4D/3N in Washington

Question

Hi Friends,

I'll be in Washington from December 20th to 24th with my wife and two teenage children. Besides the usual attractions like the White House, Capitol Hill, and the monuments, what other sights would you recommend? I’d also love to do some outlet shopping—any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. And if you know of any good places to eat (nothing too expensive or fine dining), I’d love your recommendations.

Thanks so much for your help!

Best regards, San

Answer

Hi San,

Washington DC in late December can be magical, with the holiday lights and decorations adding charm to the city. With 4 days and 3 nights, you have time to see the major landmarks and also explore some lesser-known but interesting spots.

In addition to the White House, Capitol Hill, and the National Mall monuments, consider the following sights and experiences:

Smithsonian Museums: Many are free and offer diverse experiences. Some highlights for teens include the National Air and Space Museum, the National Museum of Natural History, and the National Museum of American History.
Newseum or International Spy Museum: Great interactive museums that appeal to teens. Note that the Newseum has closed its location on Pennsylvania Avenue, but the Spy Museum is still open and very engaging.
Georgetown: Charming historic neighborhood with cobblestone streets, shops, and waterfront views. Good for a stroll and photos.
National Zoo: Free entry and a fun stop, especially if your teens like animals. It’s part of the Smithsonian network.
Library of Congress: Beautiful architecture and fascinating exhibits; the Thomas Jefferson Building is particularly stunning.

For outlet or bargain shopping:

Leesburg Corner Premium Outlets: About 45 minutes from DC, offers a large selection of brand-name outlets.
Tanger Outlets National Harbor: Around 30 minutes from downtown, has a variety of stores in a scenic area near the Potomac River.
Tysons Corner Center: Slightly more upscale shopping mall, about 20–30 minutes from DC, with both regular and outlet-style shopping options.

For casual and reasonably priced dining with teens, consider:

Founding Farmers: Popular farm-to-table restaurant with hearty meals.
&pizza: Local fast-casual chain with customizable pizzas.
Ben’s Chili Bowl: Iconic DC eatery famous for chili dogs and casual vibes.
Shake Shack: Reliable for burgers and shakes; several locations around the city.
Georgetown Cupcake: For a sweet treat if you explore Georgetown.

Additional tips:

Dress warmly, as December in DC can be quite chilly, often in the 30s–40s °F.
Plan your museum visits in advance as holiday crowds may affect timing.
Consider taking a DC Metro day pass for easy travel between sights, especially with teens.

This itinerary should balance sightseeing, shopping, and casual dining while keeping it manageable for your family.