Capital Region USA is made up of the nation’s capitol—the District of Columbia, also referred to as Washington, DC—and its bordering states, Maryland and Virginia. It is home not only to the capitol building, but to dozens of museums and nearby natural spaces like the Appalachian Mountains and Chesapeake Bay. You could spend an entire long-weekend exploring Washington, DC itself. But for the first-time visitor, this four-day itinerary is a great place to start.
This story was created in partnership with Capital Region USA.
DAY 1: History, Museums, and Art: the Heart of Washington, DC
AFTERNOON
After flying into Washington Dulles International Airport, head to the airport’s dedicated Metro rail station to easily reach Washington, DC. Less than 30 minutes away, you’ll have the entire afternoon to explore the area’s must-see destinations. The focal point? The National Mall. Most of the can’t-miss things to do in Washington, DC, from the Lincoln Memorial to the US Capitol, are located centrally around “America’s Front Yard”—which is actually part of the national park system!
Spend the afternoon discovering some of America’s greatest treasures at The Mall. You can see its numerous free museums, monuments, and memorials by foot, bike, or even segway. If your trip happens to take place during springtime, the Cherry Blossom Festival promises an explosion of color and scenic opportunities for any budding photographer. And any time of year, the Smithsonian Institution delivers education and fun for visitors of all ages. With 17 museums from the National Zoo to the National Museum of American History (all offering free admission) there is truly something for everyone!
EVENING
That evening, get to know Washington, DC’s neighborhoods. Capital Region USA is home to a number of diverse areas where you can base your stay, from the Waterfront to U Street. While each has its own unique flavor, you might consider lodging in picturesque Georgetown. This historic, tree-lined community turns on the charm for locals and visitors alike. Pass the evening ambling the cobblestoned streets for a dose of retail therapy before dinner on the waterfront at The Washington Harbour.
Photo credit Stay Arlington, Kristian Summerer
DAY 2: Bike, Kayak, and Enjoy the Flavors of Virginia
MORNING
On your second day in Capital Region USA, journey south to uncover the hidden gems of Virginia. Make use of one of our favorite things to do in Washington, DC and pick up a cherry-red ride from Capital Bikeshare. Simply find a bike at any of the hubs around the city, adjust your seat height as needed, and away you go. Our recommended destination? The Mount Vernon Trail; an 18-mile paved multi-use trail that runs all the way from Theodore Roosevelt Island to George Washington’s Mount Vernon if you’re up to the full ride! If you stick closer to Theodore Roosevelt Island, novice and expert birdwatchers alike can spot birds such as purple finches and blue-winged warblers.
AFTERNOON
Take your time exploring the additional trails on the island, or pedal your way back to trade in your wheels for some time on the Potomac River. There are a number of ways to enjoy the water, from kayaking to paddleboarding and even sailing. Rentals abound, making it easy to reserve watercraft for your afternoon sightseeing on the river.
EVENING
You will surely have worked up an appetite by the time you come ashore! Dig into dinner at one of the restaurants in Historic Old Town Alexandria before returning to your lodging in Washington, DC. Gadsby’s Tavern serves up an authentic Colonial experience and dishes (think hot ham biscuits and roasted duck) with nightly period performances, while Blackwall Hitch has a more modern take with locally-sourced seafood and American fare.
Photo credit Washington.org
DAY 3: Swim and Sightsee in National Harbor, Maryland
MORNING + AFTERNOON
Spend your third full day in Capital Region USA sporting sunblock and a life jacket. You’ll be visiting National Harbor, Maryland, located just north of Washington, DC. This region is the water-enthusiast’s playground due to its premier location along the Chesapeake Bay. Simply jump aboard the Potomac Water Taxi for a straight-forward transfer, and then take your pick from the numerous activities that await.
If you didn’t kayak the day prior, take advantage of easy rentals located throughout the harbor. Or, opt for something more unique to the area: an exciting open water swim. Local outfitter WaveOne Open Water offers private lessons and pointers for those intrigued by the thought of navigating a busy but enticing waterway. Prefer to keep your head above water? There is even an outdoor (land-based) “escape room” adventure that is sure to puzzle you and your traveling companions. You’ll find that National Harbor adds a real plethora of things to do in Washington, DC.
Photo credit Visit National Harbor
EVENING
End the day with a Chesapeake Bay-inspired dinner at The Walrus Oyster & Ale House. Seafood aficionados won’t want to miss the lobster roll served with warm butter sauce and lemon paired with a locally brewed “Walrus” amber ale. Top it all off with a ride on the postcard-perfect Capital Wheel–beautifully illuminated after dark–before returning to your lodging for a great night’s rest.
DAY 4: Get Outside in the Middle of the City in Rock Creek Park
Before your flight home or your continued East Coast travels, visit Rock Creek Park. Twice the size of New York City’s Central Park, this urban oasis boasts 32 miles of trails, picnic areas, a nature center, golf course, horse stables, amphitheater, and even a planetarium! One of the friendly park rangers will be happy to offer a recommendation on where to begin.
Photo credit Charlottesville & Albemarle Convention and Visitors Bureau
You might choose to stick around a while longer to tour Virginia’s award-winning wineries and vineyards, head for Shenandoah National Park, or even see the wild ponies of Chincoteague and Assateague Island national seashores. There are truly so many things to do in Washington, DC!
