4 day itinerary for first time visitors

Question

Id really like peoples thoughts on this itinerary please before I start booking tickets etc. It’s our (my 19yr old daughter and I) first visit so we’re wanting to do as much as we can but hopefully at an enjoyable pace! I would love to squeeze in a theatre show if we can.

I’d also love any suggestions on lunch places that have good vegetarian and dairy free options.

Thank you

Day 0 - arrive at 8pm head to hotel

Day 1

White House visitor centre

National Museum of American history

Washington memorial

Evening - reflection pool memorials

Day 2

Museum of African American History & Culture

Us capitol building tour, library of congress

Evening - history on foot walking tour (fords theatre)

Day 3

Fords theatre & Museum

National Air & space museum

National Gallery of Art (quick visit to see pieces by 1 artist)

Evening- tidal basin memorials

Day 4

Arlington cemetery and trolley tour

Pentagon memorial

Afternoon left free for anything we hadn’t fit in before he head off at 7pm

Answer

Your 4-day DC itinerary is ambitious but very doable, especially since you have a mix of museums, monuments, and tours. I’ve provided some feedback on pacing, sequencing, and tips for vegetarian/dairy-free lunch options to make the trip enjoyable without feeling rushed.

Day 0 – Arrival

Arriving at 8 pm, it’s best to keep this evening light. Check into your hotel, get settled, and consider grabbing a quick dinner nearby if needed. Avoid sightseeing tonight to allow for rest after travel.

Day 1 – National Mall & Memorials

Start at the White House Visitor Center in the morning. Tickets for inside tours are hard to get and require advance request, so the Visitor Center is a good alternative for first-time visitors.
Next, visit the National Museum of American History. Focus on the exhibits that interest you most (e.g., First Ladies’ gowns, the Star-Spangled Banner).
Walk towards the Washington Monument. If you want to go to the top, book timed tickets in advance.
Evening: Walk around the Lincoln, Korean, and WWII Memorials near the Reflecting Pool. Sunset is a beautiful time to visit.

Lunch suggestions:

Founding Farmers – vegetarian-friendly and offers vegan options.
Sweetgreen – salads and bowls with dairy-free options.

Day 2 – Capitol Area & History Tour

Morning: Museum of African American History & Culture. Reserve timed entry tickets online in advance.
Late morning/early afternoon: U.S. Capitol Building tour and visit the Library of Congress (both are near each other).
Evening: Join a History on Foot Walking Tour that includes Ford’s Theatre. Many tours focus on the Lincoln assassination story and theater history.

Lunch suggestions:

Busboys and Poets – vegan and vegetarian-friendly.
Shake Shack (Dupont or National Mall area) – offers vegetarian options and dairy-free shakes with almond milk upon request.

Day 3 – Museums & Tidal Basin

Morning: Start at Ford’s Theatre & Museum for any exhibits you missed during the previous evening tour.
Late morning: National Air & Space Museum. Focus on highlights such as the Wright Brothers and Apollo exhibits.
Early afternoon: National Gallery of Art. Select a single artist or collection to avoid fatigue.
Evening: Walk around the Tidal Basin to see Jefferson, FDR, and Martin Luther King memorials. Sunset is beautiful and less crowded.

Lunch suggestions:

Café Muse at National Gallery – offers vegetarian and dairy-free salads and sandwiches.
Teaism – light Asian-inspired vegetarian options.

Day 4 – Arlington & Pentagon

Morning: Arlington National Cemetery with the trolley tour to cover more ground easily. Watch the Changing of the Guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.
Late morning: Pentagon Memorial visit. It’s small but impactful.
Afternoon: Leave free to revisit a favorite museum, grab souvenirs, or relax before your 7 pm departure.

Lunch suggestions:

Café du Parc near Arlington – light options with vegetarian-friendly fare.
Le Pain Quotidien – multiple locations, good for dairy-free and vegetarian choices.

Additional Tips:

Wear comfortable shoes – lots of walking each day.
Use Metro or rideshares for longer distances to save energy, especially with a 19-year-old.
Book museum and monument tickets online in advance where possible to avoid long waits.
Consider a theater show in the evening of Day 1 or 2; check availability at the Kennedy Center or Arena Stage. Many offer accessible seating and shorter performances.

Overall, this itinerary balances major sights, museums, and leisurely walks. Prioritize what interests you most and allow some flexibility to rest, eat, or enjoy spontaneous discoveries along the way.

4 day itinerary for first time visitors

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