Itinerary Help

Question

My husband and I are coming to DC later this month for a short trip. I have been but always quick trips, and he has never been. This is a little child-free get away so we want to see the sights but also do some nice dinners, drink spots, or any other must do things.

Here is what we have so far. Suggestions on transportation is also appreciated!

Tuesday:

Arrive at BWI @ 4:00 pm

Hotel: The Morrow Washington DC, Curio Collection by Hilton

Drinks at The Vue at The Hotel Washington?

Wednesday:

U.S. Capital Tour: 10:30 am

Arlington?

Monuments? Night tour?

Dinner at Old Ebbitt Grill @ 6:00 pm

Thursday:

White House Tour: 9:00 am

Air & Space Smithsonian @ 1:00 p.m.

Dinner at Filomena Restaurante @ 7:00 pm

Friday:

Check Out of Hotel @ 11:00 am

Holocaust Museum?

Flight home at 5:00 pm

Answer

Your itinerary is a solid mix of iconic DC sights, dining, and evening options. Since it’s a short, adult-focused trip, I’ve added suggestions to maximize your experience without feeling rushed.

Transportation Tips:

The Metro is efficient for most tourist areas. The Morrow hotel is conveniently located near Metro stations. Consider using Metro for Arlington, monuments, and museums to avoid parking hassles.
For evening drinks or dinners, ride-share services (Uber/Lyft) are often easier than parking, especially downtown.
Walking is practical for the National Mall area; many monuments and museums are within 10-15 minutes of each other.

Tuesday:

Arrive at BWI @ 4:00 pm, consider taking the BWI Express bus or a ride-share to your hotel. The Morrow is in a central location, great for walking to evening spots.
Drinks at The Vue at The Hotel Washington is perfect for a relaxed first night with skyline views. If you have time, a short stroll to the White House area to see it lit up at night is nice.

Wednesday:

U.S. Capitol Tour @ 10:30 am is a must. Arrive early to allow security time. The Library of Congress and Supreme Court are nearby if you want a brief stop.
For Arlington, the Metro’s Blue or Yellow line to Arlington Cemetery station is easiest. You can do the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and Kennedy graves.
Monuments in the afternoon—Lincoln Memorial, Vietnam, Korean War—are best seen by walking the Mall or using scooters/taxis if you prefer less walking.
Night Tour: A guided night tour of the monuments is highly recommended. Many companies pick up near central locations; it offers a dramatic view without the crowds.
Dinner at Old Ebbitt Grill @ 6:00 pm—classic DC dining, convenient to the White House and lively at night.

Thursday:

White House Tour @ 9:00 am—requires advance request. If unavailable, the White House Visitor Center is an alternative.
Air & Space Smithsonian @ 1:00 pm—allow 2-3 hours. Consider grabbing lunch at the museum’s café or nearby.
Evening: Dinner at Filomena Restaurante @ 7:00 pm—historic Italian spot in Georgetown, reachable by ride-share. Consider a short stroll along the C&O Canal afterward for a romantic walk.

Friday:

Check out of hotel @ 11:00 am.
Holocaust Museum: 1-2 hours recommended. It is emotionally intense, so plan accordingly.
Head to the airport around 2:30 pm for a 5:00 pm flight from DCA, allowing enough time for security and travel.

Additional Suggestions:

If you enjoy cocktails, the rooftop at POV at the W Hotel or the Eaton DC rooftop bar are excellent options.
If time allows, a short visit to Georgetown for shopping or a coffee break can be enjoyable.
Consider packing water, sunscreen, and comfortable shoes—lots of walking on the National Mall.

Overall, your itinerary balances major attractions with meals and some leisure time. Using Metro and occasional ride-shares will keep your trip smooth and stress-free.