Washington Dc United States 2 Day Itinerary

Washington D.C. - 2-Day Itinerary

This itinerary focuses on the must-see historical sites in Washington D.C., perfect for a first-time visit:

Day 1: Monuments & Museums

  • Morning: Start your day with a dose of history!

    • Visit: National Mall and explore the iconic monuments:
      • Option 1: Lincoln Memorial & Reflecting Pool - Reflect on history, enjoy the view of the Washington Monument across the water, and take a photo with the majestic monument in the background.

  • Afternoon:

    • Visit: Dive into the Smithsonian National Museum of American History (https://americanhistory.si.edu/). This museum offers a fantastic glimpse into different eras of American history, innovation, and culture.

      • Lunch: Grab a quick bite at the [Smithsonian’s Food Court](link to a website with food court info) within the museum.

    • Afternoon Activities:

      • Things to know: This museum is part of the Smithsonian Institution and is free to enter. It’s located on the National Mall, making it a convenient stop for many other attractions.

      • Smithsonian Museums: Take advantage of your location and visit nearby Smithsonian museums like the National Air and Space Museum or the National Museum of Natural History.

    • Tip: Many Smithsonian museums are free, but some may have special exhibits requiring tickets. Check the museum websites beforehand to see what’s on offer and plan accordingly.

  • Other things to do:

      * **National Mall:** Explore the [National Archives](https://www.archives.gov/visit) ([https://www.archives.gov/visit](https://www.archives.gov/visit)) to see historical documents like the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution.

  * **Smithsonian Museums:** Immerse yourself in the world-renowned Smithsonian museums, including:
          * [National Museum of American History](https://americanhistory.si.edu/) (for a deep dive into American history, culture, and technology)
          * [National Air and Space Museum](https://airandspace.si.edu/) (explore the wonders of aviation and space exploration)
          * **[National Museum of Natural History](https://americanhistory.si.edu/)** (discover ancient artifacts and learn about the natural world)

          * **National Air and Space Museum**: ([https://airandspace.si.edu/](https://airandspace.si.edu/))
              * **Dinner:** Enjoy a delicious meal at one of the many restaurants near the museum, like [The National Museum of American Indian](https://americanindian.si.edu/) for a unique cultural dining experience.

Things to know:

  • The Smithsonian museums are free and open to the public 365 days a year.
  • The National Mall is within walking distance from many other D.C. attractions, including the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool and the Washington Monument.
  • Many restaurants in the area offer “happy hour” deals with discounted drinks and food in the afternoon/early evening.

Evening:

  • Dinner: Enjoy a meal at Old Ebbitt Grill for a taste of history and classic American cuisine.

Day 2: History & Politics

Things to do:

  • Explore the Smithsonian Museums: Immerse yourself in the world of knowledge!
  • Visit a Museum: The National Mall is home to numerous museums, and many offer free admission.

Dining & Entertainment:

  • Lunch: Enjoy a picnic lunch on the National Mall with a stunning view of the monuments.
  • Dinner: Explore historical landmarks like the [Lincoln Memorial], the [Washington Monument] or the White House and enjoy a meal at one of the historic restaurants nearby.

Things to know:

  • The Smithsonian Museums are open late on Thursdays for “Smithsonian After Hours” events, with special programming and extended hours.
  • Food & Drinks: Enjoy a classic American meal at [The Old Ebbitt Grill], a historic restaurant near the White House.

You can take a walk to the National Archives and see the Constitution & Declaration of Independence. (https://www.archives.gov/)

  • Transportation: The Washington D.C. Metro system is a great way to get around and explore the National Mall museums.

Transportation:

  • Use the Uber app: Request a ride through the Uber app for convenient transportation within the city.

  • Take a leisurely stroll: Many attractions are within walking distance of each other, making it easy to explore the National Mall on foot.

  • Walkable neighborhoods: Consider staying in a walkable neighborhood near the National Mall.

  • Walking: Enjoy the walkability of Washington D.C. by taking a walk along the National Mall and visiting the Smithsonian museums.

Things to do:

  • Smithsonian Museums:

    • National Museum of American History: Explore the history of American innovation through exhibits showcasing everyday objects, inventions, and historical artifacts.
    • National Air and Space Museum: Visit the National Air and Space Museum to experience the thrill of flight and the wonders of space exploration!
    • Political Experiences:

  • Immerse yourself in the history of American politics by visiting the National Mall, taking a tour of the Capitol Building, or exploring the political debates and discussions at the National Museum of American History.

  • Learn about the inner workings of the U.S. government at the Smithsonian National Museum of American History

Things to know:

  • History: The National Mall is a must-visit for any history buff!
  • Accessibility: Many attractions and museums are accessible for people with disabilities, but it’s always wise to check individual accessibility information beforehand.

Dining:

  • Ben’s Chili Bowl: This iconic D.C. eatery offers classic chili dogs, chili cheese fries, and their famous half-smokes (half-beef, half-pork sausages). Enjoy a taste of history and local flavor!
  • Dinner: Enjoy a delicious meal at the National Museum of American History’s cafe and explore the history of American cuisine!

Dinner: Enjoy a meal at one of the many restaurants in the National Mall area, such as:

  • The Old Ebbitt Grill: This historic restaurant is located near the White House and offers classic American dishes.
  • Founding Farmers: A popular farm-to-table spot known for its sustainable practices and locally-sourced ingredients.
  • Shake Shack: Enjoy a delicious burger, fries, and milkshake!

Things to know about dining on the National Mall:

  • Many restaurants near the National Museum of American History offer discounts or deals for visitors.
  • “Happy Hour” is not a common practice in D.C. museums, but it’s a great opportunity to try local cuisine and enjoy the city’s vibrant culinary scene.

National Mall Activities:

  • Explore the National Mall:

  • Food & Dining: Enjoy a picnic lunch at The Old Ebbitt Grill with your back against the Smithsonian Building.

  • Enjoy a delicious meal: Enjoy a meal at one of the many restaurants near the National Mall, such as:

    • The National Museum of American History: Explore the history of the National Mall through its diverse exhibits and collections.

For Dinner:

  • Smithsonian National Museum of American History:
    • The Smithsonian’s museums are a great place to learn about American history!

Things to consider:

  • Time: Many museums on the National Mall have limited hours, especially for the “free” exhibits. It is recommended to check the museum’s website for the latest opening and closing times, as they may vary by day or season.
  • Crowds: The National Mall is a popular tourist destination, so expect crowds at peak times.

Other things to do:

  • Enjoy the view of the monuments: A great way to experience the history and grandeur of Washington D.C.

Dining on the National Mall:

  • Explore the Smithsonian Museums:

Things to note about walking the National Mall:

  • Crowds: The National Mall is a popular tourist destination, so expect crowds.
  • Distance: While some museums are close together, the National Mall is large. Wear comfortable shoes and be prepared to walk!

Let me know if you’d like any of these options expanded upon with more details about what they are and where else to find them. I can give you information on the history of each museum location or other fun facts about them.

“The National Mall:

  • Food & Dining: This is a great place to enjoy a meal in a beautiful setting, but remember to check for specific times as food options are limited outside of operating hours.
  • Accessibility: Many Smithsonian museums offer accessibility services such as wheelchairs, accessible restrooms, and audio guides. Be sure to check the museum’s website for details on accessibility options available.