Trip Report (2 days with teens)

Question

We are just home from fab trip to Mexico and stopover in Washington. We had been to Washington 3 yrs ago and did Capitol tour , tickets to go up Washington monument, Air & Space Museum and night time Washington monument tour. We decided we would like to explore other parts of Washington this time and teens were not interested in museums.

Arrival night:We flew into Dulles and had to go through immigration. I am EU citizen and downloaded MPC app before arrival. The q was so long for not US citizens but I was able to go through MPC q (just had to upload my photo) and only 2 ahead of me in the q- I got through in same amt of time as rest of family who have US passports so that was great. We got cab from airport (got a cab for 5 straight away and cost cUS$80)

We stayed in Embassy suites , convention centre and this was a fantastic location. We got in late at 10pm and grabbed pizza and wings in the hotel resturaunt. Hotel did breakfast and also complimentary evening reception which was an added bonus. Rooms were large and we walked almost everywhere.

Next morning we had tickets for Whitehouse tour (anbout 15 mins walk from hotel) and really enjoyed it - you can stroll around at your leisure. Afterwards we went to the People’s House which is just beside it and got the photos in the replica Oval Office. We then grabbed an Uber to Georgetown. Strolled around , girls queued for Brandi & Melville clothes store , did exorcist steps. Then we had fantastic lunch at Foundling Farmers. (Could not get a spot at Martin’s Tavern). We then walked back to hotel (about 45 mins) and went to evening reception in hotel . We then got an Uber down to the Wharf - it was buzzing and lovely to stroll around ( but beware of mosquitoes!). Ate at a Mexican resturaunt which was lovely.

Day 2 : after breakfast we walked to Washington monument and then we went to the Old Post Office tower (at Waldorf Astoria) and got magnificent view of Washington. There were only 2 other people there at that time (10am). We wanted to do some shopping so got an Uber to National Harbour Tanger Outlets and grabbed some great bargains. That evening we ate in the Cheesecake factory which was delicious and only about 15 mins walk walk from hotel

day 3: we had to catch a flight home so in morning I chanced getting tickets for Bureau of Engraving and there was lots of availability - we walked h the ere (about 35 mins) and enjoyed the tour. Afterwards we walked back and had lunch in Old Ebbitt Grill which everyone gave 10/10. Then back to hotel and Uber to Dulles. Had a great trip and saw loads we had not seen on our last trip. It is a great city and so clean and safe

Answer

It sounds like you had a wonderful and well-organized short trip to Washington, DC, especially with teens who were less interested in traditional museums. Your itinerary balanced sightseeing, casual strolling, shopping, and food experiences very nicely. Here’s a detailed breakdown and highlights based on your experience:

Arrival and Hotel:

You flew into Dulles, and the Mobile Passport Control (MPC) app worked perfectly for you as an EU citizen, allowing you to bypass long queues, which is a great tip for other non-US citizens. Taking a cab to the Embassy Suites at the Convention Centre was convenient and cost about $80 for five people. The hotel’s location was excellent — central, walking distance to major sites, and offering a large room and free breakfast and evening reception. This made it easy to relax after late arrivals and minimized commuting time.

Day 1 Highlights:

White House Tour: Short walk from your hotel, enjoyable at your own pace.
People’s House: Replica Oval Office photos, fun for teens and adults alike.
Georgetown: Strolling the area, shopping at Brandy & Melville, walking the Exorcist Steps, and lunch at Founding Farmers — a good mix of shopping, culture, and local cuisine. Martin’s Tavern was full, but you found a great alternative.
The Wharf: Evening stroll, lively atmosphere, Mexican dinner, but a note to bring insect repellent due to mosquitoes.

Day 2 Highlights:

Washington Monument: Walk from hotel, manageable for teens and adults.
Old Post Office Tower at Waldorf Astoria: Spectacular views with very few other visitors — a quieter experience than the Washington Monument itself.
National Harbor / Tanger Outlets: Shopping trip for bargains, enjoyable for the teens.
Dinner: Cheesecake Factory within walking distance of hotel, convenient and well-rated.

Day 3 Highlights:

Bureau of Engraving and Printing: Short walk from hotel, tickets were readily available, and the tour was educational and interesting even for teens.
Old Ebbitt Grill: Lunch stop with a unanimous 10/10 rating from your group, classic DC dining experience.
Departure: Walk back to hotel and then Uber to Dulles for your flight home.

Observations and Tips:

Embassy Suites at Convention Centre is highly recommended for families or groups due to location, room size, and complimentary meals.
Walking between sites is feasible and enjoyable in central DC, even with teens, as long as comfortable shoes are worn.
Using Uber strategically saves time, especially when moving between more distant attractions like Georgetown, The Wharf, or National Harbor.
Having flexibility for meals and alternative restaurant options is helpful, as popular places can be fully booked (like Martin’s Tavern).
Evening receptions or hotel lounges can be great for rest or light socializing without having to travel further.

Overall: Your trip demonstrates that DC can be engaging and enjoyable for teenagers without focusing on traditional museums. The mix of historical sightseeing, city strolls, shopping, and food experiences provided a balanced and memorable visit. Careful planning, use of walking and ride-share options, and choosing accommodations strategically made this trip smooth and highly enjoyable.