Being the nation’s capital, DC has everything and anything! Unlimited restaurants, events, arts, museums, theaters, parks, to discover. But if you need to refine your weekend plans, or if you are visiting and want a not-too-touristy list of things to do while still seeing the sights, OR have friends coming into town and want to show them around, these itineraries by our DC followers provide the perfect ideas! We asked our followers on Instagram and Facebook what they would tell someone who asked them the best way to spend 24 hours in DC, and they did not disappoint.
Itinerary 1
- Take a water taxi and hit three waterfronts
- Start with The Wharf, first heading to its Pier to catch a ride to Georgetown in DC, Old Town Alexandria in Virginia, or National Harbor in Maryland
- If you don’t like to spend the whole day on a boat, take a stroll along the mile-long waterfront and have a taste of The Wharf’s popular bars and restaurants
Itinerary 2
- Stroll around the National Gallery, Union Square and Dumbarton Oaks.
- Plan a picnic at the lush gardens (should the weather allow it)
- Pack a bag lunch, bathe your soul in the art, and fall asleep peacefully at night, knowing that you’ve taken in as much beauty as the senses can bear (while also dodging 90% of all the tourists).
Itinerary 3
- Start the morning with a visit to the Washington Monument
- Book a tour at the U.S. Capitol until lunchtime
- After lunch head to the Arlington cemetery
- Hop on a scooter or book a night tour of the mall and White House
- Finish with a rooftop bar to enjoy the cityscape
- And if you have already seen the main staples, check out the museums or zoos
Itinerary 4
- Explore the city’s iconic monuments
- Start with the Lincoln Memorial, make a stop outside the White House, snap pictures of the Washington Monument, stop by the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History and look around the U.S. Capitol
- If you only have a few hours at night, visit the monuments by moonlight using electric carts for an extra romantic end to the day
- Stop over in Pearl Dive Oyster bar on 14th and savor amazing seafood
Itinerary 5
- Walk around Downtown or Georgetown
- See the Hirshhorn, the National Gallery of Arts
- Eat at some of the city’s best ethnic restaurants, such as Ethiopic Restaurant, Mari Vanna and RASA
- Ride the Metro to Arlington National Cemetery
Itinerary 6
- Start your day at the National Museum of African American History and Culture
- Next stop is the Capitol
- Tour Howard University Campus and the Shaw District
- Walk across the new Frederick Douglass Bridge and tour Frederick Douglass’ home
Itinerary 7
- See the monuments at sunset for sure!
- Hit up the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool and the Constitution Gardens
- Or stroll the National Mall and Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial
- Take pictures of the beautiful cherry blossom trees
Itinerary 8
- Visit the Old town, the historic district along the Potomac
- Don’t miss the cobblestone streets of Georgetown
- Walk the National Mall at dusk!
See more: This gripping Titanic exhibit is open and anchored near D.C.
Itinerary 9
- Start by watching the golden sunrise by Lincoln Memorial
- Have breakfast in charming Georgetown
- Take the boat to The Wharf for kayaking
- Walk to Navy Yard for lunch
- Finish by walking to the Capitol to enjoy the sunset
Itinerary 10
- Start your day with a filling brunch
- Check out the main museums (although probably one would suffice)
- Look for current popup shops
- Indulge in fresh seafood and invigorating cocktails
- Wind down at a lounge bar or your hotel and call it a day!
Itinerary 11
- Plan a day date at the National Zoo! 🐼
- Have a dinner date in Chinatown, like at the Dumpling District and China Boy
Itinerary 12
- Start the day with a visit to Georgetown and check out its design and fashion shops
- Explore Adams Morgan, one of the most vibrant neighborhoods of the city
- Grab a quick lunch at one of the neighborhood’s diverse eateries
- Then you can’t miss a boat ride at The Wharf
- Take an afternoon stroll on U-street, marvel at the art and graffiti and pop by one of the street’s trendy bars for a night cap (in that order)
Itinerary 13
- Pay a visit to the National Mall
- Stop in Georgetown
- Swing by U Street
- Make a reservation at one of Adams Morgan’s restaurants (e.g. Bukom Cafe, BUL Korean Bar & Restaurant, Lapis)
Itinerary 14
- Start with an hour-long relaxing walk from Lincoln Memorial to the Capitol building
- If you like architecture, wander around Downtown, Georgetown or the waterfront and take it all in
- If you still have some time left, visit Navy Yard, Old Town and Embassy Row
Itinerary 15
- Roam around Georgetown and see the Federal-style houses and buildings
- Hit up the Exorcist Stairs that were featured in the 1973 horror film The Exorcist
- Then up M Street to Wisconsin Ave, do some shopping
- While there, stop by Holy Rood cemetery on your way to the Gothic-Revival National Cathedral
- Walk around and enjoy the scenery, be mesmerized by the stained glass inside the cathedral
Itinerary 16
- Hit up the main monuments and museums (that’s a must for everyone)
- Make a stop at Washington’s oldest saloon, Old Ebbitt Grill, for a much-needed break
- In the afternoon, hop on a scooter and roam around town
[Featured image: @raresoup / Instagram]