Looking for the perfect way to spend 4 days in Washington DC? Then look no further! This detailed 4-day Washington DC itinerary covers all of the city’s major attractions and much more, allowing you to get lots of insights into the history and culture of Washington DC. Washington DC is classed as the capital of the USA and is home to some of the greatest landmarks in the country, making it a popular location for tourists. Filling an itinerary in the city is easy, as there is so much to do, but if you only have 4 days in Washington DC, it can be hard to narrow down experiencing landmarks, attractions and activities into a logical plan. This 4-day itinerary does just that! Without any further introduction, let’s get started…
This guest post was written by Kim from Kims History Travel.
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Are 4 days in Washington DC enough?
There are so many great things to do in the city, but 4 days in Washington DC give you plenty of time to explore the city’s top attractions and tour some of the best political and historical landmarks and buildings. While 2 days in Washington DC can be short, in 4 days you will be able to cram in lots of things to see and do and you’ll definitely not get bored! To get the most out of your days, you’ll need to be prepared to get up early and spend most of the day on your feet exploring, but don’t worry, you’ll still have time to relax too!
With so much history and culture, Washington, DC could take weeks to fully explore, but 4 days will certainly allow you to get a great sense of the city, its past and its atmosphere. A long weekend or midweek break is the perfect amount of time for exploring Washington DC if you plan your itinerary right! If you’re visiting the city in March or April, you will be lucky to witness cherry blossom season in Washington DC.
4-Day Washington DC Itinerary: Day 1
Admire the Monuments and Memorials on the National Mall
The National Mall is one of DC’s most prized possessions and is a great green space for having a leisurely walk or picnic. The Mall is home to many of the city’s most famous memorials and monuments that have become very popular tourist attractions. A walk through the National Mall on your first morning in Washington DC will help to refresh or educate you on several of the political and historical events and individuals that have shaped the US and indeed the world. Some of the most well-known and visited landmarks that you should make sure to see include:
- Thomas Jefferson Memorial
- Korean War Veterans Memorial
- Vietnam Veterans Memorial
- Martin Luther King Jr Memorial
- National World War II Memorial
Tour the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History
After touring the National Mall, head over to the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History – an amazing, educational and free attraction (a private tour is available as well). The Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History is one of the world’s most visited natural history museums and is one of many museums across the US administered by the Smithsonian Institution.
It houses over 145 million artefacts, including fossils, minerals, plants, and human cultural pieces. Notable exhibits that you should make sure to visit include the Hope Diamond, the Hall of Human Origins, and the Dinosaur Hall. Opened in 1910, the museum offers free admission and is a center for research and education, attracting millions of visitors each year.
FBI HQ Tour (US Citizens only)
Next, head to the FBI Headquarters to take their guided tour which offers a fascinating look at the agency’s important role in national security, criminal investigations, and counterterrorism efforts. Located in the J. Edgar Hoover Building, the tour includes exhibits on the FBI’s history, operations, and notable cases solved. It’s important to note that these tours are unfortunately available to US citizens only due to security measures and all reservations must be made through a Congressional office. Security screenings are also required prior to commencing the tour.
Alternative: International Spy Museum
If you’re not a US citizen then a great alternative to touring the FB headquarters would be to buy a ticket for the International Spy Museum, located just a short distance from the National Mall. The museum holds the largest collection of international spy artefacts of public display and invites guests to step into the shoes of a spy with lots of interactive exhibits, and has been branded DC’s most immersive museum.
Visit the Washington Monument
The Washington Monument is located on the edges of the National Mall, and deserves its own separate visit. The monument is a familiar obelisk, often shown in movies and was built to honor George Washington, the first President of the United States. Standing at 555 feet, it was the tallest structure in the world when its construction was completed in 1884.
But the marble and granite monument isn’t just a statue, it also doubles as one of the best panoramic vantage points in the whole city. The observation deck is located at 500 feet and offers stunning 360-degree views of famous landmarks including the White House, Lincoln Memorial, and the US Capitol – the perfect location to end your first day in the city as the sun goes down. Interpretive displays on the observation deck help explain the history and significance of the views, making it a popular spot for both tourists and locals to appreciate the nation’s capital.
4-Day Washington DC Itinerary: Day 2
Start Your Day with a White House Tour
The White House is perhaps DC’s most iconic building and you’ll not want to miss getting a photograph outside it during your sightseeing. But did you know that you can tour the inside of the White House too? To tour the White House, requests must be submitted through a Member of Congress up to three months in advance. The tours cover the East Wing and include the famous State Rooms.
While access is limited and security is very tight, the experience of walking through the iconic residence is unforgettable. Be sure to plan early if you want to partake in a White House tour as spots fill fast! If you miss your chance to reserve a spot on the tours of the White House, then don’t panic, you’ll still be able to get some great pictures outside it, with the wonderful fountain in the background – you might even get a glimpse of the president coming and going on business!
Explore the Lincoln Memorial
After your trip to the White House, head back through the National Mall to the Lincoln Memorial. This memorial is one of the biggest and most famous in the whole city, representative of one of the country’s most influential and well-known presidents, Abraham Lincoln. You’ll definitely have come across the memorial in one way or another before your visit, having been featured in several great movies like “Forrest Gump” or appearing on the back of American dollars.
The exterior of the Lincoln Memorial resembles a Greek temple, with huge marble columns while the inside is split into three chambers. The most beautifully designed chamber is the middle one which houses the huge statue of Lincoln, seated with a contemplating face. The memorial’s design has so many hidden meanings to explore such as the number of steps (87) being a nod to one of Lincoln’s speeches in which he spoke of America’s Declaration of Independence “four score and seven years ago”.
Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum
The Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum houses the world’s largest collection of aviation artefacts and memorabilia and is a great attraction to spend the rest of your afternoon in. The museum is one of the best science museums in the United States and is home to iconic pieces like the Wright Brothers’ 1903 Flyer, the Spirit of St. Louis, and the Apollo 11 Command Module. It also features the Space Shuttle Discovery and a collection of lunar rocks that are so cool to get up close to! There are plenty of interactive exhibits at the museum too, that are attractive to both adults and kids, including flight simulators and planetarium shows.
Entry to the museum is free but you are now required to gain a timed-entry pass which helps to control the number of people touring the museum at a given time. These can be reserved online, and passes are released in 6-week blocks. There are also a small number of same-day passes that are released each morning if you’ve made a last minute plan to visit the museum. You can also choose to take part in a private tour to hear stories about the sights you wouldn’t uncover on your own.
Explore Georgetown
Georgetown is the perfect neighborhood to spend the rest of your afternoon and evening. With cute, cobblestone streets and quaint architecture, Georgetown is like something out of a movie. The neighborhood is full of great places to grab a bite to eat, with diverse eateries and family-run businesses being very popular. You’ll also find some great boutiques to shop at in Georgetown, which are a lot quieter and with more unique goods than those found in the city center.
4-Day Washington DC Itinerary: Day 3
Tour the Capitol Building
The Capitol Building is another important landmark in Washington, DC and one that not many people know that you can tour the inside of. Starting your third morning in the city with a tour of the Capitol will help to get you in a political mindset for the rest of the day ahead! Free guided tours of the building start at the Capitol Visitor Center, multiple times a day, providing an insightful look into the legislative process and a large chunk of American history. During the tour, you’ll explore historic rooms, see the Rotunda, and view impressive artworks and pretty spectacular architecture. Due to strict security measures, you must pass through metal detectors and have your bags screened. Booking your tour in advance is highly recommended, especially if you’re visiting in peak tourist season (the summer months).
View Live Proceedings at the Supreme Court
Next, head just a few steps to the Supreme Court where you’ll be invited to get a unique glimpse into the US justice system. The Supreme Court allows self-guided tours of many of the building’s prime areas, exploration of exhibits and even invites tourists and locals to attend educational lectures about its history and operations.
When the court is in session, you are also permitted to observe the oral arguments being made, but seating is usually very limited – make sure to take note of the day’s proceedings and get yourself a spot if you can! Whether you’re a law fanatic or don’t have much interest in the justice system, a visit to the Supreme Court is still great for all tourists in Washington, DC, as the building itself is lovely to tour and it is still interesting to get a glimpse of how the US is governed, even if you don’t understand much about what is being said!
Visit the Library of Congress
The Library of Congress is the largest library in the world and is a gold mine of knowledge and history. With no entry fee, you’re welcome to step inside and marvel at its stunning architecture, explore numerous exhibits, and view historical documents like Thomas Jefferson’s personal library. Free tours of the Library of Congress are also available, offering knowledgeable insights into the library’s vast collections and its role in preserving American cultural heritage. The library is located right by the Capitol Building and Supreme Court, meaning you’ll not have far to walk to between attractions on Day 3 of your 4 days in Washington DC.
Relax at the United States Botanic Garden
To end your day of exploring historical and political attractions, take a short walk to the United States Botanic Garden. It’s the perfect place for a bit of relaxation. With a huge collection of regional plants and exotic flora (over 44,000 plants to be exact!), the garden is a beautiful display in the middle of the chaotic city center, particularly during the warmer months.
The Conservatory is the highlight of the garden, with lots of rare plant species from all over the world, from desert environments to tropical rainforests. The Corpse Flower is a species to look out for while visiting the US Botanic Garden, with only 1,000 individuals left in the wild! Entrance to the Botanic Garden is free, allowing you to tour the different areas and species for as long as you’d like. Make sure to bring your phone or a good camera with you to take some snaps of your favorite flowers and plants!
4-Day Washington DC Itinerary: Day 4
Reflect at Arlington National Cemetery
Visiting Arlington National Cemetery is a poignant experience and is a good place of reflection and remembrance. Notable graves at Arlington include those of President John F. Kennedy, which has the eternal flame, and the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, which features a changing of the guard ceremony. The ceremony happens every hour or half an hour depending on the time of year.
The cemetery also has graves of thousands of U.S. military personnel from privates to captains who fought for the country during many wars. Head to the cemetery early on Day 4 of your time in the city in order to beat crowds and give yourself enough time to explore. While you can tour the cemetery yourself, due to its sheer size, taking a guided tour may be easier to ensure you see the most notable graves and stops.
See the Pentagon
After your visit to Arlington, make a pit stop to see the Pentagon, another famous landmark in the city. While you’ll likely see the Pentagon from the raised sections of the cemetery, taking the walk over to the building itself is worth it. Especially if you wish to pay your respects to those who lost their lives during the 9/11 attacks.
The 9/11 Memorial commemorates the 184 individuals who died at the Pentagon and on the plane that crashed at the site. It is a great space for reflection and is a somber reminder of the horrific terror events that happened in 2001. Tours of the Pentagon are also available and would be a great time-filler if you are looking to fill a gap on your last day. Tours need to be booked in advance and security is very tight, but they are very informative and interesting. Foreign nationals can apply to take part in a tour by making a request through their home country’s embassy.
Visit the Smithsonian National Zoo
The National Zoo, which is a part of the Smithsonian Institution, offers free entry to all guests. It is home to over 2,700 animals across 390 different species, making it the perfect attraction to spend an afternoon in DC. Highlights in the zoo include the giant pandas (returning soon!), Asian elephants, lions, tigers, and an impressive variety of birds, reptiles, and aquatic animals. The National Zoo is located in Rock Creek Park. One of the city’s biggest and best green spaces and seeks to provide an educational and entertaining experience for visitors of all ages. The Smithsonian National Zoo is a must-visit attraction in DC, especially if you love animals and is a great place to spend your last afternoon in the city.
How to Get Around Washington DC
Washington DC has multiple convenient transportation options for getting around the city. The Metro system is the most popular, with an extensive network of trains connecting many of the major attractions and skirting neighborhoods. DC Circulator buses also provide an affordable and convenient way to travel between key locations. If you’d like to be more active, the city is also very bike-friendly, with plenty of well-cared-for cycle paths and lanes. There are also a number of bike-sharing programs like Capital Bikeshare available if you need to hire a bike for short distances.
When you’re visiting much of the city’s major attractions, you’ll be quickest traveling on foot. The National Mall is home to many of the attractions you’ll be visiting on Day 1-3. And it is one of the city’s most walkable areas. If you’re travelling to neighborhoods outside of the city that are less easily accessible by public transport then rideshare services like Uber and Lyft are very reliable. Often, these services work out cheaper for small groups than paying for tickets on trains and buses.
Where to Stay in Washington DC
There are several neighborhoods that have great accommodation options for tourists. The Downtown area is one of the best areas for tourists as it is so close to the National Mall, the Smithsonian museums and the monuments. It is very convenient since it has so many hotels and accommodation options. But it can be very pricey if you’re looking for something a bit fancier than a hostel.
Georgetown provides a charming, historic atmosphere with cobblestone streets, great shopping, and a vibrant dining scene. But it’s a bit far from major tourist sites, meaning you’ll likely have to use public transport. For a more local experience, you could consider Capitol Hill, which offers easy access to the US Capitol Building, the Supreme Court and the US Botanic Garden.
Final Words
Washington DC is full of great attractions, and filling a 4-day itinerary is pretty easy. From museums to historic building tours to open green spaces, the city has so much worth exploring. This 4-day Washington DC itinerary makes sure that you visit the best attractions that DC has to offer in a logical and enjoyable way, leaving some spare time for enjoying meals and exploring the area around your accommodation. I hope you enjoy your trip to Washington, DC and enjoy it as much as I did!
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