How to Spend 24 Hours in Washington D.C.

Washington D.C. is home to numerous memorials and monuments that honor the country’s history. I’ve visited Washington D.C. several times over the years and am going again this upcoming weekend. The best things to do in D.C. are to see the famous memorials, monuments, and museums. I also recommend going to the botanical gardens! Here’s how to spend 24 hours in Washington D.C.

Overview:

• Morning: Breakfast/Brunch at Founding Farmer’s 
• Day: Explore the Monuments and Memorials (Washington Monument, George Washington Memorial Park, WW11 Memorial, Lincoln Memorial, Korean War Memorial, Franklin D. Roosevelt, Martin Luther King Memorial, Capital Building, White House)
• Lunch: Ben’s Chili Bowl or Old Ebbitt Grill
• Afternoon: Visit a Museum or Botanical Garden (National Museum of American History, Museum of National History, National Gallery of Art, United States Botanical Gardens)
• Dinner: Blue Duck Tavern
• Evening: Dinner and Performing Arts Show

Where to Stay?

I recommend staying downtown because it is centrally located and close to many attractions, restaurants, and shops. Capital Hilton is where we booked our hotel because of the PERFECT downtown location!

Where to Eat-

• Breakfast: I have heard great things on YouTube about the restaurant called Founding Farmer’s for breakfast. We might try this place for our upcoming trip and I will give you an honest review.
• Lunch:  
  • Ben’s Chili Bowl: Grab a classic D.C. breakfast at Ben’s Chili Bowl, a legendary eatery with good vibes and great food since 1958.
  • Old Ebbitt Grill: Take a break for lunch at Old Ebbitt Grill, a historic restaurant offering American cuisine since 1856.
• Dinner: Enjoy dinner at Blue Duck Tavern, a modern American restaurant with a focus on seasonal ingredients.

Stop #1: Monuments/Memorials-

You can choose which Monuments or Museums you’d like to visit, but you won’t have time to see them all in 24 hours. Below we list the top ones for you to choose from.

-Washington Monument- Learn More

The 555-foot-tall monument is dedicated to the first president of the United States, George Washington. It offers stunning views of the city and the White House from the observation deck.

-The White House- View More Photos

You MUST book a guided tour of the White House if you want to go inside or you can see the White House from afar. 

-Korean War Veterans Memorial–

This memorial features 19 stainless steel statues of soldiers, symbolizing freedom and sacrifice. It also includes a wall of 2,500 ceramic panels, each representing a day of the war.

-WW11 Memorial-

The WW11 Memorial honors the 16 million Americans who served in the armed forces during World War II. It features a pool, fountains, and a wall of 4,000 gold stars, representing 100 American service members who died during the war.

Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial–

This memorial honors the civil rights leader with a 30-foot-tall granite statue of King and quotes from his famous speeches.

Franklin D. Roosevelt Memorial–

This memorial features four outdoor “rooms” with waterfalls, sculptures, and quotes from FDR’s speeches. 

Lincoln Memorial–

This Memorial is dedicated to President Abraham Lincoln, who led the country through the Civil War. The memorial features a large marble statue of Lincoln.

You can see the monuments and memorials early in the morning or see them light up at night on a tour.

Stop #2: Museums-

If you appreciate and admire art, visit the National Gallery of Art. Visit the National Gallery of Art, which offers free admission and features an impressive collection of Western European and American art. If you love history, go to the National Museum of American History or the Museum of National History. Explore the many exhibits at the National Museum of Natural History, including dinosaur fossils, gems, and much more.

Stop #3: Botanical Gardens-

If you want a relaxing stroll amongst beautiful greenery and flowers, go to the United States Botanical Gardens. Since I have already been to all of the monuments and memorials, I would love to go to the botanical gardens on my upcoming trip.

Stop 4: Sunset: 

Walk around the Tidal Basin: Stroll around the Tidal Basin, a beautiful lake at sunset!

Stop 5: Catch a Show at the Kennedy Center:

If you’re interested in live theater or music, catch a show at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts.

We shared how to spend 24 hours in Washington D.C. Please comment below if you have ever been to D.C.! 

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