New Chat

Download App

Ask me about your trip!

There are no messages for this conversation.

Free AI trip planner

8-Day Washington D.C. Historical Road Trip

8-Day Washington D.C. Historical Road Trip Itinerary

Last updated: 2024 Jun 14

Exploring the National Mall

Morning
Start your day with a visit to the National Mall. This iconic location is home to numerous monuments and memorials, making it a perfect introduction to the history and culture of Washington, D.C. Spend your morning walking around and taking in the sights of landmarks such as the Lincoln Memorial and Washington Monument.
Afternoon
After a morning of exploration, head over to Founding Farmers DC for a delicious lunch. This highly-rated restaurant offers farm-to-table American cuisine that will give you a taste of local flavors. Post-lunch, visit the National Museum of African American History and Culture. This museum provides an in-depth look at African American history and culture through engaging exhibits.
Evening
For dinner, make your way to Rasika, known for its modern Indian cuisine. Afterward, take an evening stroll around the Tidal Basin, where you can enjoy beautiful views of the Jefferson Memorial illuminated at night.
Bedtime
Find amazing hotels in Washington, D.C..
Visit National Mall in Washington, D.C.
star4.53

National Mall

Book Now
Visit National Museum of African American History and Culture in Washington, D.C.
star4.51

National Museum of African American History and Culture

Book Now
next arrow

Monuments and Museums

Morning
Begin your second day with breakfast at Ted's Bulletin 14th Street NW, famous for its hearty American breakfast options. Then head to the National Air and Space Museum where you can explore exhibits on aviation and space exploration.
Afternoon
For lunch, stop by Zaytinya by José Andrés which offers Mediterranean small plates. After lunch, visit the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum. This museum provides a poignant look at one of history's darkest periods through powerful exhibits.
Evening
Dinner tonight will be at Old Ebbitt Grill, one of Washington's oldest establishments known for its seafood and classic American dishes. End your evening with a visit to the Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial, beautifully lit up at night.
Bedtime
Find amazing hotels in Washington, D.C..
Visit National Air and Space Museum in Washington, D.C.
star4.49

National Air and Space Museum

Book Now
Visit United States Holocaust Memorial Museum in Washington, D.C.
star4.41

United States Holocaust Memorial Museum

Book Now
next arrow

Capitol Hill & Georgetown

Morning
Start your day with breakfast at Busboys and Poets - 14th & V, known for its cozy atmosphere and delicious food. Then head over to Capitol Hill for a tour of the iconic buildings including the U.S. Capitol and the Supreme Court building.
Afternoon
For lunch, try out some local flavors at We The Pizza. Afterward, spend your afternoon exploring Georgetown with stops like the historic neighborhood itself (Georgetown) or perhaps some shopping along M Street.
Evening
End your day with dinner at Le Diplomate, offering French cuisine in a vibrant setting.
Bedtime
Find amazing hotels in Washington, D.C..
Visit U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C.
star4.53

U.S. Capitol

Book Now
Visit Georgetown in Washington, D.C.
star4.72

Georgetown

Book Now

Smithsonian and Monuments

Morning
Start your day with breakfast at District Taco - Metro Center DC, known for its delicious breakfast tacos. Then head over to The Smithsonian, where you can spend your morning exploring one of its many museums, such as the National Museum of American History or the National Museum of Natural History.
Afternoon
For lunch, enjoy a meal at Blue Duck Tavern, which offers upscale American cuisine. Afterward, visit some more monuments including the Vietnam Veterans Memorial and Korean War Veterans Memorial. These sites offer poignant reminders of America's history and sacrifices.
Evening
Dinner tonight will be at Joe's Seafood, Prime Steak & Stone Crab, known for its high-quality seafood and steaks. End your evening with a leisurely walk around the National Mall to see some of these monuments illuminated.
Bedtime
Find amazing hotels in Washington, D.C..
Visit The Smithsonian in Washington, D.C.
star4.38

The Smithsonian

Book Now
Visit From Reykjavik Golden Circle Full Day Tour in Washington, D.C.
star4.64

Vietnam Veterans Memorial

Book Now
next arrow

Art and Archives

Morning
Begin your day with breakfast at Ted's Bulletin 14th Street NW again for another hearty meal. Then head over to the National Gallery of Art where you can spend your morning admiring works from various periods and styles.
Afternoon
For lunch, stop by Rose's Luxury, which offers innovative American dishes in a cozy setting. After lunch, visit the National Archives Museum where you can view important historical documents such as the Declaration of Independence and Constitution.
Evening
Dinner tonight will be at Fiola Mare, offering exquisite Italian seafood dishes with views of Georgetown Waterfront.
Bedtime
Find amazing hotels in Washington, D.C..
Visit National Gallery of Art in Washington, D.C.
star4.81

National Gallery of Art

Book Now
Visit National Archives Museum in Washington, D.C.
star4.65

National Archives Museum

Book Now

Final Day in D.C.

Morning
Start your final day with breakfast at Ben's Chili Bowl, an iconic eatery known for its chili dogs and half-smokes. Then head over to visit any remaining sites on your wishlist or revisit favorites like Lincoln Memorial or take a guided tour like  Washington DC Georgetown Glow Public Art Tour.
Afternoon
For lunch on your last day, try out some local flavors at another favorite spot from our list or revisit one you loved earlier in your trip like We The Pizza. Spend your afternoon taking it easy; perhaps a leisurely stroll through one more museum or park that caught your eye during previous days' explorations.
Evening
End your trip with dinner at Old Ebbitt Grill if not already visited earlier or another highly-rated restaurant from our list before heading back home.
Bedtime
Find amazing hotels in Washington, D.C..
Visit From Prague Český Krumlov and České Budějovice Day Trip in Washington, D.C.
star3.98

Lincoln Memorial

Book Now
Visit Washington DC Georgetown Glow Public Art Tour in Washington, D.C.
star5.00

Washington DC Georgetown Glow Public Art Tour

Book Now

Historic Alexandria

Morning
Take a short drive to Alexandria this morning. Start with breakfast at a local favorite before heading out on an Alexandria Walking Through George Washington's Alexandria. This guided tour will take you through historic sites related to George Washington's life in Alexandria.
Afternoon
Enjoy lunch at one of Alexandria’s charming eateries before visiting the George Washington Masonic National Memorial. This impressive structure offers insight into George Washington’s legacy as well as stunning views from its observation deck.
Evening
Dine at one of Alexandria’s top-rated restaurants before heading back to Washington D.C.
Bedtime
Find amazing hotels in Alexandria.
Visit Alexandria Walking Through George Washington's Alexandria in Alexandria
star5.00

Alexandria Walking Through George Washington's Alexandria

Book Now
Visit George Washington Masonic National Memorial in Alexandria
star4.19

George Washington Masonic National Memorial

Book Now

Arlington's Heroes and History

Morning
Begin your day with a visit to the Arlington National Cemetery. This solemn and historic site is the final resting place for many American heroes. Take your time to explore the grounds and witness the Changing of the Guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.
Afternoon
For lunch, head to a nearby café in Arlington. Afterward, visit the US Marine Corps War Memorial, also known as the Iwo Jima Memorial. This iconic statue is dedicated to all Marines who have given their lives in defense of the United States since 1775.
Evening
Dine at one of Arlington’s top-rated restaurants before returning to Washington, D.C. for an evening visit to The White House. While you may not be able to go inside, viewing this iconic building lit up at night is a memorable experience.
Bedtime
Find amazing hotels in Arlington.
Visit Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington
star4.45

Arlington National Cemetery

Book Now
Visit US Marine Corps War Memorial in Arlington
star4.63

US Marine Corps War Memorial

Book Now
next arrow

Top Washington D.C. Travel Videos

kayakFind the right stay during your trip.
Got a question about your trip?