A whirlwind tour of history, art, and culinary delights in the nation's capital.
Join us for an exciting day trip to Washington D.C. This packed itinerary will take us from the solemnity of national monuments to the vibrant halls of the Smithsonian, with delicious stops along the way. Get ready for a day of walking, learning, and tasting!
To ensure we can all stay coordinated and safe throughout our adventure in the city, all participants will have their phone locations turned on and shared with the group for the duration of the trip.
8:00 AM - 9:15 AM
Our adventure starts with a scenic 1-hour and 15-minute metro ride into Washington D.C. As the city awakens around us, anticipation builds for the incredible day ahead. The rhythmic motion of the train sets the perfect pace for reflection and excitement about the historic sights we're about to explore.
9:30 AM - 10:30 AM
Our first stop takes us to the majestic Lincoln Memorial, where the towering statue of Abraham Lincoln sits in eternal contemplation. The powerful inscriptions of his most famous speeches surround us, while the iconic view across the Reflecting Pool toward the Washington Monument creates a breathtaking panorama of American history.
10:30 AM - 11:30 AM
A leisurely walk brings us to the towering Washington Monument, an impressive obelisk that dominates the D.C. skyline. Standing at its base, we're dwarfed by its massive scale while enjoying spectacular views of the surrounding National Mall. The monument serves as a perfect compass point for our exploration of the capital.
11:30 AM - 2:15 PM
With extra time on our hands, we'll dive deeper into the heart of D.C. This extended period allows for thorough exploration around the monuments, a leisurely walk along the full length of the Reflecting Pool, and discovery of other nearby sites like the moving World War II Memorial with its beautiful fountains and tributes.
2:30 PM - 3:30 PM
After hours of walking and exploring, it's time for a well-deserved lunch break. Gordon Ramsay's Fish & Chips offers the perfect respite with their signature crispy fish and golden chips. This delicious pause in our day will refuel us for the afternoon adventures ahead.
View the Menu3:45 PM - 4:15 PM
No D.C. adventure is complete without stopping at Levain Bakery for their world-famous cookies! These warm, gooey treats are the perfect sweet ending to our lunch break. Each bite is a delightful explosion of flavor that will energize us for the museum visit ahead.
Explore Levain's Offerings4:30 PM - 6:30 PM
Our two-hour visit to a Smithsonian museum offers endless possibilities for discovery. With many world-class museums to choose from, including the National Museum of Natural History and the National Air and Space Museum, we'll immerse ourselves in fascinating exhibits that bring science, history, and culture to life.
Choose a Smithsonian Museum6:45 PM
As the sun begins to set over the capital, we make our way back to the metro station. The day's experiences—from solemn monuments to delicious meals to fascinating exhibits—create a tapestry of memories that will last a lifetime. The gentle rhythm of the return journey gives us time to reflect on our incredible Sunday in Washington D.C.
Here's a look at our main area of exploration on the National Mall.