I was excited for my first time visiting Washington DC. My uncles had suggested it as a place we meet up for a week and we couldn’t say no. There were so many museums, monuments and restaurants that I wanted to see and experience. As a bonus, my uncle figured out how to get a tour at the White House!

Exploring the Best of Washington DC

If you have read any of our blog posts, you will see that most of our adventures are out on remote trails or if we need to relax, we find solitude near a river. But sometimes we look forward to the hustle and bustle that a big city provides. During the day we love to explore what makes that city unique by a fun run or walking to the most popular spots. At night, we are not into clubs, but we do love the dining scene. From local shops, food trucks and Michelin starred restaurants. Of course, being in a city does mean that things can be a bit more expensive. Accommodations especially are pricey if you want to be close to the action. But the unique thing about Washington D.C. is how much free attractions and museums they have. In most cities, attractions and museums come with a cost, while a few do here, there are so many options of free and included in that are parks, running paths, water features and outdoor art.

If you are able to walk or run, you can see a lot without having to rely on public transportation. If you have little time and need to get around faster, public transportation is incredibly affordable, taxis are plentiful and affordable and you may see an Uber here and there. We were very excited to explore this city!

We have written this in four different sections: Museums, Top Tours, Monuments/Memorials and Food. Plus, we add a few extra free things to do and tips on transportation!

The Best Museums in Washington DC

Our previous blog posts provides all the information you will need to experience some of the best free museums in Washington DC. If you would like to read that post, click here!

The Major Tours

Some would argue that the most known landmarks in Washington D.C. are the White House, The Capital, Library of Congress and just outside in Virginia, The Pentagon. All four have free tours for the public. The following is everything you need to know to get to experience each of these landmarks.

The Capital

You need to make reservations ahead of time during the peak season. When we were there in September, you needed a reservation but you could make it the day of. There are plenty of times available each day that they are open to make it convenient. They only let certain amount of people each hour because you are guided through the areas you can see by a docent. To begin your tour, you enter at the visitor center.

The tour started with a 15 minute video of the history of the capital and then after that you meet with a docent for the rest of the tour. The tour was about an hour total.

You get to see meeting places from the very beginning. The Supreme Court also had its first meeting rooms in the Capital building. The first stop is the the very center of Washington D.C. in the crypt of the building. You will then move on to the individual rooms where the senate met and where supreme court hearings were held. The bottom picture is one of the most import and famous pictures. In 1783, on December 23, George Washington stepped down as the commander of the Army. This gesture assured that the US would be a republic and not a monarchy or a country lead by the military. He laid the foundation for what we are today and did so humbly.

This tour does not include getting into the gallery of the Senate or the House. You need to get special passes separately. If you would like information on that, click here: Senate or House Gallery Pass

The White House

We were excited for this tour, especially since the process to get the reservation was a task. My uncle was able to write to his representative in Georgia, then got approval for us go provide information for security and background checks, and then we waited for the approval. They don’t tell you until about a week before your requested visit date. After waiting for months we received our passes!

The day finally came and we made sure to arrive on time. Even though you have to wait in line, you do not want to be late. It took 45 minutes to get through 4 different lines of security. First you have to show a printed pass that you are emailed (You really have to have it too!), then you have two different lines that you have to give your ID (drivers license or passport) and then lastly you go through metal detectors. Once you get through that, the self guided tour begins.

The amount of working dogs was a surprise, but I guess it shouldn’t have been. I am fascinated by them, so it was neat being able to watch them. I almost spent more time watching them than paying attention to being in the White House! The self guided tour is through parts of the East Wing. The first floor are rooms that you can look into but not go in. Most of it is old rooms used by previous presidents that have gifts and memorabilia. The theater is also on the first floor that gets used as a coat check for events in the main rooms on the main floor. If you are invited to a state dinner or an event you enter through the East Wing.

It took about 30 minutes to get through. It could take up to maybe an hour, but then you are escorted outside through the front.

I was a bit bummed that you do not get to see any of the West Wing, but it was still really cool to see!

If you would like more information on how to visit The White House click here: White House Pass

Library of Congress

I was going to put this in the museums but I felt like it belonged with the White House and the Capital. It was probably the most beautiful building in Washington DC. While there is no specific tour, you are able to do a self guided tour through the building with a reservation. You can also view the famous reading room at certain hours of the day so make sure to line up your reservation with that. Find reservations here: Tickets

After the reading room you can check out one of the many exhibits. We chose a photograph exhibit and we got to see Thomas Jefferson’s personal library!

The Library of Congress is actually made up of three buildings. Jefferson, Madison and Adams. The public can only access the Jefferson building. BUT…! You can easily apply for a library card. This gets you access to the Reading Room and the other buildings that have specific areas for different research. They are connected by underground tunnels! It takes about 15-20 minutes to get your library card. Part of that time is finding the room that you need to be in. We had a specific agenda. We were there to find the Joe Smith recordings he did of interviews with musicians in the 80s. Hundreds of hours. They are online now, but it was cool to do the research to find them, speak with some of the librarians (who knew them immediately) and listen to a few of the interviews.

Pentagon

If you have time to get out of DC, make sure to add the Pentagon to your list of tours. Easily accessed by the Metro, I hear it is a cool tour.

The Incredible Monuments and Memorials

Aside from the landmarks above, the area is know for its massive and elaborate memorials. You can see almost all of these in a single afternoon. We have listed them in order of a great run or walk if the weather is right.

The National Monument and National Mall

WWII Memorial

Reflection Pool

Vietnam War Memorial

I wanted to point out that a volunteer at the memorial was mentioning that only names and not ranks are mentioned on the memorial. They wanted it to be about equality. You don’t know the rank, you don’t know the race or religion. They all fought beside each other.

Lincoln Memorial

Korean War Memorial

Jefferson Memorial

FDR Memorial

MLK Memorial

Arlington National Cemetery

While not in DC, make sure to get to Arlington National Cemetery. This cemetery is simply incredible.

If you are staying in the heart of the city, it is very easy to get to Arlington National Cemetery. The blue line will take you about a quarter mile walk to the entrance of the visitor center. You do not need a reservation and just walk through a metal detector. They have shuttle hop on hop off tours if you don’t want to walk. It is a large area and so getting from one area of interest can take 20 minutes and sometimes it is not flat walkways. This was a top destination for us as we wanted to see JFK’s grave and the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.

JFK Grave

Tomb of the Unknown Soldier

This was high on my bucket list. We were lucky enough to be there during the changing of the guard and a traditional wreath presentation. Guarded 24/7 since 1937, the guard is scheduled either an hour or two depending on the season. Only 20 percent of the volunteers are accepted for training. Once they are on watch, they do not wear rank insignia as to not outrank. 21 steps, 21 seconds, 21 steps. Why 21? “Twenty-one was chosen because it symbolizes the highest military honor that can be bestowed—the 21-gun salute“

Tasty Bites Throughout DC

No doubt with all the walking and exploring you do you will get hungry and in this town you have options! Here are a few of the places that we went to in case you find yourself in the area.

Penn Quarter – This lively neighborhood is home to many bars and restaurants. Capital One arena is also here. If you are exploring the neighborhood it has a lot of options for everyone.

Pisco y Nazca – Argentinian food that is in a hip and loud restaurant.

Oyamel Cocina Mexicana – One of the many Jose Andres restaurants in town. This restaurant had amazing tacos and guacamole. The margaritas were not bad either!

Baan Siam – Thai food that is focused more towards the north, don’t come here for pad thai.

Daikaya – This ramen was definitely worth the walk. This small restaurant had some of the best ramen we have had in a long time.

Gogi Yogi – When we get to big cities we always look for Korean BBQ. This is one of the most fun dining experiences. Grill some meat, seafood or vegetables, enjoy the banchan and drink some soju.

Grazie Nonna – If you want an amazing pasta dish, this is where you need to go. We were slightly disappointed in our pizza crust, but the the substance of the pizza was oh, so good. What really surprised me was the pasta! This restaurant is in a great area. After dinner do some window shopping at some of the high end designer stores. Gucci, Louis Vuitton, etc, line the walkway for a fun evening stroll.

Bullfeather – If you want the chance to run into a congress member, then come here for lunch. It is bustling with people from The Hill. The food was good, good pub food. My uncle navigated us to this spot from the Capitol all from memory. It is also close to the metro for easy access.

The Square – This is a new market area. There is communal seating and restaurant stalls lining the outside. Sometimes there may even be some pop ups from sushi chefs. It was really cool. Fried chicken, tacos, churros and so much more.

Old Ebbitt Grill – Definitely make a reservation if you are going at night. This historic restaurant is beautiful inside and always has a crowd. You may see politicians or celebrities. The food is quite good too! After all these years this place still can pack it in, which means it is loud. They have another dining area inside the atrium of the main building and if you really want to be able to hear the people you are dining with ask to sit here. If you want to be amongst the fun and loud mayhem, then sitting in the main dining area is for you!

Other Free Outdoor Activities

National Gallery of Art Sculpture Garden

The Botanical Garden

How to get around DC

Taxi – Readily available at hotels and leaving the airport. Initially it is a really good option. I suggest if it is your first time in Washington D.C. to take a taxi. They are easier to find once you grab your luggage, than finding the one spot that ubers are allowed to go to.

Uber – If you want a nicer car, then use Uber. There were usually longer waits. 5-20 minutes throughout the week. There were not as many available as I thought there would be. So again, grabbing a taxi was a lot more convenient, especially if you were in a hurry.

Metro – This is a great way to get around. Fares were usually $2 one way and it was easy to navigate.

It was clean and had a cool look to it.

Bikes/Scooters – This is always use at your own risk. You can rent either of them throughout the city. You are not supposed to use them on the sidewalk but people do. There are some bike lanes but mostly you are on the streets with the cars.

I hope you get to enjoy Washington, D.C. as much as we did. It is a great area to explore and learn a lot about the area and the history of the country.

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