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3 Days in Washington, DC Itinerary: Insider Tips For A Local Experience

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3 days in Washington, DC is the perfect amount of time to get acquainted with this incredibly interesting city. With many museums, amazing food, and loads of history, a Washington, DC itinerary is sure to keep you entertained.

Chris and I have been visiting DC for years as my sister lives just outside of the city in Virginia. And as we’ve been there several times at various points during the year, we’ve got all the local tips (thanks sis) for the perfect 3 day trip to Washington, DC.

So whether this is a romantic weekend getaway or part of an exciting USA road-trip let’s talk all about how to spend 3 days in DC.

Don’t forget to check out our podcast episode all about DC too!

Absolute Best 3 Days in Washington DC
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3 Days in Washington DC
3 Days in Washington DC
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How to Spend the Perfect 3 Days in DC | 3 Days in Washington DC Itinerary | 3 Days in Washington DC Travel Guide | Washington DC Things to do in 3 Days | Things to do in Washington DC | Washington DC Itinerary | Washington DC Itinerary First Time | Washington DC 3 Day Itinerary | Washington DC Travel Guide | Washington DC Travel Tips | Washington DC Travel Outfit | Washington DC First Time | First Time in DC | First Time in Washington DC | North America Destinations
How to Spend the Perfect 3 Days in DC | 3 Days in Washington DC Itinerary | 3 Days in Washington DC Travel Guide | Washington DC Things to do in 3 Days | Things to do in Washington DC | Washington DC Itinerary | Washington DC Itinerary First Time | Washington DC 3 Day Itinerary | Washington DC Travel Guide | Washington DC Travel Tips | Washington DC Travel Outfit | Washington DC First Time | First Time in DC | First Time in Washington DC #washingtondc #dctravel #usatravel #couplestravel
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3 Days in Washington, DC- Tidal Basin

The Best 3 Days in Washington, DC Itinerary

Whether you love history, food, or shopping, this is the best way to spend three days in Washington, DC.

Day 1 of 3 Days in Washington, DC: Monuments, Museums…and a Speakeasy 

Whether this is your first time visiting Washington, DC, or your 10th time, visiting the Tidal Basin and Monuments are pretty awe-inspiring. So let’s start your Washington, DC itinerary off right with monuments and museums!

Cherry Blossoms framing the Jefferson Memorial on the Tidal Basin in DC- 3 Days in Washington Dc Itinerary

Bike Around the Monuments & Tidal Basin

If you’ve visited DC before, then you know that once you get to the Washington Monument, you will wander along a path past the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool and can pop over to several monuments, eventually leading up to the Lincoln Memorial or veering to the Tidal Basin.

The thing is… unless you want to spend the better part of a whole day walking, you can actually pick up a rental bike near Washington Monument and bike it to save time! Capital Bikeshare has a lot of stations throughout the city.

And while that’s totally fine if you prefer to spend the morning walking around several of the monuments and going inside them, if you want to see a lot and perhaps find a few hidden ones, definitely rent a bike!

I’ve done this a few times and it is my favorite way to get around! Chris and I rode along one morning to see the main monuments like the Washington Monument, World War II Memorial, and Lincoln Memorial.

And while you’re in the area, ride along the Tidal Basin to see the Thomas Jefferson Memorial, Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial, Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial, and perhaps spot an American founding father, George Mason and his small and peaceful memorial along the Tidal Basin.

Taking a bike is a great way to see a lot of these smaller memorials without having to walk around all day. And trust me, there is plenty to see. Once you’ve finished with your bike, I recommend riding it up to the stop just past the Newseum for your next stop on the Washington, DC 3 day itinerary.

Pro-tip: The Tidal Basin is home to the most beautiful cherry blossoms in DC. If you get to visit in the spring, this is the place to visit to see these stunning blossoms reflecting in the Tidal Basin!

Cost of Capital Bikeshare: $1 to unlock plus $0.05 per minute for a regular bike and $0.15 for an ebike, or $8 for a day pass for unlimited 45-minute rides on a regular bike.

Miso ramen from Daikaya

Daikaya for Lunch

I love ramen. And after my sister introduced me to this place years ago, I try to head back here each time I visit. If you plan on having some tasty ramen, this is the place.

My favorite ramen is the Shoyu Ramen, with a pork and soy sauce broth with garlic and egg. Also, the Spicy Miso Ramen is so good with white miso and the perfect amount of spice to add depth of flavor.

And for those eating vegetarian/vegan, they great options here too.

Also, always ask for extra noodles…and maybe the nitamago (soy and ramen stock marinated soft-boiled egg) and thank me later.

Daikaya Address: 705 6th St NW, Washington, DC 20001

Daikaya Hours: Monday from 11:30 am-9 pm. Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Sunday 11:30 am-10 pm. Friday-Saturday 11:30 am-11 pm.

Triceratops skeleton at the Smithsonian Natural History Museum

Pick 1-2 Museums to Visit at the National Mall 

Now that you’re fueled up for more exploring, it is time to head to the National Mall! You probably biked past it during your trip up to Daikaya and maybe while biking around the monuments, but now is the time to walk from lunch to the National Mall and find a great museum or two to visit!

Whether you like art, history, or even outer space there is something for everyone at these free museums while spending 3 days in Washington, DC!

Not sure which museum to visit at the mall? Here are some of our favorites!

1. Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History

This is pretty awesome. I mean, Chris and I got married in a natural history museum so that may make us total nerds, but the last time we visited this museum in DC, we had a blast!

The Natural History Museum is also massive! They’ve got fossil exhibits, mammal exhibits, the Hope Diamond, and more! Plus they have the Butterfly Pavilion- the perfect spot to see beautiful butterflies!

If you have kids, this is a great museum with a lot of interactive learning tools that they’ll love too!

Natural History Museum Address: 10th St & Constitution Ave NW, Washington, DC 20560

Cost of Butterfly Pavilion: $8 per adult, $7 for 60+, and $7 for kids 2-12 years old. Tuesdays are free. Be sure to purchase tickets ahead of time!

2. National Museum of American History

To learn about American history, this is the museum to visit! From food history to women’s history, LGBTQ+ history, and more, this museum shows how the US has grown and changed over the years.

National Museum of American History Address: 1300 Constitution Ave NW, Washington, DC 20506

African American History Museum Exterior with Washington Monument in the background

3. National Museum of African American History and Culture 

This museum is the place to go to learn more about African American culture and history in an interactive way. It tells the story of America through the lens of African American history.

Find exhibits like “Defending Freedom, Defining Freedom,” about the era of segregation, up to “A Changing America” to learn about African American activism and the quest for equality to this day.

Pro-tip: You must reserve your visit ahead of time! Get your timed entry pass here.

African American History and Culture Museum Address: 1400 Constitution Ave NW, Washington, DC 20560

National Air And Space Museum

4. National Air and Space Museum

For those #avgeeks out there and all kids who love anything to do with space, this is the museum for you. From satellites to commercial aviation, learn how the US has been making its mark on the air and space industry through the years.

National Air and Space Museum Address: 655 Jefferson Dr SW, Washington, DC 20560

5. National Archives Museum

If this is your first time in DC, definitely prioritize this museum. After all, it houses the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution, and the Bill of Rights. These are documents that are really neat to see and well worth the long lines.

National Archives Museum Address: 701 Constitution Ave NW, Washington, DC 20408

6. National Gallery of Art

From Renaissance to Rococo, the National Gallery of Art has it all. If you love art and want to explore the works of Degas, the Greeks, and Warhol, this is a great museum to spend a couple of hours in. 

National Gallery of Art Address: 201 6th NW, Washington, DC 20001

Hours: Daily 10 am-5 pm.

Photos at the Holocaust Memorial Museum in DC

7. United States Holocaust Memorial Museum

This is not located on the National Mall, but this is an incredibly moving museum. This museum is an interactive way to learn about the history of the Holocaust, the events that led up to it, and survivor reflections and testimonies. Upon entrance to the museum, you are given a booklet with a person’s information that was a victim in the holocaust.

As you move between floors you turn pages on the booklet to reveal their history and story as you see what they encountered during those dark years. Then you end at the Hall of Remembrance to remember those lives lost and are welcome to light a candle. 

United States Holocaust Memorial Museum Address: 100 Raoul Wallenberg Place SW, Washington, DC 20024

Admission: Free but it is recommended to book online for a $1 booking fee.

All Museum Hours (Except National Gallery of Art): Daily 10 am-5:30 pm.

While I wouldn’t recommend visiting all 7 of these museums in a day, you’ve got time to visit 1-2 museums depending on how slow or fast you like to explore. Also, this isn’t an exhaustive list of museums in DC, but these are definitely our favorites and worth a stop!

Capitol Building in DC- 3 Days in Washington DC

Walk Around to Spot the Capitol Building & White House!

If you’re in DC for 3 days and it is your first visit, then you have to spot the Capitol Building and White House! Walk around the beautiful Capitol Building before heading to the most famous house in the US: the White House.

Of course, you can’t really walk around the White House, but definitely get a few photos and admire from afar.

Capitol Building Address: First St SE, Washington, DC 20004

White House Address: 1600 Pennsylvania Ave NW, Washington, DC 20500

Dinner at Le Diplomate

Almond crusted trout at Le Diplomat

Love delicious French food? Then, Le Diplomate is where to go. From tasty escargot and French cheeses to dishes like trout amandine or a half-roast chicken, you’ll enjoy all the selections at this place.

Plus, you know the wine menu is full of amazing French wine.

Be sure to make reservations, as DC restaurants can be hard to get into otherwise.

Le Diplomate Address: 1601 14th St NW, Washington, DC 20009

Le Diplomate Hours: Monday-Thursday from 12-3 pm and 5-11 pm. Friday from 12-3 pm and 5 pm-12 am. Saturday 9:30 am-12 am. Sunday from 9:30 am-11 pm.

Speakeasy bar

End the First Day of your 3 Day Washington, DC Itinerary at a Speakeasy

DC is full of incredible bars, but speakeasies are always the best. Some can be hard to find, but upon entering you’ve got the classic elegance of the 1920s in dim-lit rooms with a mixologist creating a deliciously intriguing beverage.

If you go to one speakeasy in DC, go to The Gibson. This place is hidden with just a blue light over a black door as an indicator. This is my favorite speakeasy in DC and well worth the stop. The mixologists are serving up some of the best cocktails in town under the dark-lit, 20s era room.

It is the perfect way to enjoy the nightlife of DC.

Gibson Address: 2009 14th St NW, Washington, DC 20009

Gibson Hours: Monday-Saturday 6 pm-close.

Georgetown, DC- 3 Days in DC

Day 2: Brunch, Georgetown, and a Fun Alley

After a long day of exploring the touristic parts of DC, it is time to relax, get a little sleep, and get brunch! If you have three days in DC, having brunch here is a must. Follow that with the best day exploring the nicest neighborhood in DC: Georgetown!

Brunch!

There are so many great places to get brunch in DC. It can seriously be hard to decide. But if I hear words like “bottomless mimosas” in a pretty expensive to drink-in city, it piques my interest. If it is “bottomless brunch” then heck yes I’m in!

And my favorite spot for a unique brunch in DC is Agora. For $48 per person, you can have all the bottomless mimosas, bloody mary’s, and dishes you’d like! This Turkish restaurant has amazing hummus, htipiti (roasted red peppers, feta, thyme, and olive oil), and flatbreads. They also have typical brunch items like eggs benedict too.

Agora Address: 1527 17th St NW, Washington, DC 20036

Agora Hours: Monday from 5-10 pm. Tuesday-Thursday 12-4 pm and 5-10 pm. Friday 12-4 pm and 5-11 pm. Saturday 11 am-4 pm and 5:30-11 pm. Sunday 11 am-4 pm and 5:30-10 pm.

Georgetown next to the old canal

Explore Georgetown 

Now that you’ve had your fill of delicious Turkish food (and perhaps some drinks!) it is time to head to my favorite part of DC: Georgetown. This area is seriously adorable with plenty of places for shopping, dining, beautiful houses and streets, and just a cool spot to explore in DC.

You could spend the entire day exploring this area and it is totally worth it! Here are some of my favorite spots in Georgetown:

  • Baked & Wired: This fantastic coffee shop is near the canal and has plenty of sweet treats and delicious coffees to enjoy including lattes and an ever-rotating list of pour-over coffees and espressos.
    • Address: 1052 Thomas Jefferson St NW, Washington, DC 20007
    • Hours: 8 am-4 pm on Sunday-Friday and 8 am-6 pm on Saturday.
  • Georgetown Cupcake: This spot has some great cupcakes! Famous for its TV show on TLC, DC Cupcakes, expect a long line but it is worth the wait. Enjoy typical flavors like red velvet and vanilla, but also enjoy their seasonal cupcakes like the unicorn cupcake in March or the pumpkin spice cupcake in October!
    • Address: 3301 M St NW, Washington, DC 20007
    • Hours: Monday-Saturday 10 am-9 pm. Sunday 10 am-8 pm.
Kat sitting with some sleepy kitties at Crumbs and Whiskers in DC- Things to do in DC
  • Crumbs & Whiskers: It is no secret that we love cats. And this spot is the place to go to snuggle with cuddly kittens and have a cup of coffee and a macaroon! Play with these adoptable cats, and perhaps fall in love!
    • Address: 3109 M St NW, Washington, DC 20007
    • Hours: Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday from 11 am-7:30 pm. Friday from 11 am-8:10 pm. Saturday and Sunday from 9:40 am-8:10 pm.
    • Pro-tip: Make a reservation, as this is a popular spot!

And if you’re feeling like a food crawl, this one is a fun way to spend an afternoon eating at the best spots in Georgetown!

Aside from those great spots in Georgetown, this neighborhood has beautiful old houses, tucked away cobblestone streets, and plenty of great shopping from Lululemon to Anthropology. This whole neighborhood can easily fill up an afternoon!

Interior of Tiger Fork

Dinner at Tiger Fork

Tucked away in Blagden Alley, Tiger Fork is serving tasty contemporary Hong Kong dishes like jah leung and chicken dan dan noodles. Plus, they serve up amazing cocktails with traditional Chinese medicines in them.

Sip on the Peruvian Chef in a Chinese Kitchen with ingredients to help curb anxiety as you split some delicious mushroom and rice cakes. And don’t forget dessert. I loved the monkey king bread (pictured below).

Plus, after dinner, you can explore Blagden Alley which has some great spots for a drink and nice murals.

Address: 922 N St. NW, Blagden Alley NW, Washington, DC 20001

Hours: Tuesday-Thursday and Sunday from 5-10 pm. Friday from 5-11 pm. Saturday from 1-11 pm.

Dessert at Tiger Fork

Day 3 of Your Washington, DC Trip Itinerary: Northern Virginia

After just 2 days in DC, you’ve covered much of the city itself including some cool neighborhoods, historical museums, and plenty of great eats. But if you have 3 Days in Washington, DC, you definitely need to check out Northern Virginia.

Just across the Potomac River, lies Northern Virginia with great cities like Arlington and Alexandria. So to wrap up your 3 day DC itinerary, let’s explore what these places have to offer!

Tombs at Arlington National Cemetary

Arlington National Cemetery

Our nation’s most famous cemetery, this military cemetery is proud and somber with white marbled stones covering rolling hills. There are sights like the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, the Memorial Amphitheatre, and the John. F. Kennedy Gravesite with the eternal flame.

These are all significant areas of the massive cemetery, along with various memorials for lives lost in war, 9/11, and more.

And while you’re there, you must see the Changing of the Guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.

Pro-tip: Bring your ID/Passport. Everyone 16 or older is required to have their ID on them to enter. Also, please remember to be quiet to show respect and keep a distance of funerals that may be happening.

Arlington Cemetery Address: Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, VA 22211

Hours: April-September 8 am-7 pm daily. October-March 8 am-5 pm daily.

Old Town Alexandria street

Old Town Alexandria

Alexandria is a historic part of the DC area that many people don’t cross the river to see. It is definitely a cool spot to check out during your 3 day Washington, DC itinerary! Here are some of our favorite spots to visit:

  • King Street Mile: Ride the King Street Trolley, pop into various boutique shops, and perhaps grab an ice cream at Pop’s Old Fashioned Ice Cream Shop!
  • Go on a sightseeing cruise! This tour launches from Alexandria and is a great way to see sights along the river like many monuments!
  • Check out Old Town Alexandria’s Historic Spots! Alexandria was home to many famous haunts of founding fathers like these:
    • Gadsby’s Tavern Museum: Discover where George Washington dined including the first 5 US presidents. You can even dine at the restaurant or just visit the museum!
      • Address: 134 N Royal St, Alexandria, VA 22314
      • Museum Hours: Thursday-Friday 11 am-4 pm, Saturday 11 am-5 pm, and Sunday 1-5 pm.
      • Admission: $5 for adults, $3 for children 5-12 years old, and free for children under 5 for a self-guided tour.
    • Carlyle House: Visit an 18th-century mansion built by one of Alexandria’s founders.
      • Address: 121 N Fairfax St, Alexandria, VA 22314
      • Hours: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday from 10 am-4 pm. Sunday from 12-4 pm. Closed on Wednesday.
      • Admission: $7 for adults, $3 for children 6-17 years old, and free for children under 6.
    • Christ Church: This beautiful brick church was built in 1773. It was partially funded by George Washington himself.
    • George Washington Townhouse: Even though Mount Vernon was only a few miles away, he had a spot in Alexandria. This smaller house was reconstructed and sits where the original once stood, and you can spot his bust in the window!
  • Go on a Ghost Tour: Being a historic neighborhood, there are bound to be a few ghosts! This ghost tour takes you around many haunted places!
    • Price: $15 for adults.
  • Wander on the beautiful cobblestone and historical streets filled with row houses! Seriously they’re everywhere.

After you’ve had your fill of Alexandria (and if you choose not to go on the ghost tour), it is time to check out a more modern thing to do in DC: head to breweries!

beers in Northern Virginia

Fun Breweries to Visit

Check out some great breweries in the area that you’ll love!

  • Hellbender Brewing Company: Love their Ignite IPA and their sour beers!
    • Address: 5788 2nd St NE, Washington, DC 20011
    • Hours: Wednesday from 5-9:30 pm, Thursday and Friday from 5-9 pm. Saturday-Sunday from 1-7 pm. Closed on Monday and Tuesday.
  • DC Brau: The biggest and most popular brewery in DC with great classics like their The Citizen Belgian-style ale or Joint Revolution Hazy IPA. They also make great hard seltzers.
    • Address: 3178 Bladensburg Rd NE, Suite B, Washington, DC 20018
    • Hours: Thursday 12-8 pm. Friday 4-10 pm. Saturday 12-10 pm. Sunday 12-6 pm. Closed from Monday-Wednesday.
  • Atlas Brew Works: This is a great spot to test out a few beers with their flights and definitely try the Blood Orange Gose.
    • Address: 2052 W Virginia Ave NE, Suite 102, Washington, DC 20002
    • Hours: Sunday-Monday from 1-6 pm. Thursday-Friday from 4-9 pm. Saturday from 1-9 pm.
  • Port City Brewing Company: Located in Alexandria, this spot always has something going on like food trucks, beer release parties, and more! Try their Optimal Wit, Port City Porter, or a seasonal like their Star Sailor white IPA.
    • Address: 3950 Wheeler Ave, Alexandria, VA 22304
    • Hours: Monday-Thursday 3-9 pm. Friday-Saturday 12-10 pm. Sunday 12-8 pm.

After these exciting 3 days in Washington, DC, this wraps up your DC itinerary! After having visited over a dozen times in the last several years, this definitely is the best way to spend a long weekend in DC!

View of the Reflecting Pool and Washington Monument from the Lincoln Memorial

Summary of the Itinerary

To sum up your Washington, DC itinerary, here it is in list form:

Day 1: Monuments, Museums, Speakeasy

  • Bike along the monuments and Tidal Basin
  • Daikaya for ramen
  • Explore 1-2 museums along the National Mall
  • See the Capitol Building and White House
  • Dinner at Le Diplomate
  • Drinks at the Gibson

Day 2: Explore Georgetown

  • Brunch at Agora
  • Explore the shops, cafes, and more in Georgetown
  • Dinner at Tiger Fork

Day 3: Visit Northern Virginia

  • Remember those lost at Arlington National Cemetery
  • Wander the historical buildings and fun streets of Alexandria
  • Go have a beer or two at a brewery or go on a ghost tour

Perfect 3 Days in Washington, DC Itinerary Map

Best Day Trips From DC

If you happen to have 4 days in DC, or you’d prefer to take a day trip instead of exploring an area of the city, here are a few great ones to choose from:

  • Mt. Vernon. The former home of George Washington, this farm is massive with a gorgeous estate overlooking the Potomac River and has plenty of history. Take a day trip to Mt. Vernon to learn more.
  • Northern Virginia Wineries. Love wine? Northern Virginia has so many great vineyards to explore!
  • Shenandoah National Park. If you love hiking and want to explore a national park, Shenandoah isn’t too far for a great day trip in nature. 
Lincoln Memorial statue in Washington, DC- Things to do in DC in 3 Days

Getting To DC & Getting Around During Your Washington, DC 3 Day Itinerary

If you plan on spending 3 days in Washington, DC, there are many ways to get there. First of all, they have two major airports in the area. The first is Washington Dulles International Airport, which is its main international airport with many flights around the world per day.

This is about 35-45 minutes (or more…depending on traffic) by car from Dulles to downtown DC and costs about $40 on Uber. There is also now a metro line that runs out to Dulles too. This is the Silver line and can be taken into DC.

The next airport is Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport. Much closer to the DC area and located in Arlington, VA, you’ll have up close and personal views of the Potomac River as you land…seriously, it always feels like you’re going to land in it and then all of a sudden there is the tarmac.

It is only about 15 minutes from downtown DC to the Reagan airport and costs around $20 for an Uber. It is 20-40 minutes via the Blue or Yellow Metro lines from the airport into downtown DC. This is a much cheaper option.

Regardless of which airport you choose, Skyscanner is our go-to for finding the best flight prices!

You can also get to DC via the train from many places throughout the northeast, and you could also rent a car if DC is an addition to your USA road trip. For rental cars, we love checking for deals on Skyscanner.

Lincoln Memorial- Perfect 3 Days in Washington Dc Itinerary

Once you’re in DC, there are so many ways to get around. The DC area has a big metro system, and while not perfect, it is one of the more efficient ways to get around if you want to avoid traffic.

If you plan to stay for several days, definitely get a SmarTrip Card. You can purchase the 3-day pass for $30 with unlimited Metrorail and Metrobus travel (but only gives $2 off for the airport route).

Then, like any big city, there are of course rental bikes and scooters throughout the city, Uber, and Lyft.

Where to Stay For 3 Days in Washington, DC 

When it comes to where to stay in DC, if you are looking to save money, hotels outside of DC in the Northern Virginia area tend to be much more affordable.

Here are some great hotels around the DC area based on your budget that would be perfect for 3 days in Washington, DC:

Budget: Crowne Plaza Crystal City

Crowne Plaza Crystal City is a great option. Just across the river from DC, you can hop on the metro and be downtown in no time! This hotel also has free airport transportation to Reagan Airport, a fitness center, a pool, and clean and comfortable rooms.

Read reviews on TripAdvisor and book!                               

Mid-Range: The River Inn

Close to many notable spots in DC like Ford’s Theatre, the White House, and Georgetown, this hotel is chic and beautiful with great views of the city and river.

Read reviews on TripAdvisor and book!

Luxury: The Hay-Adams

Elegant and sophisticated, this luxury boutique hotel feels more like a decadent mansion with gorgeous bedrooms, great views overlooking the city, and a charming bar/lounge.

Read reviews on TripAdvisor and book!

Chinatown in DC

Things to Know Before Your 3 Days in DC Itinerary

Now that you know the top things to see in Washington, DC in 3 days, let’s talk about some tips for visiting this capital city.

  1. Be vigilant. Like any big city, keeping a watchful eye on your things is key. In public places like museums, parks, metros, etc., be sure to keep your bag in front of you and an eye on it. I carry my anti-theft cross-body bag on me during city trips!
  2. Consider transportation. While I recommended grabbing a 3-day metro pass, if you don’t want to walk as far to places, the Hop-On/Hop-Off bus is a great idea to get dropped off in front of the attractions you’d like to see.
  3. When is the best time to visit DC? DC is a great spot to visit year-round, but the most popular times are in the summer. The temperatures can be quite hot at around 80-90ºF (27-32ºC) during the day and 63-71ºF (17-22ºC) at night. The spring and fall are more comfortable in temperatures at 56-75ºF (13-24ºC) during the day and 38-56ºF (3-13ºC) at night. The winter is coolest at 43-47ºF (6-8ºC) during the day and 29-33ºF (-2-1ºC) at night. Overall, during the summer is most popular as people take their summer vacations, and the remainder of the year isn’t as crowded outside of the Cherry Blossom Festival in March/April and July 4th. However, being a big city, there are definitely tourists year-round, those are just the busiest times.
Jefferson Memorial across from the Tidal Basin- Things to do in DC in 3 Days

What to Pack for Your Trip

As you may know, we pack carry-on only on our trips! And when it comes to a 3 day trip to Washington, DC, it is no exception. Here are some of our go-to packing items for DC.

  • Comfortable shoes are a must. I love Keds during the warmer months or my Rainbow flip flops and these water-resistant boots for winter.
  • Sundresses are always fun to wear as well as shorts and cute tops in the summer. In the winter, jeans and layers are key. Pack 1-2 pairs of jeans and 2 cute tops and a sweater to mix and match during your 3 days in DC.
  • Definitely pack a jacket for winter. Most of the year, you can get by with a sweater on cooler nights, but in the winter, I like to wear my parka by The Northface.
  • Don’t forget gloves, a scarf, and earmuffs during the cooler months as well.
  • To prevent chafing in the summer, I always bring Body Glide. And as mosquitos can be bad, some Badger Balm natural repellant is a good idea.
  • For taking great photos, I love using my iPhone and this lightweight tripod to get great shots of us!
  • If you want to pack carry-on only, then we love this Level 8 rolling bag!

Those are the basics of what to bring to DC during your trip!

After spending three days in Washington, DC, you’ll have seen the main sights, tried the delicious food and drinks, and explored some unique areas around the city. We hope you enjoy your time in DC!

Want more USA/Canada content? Check these posts out:

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