Two Days, One Capital: Our Washington, D.C. Adventure

No matter where you stand on politics, one thing is for sure — Washington, D.C. is an incredible place to visit. Surrounded by the history of our country, world-class museums, beautiful monuments, and plenty of great food, it’s absolutely worth the trip.

Where We Stayed

You probably recognize the name Richard Nixon — both as the 37th President of the United States and for the Watergate scandal. On our trip, we actually stayed at the iconic Watergate Hotel, where that history unfolded. The hotel was beautiful and surprisingly convenient, within easy walking distance to many of the places we wanted to explore.

Where We Wandered

The White House

Probably one of the most famous landmarks in D.C. — you know, that big white house. Be sure to walk by and take in this iconic piece of history. You can submit a request to tour the inside, but with our short trip, we stuck to admiring it from the outside. And honestly, it was beautiful!

The Capitol

We took a tour of the historic U.S. Capitol Building through our state representative. You can book a tour either through your representative or directly on the government website — just be sure to reserve early so you get the day and time you want. The guided tour walks you through the halls and chambers where so many significant decisions and defining moments in our country’s history took place.

And if you haven’t already guessed…I’m a bit of a history nerd, so I was thrilled.   

The National Mall 

The National Mall stretches from the Washington Monument all the way to the Lincoln Memorial. You can walk it, rent bikes, or hop on an electric scooter — whatever pace fits your day. You can explore with a tour or go self-guided and take your time. Along the way, you’ll pass countless museums, monuments, and scenic spots perfect for a snack break or photo op.

No matter how you choose to see it, spending time on the National Mall is a must.

National Air and Space Museum

There are so many incredible museums to choose from in D.C., but we decided on the National Air and Space Museum because Jeff interned with NASA — so anything space-related has a special place in his heart. And this museum did not disappoint. There are actual spacecraft suspended from the ceiling, and even the original spacesuits worn during the first moon landing.

If you’re traveling with kids, this one is especially fantastic — there’s an entire hands-on play area where they can learn, explore, and burn off some energy. It’s the perfect mix of awe-inspiring history and interactive fun.

Tomb of the Unknown Soldier

Just a short trip across the river to Arlington, Virginia, you’ll find the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Arlington National Cemetery. This powerful monument honors the brave soldiers who gave their lives in service to our country. It’s a deeply moving place to pause, reflect, and pay tribute. Be sure to stay for the Changing of the Guard ceremony — it’s a solemn and unforgettable experience.

A short walk from the tomb is the gravesite of President John F. Kennedy. His resting place sits on a peaceful grassy hill beside other members of his family. Standing there, overlooking the city, it’s humbling to honor such an important figure in our nation’s history.    

Where We Dined

Farmers Fishers & Bakers

We visited D.C. in the winter, so we were bundled up as we explored — but the chilly weather didn’t slow us down one bit. We ended up stumbling upon Farmers Fishers & Bakers at Washington Harbour, the perfect spot to rest our feet. The restaurant overlooks an ice rink filled with skaters, which made the whole atmosphere feel extra fun and lively.

They were serving their weekend brunch buffet when we arrived, and it did not disappoint. We also couldn’t resist trying their signature oversized drink — they brought out a bowl of fresh fruit with extra-long straws, then poured champagne over the top. It was huge, so we shared it… and it was such a fun experience.

Dyllan's Raw Bar Grill

Whenever we travel, we like to set aside one evening for a special date night — life gets busy, so we try to prioritize quality time whenever we can. This spot was recommended by a friend who grew up in the area, and it led us to the charming neighborhood of Georgetown, filled with cute restaurants and shops.

We chose Dyllan's Raw Bar Grill for our night out. Although it has since closed, the experience was lovely, and the area itself is absolutely worth exploring. Georgetown has such a cozy, vibrant energy that makes it perfect for a date night stroll.

Overall, Washington, D.C. was a quick trip, but we made the most of every moment. We laced up our comfiest shoes, took our time soaking in the sights, and loved learning about all the history that unfolded right beneath our feet. It was fast, full, and unforgettable — and we enjoyed every minute.