Itinerary check for spring break

Question

Hello forum!

We are brining our family of 4 to DC for spring break from 3/31-4/5, staying at Hyatt Place Georgetown/west end. We didn't rent a car and we plan to get around on foot, subway, or uber. Our kids are 11 and 13 and studying US history so this will be a fun trip for them! Here's what we have planned and booked so far:

3/31 arrive DCA at 9pm. Search for food near the hotel. found a Swahili village open late (?)

4/1 10am-12pm rent bikes and bike the National Mall to see the monuments and sights. Capitol Hill Tour at 2pm, library of congress after.

4/2 Bureau of Engraving and Printing tour 10:30am, free afternoon - Smithsonian?

4/3 9am Ford Theater ranger talk, Peterson House, museum. 1:15pm National Archives entry. Free afternoon - spy museum? Arlington?

4/4 Mount Vernon

4/5 Depart 9am

I've secured all the tickets and tours except Library of Congress (must wait for 30 days out) and Mount Vernon (website down). Appreciate any advice or suggestions! We also love food suggestions - we are adventurous foodies.

thank you all

Answer

Your spring break itinerary in Washington DC looks well-organized and should be very enjoyable for your family, especially given your kids’ interest in US history. Staying at Hyatt Place Georgetown/West End provides good access to the city via metro, Uber, and walking, which is perfect since you won’t have a car.

Arrival and 3/31:

Arriving late at 9pm, food options are limited but it’s good that you found a nearby spot like Swahili Village. Another option is checking for nearby casual late-night places in the West End or Georgetown area, such as Mediterranean or pizza spots.

4/1 – National Mall & Capitol Hill:

Renting bikes to explore the National Mall is a great idea; it allows you to cover more ground efficiently. Make sure to allow time for stops at the Lincoln Memorial, Vietnam Veterans Memorial, Korean War Veterans Memorial, and the World War II Memorial.
Capitol Hill tour at 2pm and Library of Congress afterward is excellent; if Library of Congress tickets aren’t yet available, you can plan a flexible afternoon visit once they open.
Consider stopping at the Supreme Court building if open; it’s near the Capitol and educational for kids.

4/2 – Bureau of Engraving & Smithsonian:

Bureau of Engraving and Printing tour at 10:30am is informative and quick, so the free afternoon can be used to explore Smithsonian museums based on your kids’ interests: American History Museum, Natural History, or Air & Space Museum are very engaging.
Tip: Museums can get busy; plan to arrive early or late afternoon for shorter lines.

4/3 – Ford Theater, National Archives, and optional sites:

Ford Theater and Petersen House ranger talk at 9am is perfect for history enthusiasts. Ensure you allow time to explore the museum exhibits nearby.
National Archives at 1:15pm allows you to see the Declaration of Independence, Constitution, and Bill of Rights. Make sure to arrive a bit early for security lines.
Afternoon options like the International Spy Museum or Arlington National Cemetery are great. Spy Museum is highly interactive and fun for ages 11-13, while Arlington is educational and reflective. Consider travel time between sites using metro or Uber.

4/4 – Mount Vernon:

Visiting George Washington’s Mount Vernon estate is a fantastic day trip. If the website is down, you can purchase tickets on-site early or check third-party authorized ticket sellers. Allocate at least 3-4 hours to explore the mansion, gardens, and museum.

Food suggestions for adventurous foodies:

Georgetown: Try upscale casual options like Farmers Fishers Bakers or quirky spots like Baked & Wired for dessert.
Penn Quarter/Chinatown: A range of international cuisines, including Ethiopian (Ethiopic), modern American (Zaytinya), and Asian fusion.
U Street Corridor: Great for diverse international food, including Caribbean, African, and trendy cafes.
Eastern Market: Open on weekends with fresh local food vendors – ideal for casual family meals and sampling local flavors.

Additional tips:

Consider starting your museum visits early to avoid crowds, especially in popular Smithsonian spots.
Use the DC Circulator buses for short distances; it’s cost-effective and easy with kids.
Pack layers and rain gear, as spring weather can be variable.

Overall, your itinerary is balanced with educational activities, historical tours, and some flexibility for museums or food adventures. With metro and Uber, your travel logistics should be smooth without needing a car.

Itinerary check for spring break

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