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    Home » Travel » Washington DC In One Day

    Washington DC In One Day

    March 8, 2019 by Jenna Urben 24 Comments

    Only have one day in Washington DC? Exploring Washington DC in one day can be done! Here's how my husband and I spent one whole day in the city.

    Washington DC In One Day Travel Guide

    Let me preface this by saying that we only had one day in Washington DC, but I would love to go back for a few days to really check things out. 

    Back in December, my husband and I were visiting a town near DC and since neither of us had been, we decided to make the most out of it. It was a Sunday, so quite a few popular buildings were closed. A few of those being The White House, US Capitol, Supreme Court, and Library of Congress. We were able to still walk around but that’s not quite the same as a guided tour or going through the doors.

    One of the best perks about exploring Washington DC is the free admission to most museums! Before we left, I made a list and mapped out where everything was located along the National Mall. The city seemed very walkable and we definitely got our steps in for the day. 23,832, to be exact!

    Exploring Washington in One Day Travel Guide

    We flew from DFW into the Dulles International Airport, landed a little before noon, took the short bus ride to our hotel, freshened up, then booked an Uber into DC. Zack and I love exploring Botanic Gardens, so that's where we started. The United States Botanic Garden has multiple rooms to walk through with various exhibits. It was so fun walking through all the different gardens! There was also a section blocked off for the holidays. Every year they have plant recreations of iconic train stations from across the United States.

    United States Botanic Garden Washington DC
    Holidays at United States Botanic Garden Washington DC
    United States Botanic Garden during the Holidays Washington DC

    From the Botanic Garden, we took the short walk over to look at the United States Capitol Capitol. Since we weren't able to actually go inside, we started our walk along the National Mall. Before our trip I always assumed there was only one Smithsonian museum. There are actually 19 museums and galleries, as well as the National Zoological Park – and 11 of them are located on the National Mall!

    Zack and I probably spent the most time inside the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum. After walking through a majority of the exhibits, we walked next door to the Hirshhorn Museum. I was super excited to check out this modern and contemporary art museum. One of my friends recommended that we check out the Pulse interactive technology exhibition, that includes three major installations. I didn't get any great photos in #PulseDC, but if you search the hashtag on Instagram, you'll see how awesome of an immersive environment it is! One of my favorite parts of the Hirshhorn was actually a surprise. Outside of the museum was a giant pumpkin from #InfiniteKusama!

    Infinite Kusama Yoyoi Kusama Pumpkin Hirshhorn Museum Washington DC

    By the time we left the Hirshhorn, most of the museums were close to closing, so we decided to head towards The White House. One of the things I was most looking forward to seeing during our trip, was the National Christmas Tree! It was certainly worth the walk and the cold to walk around the giant tree and see the 50 smaller trees for each state. We found the Texas tree, took a few selfies, and went around the other side of The White House. It was actual surreal to see something I’ve seen countless times on tv and in movies, just right there in front of me! Next time we visit Washington DC, I'll definitely be reaching out to our congressman to request a public tour.

    National Christmas Tree Washington DC
    The White House at night Washington DC

    We made our way back to the National Mall and set on the path from the Washington Monument to the Lincoln Memorial. We considered taking an Uber, but didn't want to miss anything. During on walk, we stopped along the way to observe the World War II Memorial, Korean War Veterans Memorial, and Vietnam Veterans Memorial. The last bit of the walk turned out to be much farther than we initially thought and by that time it was below freezing. There were almost no other tourists but occasionally a local would jog passed us.

    Walking Washington DC In One Day

    Every time we approached a monument or memorial, it was truly awe inspiring. One of the most incredible moments was walking up to the Lincoln Memorial. I can't wait for my next trip to Washington DC so we can spend more time [not freezing our butts off] exploring each spot!

    World War 2 Memorial Washington DC
    Washington Monument DC
    Korean War Veterans Memorial
    Lincoln Memorial Washington DC

    Since it was getting late and about to start snowing, we decided to find a spot for dinner before making our way back to our hotel. Rather than getting an Uber, we walked back towards The White House, where our phones showed a bunch of dinner options.

    When we got over there, it was like a ghost town. Nothing like I imagined Washington DC to be like. For some reason, I assumed DC would be bustling at all times of day and night, but we couldn’t find one restaurant that was open. Maybe it was because it was 7PM on a Sunday or perhaps it was where we were, but it was eerie! After walking a couple blocks with no food or people in sight, we got an Uber, headed back to our hotel and grabbed dinner there.

    Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool Washington DC

    Even though we accomplished a lot, I know that we didn't even come close to seeing half of what DC has to offer. So, now we have an excuse to visit again!

    Top Spots For Next Time

    • Ben’s Chili Bowl
    • National Portrait Gallery
    • The National Geographic Museum
    • Newseum
    • The Watergate Hotel
    • Smithsonian National Zoological Park
    • National Cherry Blossom Festival

    Tips for visiting Washington DC 

    • Make a plan but stay flexible: Some places require a reservation or a purchased ticket in advance. Make sure to get those taken care of before you arrive. Also be sure to check when certain museums and buildings close, some close at 5:30PM and others stay open later. 
    • Wear your most comfortable walking shoes and pack clothes according to the weather: I showed up wearing leggings, a T-shirt, and a simple jacket. In hindsight, jeans and a bigger coat with a scarf would have been a better option. 
    • Have a lunch/dinner plan: Especially if it’s your first time visiting and not knowing the area. Oh, and snack are always a good idea!  

    Have you visited Washington DC? What’s your favorite spot? Let me know in the comments section. 

    Washington DC In One Day #TheUrbenLifeBlog
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    About Jenna Urben

    Jenna Urben is the recipe developer, content creator, and storyteller behind The Urben Life. She has over 10 years experience adapting family favorite meals to fit allergy-friendly diets. Join Jenna as she shares delicious dairy-free recipes that are easy to follow with plenty of tips and alternatives.

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Margaret E Clegg

      October 16, 2019 at 4:18 pm

      Love these ideas. My husband takes his eighth grade students to DC almost every year. I went once, but it was too much "hurriedness" for my taste. I"d love to go back sometime, even if for one day, and this will be a great guide for just the two of us!

      Reply
      • Jenna | The Urben Life

        October 16, 2019 at 4:25 pm

        That sounds like so much fun! I'm hoping we get to go back again this winter 🙂

        Reply
    2. Tracy Schwartz

      April 06, 2019 at 1:14 pm

      Great tips and my feet hurt just thinking about everything you covered!

      Reply
      • Jenna | The Urben Life

        April 08, 2019 at 10:40 am

        Hah, thanks Tracy!

        Reply
    3. Erica D.

      March 28, 2019 at 3:04 pm

      Good lord your feet must hurt from just one day in DC! I agree though, you can really hit the highlights if you don't dig too deep in to each museum. But don't miss Legal Seafoods - OMG such great gluten-free food! And avoid the summer when there are crazy amounts of tour groups too!

      Reply
      • Jenna | The Urben Life

        March 28, 2019 at 3:11 pm

        I'll have to add Legal Seafoods to my list for when we visit next! Thanks for the tips 🙂

        Reply
    4. Becca Wilson

      March 14, 2019 at 8:06 am

      I have never been to Washington DC before but I have always wanted to go. This looks like it would be an amazing day trip.

      Reply
      • Jenna | The Urben Life

        March 14, 2019 at 10:34 am

        I hope you're able to visit someday, Becca 🙂 It was amazing!

        Reply
    5. Mama Writes Reviews

      March 13, 2019 at 11:50 am

      Ooooh, looks like fun! When the kids are a little older and will remember the trip more, we're planning on trekking up there. Thanks for the tips!

      Reply
      • Jenna | The Urben Life

        March 13, 2019 at 11:52 am

        That's going to be so awesome!

        Reply
    6. Raina

      March 13, 2019 at 10:15 am

      Great guide and tips! So much to see!

      Reply
      • Jenna | The Urben Life

        March 13, 2019 at 11:36 am

        Thanks, Raina 🙂

        Reply
    7. Rachel

      March 13, 2019 at 9:48 am

      I have gone to Washington, DC a few times for work. Everything is so close and within walking distance, it is really easy to see a lot of things in one day.

      Reply
      • Jenna | The Urben Life

        March 13, 2019 at 11:37 am

        Yes, it's so great!

        Reply
    8. Dawn @ Our Food Fix

      March 13, 2019 at 9:01 am

      There is so much to see in DC! We need to visit, it is definitely on our list, but haven't made it yet. Now I am super inspired to visit!

      Reply
      • Jenna | The Urben Life

        March 13, 2019 at 11:37 am

        I hope you get to visit soon 🙂 I can't wait to plan a trip back!

        Reply
    9. Winnie

      March 13, 2019 at 8:45 am

      Me and friends got to do the same thing. It was actually so much fun. Glad you enjoyed it as well.

      Reply
      • Jenna | The Urben Life

        March 13, 2019 at 11:38 am

        Woo yes, so fun!!

        Reply
    10. Sheila Rhodes

      March 12, 2019 at 8:41 pm

      Hello! I live outside of D.C. and some other things you might want to visit are the Native American Museum and if you love Art. you must visit the Portraits of the Presidents at the Smithsonian Museum of Art. Also, the Museum of Natural History is interesting too! They have all the First Ladies Inaugural Gowns.

      Reply
      • Jenna | The Urben Life

        March 13, 2019 at 11:39 am

        Oh my gosh, I would love to visit all those!! Thank you so much 🙂

        Reply
    11. Debbie

      March 12, 2019 at 3:18 pm

      What a great guide! I have to attend a wedding there this summer and we were planning on spending an extra day. Now I know exactly how to fill that day!! Thanks so much, this was so helpful!

      Reply
      • Jenna | The Urben Life

        March 12, 2019 at 3:32 pm

        Thanks, Debbie 🙂 That's going to be amazing. I can't wait to go back in the spring or summer. I'm so glad this was helpful, have fun!

        Reply
    12. Kelly Bolen

      March 09, 2019 at 10:13 am

      Love DC! We were there in September for a converence! And it was a blast!!!

      Reply
      • Jenna | The Urben Life

        March 10, 2019 at 3:21 pm

        Yes, I can't wait to get back out there!

        Reply

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