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8-Day Washington D.C. Historical Road Trip Itinerary
Last updated: 2024 Jun 14Exploring 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
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4.53National Mall
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4.53
National Mall
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4.51National Museum of African American History and Culture
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4.51
National Museum of African American History and Culture
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4.43Tidal Basin
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4.43
Tidal Basin
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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
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4.49National Air and Space Museum
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4.49
National Air and Space Museum
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4.41United States Holocaust Memorial Museum
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4.41
United States Holocaust Memorial Museum
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4.54Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial
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4.54
Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial
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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
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4.53U.S. Capitol
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4.53
U.S. Capitol
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4.72Georgetown
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4.72
Georgetown
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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
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4.38The Smithsonian
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4.38
The Smithsonian
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4.64Vietnam Veterans Memorial
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4.64
Vietnam Veterans Memorial
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4.54Korean War Veterans Memorial
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4.54
Korean War Veterans Memorial
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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
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4.81National Gallery of Art
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4.81
National Gallery of Art
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4.65National Archives Museum
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4.65
National Archives Museum
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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
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3.98Lincoln Memorial
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3.98
Lincoln Memorial
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5.00Washington DC Georgetown Glow Public Art Tour
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5.00
Washington DC Georgetown Glow Public Art Tour
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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
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5.00Alexandria Walking Through George Washington's Alexandria
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5.00
Alexandria Walking Through George Washington's Alexandria
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4.19George Washington Masonic National Memorial
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4.19
George Washington Masonic National Memorial
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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
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4.45Arlington National Cemetery
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4.45
Arlington National Cemetery
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4.63US Marine Corps War Memorial
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4.63
US Marine Corps War Memorial
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4.47The White House
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4.47
The White House
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