We just got back from the best long weekend in our nation’s capital. It was an absolutely wonderful trip, and the entire family had a great time. We were there for three nights, and while we were eager to experience all of the fun things Washington, D.C., has to offer, we didn’t want to overload the boys. So after a lot of research and planning, we narrowed it down and found the perfect balance of tours, sightseeing, and downtime.
A few weeks ago, I shared my guide on what to wear in DC. Today, I’m building on that and sharing our full itinerary, including the best things to do in Washington, DC, where to eat, and where to stay. I hope this can be a helpful resource for anyone planning a trip to our nation’s capital!
Where to Stay in Washington, DC
Before diving into all of the activities, I wanted to share a bit about where we stayed because I really think this can make or break a trip! We stayed at The Jefferson, which is one of the best luxury hotels in Washington, DC. It’s also a quick trip from the airport, which is always nice after a flight.
It didn’t take long to see why this hotel has won so many awards. Upon arrival, we immediately experienced the incredible hospitality. I don’t think I opened a door all weekend or lifted a finger! I love boutique hotels because they allow the staff to get to know their guests, and everyone was so welcoming. One of the staff members, Mohammed, even played soccer with my sons!
Executive Suite at The Jefferson
We stayed in the Executive Suite, which was gorgeous. It’s decorated in a Federalist style, with nods to Thomas Jefferson throughout. And it was a super comfortable setup for a family of four, with a living room, a pull-out sofa for the boys, and a king bed for us.
When visiting new hotels, it’s always the little things that stand out to me. The chocolate before bed, plenty of water on the nightstand, the cozy robes, the Epsom salts by the bath, the bath pillow—I could go on and on.
Everything felt intentional at The Jefferson, and these days, that really makes a hotel stand out. I highly recommend this one!
Things to Do in Washington, DC
Once we had our accommodations booked, I started looking into all of the things to do in Washington, DC. And honestly, there are so many options that it can be a bit overwhelming.
JB has always told me about his first trip to DC. His parents dragged him to so many museums that he never really had a huge desire to take the boys. So while I was eager to squeeze in as many museums as possible, we decided to move at a pace that would be fun for our family. And I’m so glad we did!
After a lot of research and planning, these are the Washington, DC activities we narrowed it down to for our family trip.
Attend a Nationals Game
We love catching a baseball game whenever we visit a new city, so we spent an evening at a Nationals game, and it was so much fun. They have great fans!
If you’re visiting during the summer, I think this is a no-fail thing to do in Washington, DC. Even if you aren’t a huge baseball fan, the atmosphere and overall experience make it well worth it.
International Spy Museum
So many people told us the boys were at the perfect age for the International Spy Museum, so we decided to give it a try. And we all loved it!
This museum is interactive, filled with fascinating history, and does a great job of keeping everyone engaged. It takes a while to make your way through, so just be prepared for that.
I’d also recommend purchasing a timed ticket in advance. This made our visit much easier and ensured that our preferred time slot didn’t sell out.
The Escape Game
One of the boys’ favorite Washington, DC activities was The Escape Game in Georgetown. It offers so many fun and unique escape room experiences and is perfect for kids and adults who enjoy solving these types of puzzles.
Georgetown Shopping
While the boys were at The Escape Game, I snuck away for a little shopping! Georgetown is absolutely adorable and has so many great stores. Tuckernuck, Sézane, Reformation, charming boutiques… it was hard to limit my shopping time to just one hour!
Eisenhower Executive Office Tour
We had the amazing opportunity to experience a very special tour of the Eisenhower Executive Office Building. A friend of mine works with the White House and was able to arrange it for us.
We even got to take a picture by the entrance to the West Wing before touring the Eisenhower building itself. The architecture is beautiful, steeped in history, and we all couldn’t believe our luck!
Touring any part of the White House complex is one of the most exciting things to do in Washington, DC, and this was a true pinch-me moment for our family.
Washington, DC Parks
There’s no shortage of parks in Washington, DC, which is wonderful when traveling as a family. We took the boys to Stead Park twice during our visit to play some pickup soccer. The park was just a short walk from The Jefferson, which made it incredibly convenient.
The National Mall
In my opinion, walking around the National Mall should be on everyone’s Washington, DC bucket list. It’s such a beautiful area, and there’s so much history to explore among the iconic monuments and memorials.
During this visit, we started at the Lincoln Memorial and worked our way back toward the White House, stopping at several memorials along the way. The Vietnam Veterans Memorial and the Korean War Veterans Memorial were especially impactful for our boys. Seeing the names of so many fallen soldiers made a lasting impression on all of us.
Where to Eat in Washington, DC
As with any trip, experiencing new restaurants was one of our favorite things to do in Washington, DC. It’s always so much fun to try new dining spots as a family and discover new favorites.
Thankfully, we had great luck during this trip! Here are a few of our favorite places to eat in DC.
The Greenhouse at The Jefferson
We went to the Nationals game on the first night of our trip, so we wanted to dine somewhere quick and convenient. We decided to try The Greenhouse restaurant inside our hotel.
This restaurant is absolutely gorgeous, with stunning wallpaper that even features a scene of Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello. And the best part? Everything was absolutely delicious!
My son tried (and loved) the French onion soup. We also enjoyed filets, Branzino, and the most delicious tomato and mozzarella salad. For dessert, we ordered the Sundae Trolley (aka “The Sweet Land of Liberty” during the summertime), which is the yummiest ice cream creation all decked out for America’s 250th birthday.
The staff knew we had a game to catch, so they were incredibly accommodating. Even though we were mindful of the time, we never felt rushed, which was so nice.
I highly recommend booking dinner—or even just dessert—for this experience. My kids will be talking about it forever!
A Delicious DC Brunch
In fact, we loved The Greenhouse so much that we also had brunch there the next morning.
I had a green juice and avocado toast on sourdough, and I loved both. Wesley said the chicken sausage was the best he’s ever had!
The whole vibe there in the morning light is absolutely gorgeous. And as a tablescape lover, I especially enjoyed seeing their beautiful Juliska Country Estate cups, saucers, and plates.
Del Mar: Spanish Tapas Along the Wharf
When we visited the Spy Museum, we were all hungry and needed something nearby for lunch. Del Mar was the perfect choice!
We enjoyed Spanish tapas, croquettes, and Basque cheesecake, and for a moment, we felt like we were back in Spain. Plus, the Wharf is such a fun area to explore before or after a meal.
Thomas Sweet
Visiting Thomas Sweet is such an iconic thing to do in Washington, DC, so naturally, we had to work in a stop. We grabbed ice cream here during our day in Georgetown, and it did not disappoint.
The ice cream was delicious, and the boys loved choosing from all of the fun toppings!
Le Diplomate
Based on the number of recommendations sent our way, Le Diplomate is clearly a Washington, DC favorite. And for good reason—it was delicious!
Honestly, it felt like we were in France, from the interiors and the food to the overall atmosphere.
We had a hard time securing a reservation on our own, but The Jefferson’s concierge was able to arrange one for us. It was such a great perk of staying at this hotel!
Quill
JB and I snuck down for a nightcap one evening at Quill, the lounge and cocktail bar inside The Jefferson. I also couldn’t resist trying their caviar deviled eggs—yum!
Quill is such a fun, chic, and cozy spot. They even had a live pianist! We had the best time chatting, enjoying the music, and savoring our drinks and food.
Old Ebbitt Grill
After our Eisenhower tour, we were hungry and looking for something nearby. Old Ebbitt Grill popped up, and we’re so glad it did!
The atmosphere was lively, the service was excellent, and the food hit the spot after a busy afternoon of sightseeing. It also has so much history, which made the experience even more fun.
What to Wear in Washington, DC in the Summer
We were so lucky to have absolutely perfect weather during this trip! Each day was in the 60s and 70s with low humidity. We walked for miles and never broke a sweat, which truly felt like such a gift.
The beautiful weather also made getting dressed so much fun, as I wasn’t limited by rain, heat, or humidity. Since our trip took place right after Memorial Day, I leaned into lots of red, white, and blue styles with an Americana vibe to kick off summer.
I don’t think you can ever go wrong with the classics when visiting this area. If you’re planning a trip, I also put together a full guide on what to wear in Washington, DC, complete with outfit inspiration and packing ideas for summertime travel.
Things to Do in Washington, DC: Our Final Thoughts
A family trip to our nation’s capital is such a special and memorable experience. Between the museums, monuments, incredible restaurants, and unique activities, there truly is something for everyone to enjoy. We had the best time exploring DC together, and it’s a trip I know our boys will remember for years to come.
If a visit to this area is on your family’s bucket list, I hope this guide covering things to do in Washington, DC, places to eat, where to stay, and what to wear helps make planning your trip a little easier.
For more family travel favorites, be sure to check out these posts:
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