IHG Travel Blog

How to enjoy a weekend in Washington D.C.

A weekend getaway to Washington D.C.

Washington D.C. is a destination on many travelers’ bucket lists. For a quick weekend, you can visit some of the most famous attractions offered in the city and plan for future trips to see the rest. With ample public transit, you can easily navigate from Washington D.C. hotels.

Friday evening

Franklin D. Roosevelt Memorial

Source: Flickr

1850 West Basin Drive SW

One of the most beautiful memorials in the District, the FDR Memorial is best seen early evening. Purposeful lighting and flowing waterfalls make for a romantic evening or a memorable time with friends. Rangers are on duty to answer questions from until 10:00 p.m. each day and is a stop along Tidal Basin Memorial tours. This is actually the first Presidential Memorial that mentions his First Lady, Eleanor Roosevelt.

Saturday

The Ford’s Theater Museum

Source: Flickr

511 10th Street NW

Start off your first full day in Washington D.C. with a trip back in time. Visitors of all ages will find something fascinating at The Ford’s Theatre Museum. The location of the assassination of President Lincoln remains as a celebration of the legacy he left behind. Ford’s Theatre Museum gives visitors the chance to immerse themselves in the past while carrying the lessons over into the present. The museum is next to the Ford Theatre and is home to an incredible collection of historic artifacts detailing Lincoln’s presidency. A true celebration of life, the museum explores what life was like in Lincoln’s White House.

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National Mall

Source: Flickr

Map the location

Take a stroll around the National Mall. Affectionately referred to as our nation’s “front yard,” millions of Americans visit the National Mall each year. The expansive grounds are home to dozens of memorials, monuments and museums. Most recognizable are the Washington Monument (closed until Spring 2019) and the Lincoln Memorial. Beyond the beauty and grandeur of the monuments and memorials are Japanese cherry trees and more than 170 flower beds. You might even see a movie being filmed.

The Library of Congress

Source: Flickr

101 Independence Avenue SE

The perfect ending to your first day in Washington D.C. is a visit to The Library of Congress. The impressive grounds are home to three buildings and the nation’s oldest federal cultural institution. It also acts as the research branch of Congress, since it is the largest library in the world. Not only will bookworms be in heaven, the Library of Congress is home to millions of recordings, photographs, maps, and manuscripts.

The Magic Duel

Source: Facebook

1127 Connecticut Avenue NW

After a quick nap, it’s time to explore the District for some nighttime fun. Enter, The Magic Duel. Watch two magicians battle each night for the top spot in this interactive experience where, yes, you could go on stage. At the end of the show you vote for the winner. FYI: This show is presented for adults, so ages 15 and up are only allowed to watch the magic happen. Advance ticket purchase recommended.

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Day 2

Now that you’ve hit all of the iconic memorials and monuments, it’s time to catch one more attraction before heading home.

Old Ebbitt Grill

Source: Flickr

675 15th Street NW

One of the oldest and most popular places to eat in Washington D.C., Old Ebbitt Grill has been around in some form or the other since 1856. Experience a noteworthy meal by reserving a table for its delicious brunch, and you might luck out and see some politicos sitting around you. Reservations are required, so search for a table here and earn 150 IHG Rewards Club points.

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