H​ow to Spend 3 Days in Washington D.C:

A 3-day sample itinerary sample for the best adventure and experience of the nation's capital city.

Washington D.C. is one of the most visited cities in the United States. It's full of fabulous food, beautiful artwork and music, loads of history, and some of the most well-known and prestigious museums and famous landmarks in the country. The vibrant city offers a wide variety of experiences, things to see, and a whole lot to learn.

Attractions and landmarks are some of the best you can find anywhere, and it's hard to ever be bored in Washing D.C. While there is enough here to see and do to take up a week's worth of time, 3 days is plenty enough to see some of the best tours and attractions and get a good taste of what Washington D.C has to offer.

While it's nearly impossible to see the entirety of Washington D.C in 3 days, it's a great start. This 3-day sample itinerary is an excellent example of how to spend 3 days in Washington D.C., making sure to get the best of the best of the city.

When to visit: The best time to visit Washing D.C is during the spring and autumn months. High temperatures and large tourist crowds are gone, and the landscapes are full of colors of either cherry blossoms in the spring, and changing leaves in the autumn.

How to get around: Washington D.C. is a very walkable city and can easily be explored on foot. Public transportation comes in an array of varieties as well, with the metro being the most popular, followed by the circular bus, Old Town Trolley, and express bus routes.

Where to stay: The best areas to stay in Washington D.C. will vary based on personal preference, but overall, some locations are definitely more advised. Downtown and Capital Hill are great for history buffs and first-timers, Dupont Circle is best for culture and museums, Chinatown and Logan Circle are best for nightlife and those on a budget, and families and shoppers will enjoy the neighborhood of Georgetown.

Areas and neighborhoods that should be avoided include Deanwood, U Street Corridor, Brentwood, and Anacostia.

How to stay safe: Overall, Washington D.C safe city as long as you pay attention uses common sense, and take certain tips and protocols into consideration. To stay safe in Washington D.C be sure to pay attention to your surroundings, always carry a little bit of cash, avoid walking around side streets and alleys alone or during the nighttime, travel in groups or well-lit areas, and use precautions when drinking alcohol.

Whether you are looking to experience the exciting nightlife, indulge in delicious cuisine, wander through years of history, shop till you drop, or relax on the banks of the Potomac, here is an excellent 3-day itinerary sample for a fun and memorable visit to Washington D.C.

Morning: Start your exciting 3-day weekend in Washington D.C by taking a Segway Tour around the visit, zooming past all of the most prominent historical monuments. Gander at popular landmarks such as The White House, the Capital Building, the Jefferson Memorial, the Washington Monument, and the Library of Congress. It's the best way to dive deep into the political and important side of the city and check off prominent bucket list items. Segways are widely popular in the city and a great alternative to the traditional bicycle tour.

Afternoon: Have lunch at the infamous Founding Fathers D.C, a traditional farm-to-table restaurant and one of the best places to eat in the city. Once your bellies are full, head over to wander and tour Tudor Palace. Tudor Palace is one of the only authentic colonial-style homes left in the city, and was once home to the granddaughter of George and Martha Washington, with direct links to the country's first President. Tour the home and surrounding gardens to see the life of owners and slaves throughout 200 years.

Evening: To end your first day in Washington D.C, head over the to Lincoln Memorial to watch the sunset over the reflecting pool. Most tourists have left by this time of day, leaving the area peaceful with gorgeous views of the warm colors setting deep over the pool and capital hill. Later, go for dinner at Old Ebbitt Grill. Sitting in another vintage building in the city, the restaurant dates back to the 1850s, serving first as a boarding house, saloon, and now tavern and restaurant. The menu is full of contemporary dishes, a superb end to a long day of sightseeing in the city.

Morning: On your second morning in Washington D.C. start by visiting the Eastern Market. The Eastern Market is a hybrid indoor/outdoor market that features loads of fresh flowers, delicious fruits, jewelry and woodworking stands, book stalls, and all the snacks and goodies imaginable. It's the oldest of its kind in Washington D.C, and one of the only local markets in the city. This is a great place to shop for any gifts or souvenirs you want to bring home.

Afternoon: After a morning of shopping, stop for lunch at the Mitsitam Native Foods cafe, located within the National Museum of the American Indian (your starting point of afternoon museum hopping), and indulge in authentic traditional Native American dishes. Afterward, spend the rest of the afternoon hopping around the best museums in the city. Some of the most popular are: the Smithsonian Museum of Natural History, Museum of African American Heritage, National Museum of the American Indian, National Portrait Gallery, International Spy Museum, Holocaust Memorial Museum, and National Gallery of Art.

Evening: Spend your second evening in the vibrant Penn Quarter and experience the thrilling Washington D.C. nightlife. The neighborhood that never sleeps is full of bars and restaurants, lounges, clubs, shops, and boutiques. There is always something going on in Penn Station whether that be a sporting event, live entertainment, or a show at the iconic Shakespeare Theatre.

Morning: For the final morning in Washington D.C. begins with a relaxing adventure outside the hustle and bustle and venture to Theodore Roosevelt Island. Linked by a pedestrian-only bridge stretching over the Potomac, Theodore Roosevelt Island is one of the more peaceful and natural areas in D.C. This small and beautiful sanctuary is a great place to relive stretch, take a hike, or go off the grid to escape the excitement of downtown.

Afternoon: After a serene morning on the island, head back to town for lunch at Le Diplomate. Explore Georgetown & lunch at Le Diplomate. Paying homage to French cuisine, Le Diplomate is a popular stop in the city for food and a beloved favorite of Barack Obama, John Kerry, and Joe Biden. Next, spend the afternoon exploring the surrounding cobblestoned streets of Georgetown. The neighborhood is full of charm with colorful homes, brownstones, local shops and boutiques, restaurants, and luxurious hotels and architecture. It's not as touristy as the main street, making it a hidden gem of D.C and perfect for exploring.

Evening: Finish off your 3-day trip to Washington D.C with an evening of dinner and entertainment on U-Street. Known as the ‘black broadway,’ U-Street is a huge cultural hub for African Americans within the city. Eat dinner at ben Chili’s Bowl, and head out to explore the preserved culture, fashion, and artwork in the area. Be sure to stop at the local jazz club, dating back to 1920, and the iconic Lincoln Theatre for a night of live performances.

Day Trip to Alexandria: Old Town Alexandria is a fantastic option to spend the day outside of the city. It's the place to be for boutique shopping, fine dining, and cobbled street meandering. Located on the waterfront, it's also a fantastic location to relax and take in the views of the Potomac.

National Cherry Blossom Festival: If you are visiting during the spring during late March, be prepared for a burst of pink as the National Cherry Blossom Festival is in full bloom. Washington Monument Grounds and the banks of the Potomac are lined with more than 3000 flourishing cherry blossoms trees, with the festival tradition dating all the way back to 1912, celebrating the relationship between the United States and Japan. The festival is definitely a good reason to plan your trip specifically for this time of year.

Day Trip to Arlington National Cemetery: Just across the Potomac River in Virginia lies the Arlington National Cemetery which is one of the most popular day trips from Washington D.C. Originally owned by Confederate General Robert E. Lee, the land is now a peaceful resting place for fallen soldiers. There are graves of fallen soldiers dating back to the Revolutionary war, in addition to the infamous Tomb of the Unknown Solider. If you get the chance, stay for the changing of the guards who guard and protect the tomb.

National Botanical Gardens: The oldest operating botanical garden lies in the capital city of Washington D.C The gardens are free to enter and wander around the different environments feature exotic plants and flora and fauna. Be sure to check out the Rose garden and First Ladies Water Garden, dedicated to all the first ladies of the country.

Kayak down the Potomac River: Kayaking along the Potomac is one of the most exciting things to do in the city and a great way to view D.C. from a new perspective. Rock Creek Park has some of the smoothest waters for kayakers and is one of the largest natural reserves near the city. It is recommended for kayakers of all levels.

Hit up Capital Hill Books: Capital Hill Books is the most unique bookshop in Washington D.C. The store was first opened by a retired WWII veteran, who is not a fan of millennials (trying to ban banter and slang from the store for years) and sells used and battered books stacked in wobbly piles to the ceiling.

Tour the Pentagon: The Pentagon is one of Washington D.Cs's biggest attractions for those interested in politics. Walk through the Hall of Heros and learn about all 4 branches of the military with expert guides educating you along the way. Guided tours are available on weekdays and must be scheduled at least 2 weeks in advance.

Explore the Mansion on O’Street: Technically not a mansion per se, the Mansion on O’Street is a series of brownstone buildings connected by secret passageways, winding staircases, secret doors, and cluttered mysterious rooms. There are more than 100 rooms to explore, splitting its purpose as a unique vintage museum and quirky antique shop. It's one of the more underrated attractions in the city but definitely one of the most memorable.

No matter your interests, Washington D.C is a playground for history buffs, politician junkies, adventure seekers, and shopping lovers. While there are entirely too many things to see in just 3 days, this itinerary is a great start. We hope you have enjoyed this guide on how to spend 3 days in Washington D.C and that it has inspired you to take a trip to the nation's capital for yourselves!