The Ultimate 4-Day Washington DC Itinerary
When my husband and son recently went on a special trip to Washington DC, they followed this exact 4 day Washington DC itinerary, and it turned out to be an incredible trip!
As a family who loves to plan and make the most of our trips, we spent a lot of time perfecting the timing and flow of this itinerary to ensure it was kid-friendly, efficient, and packed with all the must-see spots.
Having visited Washington DC a couple of times before, I knew how much there was to see, so we crafted a plan that allowed them to explore iconic landmarks, little-known gems, and of course enjoy some hands-on learning.
Our son absolutely loved every moment of this trip (museums are his happy place!), and my husband (who helped me write this post) said it was one of their best adventures yet.
If you’re planning to spend 4 days in Washington DC, this guide will help you make the most of your time while keeping it fun and stress-free.
While this itinerary really *packs it in*, if you enjoy a slower pace, you can easily skip a few attractions and enjoy a more relaxed approach.
*Disclaimer: Some of the links in this post are affiliate links. This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission at no cost to you. All opinions remain my own.
Day 1
Capitol Building Tour
Time to allow: 1 hour
Tickets: Tickets are free and can be reserved on the Capitol Visitor Center website.
Visiting the U.S. Capitol Building is an unforgettable experience and a highlight of any trip to Washington DC. The best part? Tickets are free!
The tour begins with a 15-minute video showing the rich history and significance of the building. From there, a knowledgeable guide leads you through the breathtaking Rotunda with its stunning frescoed dome and the National Statuary Hall, where statues from all 50 states are proudly displayed.
Lasting about an hour, the tour is the perfect way to discover the history and beauty of one of the most important buildings in the country.
White House Tour
Time to Allow: 30-45 minutes
Tickets: Contact your member of Congress.
Touring the White House is a bucket-list experience, but it requires a little planning–and flexibility. To request a tour, you’ll need to contact your member of Congress, who will submit the request to the White House on your behalf.
We didn’t hear back until 24 hours before, with a specific time slot to arrive, so be prepared to adjust your schedule.
The tour itself is self-guided and takes about 30-45 minutes, giving you a chance to wander through the East Wing and parts of the Residence.
You’ll see beautifully preserved spaces like the Vermeil Room, the Library, the China Room, and the iconic Blue, Red and Green Rooms. Highlights also include the State Dining Room and a lovely view of the Kennedy Garden.
It’s a short but truly memorable glimpse inside one of the most famous buildings in the world!
Library of Congress
Time to Allow: 90 minutes
Tickets: Free timed-entry tickets are required and can be reserved on the Library of Congress website.
The Library of Congress is a must-see for book lovers and history buffs. Located just across the street from the U.S. Capitol, it’s not only the largest library in the world but also one of the most stunning buildings in Washington DC.
With its breathtaking architecture, including intricate mosaics, marble columns, and the jaw-dropping Great Hall, every corner is truly awe-inspiring.
Don’t miss Jefferson’s Library, a highlight of the visit, which showcases Thomas Jefferson’s personal book collection that helped rebuild the library after the War of 1812.
National Archives
Time to allow: 90 minutes
Tickets: Timed-entry tickets are free and need to be reserved in advance on the National Archives website.
A visit to the National Archives allows you the opportunity to see some of the most significant documents in American history. (Talk about a field trip!)
The star attractions are the original Declaration of Independence, the U.S. Constitution, and the Bill of Rights, all displayed in the Rotunda. The building also houses other fascinating history exhibits, so you’ll want around 60-90 minutes to explore.
The lines can get long, especially during peak times, so be sure to reserve your free timed-entry tickets in advance.
💡Note: We watched the movie National Treasure the week before our Washington, D.C. trip which put a fun twist on our visit to the National Archives.
Washington National’s Stadium Tour
Time to allow: 2 hours
Tickets: Tickets must be purchased on the Nationals website.
As big baseball fans, taking a stadium tour of Nationals Park was very interesting and it’s an experience any sports enthusiast would love.
The guide was fantastic, sharing behind-the-scenes stories and even surprising us with free Nationals hats. We explored the dugout, walked onto the field, and saw a hallway lined with photos of past presidents throwing out the first pitch–a unique nod to the intersection of sports and history.
Our son even had the chance to pitch a few balls in the bullpen, which was such a cool moment!
Whether you’re a die-hard baseball fan or just love a good stadium experience, this tour is a home run.
Day 2
Monuments Bike Tour
Time to Allow: 3 hours
Tickets: Purchase tickets for the exact tour we took at this link.
Monuments and memorials included:
- Jefferson Memorial
- Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial
- Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial
- Korean War Veterans Memorial
- Lincoln Memorial
- Vietnam Veterans Memorial
- National World War II Memorial
- Washington Monument
Our son’s favorite part of the entire trip was the monuments bike tour–a fun and active way to see D.C’s most iconic landmarks.
The tour covers about five miles and takes around three hours, but the pace is leisurely, making it perfect for families. You’ll travel all around the National Mall seeing historic sites such as the Washington Monument and the Lincoln Memorial, biking by the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool.
Even little ones can join, thanks to the bike trailers and smaller bikes available for kids.
The guide was incredibly informative, sharing fascinating stories and historical tidbits at each stop, which included the Lincoln Memorial, Jefferson Memorial, and several others.
We highly recommend this bike tour as a great way to see the most famous memorials and monuments, even if you only have one day in Washington, D.C.!
➡️ Book Our Favorite Washington DC Bike Tour! ⬅️
Air and Space Museum
Time to Allow: 2-3 hours
Tickets: Free timed-entry tickets are required and are available on the Air and Space Museum website.
The Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum is one of the most famous and impressive museums in Washington DC, and it’s an absolute must-visit for families.
From the moment you step inside, you’re surrounded by history and innovation, with airplanes suspended from the ceiling and immaculate exhibits. Highlights include the original Apollo 11 capsule, Neil Armstrong’s iconic space suit, moon rocks, and the Wright Brothers display. You’ll also see models of Mars rovers and other fascinating artifacts from space exploration.
After experiencing the museum, stop by the expansive gift shop for unique souvenirs or grab a bite to eat at the cafe to recharge. This museum offers an unforgettable experience for kids and adults alike!
Old Post Office Tower
Time to Allow: 15 minutes
Tickets: No tickets are required.
At the suggestion of our bike tour guide, we visited the Old Post Office Tower, and it did not disappoint! The views from the top of the tower are absolutely incredible, offering a breathtaking 360-degree perspective of Washington DC, including landmarks like the Capitol and the Washington Monument.
It’s a lesser-known gem with fewer crowds, making it a peaceful spot to take in the city’s beauty from above.
National Portrait Gallery
Time to Allow: 2 hours
Tickets: Admission is free and tickets are not required.
The National Portrait Gallery offers a captivating blend of art, history and storytelling. This museum is home to an incredible collection of portraits of influential figures who’ve shaped American culture and history, including every U.S. president in the famous Hall of Presidents.
Beyond the presidents, you’ll find diverse exhibits featuring artists, activists, athletes, and entertainers. The museum’s stunning architecture, with its soaring atrium and grand hallways, adds to the experience.
Best of all, admission is free, making it an easy and enriching stop during your DC adventure. Plan to spend at least an hour or two here soaking in the beauty and history.
Day 3
Mount Vernon
Time to Allow: 3 hours
Tickets: Tickets are required and can be purchased on their website. Admission is $28 for adults, $15 for kids, and children 0-5 are free.
Start off day 3 with a short trip to Mount Vernon, home to the estate of the first president, George Washington. This step back in time really brings history to life.
Although renovations limited our access to just one room of the mansion during our visit, there was still so much to explore. We saw the reconstructed slave sleeping quarters, the stables, and George Washington’s tomb, each offering a glimpse into life on the estate in the 18th century.
Walking around, we encountered sheep and oxen, the same types of animals raised here during Washington’s time. Adding to the experience, employees dressed in period clothing were stationed throughout the grounds, answering questions and sharing stories about daily life on the plantation. It’s a fascinating and educational visit for the whole family!
Arlington National Cemetery
Time to Allow: 1-2 hours
Tickets: No tickets required.
Visiting Arlington National Cemetery is a profoundly moving experience that honors the sacrifices of those who served our country. The cemetery is very large and quite hilly, so be prepared for a lot of walking–comfortable shoes are a must.
One of the most memorable moments is witnessing the Changing of the Guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, a ceremony that occurs every hour on the hour.
The peaceful beauty of the grounds and history they hold make Arlington a must-visit destination in Washington DC.
Bible Museum
Time to Allow: 3 hours
Tickets: Tickets are required and are available for purchase on the Museum of the Bible’s website. Tickets cost $29.99 for adults and $19.99 for kids. Children from age 0-4 are free.
The Museum of the Bible is truly impressive, offering an in-depth exploration of the history, impact, and significance of the Bible.
With its state-of-the-art exhibits spread across six floors, you could easily spend most of a day here, although we limited our time to just a couple hours since we packed in all the highlights into this trip.
Look forward to seeing ancient biblical manuscripts, immersive recreations of biblical settings, and interactive displays that bring scripture to life.
The museum also features a rooftop garden with beautiful views of the city and a cafe serving Middle Eastern-inspired cuisine. Tickets can be purchased online or at the door, making it a convenient and enriching stop for anyone visiting D.C.
Day 4
Ford’s Theatre
Time to Allow: 2 hours
Tickets: Tickets are $3.50 per person and can be purchased online or in person.
Ford’s Theatre, where President Abraham Lincoln was tragically assassinated, was one of the most fascinating stops on our trip. For a more educational experience, consider adding the optional audio tour which provides rich details and insights as you walk through the theatre.
Be sure to explore the museum, which houses artifacts like the original gun used in the assassination and the blood-stained pillow from Lincoln’s final moments.
The museum also features fascinating exhibits on Lincoln’s presidency, personal artifacts like his coat and hat, and displays detailing the conspiracy behind his assassination.
Smithsonian Museum of Natural History
Time to Allow: 3 hours
Tickets: Entry is free and tickets are not required.
The Smithsonian Museum of Natural History is a must-visit, especially for families with kids. This massive and fascinating museum is one of the most popular in Washington DC, and it’s easy to see why.
The awe-inspiring Hope Diamond, a standout in the Halls of Gems and Minerals, is an absolute must-see and was one of our favorite highlights of the museum.
The towering dinosaur skeletons and lifelike animal dioramas are incredibly impressive as well and seem to go on forever. Kids will love the interactive exhibits, like the hands-on Insect Zoo and the Discovery Room.
Hirshhorn Museum
Time to Allow: 1-2 hours
Tickets: Admission is free and advance tickets are not required.
The Hirshhorn Museum is the perfect spot for modern and contemporary art lovers. The building itself is a piece of art with its beautiful design. Inside you’ll find an inspiring collection of paintings, sculptures, and multimedia words from some of the world’s most iconic artists.
Don’t forget to visit the outdoor sculpture garden, one of the most unique areas of the museum.
Places to Stay
Each of these options are highly rated and in an ideal location.
We personally stayed at the Courtyard by Marriott in downtown Washington DC. It was the best value for the money when it comes to hotels within walking distance to DC’s main attractions and is just one block away from a metro stop.
We had a wonderful experience and would highly recommend this hotel to anyone visiting DC.
Tips for Visiting Washington DC
- Wear Comfortable Shoes and Stay Hydrated: DC involves a lot of walking, so be sure to wear supportive shoes and bring a water bottle along.
- Have a Plan for Getting Around: Have your itinerary set in advance and decide how you’ll travel between attractions. We recommend using the Metro or rideshares like Uber instead of driving–parking in DC is expensive and limited.
- Consider Guided Tours: Guided tours are a fantastic way to ensure you don’t miss any highlights. Plus, the insights and stories from the guides add so much to the experience.
- Allow Extra Time for Security Checks: Many attractions, such as the Smithsonian museums and government buildings, require security screenings. Build in a little buffer time to avoid feeling rushed.
I hope this itinerary helps you feel more prepared as you plan your 4 days in Washington DC! To help you stay organized, we’ve created a printable 4-day itinerary template just for you that you can customize as you wish.
Simply enter your email address below to download!
Washington DC is truly one of the most educational vacations for families and we know you will love it as much as we have!
For more trip-planning resources, visit our complete step-by-step guide to how to plan a family trip.
Pin the image below to Pinterest for future reference!
Discover More Family-Friendly Destinations:
- Top 10 Family-Friendly Beaches on Florida’s Gulf Coast
- The Ultimate 4-Day Washington, D.C. Itinerary
- 9 Memorable Things to Do in Colorado Springs for Families
- Martha’s Vineyard vs. Nantucket: Which Island Should You Visit?
- 8 Unforgettable Weekend Getaways in Oklahoma
- Plan Your Perfect Romantic Austin Getaway
- 11 Best Educational Vacations for Families
- The Ultimate San Antonio Weekend Getaway
