6-DAY WASHINGTON, D.C. FAMILY ITINERARY
Washington, D.C. with Kids
Washington, D.C. • Mount Vernon • Gettysburg
Washington, D.C. is one of our favorite family destinations because it combines important history with world-class museums that are completely free.
This route balances the capital's major landmarks with two unforgettable day trips: George Washington's home at Mount Vernon and the battlefield at Gettysburg.
TRIP OVERVIEW
Route overview
One major subject each day kept the history from turning into a blur. The car was useful for the two day trips and unnecessary for central Washington.
Family route · 6 days
National Mall → Smithsonian → Mount Vernon → Gettysburg → Capitol Hill → Arlington
Family route · 6 days · Day 1
National Mall
Lincoln Memorial, war memorials, Washington Monument, and enough walking time to let the scale of the Mall make sense.
Lincoln Memorial
War memorials
Washington Monument
Family route · 6 days · Day 2
Smithsonian Museums
Two museums chosen around the family's interests instead of trying to rush through every free building.
Choose two museums
Air and Space
Natural History
American History
Family route · 6 days · Day 3
Mount Vernon
The mansion, grounds, working farm, Washington's tomb, museum, and the Potomac view in one focused day outside the city.
Mansion
Working farm
Washington's tomb
Museum
Family route · 6 days · Day 4
Gettysburg
Visitor Center, Cyclorama, battlefield stops, Soldiers' National Cemetery, and a guide who connected the landscape to the story.
Visitor Center
Cyclorama
Battlefield
Licensed guide
Family route · 6 days · Day 5
Capitol Hill
The Capitol, Library of Congress, Supreme Court, and National Archives grouped into one government-and-documents day.
U.S. Capitol
Library of Congress
Supreme Court
National Archives
Family route · 6 days · Day 6
Arlington
Arlington National Cemetery, the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, the Changing of the Guard, and time to walk the grounds with care.
Tomb of the Unknown Soldier
Changing of the Guard
Cemetery walk
Day 1
National Mall
Lincoln Memorial, war memorials, Washington Monument, and enough walking time to let the scale of the Mall make sense.
Day 1
DAY 1
National Mall & Monuments
Begin with the icons that make Washington unforgettable. Walk from the Lincoln Memorial through the war memorials, continue toward the Washington Monument, and finish at the White House.
If time and energy allow, add one Smithsonian museum in the afternoon. One is enough for the first day.
Highlights
Lincoln Memorial
Washington Monument
White House
World War II Memorial
Vietnam Veterans Memorial
Korean War Veterans Memorial
Stay: Hyatt Place Washington DC/National Mall
Eat: Pitango Gelato works well here; Keep dinner close to the final stop of the day.
Reserve: Washington Monument
NATIONAL MALL FAQ
Good to know before you go.
-
A lot. The monuments look close across open space, but the full route adds up. Start early, carry water, and use transit when it protects the rest of the day.
-
Check the current Recreation.gov entry process before the trip. Timed access can change, and we would not assume same-day entry.
Day 2
Smithsonian Museums
Two museums chosen around the family's interests instead of trying to rush through every free building.
Day 2
DAY 2
Smithsonian Museums
Choose two museums instead of trying to see everything. The Smithsonian buildings are enormous, and rushing several in one day usually leads directly to museum fatigue.
Spend the evening in Georgetown for dinner and a change of pace.
Highlights
National Air and Space Museum
National Museum of Natural History
National Museum of American History
Georgetown dinner
Stay: Hyatt Place Washington DC/National Mall
Eat: Use a museum cafe or a nearby food hall.
Reserve: Check each Smithsonian's current timed-entry policy. Museum cafes usually do not need reservations.
SMITHSONIAN MUSEUMS FAQ
Good to know before you go.
-
Two was our limit. The buildings are large, and everyone gets more from the day when the family chooses priorities before arriving.
-
Many are free, but some buildings or special experiences use timed entry. Check each official site before the trip.
Day 3
Mount Vernon
The mansion, grounds, working farm, Washington's tomb, museum, and the Potomac view in one focused day outside the city.
Day 3
DAY 3
Mount Vernon
Drive about 30 minutes south to George Washington's Mount Vernon. Tour the mansion, gardens, working farm, blacksmith shop, gristmill when open, and the tomb of George and Martha Washington.
Walk down to the Potomac overlook. This was one of our favorite historical sites because it made Washington feel like a person, not simply a name in a textbook.
Highlights
George Washington's mansion
Washington's tomb
Working farm and gardens
Potomac River views
Museum and Education Center
Stay: Hyatt Place DC Downtown K Street (now listed as Washington DC/White House)
Eat: Eat near Mount Vernon or after returning to the city
Reserve: Mount Vernon
MOUNT VERNON FAQ
Good to know before you go.
-
It can be. The mansion, grounds, farm, tomb, museum, lunch, and drive deserve more time than a quick house tour.
-
A car made this day easier for us. Check the current ticket and arrival details before leaving central Washington.
Day 4
Gettysburg
Visitor Center, Cyclorama, battlefield stops, Soldiers' National Cemetery, and a guide who connected the landscape to the story.
Day 4
DAY 4
Gettysburg National Military Park
Leave early for the roughly 90-minute drive to Gettysburg. Book a licensed battlefield guide or use the auto tour.
Having someone explain what happened where you are standing transforms Gettysburg from an open field into one of the most important places in American history. Let the day unfold slowly; this is not a place to rush.
Highlights
Visitor Center and Cyclorama
Cemetery Ridge
Little Round Top
Devil's Den
Pickett's Charge
Soldiers' National Cemetery
Stay: Hyatt Place DC Downtown K Street (now listed as Washington DC/White House)
Eat: Pack snacks and choose a meal around the Gettysburg drive.
Reserve: Gettysburg licensed guide
GETTYSBURG FAQ
Good to know before you go.
-
Yes. The battlefield is too large and quiet to explain itself. A licensed guide or strong auto tour connects the positions, timing, and people.
-
No. Each deserves its own day, and combining them would turn meaningful history into hours in the car.
Day 5
Capitol Hill
The Capitol, Library of Congress, Supreme Court, and National Archives grouped into one government-and-documents day.
Day 5
DAY 5
Capitol Hill
Spend the day at the U.S. Capitol, Library of Congress, and Supreme Court.
Add the National Archives if your family wants to see the Declaration of Independence, Constitution, and Bill of Rights. Finish on Capitol Hill or return to the National Mall after dark, when the monuments are illuminated and less crowded.
Highlights
U.S. Capitol
Library of Congress
Supreme Court
National Archives
National Mall at night
Stay: Hyatt Place DC Downtown K Street (now listed as Washington DC/White House)
Eat: Founding Farmers fits naturally after a Capitol Hill day.
Reserve: U.S. Capitol and White House visit; reserve Founding Farmers at peak times.
CAPITOL HILL FAQ
Good to know before you go.
-
Request Capitol and White House access as early as the official process allows. Do not build the trip around an unconfirmed restricted tour.
-
Expect screening and read current bag rules. Avoid putting two security-heavy reservations too close together.
Day 6
Arlington
Arlington National Cemetery, the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, the Changing of the Guard, and time to walk the grounds with care.
Day 6
DAY 6
Arlington & Final Stops
Begin at Arlington National Cemetery. Visit the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, watch the Changing of the Guard, and stop at John F. Kennedy's gravesite.
If the flight is later in the day, revisit a favorite museum or pick up souvenirs before heading to the airport.
Highlights
Arlington National Cemetery
Tomb of the Unknown Soldier
Changing of the Guard
John F. Kennedy's gravesite
Stay: Hyatt Place DC Downtown K Street (now listed as Washington DC/White House)
Eat: Choose food after Arlington based on the departure route
Reserve: No meal reservation. Confirm checkout and luggage storage with the hotel.
ARLINGTON FAQ
Good to know before you go.
-
Allow several hours for security, walking, the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, and the guard change. Keep the rest of the day lighter.
-
Prepare children for the purpose of the cemetery, speak quietly, and check current entry and bag information before leaving.