Start with a retro-style breakfast at Silver Diner in Navy Yard, where local ingredients meet diner classics. Then hop on a Big Bus Tour for a convenient hop-on, hop-off experience through the National Mall. Explore DC’s most famous monuments, memorials, and museums, and visit the International Spy Museum for an undercover adventure into the world of espionage.
Head to The Bullpen for lunch, where you’ll enjoy live music, great food, and a lively atmosphere. If visiting during the spring, summer, or fall, check out the schedules for a Washington Nationals or D.C. United game at nearby Nationals Park or Audi Field.
As the sun sets, stroll along The Wharf’s boardwalk. If you are looking for dinner with a waterfront view, choose between fresh seafood from vendors like Jessie Taylor Seafood at the historic Municipal Fish Market or grab a table at one of The Wharf’s many restaurants. End the night with live music at The Anthem or drinks at, Whiskey Charlie, a rooftop bar with stunning views.Shape
Start your day at Union Market in DC’s NoMa neighborhood, where dozens of local vendors offer a delicious variety of breakfast options and unique shopping gems. Nearby, La Cosecha celebrates Latin American culture and is the perfect stop for artisanal crafts and culinary delights.
Hop on a bike and cruise the Metropolitan Beer Trail, stopping at any of the 11 bars and pubs along the route. Once you’ve had your fill, head over to the U.S. National Arboretum to explore its tranquil landscapes, including the iconic Capitol Columns and a breathtaking Bonsai Garden.
Make it a night to remember with group activities at Throw Social or Beat the Bomb—ideal for some friendly competition. Celebrate your victories with a luxurious seafood dinner at Ivy City Smokehouse. For late-night energy, dance the night away at Echostage, DC’s top electronic music venue.
Begin with a relaxing morning at the Dupont Circle Farmers’ Market. Grab coffee and fresh pastries, then take a stroll down Embassy Row, admiring the historic architecture of DC’s international embassy district.
Enjoy a classic American lunch at City Tap House in Dupont Circle before heading to Georgetown for an afternoon of sightseeing. Take a scenic boat tour along the C&O Canal, learning about the waterway’s impact on DC’s history, or simply enjoy Georgetown’s beautiful streets.
Shop along M Street in Georgetown, famous for its charming boutiques and brand-name stores. Round out your trip with a fun evening at Pinstripes, where you can unwind with bowling, bocce, and a full bar—a perfect farewell to your DC adventure with friends.
Start the day at the historic Willard InterContinental for breakfast. This iconic hotel holds a special place in history as a former temporary residence for Abraham Lincoln and the site where Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. finalized his legendary "I Have a Dream" speech. After breakfast, head to the National Mall to visit the famous monuments and memorials, where kids can roam and admire the sites that capture America’s history.
Dive into the Smithsonian Museums, all free and family-friendly. Check out the National Museum of American History to see the flag that inspired the national anthem, or the National Museum of Natural History for dazzling exhibits on dinosaurs and gemstones. Kids might also enjoy the National Air and Space Museum, filled with historic aircraft and interactive displays.
Dine at one of the many restaurants around the National Mall before experiencing the monuments in a whole new way—by moonlight. Big Bus Tours and Unlimited Biking offer evening tours, providing breathtaking views of the city’s monuments as they light up against the night sky.
Head to Georgetown for a hearty brunch at Farmers Fishers Bakers on the Georgetown Waterfront, where you can enjoy stunning views of the Potomac River while indulging in delicious family-friendly dishes like French toast and pancakes.
Explore Georgetown’s historic charm with a family-friendly walking tour. DC by Foot offers tours that cover Georgetown’s storied past, from the Kennedy family homes to the scenic Tudor Place Historic House & Garden. For a fun break, stop by Pinstripes for bowling and bocce, nestled alongside the historic C&O Canal, a perfect spot for a family photo.
Enjoy an early dinner in Georgetown at Il Canale for some iconic Neapolitan pizza.. With Georgetown’s bustling vibe and beautiful evening atmosphere, it's an ideal place to relax and unwind after a day of exploration. If you’re visiting during warmer months, head to the Georgetown Waterfront Park to cool off in the refreshing river breeze and let the kids play in the splash pad.
Begin the day at Eastern Market, DC’s oldest public market, to savor the blueberry buckwheat pancakes at Market Lunch and explore the variety of local produce, crafts, and artisanal goods. Afterward, make your way to The Yards Park along the Capitol Riverfront, where kids can play in splash pools and enjoy the beautiful river views.
If visiting during baseball season, take in a Washington Nationals game at Nationals Park, just a short walk from The Yards Park. Families will love the excitement, and kids can take part in activities geared towards young fans. After every sunday afternoon home game, kids ages 4-12 are invited to run the bases on the field! For a hands-on experience, consider renting kayaks and exploring the Anacostia River for an afternoon of water fun.
Wrap up your day with dinner at Bluejacket for a vibrant atmosphere with craft beers and American fare or Osteria Morini for Italian cuisine with a view.
Begin your adventure at the Lincoln Memorial and the Reflecting Pool on the National Mall. This is where Forrest Gump delivered his memorable anti-war protest speech and met Jenny. It’s a perfect spot to kick off your cinematic journey and take in the historic views.
After lunch, head to the Tidal Basin, where Captain America meets Falcon for the first time. Stroll around this beautiful reservoir, then move on to the Theodore Roosevelt Bridge, where Captain America engages in an intense battle with a gunship.
Wrap up the day with an evening show at the Kennedy Center. Soak in the grand setting, featured in State of Play, and feel like part of the drama as you dress up for an unforgettable DC performance.
Start your day at the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History. This is where Diana (Wonder Woman) works as a cultural anthropologist. Explore its collection of gemstones dating back to the 1500s – no Dreamstone, but plenty of history!
Next, visit the historic Watergate Hotel, home to both political intrigue and Diana’s residence in the Wonder Woman universe. Take in the scandalous history, explore its architecture, and check out the rooftop bar. Later, head to Georgetown, where scenes from No Way Out and True Lies were filmed. Take a stroll and enjoy a snack in one of DC’s trendiest neighborhoods.
As night falls, embrace the eerie side of DC by visiting the Georgetown University campus, featured in The Exorcist. Explore the iconic Exorcist Stairs on Prospect Street, and feel the thrill of the legendary horror film.
Begin with a trip to the National Air and Space Museum, where scenes from Night at the Museum: Battle of the Smithsonian were filmed. Walk through the galleries, explore historical exhibits, and follow in the footsteps of Larry and his fantastic adventures.
Afterward, head to Union Station, DC’s beautiful transportation hub featured in Hannibal. Admire the Beaux-Arts architecture, which gives the station a grand feel, even if the carousel from the movie was added in post-production.
Spend your evening exploring National Treasure filming spots. Start with the Edgar Hoover Building, then explore the National Archives and end the night at the Library of Congress. Admire the elegance of the Main Reading Room and immerse yourself in in this cinematic adventure.
Take some time to visit a few monuments you may have missed. Visit the Washington Monument, the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial, or the U.S. Capitol. It’s a great way to wrap up your DC exploration and reflect on all the places you’ve seen.
Spend a leisurely afternoon exploring more of the Smithsonian museums. The National Museum of American History and National Portrait Gallery are both fantastic choices that add cultural and artistic experiences to your trip.
Wind down with a stroll by the Potomac River, enjoying dinner at a Georgetown restaurant like Nick’s Riverside Grill or Sequoia DC to end your cinematic journey through Washington, DC with a waterfront view.