirror.
Ignore the "For Rent" sign next to it; you will find the cocktail den behind the mirror. Inside, the Prohibition-era vibes are strong, creating a we-can't-be-caught-here atmosphere
much like the speakeasies of the 1920s. The cocktail selection isn't overly complicated, but expect classic drinks like the Tom Collins and an Old Fashioned to be marvelously executed.
allegory
Inside Downtown DC’s Eaton Workshop visitors will find a 200-plus room hotel that houses a progressive-minded co-working space and four unique food and drink concepts. Make your way toward the back of the hotel, peer behind a wall of books and you’ll happen upon Allegory, a sleek, shadowy cocktail bar with an extensive drink list. Settle down on a leather couch, admire the mural that pays homage to civil rights
activist Ruby Bridges, along with a whimsical Alice in Wonderland theme and imbibe literary-themed concoctions.
rooftop restaurants/bars
D.C. also has a number of rooftop restaurants. We only had the opportunity to try a couple of them.
ciel social club
This was my favorite due to the views.
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With a name derived from the French word for "the heavens", Ciel Social Club is a luxurious penthouse lounge and restaurant at the AC Hotel Washington DC Convention Center features opulent decor and celestial, nearly 360-degree views of the U.S. Capitol, the Washington Monument and downtown DC. VERSUS beverage director Hank Bowers has
dreamed up an innovative cocktail menu, featuring seasonal flavors that pair well with rotating menus.
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We had brunch there and we both had the Morningside - Eggs of Choice, Bacon, Arugula Salad, Hash Brown, Garlic Truffle Aioli $25.50 It was very good.
el techo
Billed as an “adult treehouse,” the turf-adorned El Techo brings the heat in Shaw with spicy margaritas and the creative Mexican street food you’ve come to expect from the downstairs Rito Loco shop.
El Techo also offers Spanish-inspired tapas and a number of cervezas for the perfect warm-weather happy hour.
You could easily spend a couple of months in Washington D.C. and its neighborhoods and not even get close to seeing and doing everything it has to offer. I've been there twice and still haven't seen and done everything I wanted to!