How to Spend One Epic Day in Washington, D.C.

Washington, D.C. is packed with history, iconic landmarks, and incredible museums—but if you only have one day in Washington, D.C., choosing what to do can feel overwhelming. How do you possibly decide what to include in your itinerary?

We’ve been to D.C. several times and know firsthand how easy it is to get caught up in the endless options

While you could spend days (or even weeks) exploring, it’s absolutely possible to hit several of the highlights in 24 hours–without feeling rushed or missing the best spots.

This guide will show you exactly how to make the most of your day trip, covering the must-see sights and landmarks (plus what to avoid) so you can experience the best of the nation’s capital in just one day.

Morning: Visit the Monuments & Memorials

I suggest starting your day as soon as possible so you can really pack it all in!

Leave your car behind and take advantage of the Metro or public bus system so you don’t have to worry about parking–which is a pain and expensive in the city.

When you’ve only got one day in Washington, D.C., the monuments and memorials are a must-see and a great way to start the day! The best way to do this efficiently is by taking a guided bike tour.

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Guided Bike Tour

A guided bike tour of the monuments and memorials is a fun and easy way to see these bucket list locations.

This 3-hour tour takes you to must-see landmarks including the Lincoln Memorial, Washington Monument, Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial, Vietnam Veterans Memorial, World War II Memorial, and more.

When we took this tour, we loved being able to hop off at each stop, hear fascinating history from our knowledgeable guide, and take photos.

As a bonus, you’ll also ride by the White House, U.S. Capitol building and National Mall, making it the perfect way to experience the heart of D.C.!

🚴🏻 ➡️ Book the exact bike tour we used here! ⬅️ 🚴🏻

If you wish to see these sights without a guided bike tour, you can rent your own bikes through the bikeshare system (for only $8 per day!) or take a hop-on-hop-off trolley tour.

Lunch: All About Burger

For a quick lunch on the go, stop by All About Burger, a casual spot known for its juicy burgers and creamy shakes.

With two convenient locations–one just north of the National Mall and one just south–it’s an easy choice no matter where you’re exploring.

We loved their fresh, made-to-order burgers and couldn’t resist pairing them with a classic chocolate shake. It’s the perfect spot to refuel with a quick lunch before heading back out to see more of D.C.!

Afternoon: National Archives and Museum of Natural History

National Archives

A visit to the National Archives is a must for your Washington, D.C. day trip itinerary.

Here, you can see the incredible documents that formed our country, from the U.S. Constitution, to the Bill of Rights and the Declaration of Independence.

It’s truly incredible to stand in front of these original documents and see the signatures that shaped the nation. 

You’ll want to allow at least one hour to explore, as there are also impressive exhibits on the history of democracy and the preservation of these priceless artifacts.

The National Archives is open daily from 10:00am-5:30pm, and while admission is free, you’ll need to reserve advance tickets to guarantee entry and avoid long lines.

Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History

There are so many incredible museums in Washington, D.C., but if you can only visit one, I recommend visiting the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History, which houses the largest natural history collection in the world.

Here you’ll find incredible displays including a 94-foot long model of a blue whale, huge dinosaur skeletons, and the Hope Diamond.

For hands-on fun for kids, check out the interactive exhibits in the Discovery Room and Insect Zoo.

The Smithsonian Museum of Natural History is open daily from 10:00am-5:30pm. Admission is free and tickets are not required. You’ll want at least two hours to explore this expansive museum.

Evening: National Portrait Gallery and Dinner

National Portrait Gallery

If you’re looking to squeeze in one more attraction before calling it a day, the National Portrait Gallery is a fantastic option!

While almost all museums in D.C. close by 5:30, this one stays open until 7:00pm daily, giving you extra time to explore. Admission is completely free, and no tickets are required.

Inside, you’ll find an incredible collection of portraits, including the famous Presidential Portraits, iconic American figures, and contemporary art pieces.

Dinner

For dinner, head to Old Ebbitt Grill, a D.C. institution just steps from the White House.

This historic spot is almost a piece of art itself with its Victorian charm and beautiful exterior.

Choose from a menu of classic American fare and legendary raw bar while you unwind from your day of sightseeing.

What to See if You Have More Time

If you have extra time in Washington, D.C., here are a few more incredible places worth visiting:

• Ford’s Theatre – Step back in time at the historic site where President Abraham Lincoln was assassinated. You can tour the theater, visit the museum, and see the Petersen House, where Lincoln spent his final hours.
• National Air and Space Museum – A favorite for families, this Smithsonian museum is home to legendary aircraft and spacecraft, including the Wright brothers’ plane and, Neil Armstrong’s spacesuit, and my son’s favorite, the Apollo 11 command module.
• U.S. Capitol Tour – Take a guided tour of the United States Capitol building to see the stunning Rotunda, National Statuary Hall, and learn about the history of Congress. Free tours are available and can be reserved on the Capitol Visitor’s Center website.
• White House Tour – If you plan ahead, you can tour the most famous residence in the country. Public tours of the White House must be requested through your Member of Congress at least 21 days in advance. We have toured the White House twice and it is a very unique experience!
• Arlington National Cemetery  – Just across the river in Virginia, this moving site is home to the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, John F. Kennedy’s graveside, and thousands of white headstones honoring those who served. Don’t miss the Changing of the Guard, which happens at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier every hour on the hour.

Each of these attractions can be found in our itinerary for four incredible days in Washington, D.C..

Planning Your Day Trip

With just 24 hours in D.C., this itinerary packs in some of the city’s top highlights–from iconic landmarks and world-class museums to delicious local eats.

Whether it’s your first visit or a quick return trip, this plan ensures you make the most of your day in the nation’s capital. Get ready for an educational trip you won’t forget!

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