DC 2-3 Days January

Question

Hello!

My 11 year old son and I will be in DC early Jan for 2- 3 days (if we get a later flight to Seattle.

We're staying at CitizenM Capitol in School St.

Get in by Amtrak around lunchtime and either fly out 2 days later at 7am or 5pm ish.

So, I'd like to try and do:

History museum (Free)

Botanic Gardens (Free)

Lincoln memorial-

Smithsonian museum (want to spend time here)

Whitehouse

Holocaust memorial museum (Free)

Old post office tower (Free)

National air and space museum (Free)

National Monument

National Mall

The Atlantis- Dave Grohl monument

What would be the best way to get around at that time of year?

Are many of these places within walking/ public transport from each other?

How would you separate these sights into the two/three days?

What's the budget option of transfer from the airport to downtown (and back again)

And finally should we get the later flight to Seattle?

Thanks so much!

Answer

January is an excellent time to visit DC—crowds are lighter, museums are warm indoors, and most of what you want to see is very close together. Staying at CitizenM Capitol puts you in a fantastic location, walking distance to the National Mall and several of your target attractions.

Because you may only have 2–3 days and you’re visiting with an 11-year-old, a well-planned route will help you maximize time without rushing. Nearly everything on your list is clustered around the Mall and can be reached by walking or a quick Metro ride.

Below is a detailed breakdown of how to get around, how to group attractions, airport transportation, and whether the later Seattle flight is worthwhile.

Most of your planned sights are easily walkable or connected by the Metro:

Smithsonian museums, Botanic Garden, the National Mall, the Lincoln Memorial, Old Post Office Tower, and the Washington Monument are all within the same large walking area.
The Holocaust Museum is just off the Mall, about a 10–15 minute walk from your hotel.
The White House is a bit farther but still walkable—20 minutes to the Ellipse, 30–35 minutes to the North Side.
The Atlantis/Dave Grohl alley is in the Adams Morgan area, reachable by Metro (Red Line) + a short walk.

Getting around in January

Walking is the primary mode—you’re minutes from the Mall.
Metro is fast, warm, and convenient for reaching the White House area, Adams Morgan, or the airport.
Circulator Bus has a National Mall loop for $1 and is a great budget-friendly option on cold days.

How to split your itinerary into two or three days

Day 1 – Mall East & Surroundings (mostly indoors, perfect for a cold day)

Check in or drop bags at CitizenM (walkable from Union Station by Metro or short Uber).
Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum (your son will love it; could spend 1.5–3 hours).
National Museum of American History or Natural History (choose one so you’re not overloaded).
U.S. Botanic Garden (warm greenhouse, easy and quick visit).
Walk the National Mall at dusk for beautiful views.

Day 2 – Monuments & White House Area

Start early at the Lincoln Memorial.
Walk the Reflecting Pool → WWII Memorial → Korean War → Vietnam Veterans Memorial.
Walk or Metro to the White House for photos.
Visit the Old Post Office Tower (free, great views; inside the Waldorf Astoria).
If you have Washington Monument tickets, slot them in this day.
End with the Holocaust Memorial Museum (advance timed tickets recommended; extremely powerful and heavy for kids—many families spend 60–90 minutes rather than doing the full deep-dive exhibits).

Day 3 – Only if you take the later Seattle flight

Visit The Atlantis / Dave Grohl Alley in Adams Morgan.
Get brunch or lunch in that neighborhood (excellent local options).
Return downtown for anything you missed or want to revisit.

Budget options for airport transportation

It depends on which airport you’re flying from:

DCA (Reagan National): Easiest and cheapest. Take the Yellow Line Metro directly into downtown; your hotel is near L’Enfant Plaza, a straight shot. Cost is very low and travel time is ~10 minutes.
IAD (Dulles): Take the Silver Line Metro all the way into DC. It’s inexpensive but takes 55–60 minutes.
BWI: Take the MARC commuter train to Union Station. Cheapest option. From there, Metro or a short cab.

Should you take the later flight to Seattle?

Yes—if you want a relaxed, complete DC visit.
The early 7am flight essentially removes that morning, meaning your trip becomes 2 days only.
The later 5pm flight lets you add the third morning to explore Adams Morgan, do a second museum, or revisit favorite areas.

If your son is into planes, rockets, monuments, or history, the later flight gives you a much better experience without rushing.

In summary: DC is very walkable from your hotel, January is manageable with Metro backup on cold days, and a two-day plan works well but a third half-day is ideal. The later flight to Seattle is strongly recommended if you want to cover everything comfortably.

DC 2-3 Days January

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