Washington DC Travel Guide

Heading to DC? Go check out this comprehensive Washington DC Travel Guide for everything you need to know BEFORE you go!

Are you ready for another epic Bucket List Trip? It’s time to plan your visit to Washington DC!

This comprehensive Washington DC Travel Guide will show you the best things to do + nearby destinations you won’t want to miss when you visit. Also, you’ll learn the best budget tips, what to bring, when to visit, and the top free things to do!

So whether you’re looking for a quick city getaway, or want to plan an awesome Road Trip with a stop in DC, you’re going to love these brilliant travel tips!

Are you ready to explore DC? Let’s get started…

Washington DC Travel Guide Things to do:

#1: International Spy Museum

There’s no better way to embrace your inner 007 than paying a visit to the International Spy Museum! Here you can visit exhibits on how spies gather intel, learn about techniques used on the field, and how historical events have been shaped by intel gathered by spies. All around, it’s a terrific museum! I loved our visit, and know you will, too. Go check out the entrance prices Here.

#2: Walk Around the Tidal Basin

A man-made reservoir just off the Potamac River, the Tidal Basin is situated between the Thomas Jefferson Memorial and the National Mall. It’s a beautiful spot to see the Japanese Cherry Blossoms in the spring, and the reflections of the Washington Monument and Jefferson Memorial make it all the more beautiful.

Washington DC Travel Guide - Tidal Basin Reflection

#3: Visit the Thomas Jefferson Memorial

This open air, round memorial is among the most beautiful in DC. Inside is a bronze statue of Jefferson as well as quotes inscribes in the walls.

Washington DC Travel Guide Visit Thomas Jefferson Monument

#4: Vietnam War Veterans Memorial

Located near the Lincoln Memorial, the long black granite wall inscribed with the names of the soldiers who died in the Vietnam War is definitely one of the most moving sites in the city.

#5: Lincoln Memorial

This dramatic memorial is located on the West end of the National Mall, and is one of the most iconic sights in all of DC. And of course the Lincoln Monument wouldn’t be the same without its famous reflecting pool!

#6: WWII Veterans Memorial

Finished in 2004, the elaborate WWII Veterans Memorial is at the opposite end of the Reflecting Pool from the Lincoln Memorial. It’s dedicated to the sixteen million Americans that served in WWII, with a lovely fountain as the center piece.

#7: Smithsonian Air and Space Museum

There’s no doubt this is one of the best aviation museums in the country! With everything from the Wright Brother’s first plane to the Spirit of St Louis – the first plane to cross the Atlantic – there’s so much to see here! Plus, admission is free!

#8: Washington Monument

Right smack in the middle of the National Mall, it’s impossible to miss the Washington Monument! Standing at 555 feet tall, it was the tallest building in the world when it was completed in 1884.

Washington DC Travel Guide See Washington Monument

#9: White House

A focal point and architectural icon, the White House is just half a mile north of the Washington Monument.

#10: Capitol Building

Washington simply wouldn’t be the same without the monstrous capitol building, with its gigantic dome towering high above the city. Tours of the capitol are free, but you’ll need to contact your local representative or senator before you go. Tours can be made up to 90 days in advance.

#11: Chinatown

What Washington’s Chinatown lacks in size, it makes up for in character. It’s home to one of the largest Chinese Friendship Arches in the world, and of course is home to some great Chinese restaurants! We actually stayed in Chinatown, and loved the convenient location as well. It was a great place to base out of, and in walking distance to the memorials.

Washington DC Travel Guide – Nearby Destinations:

#12: Shenandoah National Park, Virginia

Just 75 miles from the hustle and bustle of DC, Shenandoah National Park is the perfect tranquil spot to relax for the day. You can take a drive down the 105 mile long Skyline Drive, which winds around the Blue Ridge Mountains. Also, there’s hundreds of miles of hiking trails through forests, to waterfalls, and more.

#13: Monticello, Virginia

120 miles Southeast of DC, Monticello was Thomas Jefferson’s elaborate home. Nowadays you can take a few different tours around the home and gardens. Actually, just a couple of blocks away, you can take a tour of James Monroe’s Highland home as well. All around, this is a great day trip from DC!

Traveling to Washington DC on a Budget – What to Bring:

Flying to DC? Why pay, when you can score FREE airfare?!? When you use Swagbucks, you can get free gift cards for Southwest Airlines and Delta, which both fly into the Washington Dulles and Baltimore/Washington International Airports. Overall, this is the the best way to reduce the cost of your airfare to Washington DC. I’ve been a member of Swagbucks for about 10 years now, and it’s still one of my favorite ways to earn Free airline gift cards!

Here’s how it works:

Sign up with Swagbucks
Then start earning Swagbucks SB Points. There are so many EASY ways to earn Swagbucks! You can earn by Searching the Web {just like you would using Google}, Taking Surveys, Using Coupons, Shopping Online, Watching Videos, etc. I typically earn an easy $25 each month on Swagbucks!
Cash in your Swagbucks SB Points for Free Southwest Airlines Gift Cards and Free Delta Gift Cards!

How to Get Free Uber Rides in Washington:

If you’re flying into DC for a quick city break; or you have an extended layover and you don’t plan on renting a car, you can simply call an Uber to come pick you up from the airport and take you into the city. My favorite trick is to cash in Swagbucks points for Free Uber gift cards!

Here’s how it works:

Sign up with Swagbucks
Then start earning Swagbucks SB Points. There are so many EASY ways to earn Swagbucks! You can earn by Searching the Web {just like you would using Google}, Taking Surveys, Using Coupons, Shopping Online, Watching Videos, etc. I typically earn an easy $25 each month on Swagbucks!
Cash in your Swagbucks SB Points for Free Uber Gift Cards!