We just got back from the best long weekend in D.C. and we’re still chatting about the cherry blossoms, the museums, the history, and how much we packed into just a few days. It was the perfect mix of sightseeing, learning, walking our feet off, and eating really amazing food. Here’s how our trip unfolded…
Day One - Arrival & The Monuments Bike Tour
We took the earliest direct flight from GRR to DCA landing us in D.C. around 8am and allowing us a full day upon arrival. Jeff and I had visited D.C. before for a wedding and we were immediately reminded of how incredible their public metro transit is there. It’s clean, easy, and such a lifesaver for a trip where you’re constantly bouncing around the city. Plus, the kids got a huge kick out of reading the maps to figure out where we needed to go - the apples didn’t fall far from the tree. For the record, Jeff is the tree. I am absolutely not that tree.
We dropped our bags at our hotel located just blocks from the White House (we stayed in the Marriott Metro Center and I can’t recommend this location enough. It was exactly one block from the Metro and only about a 10-minute walk to the White House. Plus it had a bar and restaurant on the first floor (important for us parents post kiddos bedtime) and an indoor pool, which is basically gold when traveling with kids.
Around 11am we did a preschedule tour of the Capitol Building - something we booked through our local state rep. The stand out feature was and the dome ceiling. Pictures don’t do it justice — it’s one of those “okay wow, this is real history” moments.
After that, we grabbed lunch at BumbleBirds, and I have to mention the chicken tenders because they were genuinely so good. If you’re a “we judge restaurants by their tenders” kind of family, this is your place.
Then it was time for one of my favorite parts of the whole trip… The Bike Tour! We met up for a 3-hour bike tour with our guide Marcus, and I cannot recommend this enough. It was hands-down the best way to see the city quickly while still getting all the important details and guided history along the way.
On our tour we visited:
National Mall
Smithsonian Castle
Washington Monument
Vietnam Veterans Memorial
Lincoln Memorial
Korean War Veterans Memorial
Martin Luther Kind, Jr. Memorial
Franklin Roosevelt Delano Memorial
Thomas Jefferson Memorial
At the Jefferson Memorial it’s very important that you all know that we whitnessed a lovely young couple get engaged, which really made an impact on the kids. They could not stop talking about it - so cute. By the time we got back to the hotel we were so sweaty (the weather was incredible clocking in at a whopping 87 degrees and full sunshine!) and we were more than ready for some food and drink!
Dinner that night was at Founding Farmers, which was such a fun vibe. They are a great local farm to table restaurant that serves very large portions. We ordered a massive death by chocolate sundae for the table as a reward for our day of walking and biking.
After dinner, the kids crashed hard back at the hotel and Jeff and me ended the night watching Michigan win and advance to the March Madness championship game, which made it feel like the perfect ending to a perfect first day.
Day Two - The Spy Museum, The Museum of Natural History, & The Air & Space Museum
Sunday morning started early with a 9am visit to the International Spy Museum, and it was honestly one of the coolest museums we’ve ever been to. It’s interactive, engaging, and the “mission” component makes it fun for kids of all ages.
After that, we headed to the Smithsonian Museum of Natural History and, to be completely honest, we were underwhelmed. In comparison to the Spy Museum it was pretty boring, but did have some redeeming features such as the Hope Diamond and the sea life exhibit.
After a quick bite at the Cafe and some souvenir shopping at the History Museum, we continued onto the Smithsonian Air & Space Museum. The kids were most impressed by all the interactive exhibits where they could turn wheels, race video game cars, and walk through airplane cockpits.
After a full day on our feet the kids were thrilled to spend an hour in the pool back at the hotel. I was equally as thrilled about the glass of bubbles Jeff found us from the hotel bar. Dinner that night was at The Hamilton, and it was fabulous. Thomas is still gushing about his steak - a five star review - he told the waiter.
Day Three - The National Zoo, The National Archives, The Museum of American History, & The Arlington Cemetery
Monday morning we hopped on the Metro again and headed straight to the Smithsonian National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute. We were there right when the gates opened (8am) and it was completely worth it. We saw the giant pandas (who have recently made national news due to the recent love story between the male and female living there), orangutans, and tigers — and it was the perfect way to start the day. We were pretty impressed by the orangutans exhibit that extended throughout the zoo with super tall climbing poles and robes that allowed them to swing overtop the pedestrian walkways.
After two hours looking at animals (and a very much requested stop by Natalie at Starbucks) we beelined it to the National Archives. If you’re debating whether it’s worth going… it is. Seeing the Declaration of Independence, the Bill of Rights, and the Constitution in person is one of those moments that makes you stop and think. It felt especially meaningful with America’s 250th anniversary coming up. Our Independence Day celebration at the lake this year is going to be off the hook! The kids are already planning the decor for the boat parade.
We grabbed sandwiches at an off the beaten path deli for lunch (simple, easy, perfect), and then headed to the Smithsonian Museum of American History. This museum did not disappoint and provided a handful of highlights:
Dorothy’s ruby slippers from the Wizard of Oz
The American flag exhibit
The First Ladies exhibit - my personal favorite
Post museum, the kids were ready for some fuel so picked one of the hundreds of ice cream trucks parked around the city for some much needed sugar intake. The food truck scene was incredible. They were everywhere and served every food type of food you can imagine. It was tough not to get a street gyro knowing we had more dinner plans in a few short hours.
Our last stop of the day was to Arlington National Cemetery. This was one of the most emotional parts of the entire trip. We visited the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier (and watched the Changing of the Guard), Robert E. Lee’s house, and JFK’s burial site. It’s hard to put into words how powerful Arlington is. It’s quiet, respectful, and humbling. I’m so glad we made it the last stop on our trip. After spending three full days visiting bits and pieces of important history it was fitting to capstone the trip honoring those who made it all possible.
That night we celebrated our final night in D.C. at Mi Vida, a great Mexican restaurant that served fantastic chips and salsa, and spicy margaritas. And then, because the universe was on our side, we ended the day with Michigan winning the National Championship. Truly a core memory kind of night. The memory being our two kids cashing out in the bed beside us while we tried (and failed at times) to contain our cheers of excitement throughout the game.
Day Four - Sleeping In & Breakfast Before Heading Home
Tuesday morning we slept in, then grabbed breakfast at Tatte Bakery & Cafe a block from our hotel. If you love coffee + pastries + cute café vibes, this spot is for you. Our flight home was an easy 12:30pm leave time getting us back into Grand Rapids around 2:30pm. Direct flights are the dream.
Washington, D.C. is one of those places that surprises you. It’s clean, walkable, packed with history, and somehow both educational and fun at the same time. We laughed, learned, and we held hands everywhere we walked. At one point we got soaked in the rain. We ate amazing food and we made memories our crew wil be talking about for years.
