Need help in visit Washington DC

Question

We will be in Washington DC from from June 19 to 23. We have a conference there. Our plan is as follows. Please feel free to remarks on it.

June 19 : reach early morning at DCA and take can and drive to Great Falls Park, After lunch check in hotel and dinner at Georgetown

June 20: drive to Pentagon and Arlington Cemetary after lunch conference and visit the National mall lighting at night

June 21 -22 conference

June 23 visit the museums as many as time allowed.

please let me know is it a good plan or we need change.

Thanks Debjani

Answer

Hi Debjani, your plan for Washington DC looks generally good, but I have a few suggestions to optimize your time and reduce stress, especially since you are balancing sightseeing with a conference.

June 19: Arriving early morning at DCA and heading to Great Falls Park is feasible, but keep in mind the park opens around 7:00 AM and it is about a 30–40 minute drive from DCA. You’ll want to allow time for parking and walking to the viewpoints. After lunch, checking into your hotel is a good idea to rest before heading to Georgetown for dinner. Georgetown is charming and walkable, with many options for casual to mid-range dining.

Consider starting at Great Falls early to avoid crowds and heat if the weather is warm.
In Georgetown, you might walk along the C&O Canal Towpath for a scenic stroll before dinner.

June 20: Driving to the Pentagon area and Arlington Cemetery is logical. Arlington can take about 2–3 hours if you plan to see the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, the Kennedy gravesites, and take the shuttle around the cemetery. After lunch, heading to your conference is fine, and visiting the National Mall at night is doable. Note that the monuments are open 24/7, but some interior areas (like the Washington Monument) close earlier.

Try to arrive at Arlington early to avoid the midday heat and crowds.
If time permits, consider a brief stop at the nearby Air Force Memorial for a great view of DC.
The National Mall in the evening is beautiful, and the Lincoln and Jefferson Memorials are less crowded at night.

June 21–22: Conference days are well planned. Depending on your schedule, you could fit in a short morning stroll around nearby areas, like the Tidal Basin or Smithsonian gardens.

June 23: Visiting museums is a good plan for your last day. Since the Smithsonian museums are extensive, focus on 2–3 highlights. Popular choices include the National Museum of American History, National Museum of Natural History, and the Air and Space Museum.

Arrive early to maximize your museum time.
Consider prioritizing indoor museums to avoid potential summer heat outdoors.
Check if any museums have extended summer hours to allow more flexibility.

General tips:

Traffic and parking in DC can be challenging; allow extra time if driving.
Using public transport for National Mall and museums is often faster than driving.
Carry water, comfortable shoes, and sunscreen for outdoor sightseeing.

Overall, your plan is realistic, but adjusting start times slightly and prioritizing attractions will help you enjoy DC without feeling rushed. Great Falls, Georgetown, Arlington, and the National Mall are all excellent choices for a mix of nature, history, and city sightseeing.

Need help in visit Washington DC

More Washington DC Travel Questions

The attractions mentioned in this question

Popular Destinations

Popular Travel Questions