Please Review My 4-Night Itinerary

Question

My wife and I will be visiting in May for four nights. I visited once 20 years ago, but this will be her first time. After DC, we’ll take the train to Baltimore and Philadelphia before flying back home

A little about us: We’re in our mid 50s, originally from San Francisco but now living in Yucatán Mexico. We enjoy urban hiking/exploring, museums, architecture, street art, casual restaurants, and dive bars. We’re usually in bed by 10 PM, so not really interested in nightlife

This is our plan:

Thursday 5/1

Arrive at DCA at 4 PM

Metro, taxi, or Uber to **Holiday Inn (C St SW & 6th St SW)**

Evening walk to:

- Lincoln Memorial

- Korean War Memorial

- WWII Memorial

- Vietnam Memorial

- MLK Jr Memorial

Friday 5/2

11 AM - Air & Space Museum (we have tickets)

Afternoon - Walk around

- Capitol Building

- Library of Congress

- Supreme Court

Saturday 5/3

10:30 AM - Museum of African American History (we have tickets)

Afternoon - National Museum of American History

Sunday, 5/4

Washington Monument (hoping to get advance tickets when they become available)

Take Metro to Arlington National Cemetery

Stop at Costco (we need to get a few items not avilable in Mexico)

Monday 5/5

Noon - train from Union Station to Baltimore

Questions:

Transportation from DCA to our hotel

- We’re traveling with carry-on-sized luggage. Is the Metro feasible, or would a taxi/Uber be a better option

- If taking a taxi, is it a flat rate or metered, and what’s the estimated cost?

Food Recommendations

- We need recomndations for Lunch spots for each day

- Dinner options - Our hotel’s location doesn’t seem to have many restaurants nearby. I have bookmarked a few places by the wharf but would appreciate any recommendations for casual places to eat in the area. (We eat anything, but I don’t like seafood)

Does this itinerary seem reasonable? Any must see places we should consider adding?

Any good nearby dive bars we should check out?

Thanks in advance

Answer

Your 4-night itinerary in Washington DC looks well-paced and covers many of the city’s major attractions, balancing museums, monuments, and walking tours. Given your interests in urban exploring, architecture, and casual dining, it is quite feasible, especially since you prefer a moderate pace and early evenings.

Transportation from DCA to Hotel:

Metro: Yes, the Metro is feasible with carry-on luggage. From Reagan National Airport (DCA), you can take the Yellow Line to L’Enfant Plaza and walk a short distance to your hotel. Travel time is around 15–20 minutes, plus walking. Elevators are available but can be crowded during peak hours.
Taxi/Uber: This is a simpler option, especially after a flight. There is no flat rate for DCA to downtown; it will be metered. The fare to your hotel should be around $15–$20, plus tip. Uber/Lyft will be similar, depending on surge pricing.

Lunch Recommendations: Consider casual spots convenient to your walking tours and museums.

Thursday evening (near National Mall): Good Stuff Eatery (burgers and casual fare)
Friday (Air & Space / Capitol area): Shake Shack (fast, casual, near National Mall) or Founding Farmers (farm-to-table)
Saturday (Museum of African American History area): Taylor Gourmet or Le Diplomate for French-style lunch
Sunday (Arlington National Cemetery / Costco stop): Busboys and Poets (casual, eclectic)

Dinner Recommendations: Your hotel area on C St SW has fewer casual dining options, but the Wharf area or Penn Quarter is nearby and walkable. Consider:

Old Ebbitt Grill – classic DC casual American, historic setting
District Taco – quick, casual, Mexican fare
Thip Khao – Laotian, casual, flavorful
For Wharf area: Mi Vida, Hank’s Oyster Bar (seafood but with other options), Del Mar

Dive Bars: Some fun options that are low-key and within the city:

Jack Rose Dining Saloon – whiskey-focused, historic feel
The Brixton – lively but not too late-night, good for a drink and atmosphere
The Royal – cozy and casual, off the tourist path

Additional Must-See Suggestions:

Consider walking the Tidal Basin for cherry blossoms if they are still in bloom in early May.
Union Station architecture is beautiful and worth a brief visit.
If time permits, a short stroll around the Georgetown neighborhood offers charming streets, shops, and casual dining.

Overall, your itinerary is reasonable. Each day balances sightseeing with manageable walking distances. Make sure to reserve advance tickets for Washington Monument and National Museum of African American History as you have planned. Allow some flexibility for walking times and transportation between sites.

Please Review My 4-Night Itinerary

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