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3 Days in Washington DC – the Perfect Itinerary for a Weekend Getaway

Home » DESTINATIONS » North America » United States » Virginia » 3 Days in Washington DC – the Perfect Itinerary for a Weekend Getaway

Last Modified: June 30, 2024 //  by Anda //  28 Comments

Planning a long weekend trip to Washington DC? Welcome to one of my favorite cities in the US. Spending 3 days in Washington DC will give you the chance to see many of the top sights and attractions and really get a feel for the city.

Washington DC, the fascinating city we call our nation’s capital, can be seen from a number of perspectives. It’s the seat of our government and the official residence of the president of the United States. It is home to the U.S. Capitol, the Supreme Court, the National Archives, the National Shrine, and a great number of prestigious museums.  It’s the place where the legacy our nation’s greatest presidents like JFK is honored. And also the place where the soldiers who fought our wars are remembered.

This extraordinary city is also where hundreds of thousand of people live their ordinary lives, and millions of visitors come every year to see the most iconic sites of our country. Wahington DC makes a great destination for an East Coast family vacation. Last week we’ve spent 3 perfect days in Washington DC.

Walking through Washington DC
Walking through the town of Alexandria

Table of Contents

  • 3 Days in Washington DC Itinerary
    • Day 1 – Dinner and Theater
    • Day 2 – the National Harbor and Mount Vernon Estate
    • Day 3 – City Tour and the Spy Museum

3 Days in Washington DC Itinerary

Day 1 – Dinner and Theater

After a six hour flight from Los Angeles and a 40-minute ride from Dullas International airport, we drop our bags at Harborside Hotel, in National Harbor. This recently renovated property has an ideal location for many of the attractions in the area: just steps away from the MGM National Harbor, Tanger Outlets and Old Town Alexandria.

By the time we settle, it’s already 5 o’clock. Time for dinner and some evening fun in Washington, DC. A short 15-minute ride in our rented Hyundai takes us to downtown, where we park at the Lincoln Square garage.

Have Dinner at Central Michel Richard

Central Michel Richard Restaurant on Pennsylvania Avenue, is the perfect place to start our evening. This modern French bistro opened by the late chef Michel Richard is the recipient of some prestigious honors and awards. For the past three years, Central has been under the command of David Deshaies, a young executive chef who spent the last 16 years cooking with his legendary mentor.

Duck leg confit with risotto
Duck Leg Confit

Bread at Central is fantastic. Not the bread that tastes warmed over, but crusty and near-weightless, almost good enough for a meal in itself. The French onion soup is as it should be – a rich meaty broth with gooey cheese – delicious. The Duck Leg Confit with Chestnut “Risotto” lives up to the hype too: crispy, crunchy and juicy, yet not greasy.  

Attend a Performance at Ford’s Theater

From here, it’s only a block up the street to Ford’s Theater, where we step back in time to watch Arthur Miller’s play “Death of a Salesman.” The historic theater will always be remembered as the site where President Abraham Lincoln was assassinated.

Draped with the American Flag, the presidential box lies empty – a somber reminder of that sad day in April, 1865. The exhibitions downstairs go into the assassination plot and the hunt for the conspirators afterwards. There is also a lot of information about Lincoln’s life and presidency. 

Lincoln Theater in Washington DC
The Presidential Box at Ford’s Theater

Draped with the American flag, the presidential box lies empty – a somber reminder of that sad day in April, 1865.

Day 2 – the National Harbor and Mount Vernon Estate

I wake up to the smell of freshly brewed coffee. My husband has already fixed himself one. It’s a gorgeous sunny day and I’m ready for the second day of our weekend in Washington DC. We decide to spend the morning visiting the National Harbor, since it’s only minutes away from our hotel.

Visit the National Harbor

The land on which the National Harbor was developed was previously Salubria Plantation, built in 1827 by Dr. John H. Bayne. When the plantation house burned down in 1981, the land was offered for sale and purchased by the Peterson Companies who began developing the National Harbor project in the late 1990s. 

weekend in Washington DC
National Harbor
Street in Washington DC
Street in Washington DC

This scenic 300 acres waterfront development along the Potomac River holds dozens of shops, eateries and hotels and a lot of water-focused entertainment.

There is a soar 180 feet Ferris wheel, gondola cars that take people around, kayaks and standup paddle boards for rent, and even a water-taxi service on the Potomac to Georgetown and Alexandria, Virginia. The landscaping, layout and lighting are beautiful, with many styles of public art. 

Lunch is at Fiorella Italian Kitchen, an upmarket pie-and-pasta-slinger with a bright, farmhouse-style interior. We choose some homemade sausage with Burrata Mozzarella, roasted peppers and onion. They are delicious!

Wander Through the Mount Vernon Estate

In the afternoon, we head towards Mount Vernon Estate, the home of the first president of the United States – George Washington. Mount Vernon is one of the best day trips from DC. On the way to Mount Vernon, we stop in Alexandria for an hour. Not enough to see the many attractions in Alexandria’s beautiful old town. 

We arrive at Mount Vernon pretty late, but at least there are not so many visitors today. We stroll through the beautiful gardens of the old tobacco plantation, making our way to the main house.

3 days in Washington DC - Mount Vernon estate
Mount Vernon Estate
3 days in Washington DC
Dining room at Mount Vernon estate

The 21-room mansion overlooking the Potomac River seems even more beautiful in the afternoon light. We zigzag alongside colored walls and elegant furnishings as the guide shares insights about Washington’s life and the difficult time he had holding the nation together. Seeing the president’s deathbed is chilling. The issue of slavery isn’t glossed over, although upon his death in 1799 George Washington freed all his 123 slaves.

At Washington’s tomb it’s a somber atmosphere. The brief legend inscribed on a stone tablet over the brick burial vault reads:

‘Within This Enclosure Rest the Remains of Gen. George Washington.’ 

Behind the heavy iron gate are two marble sarcophagi, one inscribed “Washington,” the other “Martha, Consort of Washington.”

George Washington's tomb
George Washington’s tomb

Have Dinner at Maxime

Leaving Mount Vernon behind, we head back to DC for dinner. Georgetown’s river waterfront is home to tons of great restaurants with patio seating, but it’s Sunday night and we can’t find any outside seating.

We end up eating at Maxime, a French bistro inspired by the French Revolution – think vintage wooden accents and Marie Antoinette wall art. The Boeuf Bourguignon slow cooked in red wine, herbs and garlic melts in my mouth. 

Back in National Harbor, we stop at the waterfront to admire the sunset. At McCormick & Schmick’s people enjoy dinner and drinks outside on the patio. We step in for one more glass of Prosecco. I don’t really need another drink, just a reason to linger around this beautiful area a little longer.

weekend in Washington DC the National Harbor
Sunset on the waterfront at the National Harbor

Day 3 – City Tour and the Spy Museum

We start our third day in DC the way it seems all Washingtonians begin their days: standing in line for coffee. We are at Paul’s, on Pennsylvania Avenue, a family owned French bakery that has been in business for more than 100 years. The glass counter to my left tempts me with a mouthwatering display of pastries, varying from croissants, Danishes, fruit tarts and sandwiches. This place reminds me a lot about Paris!

French bakery in Washington DC
French Bakery

The aroma of the freshly baked bread fills up the air of the small seating area decorated with the turn of the century pictures and artifacts. From the corner of my eye I notice the thick-crusted breads piled up like a pyramid on top of the counter.

It’s hard to resist not to buy a whole loaf of bread, one of each of the delicious pastries, but I manage to get away with only a tuna sandwich and an apricot tart. My stomach feels too full, so I wash my guilt with a double Espresso.

Washington DC Bus Tour

Fueled up, we leave behind the French bakery passing by the U.S. Navy Memorial. Across the street, right in front of the Archives building, we notice the hop-on-hop-off trolley stop. It’s one of those bright and warm autumn days, just perfect for a city tour, so we hop on the bus and go straight to the upper platform.

The double-decker bus takes us by most of the iconic buildings in the city (Union Station, U.S. Capitol, Air and Space Museum, White House, Ford’s Theatre, the Smithsonian Institute), Washington Monument, Arlington Cemetery and the memorials.

weekend in Washington DC the Capitol Building
Capitol Building in Washington DC

At Lincoln Memorial we get off to take a few pictures. This is one of my favorite memorials in DC. From his chair up on the pedestal, Abraham Lincoln seems to be gazing at the towering obelisk of the Washington Monument across the pool. It’s an awesome sight to behold. 

weekend in Washington DC Lincoln Memorial
Lincoln Memorial

From his chair up on the pedestal, Abraham Lincoln seems to be gazing at the towering obelisk of the Washington Monument across the pool.

Back in downtown area, we skip lunch to attend a noon concert at the Church of the Epiphany. Washington Bach Consort conducted by Matthew Dirst is playing Bach’s Prelude & Fugue and Cantata BWV 100. I’m grateful for the break in our busy day and for the divine music. 

International Spy Museum

It’s a 5-minute cab ride up to the International Spy Museum on 800 F Street NW. The museum is extremely entertaining, taking you through a great array of gadgets and disguises used by spies throughout history. There are intriguing stories of espionage, video “briefings” from former intelligence officers, audio-visual programs and Cold War tales and anecdotes. Being raised in a communist country, I can relate to many of these spying techniques.

exhibit at the Spy Museum
Exhibit at the Spy Museum

Unfortunately we don’t have time to enter the ‘Operation Spy mission,’ but we promise ourselves to return and complete that someday.

Have Lunch at the Old Ebbitt Grill

Our weekend in Washington DC is almost gone. We step in and ask for a table at the Old Ebbitt Grill. It seems like the perfect place for an early dinner before heading to the airport.

The tavern-style restaurant is Washington’s oldest eatery and displays a priceless collection of antiques and memorabilia. There are antique gas chandeliers in the Main Dining Room and plush leather banquettes and wicker captain’s chairs. 

Old Ebbitt Grill in Washington DC
Old Ebbitt Grill dining room

Old Ebbitt’s love affair with society’s most prominent dates back to its founding in 1856, when presidents Ulysses S. Grant, Andrew Johnson, and Theodore Roosevelt supposedly used to frequent the bar. In modern times, Old Ebbitt still remains a popular meeting spot for politicians, journalists and celebrities. Food is always delicious at Old Ebbitt Grill and a good value for the money.

As the plane takes off, I sit back reflecting on our weekend in Washington DC. I think this was a perfect 3-day getaway.

Recommended read: Tips for Seeing the Cherry Blossoms in Washington DC

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Washington DC pin

Category: DESTINATIONS, United States, VirginiaTag: Destination Guides

About Anda

Anda is an award winning travel writer, avid globetrotter and passionate photographer. She is the voice behind "Travel Notes & Beyond," a collection of stories and travel impressions from her wanderings around the world. When she is not busy writing, traveling, or editing photographs, you can find her hiking in the foothills behind her house together with her husband and their dog.

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Sinjana Ghosh

    January 30, 2019 at 9:24 am

    That’s a perfect guide to Wahington DC. It is not as famous for tourism as NYC or Vegas but there is so much to see there. I’d love to take the washington DC bus tour to see iconic landmarks of the city and enjoy the sunset at waterfront.

    Reply
  2. Paula

    January 28, 2019 at 9:06 pm

    Both me and my husband really want to visit Washington DC soon. But I am not sure if we could do it in three days. There seem to be so much to see there. And now that I read this, even more. The spy museum seems so much fun, and I would like visit the national parks sites around the city. Also the Mount Vernon Estate seems very interesting.

    Reply
    • Anda Galffy

      January 28, 2019 at 9:07 pm

      You can actually cover a lot of territory in 3 day, Paula. Washington DC is really easy to visit.

      Reply
  3. Cecilia

    January 28, 2019 at 5:25 pm

    You were in DC! That is our stomping ground…well Alexandria is anyway. You outlined a great itinerary and actually reminded me that I have never been to Ford’s Theater. Despite living in this area for 33 years and loving theatrical productions, I have never watched a production there. I need to change that!

    Reply
    • Anda Galffy

      January 28, 2019 at 9:09 pm

      It’s time to watch a production at Ford’s Theater, Cecilia. This is a historic theater that deserves a visit.

      Reply
  4. Katie

    January 28, 2019 at 5:22 pm

    I love Washington DC! It is one of my favourite places in America – the museums and history are so fascinating to me. I also loved watching the Nats!

    Reply
  5. Lisa

    January 28, 2019 at 5:44 am

    I must confess I never knew other sights existed other than Capitol Hill in Washington DC, please forgive me ignorance! The harbour is so pretty, and is definitely somewhere I’d like to see. Michel Richard looks wonderful, and that dish is mouthwatering. Thank you for opening my eyes to DC!

    Reply
  6. Daniel

    January 27, 2019 at 11:16 pm

    What a great itinerary! I visited the US on several occasions but I never managed to visit D.C. Honestly, I didn’t think it was such an interesting city. Thank you for this post, it really changed my perception of Washington.

    Reply
    • Anda Galffy

      January 28, 2019 at 9:11 pm

      Glad to hear that, Daniel.

      Reply
  7. Jane Dempster-Smith

    January 27, 2019 at 7:27 pm

    What a perfect 3-day getaway. Not rushed at all! I did not know the story about the Grand Old Theatre and the assassination. My favourite I think would be a visit to the International Spy Museum. This would be unique. Thank you for sharing.

    Reply
    • Anda Galffy

      January 27, 2019 at 8:44 pm

      I loved he spy museum too. It has so many interesting gadgets.

      Reply
  8. Shreya Saha

    January 27, 2019 at 6:43 pm

    Wow Anda, that is like 3-day well spent. I have never planned for visiting DC anytime soon, but I guess I would love to visit the Air and Space Museum without failure. It seems to be very interesting. I must say, your pictures are lit, especially the food picture and the sunset at waterfront ones.

    Reply
    • Anda Galffy

      January 27, 2019 at 8:44 pm

      Ah, that dinner was delicious, Shreya!

      Reply
  9. Anisa

    October 19, 2017 at 1:55 am

    I really need to go back to DC! I have been a few times for work but I never have time to do any sightseeing. If possible I would love to go during the cherry blossoms! Your pictures are lovely and it does look like you ate well! #TheWeeklyPostcard

    Reply
  10. Ryan Biddulph

    October 17, 2017 at 12:22 pm

    Hi Anda,

    The International Spy Museum looks so cool. I had no idea it even existed. When we visited as a family some 20 years ago – make that 30 LOL it has been awhile – we just hit the Smithsonian and also walked around town for a bit.

    Washington has a certain feel to it unlike any city I have visited in the US. A bit more stately and serious, with the hustle and bustle of the government stuff going on.

    The restaurant you enjoyed looks amazing. What a dish.

    Thanks for sharing Anda.

    Ryan

    Reply
    • Anda Galffy

      October 17, 2017 at 12:30 pm

      Thanks, Ryan. Our state capital has improved a lot lately, in terms in cleanness. You’d have a big (and pleasant) surprise if you went back to visit it.

      Reply
  11. Anda Galffy

    October 16, 2017 at 9:03 am

    National Harbor is about 10 years old,Victoria. If you visited DC before you probably didn’t see it as it looks today.

    Reply
  12. Esther

    October 14, 2017 at 6:07 am

    Three excellent days, I’d think! I especially like the look of that harbour!

    Reply
  13. Michelle

    October 13, 2017 at 8:58 pm

    Sounds like a perfect three days, indeed. I spent a few days in DC once but mainly spent my time in the museums – the International Spy Museum was so fun! The Air and Space Museum was fascinating too. Unfortunately, the Lincoln Memorial pools were closed when I was there so I didn’t get that iconic shot you see in so many movies. If I ever go back, I’ll make sure to check out Mount Vernon Estate and the National Harbor – seems like a nice way to spend an afternoon! Thanks for sharing, Anda!

    Reply
    • Anda Galffy

      October 14, 2017 at 6:32 pm

      This was our fourth visit to DC, Michelle. On the first visit we spent all our time visiting the National Mall, the Capitol Building, the White House, the Library of the Congress and all the Memorials. On the second, we only stayed in museums. After the third visit however, we began feeling at home and we no longer feel the compulsion to visit landmarks. It’s fun returning to Washington DC.

      Reply
  14. Mary {The World Is A Book}

    October 13, 2017 at 5:26 pm

    What a great itinerary! Washington, DC is such a fantastic place to visit with all the museums and historic sites. It’s always fun to tour the monuments. Looks like you were treated very well. Would love to visit the International Spy Museum soon.

    Reply
    • Anda Galffy

      October 14, 2017 at 6:34 pm

      On this visit we only visited the International Spy Museum and Lincoln Memorial. This is actually our fourth visit to DC, so we didn’t feel the need to revisit every single landmark and museum in town.

      Reply
  15. shere

    October 13, 2017 at 1:31 pm

    I saw some of your pictures in fb and now reading about Central it makes me think that I had a wrong idea about the US. The times I’ve been there, I haven’t been in a similar restaurant, but in Friday’s and similar 🙁 It might be that my taste has also changed over the years, I do value a good meal and a glass of wine much more then before.

    Reply
    • Anda Galffy

      October 14, 2017 at 6:37 pm

      Your remark is very interesting, Shere. You are so right, when I was young I didn’t care much about food, but now I love spending time in a good restaurant where I can enjoy a good meal and a glass of wine.

      Reply
  16. Rhonda Albom

    October 13, 2017 at 1:16 pm

    What a glorious sunny three days you had in D.C. I never visited National Harbor in all the times I have been to Washington. I must go there next time I visit the area.

    Reply
    • Anda Galffy

      October 14, 2017 at 6:58 pm

      National Harbor is a relatively new development, Rhonda. It might have not been around when you visited DC.

      Reply
  17. jill

    October 13, 2017 at 6:17 am

    We had to pass through DC when taking our oldest daughter to college – or bringing her home. And once we stopped and stayed in the National Harbor. What a beautiful area! There is still so much I want to do in Washington DC, even after many visits, and I always forget how much I love it there. Great post – thanks for reminding me that I need to get back ! (Definitely want to do the Spy Museum!)

    Reply
    • Anda Galffy

      October 14, 2017 at 7:00 pm

      You should definitely see the Spy Museum, Jill. Quite interesting and very entertaining.

      Reply

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