Exploring Washington DC in 2 days? This perfect planning itinerary covers what you need to know for an exciting visit!
Washington DC glitters in the moonlight of the east coast. Its vibrant architecture illuminated along the Reflecting Pool each evening is brilliant in real life!
The United States capitol is a popular annual vacation destination. International and local visitors love to learn about United States history.
But DC is so much more than that! Come for the monuments and stay for the urban lifestyle, quirky neighborhoods, and mountainous landscape.
The district’s location on the United States East Coast makes it a prime leaping-off point for road trips through the Blue Ridge Mountains!
From rich history to outdoor adventures, there is truly something for everyone in DC.
Best Things To Do For 2 Days in DC
1. National Mall
You will be hard-pressed to find ANY DC itinerary that does not include the National Mall.
And nope, it’s not a shopping mall!
Capitol Hill’s National Mall refers to the whopping 146 acres of green space between the nation’s iconic monuments.
The National Mall in DC today gains its origin from the late 1700s. During this period, a green space to walk and socialize with friends was referred to as a mall! (Love a good party fact).
The National Mall and its monuments are protected through the National Park Service.
There is no entrance fee to the National Mall itself and no national park pass is required.
Enjoy the serenity of the Reflecting Pool, the towering Lincoln Memorial, and the Washington Monument.
2. Free Museums
Did you know that most museums in DC are free? Go museum hopping and explore to your heart’s content!
There are so many museums to choose from ranging from history to modern art.
My favorite museum architecture in DC is the Smithsonian. The red brick buildings and castle-like structure give mega Hogwarts vibes!
Some of the best free DC museums are:
- United States Botanical Garden
- Hirschhorn Museum
- Museum of the Native American
Tip: The cafe at the Museum of the Native Americans comes highly recommended.
⭐Highly Rated DC Hotels:
3. Georgetown
Imagine red cobblestone roads lined with candle-lit street lanterns and 1800s architecture.
Georgetown made me feel like I had stepped back in time but with a modern twist!
After strolling this historic fairytale, grab a snack or lunch at one of the neighborhood’s many local cafes.
Perhaps most famous is Georgetown Cupcakes, featured on TLC! (You KNOW I sampled a few)!
Charming meets modern in Georgetown, DC!
Tip: I recommend coffee at Coffee Republic
4. Eat at Union Market
Located in DC’s NoMa neighborhood, Union Market provides delicious food stalls from local businesses.
Hungry visitors have limitless choices from ramen, Southern Comfort Food, and fresh Italian food… just to name a few!
Desert options include macaroons, artisan donuts, and ginormous cookies.
There are also a couple of small shopping vendors like a map shop and jewelry stand.
Union Market is smaller than Seattle’s Pike Place but worthy of a visit in its own right.
Tip: Union Market is approximately 20 minutes by train from the National Mall (take the red line from Judiciary Square to NoMa). Alternatively, it is 8 minutes by car.
5. Green Spaces in DC
DC’s urban landscape features several hidden gardens and parks.
(I find green spaces in cities are highly underrated)!
I think it’s so important to unwind from any urban bustle in quiet nature.
Some of the best green spaces in DC are:
- Theodore Roosevelt Island
- Rock Creek Park
- Georgetown Waterfront
- Lady Bird Johnson Park
My personal favorite DC green space is Theodore Roosevelt Island.
Just across the Theodore Roosevelt Bridge over the Potomac River, its location tucked away makes it feel far from the urban city.
⭐Read Next: Best Outdoor Activities in DC
6. Kayak the Potomac River
Alternatively, escape the city life by taking to the calm waters of the Potomac River. There are several local boat rentals.
Personal kayak launch is permitted, so consider bringing your own if you have one.
Kayaking the Potomac River is one of the most non touristy things to do in DC.
7. Boat Tour
Not into kayaking?
There are several highly rated boat tours within DC:
- C&O Canal
- Potomac River Cruise
- DC Lunch Cruise
I haven’t had the opportunity to take a boat tour yet, but plan to join one on a future visit.
I LOVE to immerse myself in the culture of any new city by learning from locals!
⭐Highly Rated DC Tours:
8. Spring Cherry Blossoms
DC is home to one of the most famous annual cherry blossom festivals.
Travelers make their way to the vibrant, pink flower gardens at Tidal Basin Reservoir in the National Mall each spring.
The blooms open at a different time each year, so be sure to do your research before visiting. I can’t wait to make it here one day!
⭐Tip: Flight prices are high during this time. Book in advance!
9. Great Falls National Park
Great Falls National Park is located 10 minutes from the National Mall.
Roaring waterfalls, incredible hiking trails, and stunning viewpoints make you feel like you are far away from an urban city.
Read Next: Best Hiking Near DC
10. Glowing Monuments
Explore a different vantage point of the National Mall after dark!
All of the monuments on Capitol Hill are lit up after dark. You can’t miss their shining glow throughout DC.
You can easily visit the glowing monuments for free or take a tour.
11. Shows
Like any major metropolitan area, DC is home to a variety of shows. Consider comedy clubs, concerts, and theater.
Cirque Du Soleil was in town during my visit!
While it’s no Chicago Broadway, there are a variety of unique shows keeping things lively.
⭐Highly Rated DC Hostels
12. Restaurants
Dupont and Georgetown are known to be two of the most fun neighborhoods in DC.
Georgetown features a variety of restaurant cuisines like Austrian, Mexican, and Mediterranean.
Some of the most highly-rated restaurants in Georgetown include:
- Chez Billy Sud
- 1310 Kitchen & Bar
- Falafel Inc
Dupont also features several cuisines like French, Italian, and Argintenean.
Some of the top-rated restaurants in Dupont include:
Washington DC 2-Day Itinerary
This Washington DC 2-day itinerary is built to accommodate a variety of budgets.
As always, you can add or take away activities to fit your needs.
Day 1
☀️Morning: Capitol Hill
Begin your day in DC’s Capitol Hill. Spend the morning exploring museums and admiring the beauty of the National Mall!
🌳Afternoon: Georgetown
Take the 25-minute red line bus from the National Mall to Georgetown for a quaint afternoon.
Pack a picnic lunch to eat at the Georgetown Waterfront. Grab a sweet treat at Georgetown Cupcakes (featured on TCL!) for dessert.
🌙Evening: Dupont
Hop on the Blue Line bus from Georgetown to Dupont to explore another DC neighborhood as you wind down your first day.
Alternatively, spend the rest of your evening strolling through Georgetown.
Day 2
☀️Morning: Great Lakes
Begin your day with fresh air at Great Lakes Park.
Stop at each of the viewing platforms and admire the rushing waterfalls. Alternatively, complete a hiking trail like River Trail Loop for a moderate hike. (There are more DC hiking options here).
Tip: Bring your National Parks Pass to avoid entry fees at Great Lakes Park.
🌳Afternoon: River Cruise
Enjoy a leisurely lunch aboard the C&O Canal while immersing yourself in local history.
🌙Evening: Glowing Monuments
Return to Capitol Hill to admire the monuments illuminating the night sky.
You can join a walking tour but I recommend exploring on your own or downloading a self-guided walking tour to save money.
Conclusion
Spending 2 days in DC allows you to visit museums, and monuments, and get off the beaten path.
Exploring non-touristy things to do like Great Falls National Park allows you to experience the city from a different lens.
There will be plenty to look forward to on a return trip like Day Trips from DC and local hiking trails.
Get started on planning your DC itinerary today!
