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Home/Destinations/Washington DC/Washington, D.C. in 3 days
3 days · Washington DC itinerary

Washington, D.C. in 3 Days: The Complete Itinerary

Three days in D.C. cover the monuments, museums and Mount Vernon. Here is how to spend three perfect days in the capital — with the best-rated tours to book for each.

At a glance

  1. 1Day 1: Mall & monuments
  2. 2Day 2: Capitol & Arlington
  3. 3Day 3: Mount Vernon
  4. 4Smithsonian & cruise

Day 1: the Mall

Monuments and Smithsonian museums.

Day 2: Capitol & Arlington

Government and the cemetery.

Day 3: Mount Vernon

Washington’s estate and Alexandria.

Book the experiences in this itinerary

Top-rated tours for exactly what this plan recommends in Washington DC — prices per person.

Private Pedicab Tour of DC Monuments and Memorials
Washington Dc
Private Pedicab Tour of DC Monuments and Memorials
5.0(104)·1 hour
from$270/ person
via Viator
The National Gallery of Art DC - Exclusive Guided Museum Tour
Washington Dc
The National Gallery of Art DC - Exclusive Guided Museum Tour
5.0(181)·2h 30min
from$105/ person
via Viator
Walking Tour The American Revolution and Alexandria
Virginia
Walking Tour The American Revolution and Alexandria
5.0(67)·1h 30min
from$30/ person
via Viator
Classic Monuments & Memorials Tour
Washington Dc
Classic Monuments & Memorials Tour
5.0(83)·3 hours
from$554/ person
via Viator
Smithsonian Museum of Natural History - Exclusive Guided Tour
Washington Dc
Smithsonian Museum of Natural History - Exclusive Guided Tour
5.0(472)·2 hours
from$105/ person
via Viator
Old Town, Alexandria and Mount Vernon Private Tour
Washington Dc
Old Town, Alexandria and Mount Vernon Private Tour
4.9(84)·5 hours
from$1,044/ person
via Viator
Small Group National Mall Tour with Washington Monument
Washington Dc
Small Group National Mall Tour with Washington Monument
5.0(79)·2h 30min
from$55/ person
via Viator
Smithsonian Museum of Natural History Small Group Tour: 8ppl Max
Washington Dc
Smithsonian Museum of Natural History Small Group Tour: 8ppl Max
5.0(189)·2 hours
from$105/ person
via Viator

Washington, D.C. in 3 days — FAQ

Is 3 days enough for Washington, D.C.?
Three days is ideal — the Mall and monuments on day one, the Capitol and Arlington on day two, and Mount Vernon with Old Town Alexandria on day three.
What is the best experience in DC for 3 days?
The National Mall monuments are the icon, the Smithsonian the most rewarding, and Mount Vernon the best escape; all deserve your time.
How do I plan a 3-day DC itinerary?
Spend day one on the Mall and museums, day two on the Capitol and Arlington, and day three on a Mount Vernon and Alexandria day trip.

Explore more in Washington DC

Monuments & MemorialsCapitol & ArchivesSmithsonian MuseumsMonuments by NightPotomac CruisesArlington Cemetery