Washington DC

🇺🇸 3 Days in Washington, D.C. – A Family Trip Through History, Landmarks & Local Gems

Washington, D.C. offers a perfect blend of education, beauty, and entertainment—especially for families. From iconic monuments to charming neighborhoods, we spent three enriching days exploring the nation’s capital. Here’s how our itinerary unfolded:

Stay: Embassy Suites by Hilton
This hotel was centrally located close to tourist attractions and offered free breakfast, so we took advantage of those things

Travel Month June 

Day 1 – Arrival, Iconic Monuments & Sweet Treats

Afternoon: Arrival & Lincoln Memorial
We arrived in Washington, D.C. in the early afternoon and headed straight to the Lincoln Memorial. For 2 hours, we took our time admiring the powerful statue of Abraham Lincoln and the grandeur of the reflecting pool. It was a great introduction to the city’s historical heart and gave us beautiful views of the National Mall at golden hour.

Evening: Washington Monument at Sunset
Next, we walked over to the Washington Monument, arriving just in time to catch the sun dipping below the horizon. Standing beneath the towering obelisk, we reflected on the legacy of George Washington and captured some stunning photos as the sky turned pink and purple behind the Capitol.

Late Evening: Georgetown + Cupcake Stop
After the National Mall, we strolled through Georgetown, one of D.C.’s oldest and most charming neighborhoods. We couldn’t resist stopping at Georgetown Cupcake, where we indulged in a few sweet treats (yes, the hype is real!). The cobblestone streets and boutique storefronts made for a relaxed and atmospheric walk.

Optional: Warf Water Taxi
If time allows, the Warf Water Taxi offers a scenic ride along the Potomac, connecting Georgetown to other parts of the city. It’s a great way to see the waterfront from a different perspective.

Dinner: Chaia Tacos
We wrapped up our day at Chaia, a veggie-forward taco spot that was both flavorful and kid-friendly. The bright decor, creative ingredients, and fresh taste made it a favorite!

Day 2 – Presidential Views, Historic Halls & a Flavorful Finish

Morning: White House Walkabout
We started the day by viewing the White House from both the north and south sides. Even though tours are limited, walking around the perimeter gave us a great feel for its scale and importance. There are plenty of photo ops and informative plaques to read along the way.

Afternoon: Library of Congress
This stop was unexpectedly magical. The Library of Congress is one of the most beautiful buildings we’ve ever visited. With its ornate ceilings, marble staircases, and exhibitions on everything from historical maps to pop culture, it was a huge hit for both the adults and kids.

Mid-Afternoon: Capitol Hill
From there, we walked over to Capitol Hill for a guided tour of the Capitol building. The rotunda, the frescoes, and the Senate and House chambers are all packed with American history. Walking through this area felt like stepping into a civics textbook—but with way better lighting.

Dinner: Bombay Street Food
After a long day of walking, we were ready for something warm and comforting. Bombay Street Food delivered just that with authentic, spice-rich Indian dishes and a laid-back atmosphere.

Day 3 – Museums & Monuments by Bus

Late Morning: Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History
We spent the morning exploring the Smithsonian Museum of Natural History. The kids loved the dinosaur skeletons, the life-size whale model, and the sparkling gems in the Hall of Geology. Best of all? Like all Smithsonian museums, entry is free!

Afternoon: Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour
To wrap up our trip and catch any final sights we’d missed, we boarded a Hop-On Hop-Off bus tour. This was the perfect, low-effort way to see more of D.C. while resting our feet. The narrated ride gave us a fun refresher on the places we’d already seen and some ideas for what to explore on our next visit.

💡 Tips for Visiting D.C. with Family:

• Wear comfortable shoes—D.C. is best explored on foot.
• Always carry water and snacks, especially with kids.
• Book Library of Congress and Capitol Hill tickets in advance.
• Check monument hours and book timed entry tickets (e.g., for the Washington Monument) in advance. We did not get to go to the top of the Monument as we did not get tickets ahead of time.
• Uber/Lyft can be quicker if traveling with younger kids.