What’s better than a last minute day trip? Washington, D.C. is a great place to spend the day exploring and get the most out of a day off! To make the most out of D.C., I’d recommend at least 2 days. However, we were able to see almost everything on our list in just one day!

Getting Around:

It is super easy to navigate around Washington, D.C. Follow the signs in the airport and find the metro. It is above ground and super easy to find! From there, you can take the metro all over the city. We decided to take the metro to the Capitol South stop and started our day at the U.S. Capitol building. The city is also very pedestrian friendly and is fairly walkable and bike-able.

What We Did:

1. U.S. Capitol Building: You can get tickets in advance to tour this amazing building. Since we were traveling last minute, we did not have the luxury to buy advance tickets. We decided to make this stop #1 on our itinerary so that we could be first in line for the early morning tours. They open at 8:30am. Tours are free but they can fill up quickly. This tour was one of my favorite things we did in D.C.!

2. Supreme Court: Open to the public from 9am-3pm Monday through Friday.

3. Library of Congress: My initial draw to this building was to see the “President’s Book” as portrayed in National Treasure ;). However, the Library of Congress had much more to offer and was utterly breathtaking. In fact, it is the largest library in the world. You can get tickets to visit the Library of Congress online. They offer free same-day and advance tickets. Keep in mind, they are closed Sunday and Monday. The Great Hall is stunning. Don’t miss seeing the Minerva mosaic, Gutenberg Bible, the Reading Room, and Thomas Jefferson’s book collection.

4. Ulysses S. Grant Memorial

5. National Mall and Memorial Parks: The famous green space you see in bird’s eye view photos of Washington, D.C. is known as the National Mall. It is about 2 miles from the U.S. Capitol to Lincoln Memorial. Much further than I thought. Makes for a great leisurely walk.

6. National Archives: Reservations are not required and entry is free into this building. It is here you will be able to see the Declaration of Independence, Bill of Rights, and the Constitution. This building is full of history.

7. The White House: It is possible to tour the White House however, it isn’t something than be easily done last minute. If you plan in advance, Public tour requests can be made through your member of Congress (find your member of Congress and contact information) and submitted up to three months in advance in no less than 21 days prior to your visit. Tours are free!

8. Visit a Museum: We decided to spend some time in the Natural History Museum and it was incredible! Entry was free and the museum was massive. We could have spent several days at this museum alone. There are many other museums including the Smithsonian, National Art Gallery, National Portrait Gallery, Museum of Air and Space, Children’s Museum, Museum of African American History, and so many more. Your day will not be complete without a visit to one of these spectacular museums!

9. Washington Monument

10. Lincoln Memorial: A popular spot for tourists. The Lincoln Memorial has great views of Washington Monument.

11. Arlington Cemetery: This is a must-see for anyone and everyone. Most notable for the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and John F. Kennedy’s gravesite. This is a truly moving and sacred place. The Changing of the Guard over the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier takes place every 30 min April-September and every 1 hr October-March. Arlington is open to the public from 8:00am-5:00pm. We walked here from The Lincoln Memorial and it was pretty far. You can take public transportation or bike as well!

12. Pentagon: We took a quick metro ride to see the outside of the Pentagon. There wasn’t much to see, but it was cool to say we’ve been there. The Pentagon requires reservations 2 weeks in advance and has strict security details you can check out online. Tours fill up quickly!

13. Mount Vernon: George Washington’s plantation house on the Potomac River. Tours are available and cost around $28 for adults. You can purchase in advance. Reservations are required. We didn’t make it to Mount Vernon on our quick day trip. However, we will try to make it here next time!

Summary:

Washington, D.C. is something everyone (especially U.S. citizens) should see. It is a very important place to our nation’s history and to its future. I was overcome with gratitude while exploring this city. Our Founding Father’s sacrificed much for the luxuries and life we live today. This is where our Nation’s most important decisions take place. We cannot take our freedom for granted. I love their United States of America and am grateful for our government (even amongst their shortcomings). One Nation, under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.