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Just looking at all of the things to see and do in Washington DC can be overwhelming, but as someone who was a tour guide in our nation’s capital, I can tell you what’s worth it and what you can skip over. Obviously everyone’s interests will differ, but everything worth seeing is within a three mile radius, and easily walkable. Visiting DC is perfect for your road trip! It can be explored in a day, or you can spend a week or more exploring our nation’s capitol. Make sure to track your favorite spots with a travel journal!

Dads, grab your New Balances, Moms, grab your Sketchers, Millenials, grab your white Converse. Let’s go explore Washington DC & The National Mall!

What is the National Mall?

So first, let’s start your trip to Washington, DC with a little information about the National Mall. The National Mall is the space that runs from the Capitol Building to the Lincoln Memorial. It stretches 1.8 miles from one end to the other, and encompasses all of the monuments and memorials in D.C., as well as the Smithsonian museums, and a ton of green space.

I would recommend starting your day at the Capitol with a guided tour, or a beautiful view of the outside. A must do is definitely a tour of the Capitol–the view of the mural on the Rotunda is phenomenal. If you contact your local representatives, you can get (free) passes into the House and Senate galleries to watch Congress in session.

When you start off at the Capitol, you basically have endless possibilities. You can start with some of the FREE, yes you heard it correctly, FREE Smithsonian Museums along the mall. Some of my top picks include the Air and Space Museum, the Natural History Museum, and the Museum of American History, but there are many others to choose from. By far my favorite is the National Museum of African American History and Culture, but it does require ticketed entrance. It’s still free, but since it has become so popular you should book these tickets a few months in advance. My recommendation would be to pick 1 or 2 museums to visit based on your interests, if you’re going to be exploring the monuments, too.

Where is The Washington Monument?

Up next is the Washington Monument right in the center of the National Mall. You know the one–it’s what Spider-Man climbs up to save his friends. Newly opened to the public, you can get a gorgeous view of DC when you ride the elevator to the top. Timed tickets are needed to get inside, and can be ordered ahead if your visit here. You can also get them for free if you wait that morning. OR you can just visit the monument and marvel in the awesomeness.

If you want to see the White House, hang a right at the Washington Monument towards the back of the most famous house in the US. You can also take a walk around the block to see the front and snap a few pictures from there. Keep in mind that there is a big fence and blockade keeping you from getting too close.

P.S. If you see the flag waving on the top, it means the president is somewhere in our nation’s capital.

Washington D.C. Monuments Tour

To continue the monuments tour, go back towards the Washington Monument and walk towards the Lincoln Memorial. Right before the Lincoln is the World War II Memorial, an ode to those who fought bravely during the war. Find the pillar for your state or US territory, and let me know if you can find the two hidden Kilroy cartoons on the memorial.

Then, of course, there will be the famous Reflecting Pool that Jenny ran through to see Forrest Gump. (Oh, that’s not why you’re visiting our nation’s capital? Sorry, my love for Tom Hanks is getting the best of me). And sitting proudly right above will be the Lincoln Memorial, a testament to our favorite 16^th president and the site of the famous I Have a Dream speech by Dr. Martin Luther King. 

To the right of the Lincoln Memorial is the Vietnam War Memorial, a beautiful but somber testament to the lives lost in the “senseless war.” To the left is the underrated Korean War Memorial. Often termed the “forgotten war,” this is the forgotten war memorial. It is one of the most striking, because of the life sized statues of the nine servicemen and the reflective wall with etchings of the faces of those who served. 

Visiting the Tidal Basin

If your feet aren’t screaming at you yet, you can also do half a loop around the Tidal Basin. Around the Basin, you’ll see the Jefferson Memorial, the Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial (home to the only statue of a first lady) and the newest memorial, and one of my favorites, the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial. It’s less than a mile to walk through all three, and the view around the Tidal Basin is absolutely gorgeous.

Washington, D.C. is a great place to visit, no matter your age or interests. There is something for everyone here. Take some of the information I shared with you to create a plan that works for the length of time you are visiting and who you are traveling with. Please let me know what you think down below and let me know what else you would like to hear from me! Be sure to pin for later!