When I get off the plane on trips to Washington D.C. and see the nation’s capital on the drive from Reagan airport a sense of patriotism comes over me. Yes, a bit strange, even surprising from a person who lives in the liberal/radical bubble of San Francisco. I know I am crazy, but I love history and D.C. is a city that epitomizes the past, present and future of this country. I am not saying the USA is a perfect country, far from it. We have our problems, mistakes that have happened and continue to happen, our overbearing media blitzes, unfavorable decisions about politics, foreign policy, domestic policy and so on and so forth (but what country doesn’t I ask?). When Americans travel throughout the world there is this preconceived notion that we think we are better than everyone else. Well Americans that do travel don’t generally think this and if you give them a chance and get to know them you will find that most are people with drive, enthusiasm, kindness and passion to enjoy this life just like yourselves.
ANYWAYS, back to D.C. 
This past trip was pretty dedicated to family events all over the D.C. metropolitan area, but I do have a running list of things I have done, places I have been, and things I have yet to experience there. So consider this an ideal three day weekend when traveling to D.C. Make sure you bring some walking shoes and extra space in that noggin for information overload. By the time you leave you may even be ready to wrap yourself in a good old American flag, ha.
Friday:
- Up early for a quick breakfast at your hotel or to grab a coffee and bagel at a local dining establishment.
- Take metro or a taxi cab to the Holocaust Museum or National Air & Space Museum. If you are feeling daring I would try and squeeze in both.
- Next hit the National Archives for a look at the Declaration of Independence and other important historical documents.
- Take in lunch at Pot Belly. Their sandwiches, sweets and shakes can satisfy any appetite.
- Wind the day down with some outside exploration on a Monuments Biking Tour.
- Some downtime and happy hour in the hotel bar.
- Dinner in Georgetown at Old Glory BBQ. Think corn bread, fried pickles, tasty ribs, chili quite a gastronomical overload. End the evening by bar hopping in Georgetown.
Saturday:
- Up early again to head down to Mount Vernon, the home of George Washington. The tour also takes you through Old Town Alexandria and passed the Pentagon.
- Lunch at Rosemary’s Thyme Bistro.
- Enjoy the afternoon shopping in Georgetown.
- A breather at the hotel to relax and change.
- Hop on the Odyssey III for the Washington D.C. Dinner Cruise.
Sunday:
- Sleep in you’ve earned it or go for a run/walk along the beautiful Potomac river.
- Brunch in Georgetown at News Cafe. Mediterranean decor and italian flare are the best.
- Head over to the Iwo Jima Marines War Memorial that was fashioned after news-photographer Joe Rosenthal Pulitzer Prize winning photograph.
- End the trip with a visit to Arlington National Cemetery on your way to either Reagan or Dulles airport.
The above itinerary is for the active at heart. Feel free to add activities or make your trip more mellow!
Planning a trip? Browse all of Viator’s tours and things to do in Washington D.C.
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