Best Comprehensive Tour Of Washington, DC for Spring Break

Question

I'm interested in taking my son to Washington, DC on Spring Break (3/10-3/14). Can anyone recommend an all-inclusive trip during that time? I'd like to see the monuments, some of the Smithsonian museums, perhaps the National Art Gallery. As many of the major sites that I can in that time.

Thank you,

Answer

Washington, DC is a fantastic destination for a comprehensive spring break trip, especially for first-time visitors who want to cover monuments, museums, and cultural highlights. For a 5-day visit with your son, you can balance guided tours with self-paced exploration to see as much as possible without feeling rushed.

Day-by-Day Overview:

Day 1 – National Mall & Monuments: Start with a guided walking or bike tour of the National Mall to cover the Lincoln Memorial, Washington Monument, Vietnam Veterans Memorial, Korean War Memorial, and World War II Memorial. This sets a great foundation and ensures you hit the key sites efficiently.
Day 2 – Smithsonian Museums (Free Entry): Focus on kid-friendly and iconic museums. Recommended options include:
- National Air and Space Museum – always a hit with kids and teens.
- National Museum of American History – includes the original Star-Spangled Banner and other engaging exhibits.
- National Museum of Natural History – dinosaur skeletons, gems, and hands-on exhibits for kids.
Day 3 – National Gallery of Art & Tidal Basin: Spend the morning in the National Gallery of Art to see impressionist and other major works. In the afternoon, enjoy a stroll around the Tidal Basin; if cherry blossoms are in bloom, this is a highlight.
Day 4 – Capitol Hill & Museums: Consider a guided tour of the U.S. Capitol (booking ahead is recommended). Visit the Library of Congress and the Supreme Court (if open). For a lighter afternoon, explore the nearby Folger Shakespeare Library or Eastern Market.
Day 5 – Optional Neighborhoods & Monuments Missed: Check off anything missed, such as the Smithsonian American Art Museum, International Spy Museum (ticketed, very interactive), or take a short cruise on the Potomac for a different perspective of the monuments.

Tour & Transportation Tips:

Guided bus or walking tours are great for covering multiple monuments efficiently, especially with a teen. Companies like Big Bus DC offer hop-on/hop-off flexibility.
Metro and Circulator buses are reliable for moving between neighborhoods and can save walking time.
Most Smithsonian museums are free; special exhibits like the National Gallery may have ticketed events, so check ahead.

Additional Considerations:

Spring Break in March can be busy, especially around popular museums and monuments, so early arrival is recommended.
Plan lunch near your sightseeing areas—Penn Quarter has plenty of casual, family-friendly spots.
Comfortable walking shoes are essential; even with public transportation, you’ll be on your feet a lot.

By combining guided tours for efficiency with self-paced museum visits, you can have a comprehensive and enjoyable experience of DC in five days, making it both educational and fun for you and your son.

Best Comprehensive Tour Of Washington, DC for Spring Break

More District of Columbia (DC) Travel Questions

The attractions mentioned in this question

Popular Destinations

Popular Travel Questions