What to do in DC in one day

Washington DC is such an amazing city! There’s so much to see and do here, plus no matter what season you visit, there’s always something going on.

Washington DC is also home to some of the most amazing museums, most of which are FREE!

There’s nothing like strolling through the National Mall and visiting all the iconic spots, like the Lincoln Memorial, Reflecting Pool, and the Thomas Jefferson Memorial.

Plus there are so many monuments and museums to explore, and there’s always a new one popping up.

On the blog, I will share the top things to do in DC in one day. You can choose to add a few of these Washington DC attractions to your day trip itinerary to DC or make it a weekend visit so you can explore more of what the Nation’s Capital has to offer.

READ NEXT: Top things to do in Washington DC with kids

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Helpful Guides and Resources

• Lonely Planet Washington DC City Guide
• National Geographic Walking Washington DC Guide
• Kids Washington DC Guide and activity book

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How to get around DC

Washington DC is such a walkable city, You can easily get around and see most of the main sights on foot. But the Metro is also very dependable and will take you where you need to go!

There are also a few other ways to get around in DC. You can find bike and electric scooter rentals throughout the city, as well as Uber and Lyft if you’re not keen on taking the Metro.

A hop-on-hop-off tour is probably your best bet if you only have one day to explore the city. You can easily cover most of the main sights and learn some history along the way.

Water taxis are another great option if you want to explore neighboring towns like Old Town Alexandria.

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Best time to visit DC

Washington DC is beautiful year-round, but the best time to visit DC has got to be in the spring. The weather is milder, and of course, nothing beats seeing Washington DC in full bloom.

SPRING: A visit to Washington DC during the Cherry Blossom Festival is one of the most beautiful times of the year in the city. There’s nothing like seeing a sea of pink blooms along the Tidal Basin, and amongst the Monuments and Memorials.

READ NEXT: DC Cherry Blossom Festival Guide

SUMMER: Planning a summer visit to DC? there are so many fun summer festivals going on in the city, plus you can kayak or paddle your way along the Potomac. You can also look forward to outdoor movies, summer music concert series, and more!

FALL: A Fall trip to Washington DC is also a great season to visit. The fall leaves against the monuments are just so spectacular. There are also so many fun fall festivals close to the DC area, and it’s lots of fun for the whole family.

WINTER: Planning a winter visit? DC during the holidays is so amazing, and there are so many fun Christmas events in the area, including ice skating amongst the sculptures at the NGA Sculpture Gardens and seeing the National Christmas Tree!

READ NEXT: Top things to do in DC during the summer with kids

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Top things to do in Washington D.C.

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DC in one day: Admire the White House

One of the top things to do in DC in one day is of course getting a peek of the White House. Take a stroll and see one of the most famous houses on Pennsylvania Street!

If going on a tour of the White House is on your agenda, make sure to write your Congressman ahead of time, which you have to plan way in advance before your visit.

So far that’s one of the only ways to go on a White House tour, and it’s never guaranteed. There are various events that do happen in the White House that are sometimes open to the public.

*For more information on how to attend some of the White House events in Washington DC, read this complete guide on White House tours and events.

Take a tour of the Capitol Building

One of the best things to do on a day trip to Washington DC is a tour of the Capitol building! This is a tour that I highly recommend when visiting DC.

The Capitol is home to the United States Congress and sits atop Capitol Hill at the National Mall.

Admission is free, but advanced reservations are required for tours of the historic Capitol. The guided tour takes visitors through the historic areas of the Capitol, which includes visiting the Crypt, the Rotunda, and the National Statuary Hall. Make reservations here!

The Capitol Visitor Center is located beneath the East Front plaza of the U.S. Capitol, and there is also a gift shop and a restaurant there as well.

Visit the Library of Congress

If you can only choose one tour in Washington DC, then I highly recommend a tour of the Library of Congress.

It’s one of the most beautiful libraries I’ve ever seen and is considered one of the largest in the world.

Entrance to the library is free, but you would need to schedule a tour to visit. You must reserve timed-entry passes online here to visit and masks must be worn for visitors ages 2 and up!

Passes will be available every Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, 10:00am – 3:00pm, in 15-minute increments.

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Visit the Smithsonian Museums in DC

One of the best reasons to visit Washington DC are the Smithsonian museums which are absolutely FREE to visit!

There are 11 museums and galleries along the National Mall, including the National zoo located close by in the Capitol area.

Some of our favorite Smithsonian Museums are the Natural History Museum, and the National Air & Space Museum. If you only have one day in DC, then I recommend you add these two to your day trip itinerary!

If you are planning to take a family trip to DC, one of the highlights of the Smithsonian Museums is all the hands-on exhibits for kids. One, in particular, is the Q?rius room at the Natural History Museum.

It features an interactive and experimental learning space, complete with microscopes that kids can experiment with.

While you may not get to see all the museums in one day, there are many to choose from and the best part is that they are all FREE!

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Visit the United States Botanic Gardens

Another one of our favorite places in Washington DC is the US Botanic gardens.

Located right next to the US Capitol building, the US Botanic garden is worth the visit on your day trip to Washington DC.

The Botanic garden is a living plant museum that informs the visitor about the importance of plants to the earth’s ecosystem and to humans as well.

It’s one of our favorite places to visit in the winter with the warm and humid climate.

It’s also one of the best places to visit during the holidays in DC when the gardens are transformed for the holidays with DC monument displays made from plant materials.

READ NEXT: Best Spring events and Spring Blooms in DC

Visit the Smithsonian’s National Zoo

Make sure to visit the Smithsonian National Zoo if you have more time in DC. It is one of the oldest zoos in the US and admission is free!

The National Zoo is home to over 30 endangered species, including lions and tigers, and is so much fun.

You can easily get to the zoo by Metro, and the Zoo is a short walk from the station. If you plan to get here by car, parking costs $30.00.

The Smithsonian zoo is located at 3001 Connecticut Ave NW, Washington, DC 20008, and is open daily usually from 8am-4pm, depending on the season.

Entry passes are required for all guests, and if you plan to drive, you only need to reserve a parking pass which acts as your entry pass to the zoo as well.

Explore the Memorials and Monuments of DC

Washington DC is home to some of the most beautiful Memorials and Monuments.

Take a stroll through the Constitution Gardens and admire the Lincoln Memorial and the reflecting pool.

Pay tribute to the brave soldiers who fought for our freedom from some of the biggest conflicts at the World War 2 memorial, the Korean War memorial, and the Vietnam War Memorial.

Don’t miss some of the latest additions to the DC Memorials at the National Mall, including the Dwight D. Eisenhower Memorial, the World War 1 Memorial, and the Native American Veterans Memorial at the National Museum of the American Indian.

Washington Monument

One place not to miss on your day trip to DC is a visit to the Washington Monument, which was built to commemorate the First President of the United States, George Washington.

You can climb to the top of the obelisk, but advanced reservations are needed, and can be done 90-days in advance for a non-refundable reservation fee of $1.00 per ticket.

Book your tickets online here before your trip, to ensure you have tickets on hand for your visit. Tickets will be released at 10 AM ET the day before each arrival date.

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Stroll the Tidal Basin

Another must-do on your one-day visit to Washington DC is a stroll along the Tidal Basin.

The Tidal Basin Loop Trail goes for about 2 miles and passes through a few memorials along the way, including the Thomas Jefferson Memorial, MLK Memorial, and the FDR Memorial as well.

If you visit in the spring, this is where you will find the majority of the cherry blossoms, and it’s an absolutely spectacular sight!

You can also visit the tulip gardens at the Floral Library in the spring here as well, or get on a pedal boat and explore the Potomac River and admire the beauty of the cherry blossoms from a different perspective!

READ NEXT: Spring events in Northern Virginia

Explore Georgetown in DC

Georgetown is a great place to explore in DC if you have more time. Take a stroll and admire all the historic row homes in the area.

It’s such a beautiful neighborhood, and there are so many wonderful restaurants and cafes.

You can also do some serious shopping here at the many local shops and boutiques in the area.

Don’t miss a visit along the waterfront, and enjoy dining with waterfront views, kayaking, and there’s a splash pad for the kids during the summer!

READ NEXT: Best Amusement Parks for families near DC

Spend the day at the United States Arboretum

If you plan to visit DC for more than a day, then don’t miss a visit to the US National Arboretum. This 446-acre park is a great place to relax, go on a bike ride, hiking, or have a picnic.

In the spring, the Arboretum comes alive with spring blooms and it’s just absolutely beautiful.

You can also visit the National Bonsai Museum and admire the beautiful bonsai garden display, or take a photo op with the columns of the old US State Capitol.

Visit the Wharf DC

When planning your one-day visit to Washington DC, plan to stay at the Wharf, which is DC’s newest waterfront destination.

There is always something going on here, plus there are fun little play areas for the kiddos, a splash pad to cool off in the summer, and you can rent a kayak and explore the Potomac River.

The DC Wharf is also home to some of the best restaurants in the city, a seafood market, a s’mores truck, and lots of fun year-round entertainment!

READ NEXT: Top things to do at the DC Wharf with kids

Visit Arlington National Cemetery

Another must-do on your day trip to DC is a visit to the Arlington National Cemetery.

Established in 1864 during the Civil war, Arlington National Cemetery is where America’s heroes are laid to rest, including President John F. Kennedy and Taft.

It’s one of the most beautiful memorial cemeteries in the US, and you can’t miss a visit to the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier!

You can easily get here by Metro which stops right at the entrance to the Cemetery or get here on foot. Just make sure to wear comfortable shoes!

Where to eat in DC

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• L’Enfant Plaza: Just two blocks from the National Mall right next to the Spy Museum is the L’Enfant Plaza. There is a huge food court with lots of dining options like Panda Express, Charley’s Philly Steaks, California Tortilla, Subway, Jamba Juice and more! Location: 429 L’Enfant Plaza SW, Washington, DC 20024

• Union Market, it’s a great place to satisfy your culinary appetite. There are so many food choices, It’s hard to choose what to eat. Location: 1309 5th St NE, Washington, DC 20002

• Founding Farmers is also a great place for some good eats, the food is amazing and the food is farm fresh! Location: 1924 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20006

• Old Ebbitt Grill is located by the White House and is the oldest saloon in Washington DC, founded in 1856. The food here is amazing, and is the perfect spot to grab a meal when visiting DC. Location: 675 15th St NW, Washington, DC 20005

• The Wharf is DC’s newest waterfront destination and there are so many amazing food choices here. You will also find a seafood market, selling fresh seafood cooked to order!

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Where to stay in DC

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There are so many amazing hotels to stay in in DC, I personally love to stay at the Wharf in DC.

Hyatt House is an amazing property, with amazing views of DC and the wharf, as well as a seasonal pool, and free breakfast!

The Intercontinental Washington DC-The Wharf, along with the Canopy hotel, are both amazing hotel stays in the Wharf DC as well.

If you’re looking for a unique hotel stay close to Washington DC, then the Gaylord National Resort and Convention center at the National Harbor is the perfect stay.

This destination hotel has a lot going on, with so many restaurants and shops in the property.

You can easily take a Boat Taxi to get to Washington DC, and explore for the day, or see what else the National Harbor in Maryland has to offer!

Book your hotel in Washington DC

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Some fun day trip ideas from DC:

Top things to do in Old Town Alexandria Virginia

Guide to visiting Great Falls Park Virginia

Guide to Visiting George Washington’s estate at Mount Vernon

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