Planning a trip to the U.S. capital can feel overwhelming—there’s so much history, culture, and charm packed into every corner. That’s exactly why having a well-organized Washington DC 5 Day Itinerary is key. From standing in awe at the Lincoln Memorial to wandering through world-class museums, to savoring delicious meals in lively neighborhoods, Washington DC is more than just monuments and politics.
Over five days, you’ll have the chance to explore not only the National Mall but also Georgetown’s cobblestone streets, Dupont Circle’s vibrant scene, and even take a day trip if you’d like. I’ll also share the best hotels, tours worth booking, and restaurants you can’t miss. Whether you’re traveling solo (like in this Perfect New York Solo Travel guide) or with family, this guide has you covered.
Washington DC 5 Day Itinerary: A Complete Guide to Explore the Capital
Table of contents
- Washington DC 5 Day Itinerary: A Complete Guide to Explore the Capital
- Washington DC 5 Day Itinerary Overview
- Washington DC 5 Day Itinerary
- Day 3: Georgetown & Waterfront
- Best Hotels in Washington DC
- Best Tours for Washington DC 5 Day Itinerary
- Best Restaurants in Washington DC
- FAQs About Washington DC 5 Day Itinerary
- Washington DC 5 Day Itinerary: Wrapping Up
Washington DC 5 Day Itinerary Overview
Here’s a quick glance at how your days will unfold:
- Day 1: National Mall & Monuments
- Day 2: Smithsonian Museums & Capitol Hill
- Day 3: Georgetown & Waterfront
- Day 4: Arlington, Memorials & Cultural Hotspots
- Day 5: Day Trip or Explore Hidden Gems
Washington DC 5 Day Itinerary
Day 1: National Mall & Monuments
- Begin at the Lincoln Memorial, then walk the Reflecting Pool toward the WWII Memorial and Washington Monument.
- Stop for lunch at Old Ebbitt Grill.
- Spend the afternoon exploring the White House Visitor Center and nearby memorials.
- In the evening, consider a Monuments by Night Tour, similar to unique experiences you’ll find in San Diego Helicopter Tours.
Day 2: Smithsonian Museums & Capitol Hill
- Start at the National Air and Space Museum, then continue to the Natural History Museum.
- Enjoy lunch at a Smithsonian café.
- Visit the National Gallery of Art in the afternoon, followed by a guided Capitol & Library of Congress Tour.
- Dinner at Ambar Capitol Hill to try their unlimited mezze menu.
- This day mirrors the deep cultural dive you’d find in 4 Days in Chicago or the New York Itinerary 5 Days.
Day 3: Georgetown & Waterfront
- Grab breakfast at Baked & Wired, then stroll through Georgetown’s cobblestone streets and boutiques.
- Lunch at Farmers Fishers Bakers with waterfront views.
- Walk along the C&O Canal Towpath and visit Dumbarton Oaks Gardens.
- End with a sunset Potomac River cruise.
- The charm here is reminiscent of coastal towns featured in the Family-Friendly Guide to 30A Florida.
Day 4: Arlington, Memorials & Cultural Hotspots
- Morning visit to Arlington National Cemetery and the Pentagon Memorial.
- Lunch in Crystal City.
- Afternoon at the Kennedy Center and a stroll in Adams Morgan.
- Dinner at Le Diplomate, followed by live music at the 9:30 Club.
- For culture lovers, this day offers the same kind of vibrant city vibe as Atlanta Travel and Tourism.
Day 5: Day Trip or Hidden Gems
- Option 1: Take a day trip to Mount Vernon and Old Town Alexandria.
- Option 2: Stay in DC and explore Dupont Circle, Embassy Row, and the Phillips Collection.
- Final dinner at Rose’s Luxury or Ambar.
- Just like mixing Orlando theme parks into your Florida adventures in Orlando Travel Deals, adding a nearby day trip enriches your DC visit.
- If you love combining cities, consider pairing DC with ideas from Train Travel Across the USA or a side trip to NYC using the Ultimate NYC Itinerary 3 Days.
Best Hotels in Washington DC
| Hotel | Description | Booking Link |
|---|---|---|
| The Watergate Hotel | Historic luxury with a rooftop bar, spa, and Potomac River views. Great if you want something iconic like the hotels mentioned in this 1 Week Chicago Itinerary. | Book The Watergate Hotel |
| The Darcy Hotel | Trendy boutique hotel near Dupont Circle with complimentary bikes and cocktails. A perfect option if you loved unique stays from the Perfect New York Solo Travel guide. | Book The Darcy |
| Hilton Garden Inn DC Downtown | Budget-friendly and steps from the White House. Convenient for families, just like hotels featured in this Family-Friendly Guide to 30A Florida. | Book Hilton Garden Inn |
| Kimpton George Hotel | Artistic, pet-friendly, and located right by Capitol Hill. Similar boutique vibe to places in Atlanta Travel and Tourism. | Book Kimpton George |
| JW Marriott Washington DC | Modern elegance near the National Mall — comparable to high-end stays highlighted in the Ultimate NYC Itinerary 3 Days. | Book JW Marriott |
| Hotel Hive | DC’s first “micro-hotel,” stylish and affordable, ideal for minimalist travelers. Similar concept to options in Orlando Travel Deals. | Book Hotel Hive |
Best Tours for Washington DC 5 Day Itinerary
| Tour | Why It’s Great | Booking Link |
|---|---|---|
| DC Monuments by Night Bus Tour | See the Lincoln, Jefferson, and MLK memorials illuminated — as magical as the evening San Diego Helicopter Tours. | Book Night Tour |
| Capitol & Library of Congress Guided Tour | Skip the lines and dive into political history, much like exploring government buildings in New York Itinerary 5 Days. | Book Capitol Tour |
| Smithsonian Highlights Private Tour | A curated experience of the best museums — perfect if you loved museum-hopping ideas in 4 Days in Chicago. | Book Smithsonian Tour |
| Potomac River Dinner Cruise | Relax on the water with music, food, and monuments — a unique experience like Train Travel Across USA, but on a boat. | Book Dinner Cruise |
| Mount Vernon Half-Day Trip | Visit George Washington’s estate, gardens, and museum — a great addition to your Trip Ideas Around Phoenix. | Book Mount Vernon Tour |
Best Restaurants in Washington DC
| Restaurant | Cuisine | Why Visit | Review Link |
|---|---|---|---|
| Le Diplomate | French Bistro | A Parisian-style restaurant with incredible steak frites, comparable to food experiences in Things to Do in San Francisco with Kids when traveling with family. | Read Reviews |
| Founding Farmers | American | Famous for farm-to-table comfort food, just like local eats recommended in Atlanta Travel and Tourism. | Read Reviews |
| Old Ebbitt Grill | Seafood & American | Historic restaurant near the White House, much like classic eateries listed in Ultimate NYC Itinerary 3 Days. | Read Reviews |
| Ambar Capitol Hill | Balkan | Unlimited mezze plates, making it a must-try just like unique dining spots in San Diego Helicopter Tours. | Read Reviews |
| Ben’s Chili Bowl | DC Classic | Legendary half-smokes and chili dogs — as iconic to DC as pizza is in New York Itinerary 5 Days. | Read Reviews |
| Rose’s Luxury | New American | Ever-changing tasting menus in an award-winning restaurant, offering creativity similar to what’s featured in Category: USA Destinations. | Read Reviews |
FAQs About Washington DC 5 Day Itinerary
Washington DC 5 Day Itinerary: Wrapping Up
This Washington DC 5 Day Itinerary blends history, culture, and food, with options for first-time visitors and repeat travelers alike. For even more U.S. travel inspiration, explore my other guides: