Washington D.C. with its many museums and historical landmarks is a great destination for a family vacation interested in exploring the nation’s history. However, if your teens are less than thrilled about spending their vacation looking at old stuff, don’t despair – there are plenty of other fun and interesting things to do in D.C. that will appeal to them as well.

If you’re looking for a fun and interesting Washington D.C. itinerary that doesn’t focus on history, look no further! Throw in family suites in DC to stay and this four-day guide is perfect for traveling with teens and older children, or any group of friends traveling together.

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My daughter and I took a pre-back-to-school trip this year and had the best time! We skipped a lot of the major tourist attractions and explored some of the more off-the-beaten-path places that we found well worth wandering around for.

Off the Beaten Path Washington DC Itinerary

Here’s a sample four-day itinerary for Washington D.C. without feeling like you’re stuck in a history lesson. So pack your bags and let’s go explore!

Day One – Arrival Day

If you’re flying into DCA or IAD, you can take an Uber or Lyft into the city. Renting a car is also an option, but parking can be difficult and expensive in the city. Riding the Metro is another option that can save you money. However, if you have large suitcases and/or younger children it might be easier to just take a ride share to your airport and then use the Metro throughout your stay.

Travel Tip: I found Google Maps helpful when trying to navigate the Metro system. I was able to see which stations were close to my attractions and then could better plan my route with turn-by-turn directions. Plus, it helped me avoid getting lost!

Once you’re settled into your hotel, take some time to explore the neighborhood. If you’re traveling with teens, they might want to check out some of the local shops or grab a bite to eat. If you want to explore past your neighborhood, I highly recommend Dupont Circle and District Wharf for unique fun, great food, and people-watching.

Dupont Circle

Dupont Circle is known for its traffic circle, which is a popular gathering spot for locals and tourists alike. There are plenty of great local restaurants, foreign embassies, and unique shops, as well as one-of-a-kind experiences worth checking out if you are traveling with teens.

Dupont Underground

The Dupont Underground is also located here, which is worth checking out if you’re interested in urban exploration or street art. It is a former trolley station that was transformed into an art space. It’s only open for special events which are posted on their Facebook page. It’s a cool place to check out if you’re in the area.

Experience the Mansion on O Street

One of the most unique experiences you can have in Washington D.C. is touring the O Mansion. This historic townhouse is a part eclectic hotel, part museum, and part immersive experience. Visitors can explore up to 100 uniquely themed rooms that include memorabilia from Jimmy Hendricks to Rosa Parks who were prior townhouse residents through the Artists-in-Residence and Heroes Programs.

Named one of the coolest places in DC by booking.com, this hotel encourages guests to touch and interact with everything in the house. Just know that if you break it, you buy it! While here, you might discover one of 80 hidden doors. It’s really hard to describe this place without spoilers.  It’s a great place to visit if you’re traveling with teens who might get bored at a more traditional museum. Online reservations are encouraged, but walk-ins are welcome as well.

Note: Children under 15 must be accompanied by an adult while on property.

Embassy Row

Along Massachusetts Avenue, there is a 2-mile-stretch known as Embassy Row. You can take a walk and check out all the different flags representing the various countries.

Unique Shops in Dupont Circle

There are some fun local book stores and comic shops in the area. Two that are right next to each other are Second Story Books and  Fantom Comics. You’ll find rare and out-of-print books on every subject at the first. If you or your teens are into graphic novels or comic books, definitely check the local artist section at Fantom.

District Wharf

On the DC waterfront, you’ll find District Wharf, one of the city’s newer attractions. This is a great place to spend an afternoon or evening with your family. It’s home to the Municipal Fish Market, one of the oldest continuously running open-air fish markets  in the country. You can also find waterfront restaurants, shops, and live music here.

The Wharf is constantly hosting events so there’s always something going on. The waterfront stage on the Transit Pier has free summer concerts, outdoor movie nights, rock skating, and more.

If you want to get on the water, tour a tall ship docked in the harbor or enjoy a leisurely lunch cruise or premium dinner cruise on the Potomac River. If exploring the East Potomac Park is on your to-do list, the Water Jitney will ferry you over for free from the Wharf’s Recreation Pier. If you’re looking for something a little more active, you can rent kayaks and stand up paddle boards from The Wharf Boathouse on Recreation Pier and paddle along the river.

For dining, I highly recommend Del Mar de Fabio Trabocchi for Spanish-style tapas, paella, and fresh seafood. Dinner here was one of the best things I had on my recent trip. Don’t skip dessert as that is the best part of me. I had a chocolate almond flan with marinated cherries that was quite honestly the best bite I had on my recent trip. Other great options include Falafel, Inc for a $3 falafel sandwich, and Hank’s Oyster Bar. Reservations are highly recommended for most sit down restaurants.

Travel Tip: When visiting DC during the summer months, plan for hot and humid weather. Light, moisture-wicking fabrics are ideal to keep you cool. See my pics in this article for what to wear hiking in hot weather. 

Start planning your next trip today with Kayak.

Day Two – I Spy Family Fun

International Spy Museum

On your third day in D.C., channel your inner spy and explore one of the city’s most popular attractions off the mall. I’m talking about the International Spy Museum which is dedicated to the tradecraft, history, and contemporary role of espionage. This interactive museum is great for teens. Upon entry, you’re given an alias and background story. You can then choose to follow the mission throughout the museum.

My favorite part of the museum was the interactive exhibits where you could put your spy skills to the test. Visiting families should also check out the Family Highlights Tour, a downloadable 90-minute self-guided tour designed for families with children ages 10 and up.

Plan to spend at least two hours here and take your time to explore everything. If you want to avoid the crowds, go first thing in the morning or late in the afternoon.

Pro tip: Purchase your timed-entry tickets online in advance to avoid long lines.

Scavenger Hunt

If you want to continue on a spy mission, you can explore more of the city on a Scavenger Hunt which takes you around D.C. to solve clues and complete challenges. It’s a great way to see some of the city’s landmarks while learning fun facts along the way. 

Artechouse DC

For another immersive experience, visit Artechouse. This is a digital art museum that’s constantly changing with new exhibitions. You’ll find hands-on installations and 4D experiences that are perfect for Instagram. This is a great place to visit if you’re traveling with teens who might get bored at a more traditional museum. Advance reservations/tickets are recommended. You can plan to spend about an hour here.

For lunch, the District Wharf is nearby if you want to return there. I highly recommend Falafel, Inc, for a quick, cheap lunch. Take the free Southwest Shuttle from the Spy Museum to the District Wharf.  Otherwise, you can find plenty of quick dining options inside the L’Enfant Plaza food court (directly behind the Spy Museum).

Crack the Code in an Escape Room

For an afternoon activity, try one of D.C.’s many escape rooms. This is a great option for families, friends, or couples. You’ll have 60 minutes to solve puzzles and find clues to escape the room. Choose from a variety of themes like Sherlock Holmes, outer space, or a haunted house.

Afterward, head back to your hotel to relax or take a dip in the pool. For dinner, enjoy a local restaurant or order room service. If you’re up for it, walk or take a guided tour of the monuments for nighttime viewing.

Day Three – Exploring the National Mall Area

On your third day in D.C., you’ll want to explore the National Mall area if there is an interest in specific monuments and memorials. If not, that’s okay too as there are plenty of other things to do in the city.

Washington Monument

No trip to D.C. is complete without visiting the Washington Monument. You can take an elevator to the top for panoramic views of the cityscape or explore the monument’s grounds and surrounding parks. Reservations are required and open 60 days in advance and again at 10 am ET before your desired day. Tickets are free, but there is a $1 fee when booking the reservation online.

The Reflection Pool near the Washington Monument is a popular spot for photo ops and people-watching. The Lincoln Memorial is located at one end of the pool and is one of D.C.’s most popular attractions. You can explore the memorial grounds and take in the stunning views of the city.

National Mall

The monument is located on the National Mall, a two-mile long park that’s home to many of D.C.’s most iconic landmarks. The park area stretches from the U.S. Capitol Building to the Lincoln Memorial. In between, you’ll find some of the most famous Smithsonian Museums, monuments, and memorials. Even if you’re not interested in going into any of the museums, they are all worth seeing from the outside.

All of the Smithsonian museums are free to enter, but if there are any special exhibitions that you want to see, there may be a fee. The most popular museums include the Museum of Natural History, the American History Museum, the National Air and Space Museum, and the newer African American History Museum. Timed-entry reservations are needed for the last two.

If you’re interested in art, the National Gallery of Art is worth a visit. It’s located on the north side of the Mall near the Archives Metro station. The gallery is split into two buildings, the West Building which houses European art, and the East Building which has modern and contemporary art. The Renwick Gallery is another great option for art lovers and is located just across the street from the White House. I really liked Renwick’s fiber arts collection when I visited.

For lunch, there are food trucks and restaurants scattered around the National Mall area. If you are looking for something quick, definitely go for a food truck. I got some delicious Indian food from one of the trucks near the National Gallery of Art.

If you don’t want to walk around the National Mall, you can also tour the National Mall area by Segway or bike. There are a few different tours that allow you to see everything without tiring yourself out too much.  

Tidal Basin

There’s also the 2-mile-long Tidal Basin which has scenic views of the Jefferson Memorial, FDR Memorial, and Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial. You can rent a bike, paddleboat, or canoe and explore the Tidal Basin. If you’re visiting in the springtime, make sure to check out the Cherry Blossom Festival which is usually in late March or early April.

For dinner, there are plenty of restaurants to choose from in the National Mall area and nearby Georgetown Waterfront. I had a great Italian meal at Fiola Mare at the Georgetown Waterfront. The menu features modern Italian cuisine with an emphasis on fresh seafood. I had a delicious meal of fresh burrata with two types of pesto, grilled sardines, and a goat cheese custard topped with fresh stone fruit. The food was amazing, and the views of the river were pretty spectacular too.

Day Three Alternative – National Zoo & National Aquarium

National Zoo

If you’re interested in seeing some animals, especially Giant Pandas, the Smithsonian’s National Zoo is a great option.  In 2022, they are celebrating 50 years of Giant Pandas at the National Zoo. The National Zoo is home to over 2,000 animals from 400 different species. In addition to the pandas, some of the other popular animals include lions, tigers, elephants, gorillas, and meerkats. There are also a variety of birds, reptiles, amphibians, and fish.

The zoo is located in Woodley Park, NW of the National Mall, and about a 20-minute drive from downtown D.C. You can easily get there by Metro. If you are taking the Metro, take the Red Line but DO NOT take the Woodley Park/Zoo station exit. The zoo is uphill from the station. Instead, exit at the Cleveland Park station and walk about 10 minutes downhill to the zoo entrance.

Admission is free, but reservations are required for entry. During the summer months, visit early in the morning before the heat of the day sets in and the crowds get too large. The best time to see the pandas is early morning or late afternoon when they are most active. From the pandas, you can then explore the rest of the zoo at your own pace.

National Aquarium (Baltimore)

If you’re interested in seeing more animals, but not necessarily in a zoo setting, the National Aquarium in Baltimore. Maryland is a great option and is only about an hour’s drive from D.C. The National Aquarium is home to over 17,000 animals from more than 750 species of fish, birds, amphibians, reptiles, and mammals.

Some of the most popular exhibits at the aquarium include the 335,000 gallon Atlantic Coral Reef, Australia: Wild Encounters, Dolphin Discovery, Blacktip Reef, and the Maryland: Mountains to the Sea exhibit. The aquarium also has an 4D Immersion Theater where you can watch 4D movies about the ocean.

Day Four – A Day in Georgetown

Start your fourth and final day in D.C. by exploring the historic Georgetown neighborhood and Georgetown University, one of the oldest colleges in the country. This private research university is located in Northwest D.C., right next to the Chesapeake & Ohio Canal National Historical Park.

Georgetown M Street and Side Streets

Georgetown is a great place to wander around and do some window shopping. The streets are lined with high-end shops and restaurants. Be sure to check out M Street NW, which is the main shopping drag in Georgetown. There you will find local boutiques as well as national retailers like Free People, Lululemon, and Paper Source.

Be sure to head behind M Street too and explore the alleys and side streets where you will find some hidden gems like District Donuts in Cady’s Alley and Scout’s Flagship Store on 33rd Street NW.

If there are any horror film fans in your family,  be sure to check out the Exorcist steps on M Street NW between Prospect Street and 36th Street. The steps were featured in the 1973 horror film “The Exorcist” and have become something of a tourist attraction.

Eat Your Way Through Georgetown

Many people will say a popular cupcake featured on the Food Network is a must-eat when in D.C. However, there are so many other great food options in Georgetown that you don’t want to limit yourself. If you’re looking for something sweet, be sure to also check out Baked & Wired or the local macaroon shops, Olivia Macaron and Ladurée.

There are so many great local places to eat in Georgetown. Take a food tour for lunch to get a taste of some of the best places in the neighborhood. We took a food tour with Blue Fern Travel ((booked via Viator) and sampled four different places; District Donuts, Falafel, Inc, Martin’s Tavern, and Brasserie Liberté.

Food tours do give you a bit of hidden history in addition to the food. But when you have a fun guide, history comes alive and makes it real.  Our guide, Tom, was great and knew all the hidden spots as well as all the best places to eat. I highly recommend the tour with teens and adults to get off M Street and some great local food. Read more about our Georgetown Food Tour here.

Georgetown University

If your teens are interested in Georgetown University, there are a few different walking tours you can take. Free tours of Georgetown University are offered daily and depart from the Welcome Center located at 37th and O Streets NW. These 90-minute walking tours are led by current Georgetown students and cover the history of the university as well as student life.

If you’re interested in seeing the campus on your own, be sure to check out Healy Hall, which is the main administrative building on campus and is modeled after a castle. Other notable buildings include Dahlgren Chapel, Copley Lawn, and the Georgetown Visitor Center.

C&O Canal National Historical Park

The C&O Canal is 184.5 miles long and runs from Georgetown all the way to Cumberland, Maryland. Along the canal, there are a series of locks that were used to raise and lower mule-pulled boats as they made their way along the canal. The Tow Path, which is a 10-foot wide path that runs alongside the canal, was used by the mules and their handlers. Today, the path is a popular place for walking, running, and biking. The Georgetown section of the park is a great place to start exploring. From there you can walk or bike along the canal.

If you want to experience what a barge cruise is like, Georgetown Heritage offers an hour-long barge cruise on the canal at Lock 3.  The cruise takes you through one of the locks and gives you a chance to see how the lock system works. You’ll also learn about the history of the canal and see some of D.C.’s most famous landmarks from the water.

Travel Tip: There are no Metro stations in Georgetown and parking can be a challenge. The best way to get there is by bus or Uber/Lyft.

Looking for other activties, try these:

Where to Stay in DC

On this last trip, we stayed at the Omni Shoreham in Woodley Park, near the Smithsonian National Zoo.  I would definitely recommend it as a great place to stay with your family – the outdoor resort pool is excellent (my daughter and I spent a lot of her afternoons there when we weren’t out exploring) and it’s centrally located so you can easily get anywhere in D.C. by Metro or by car.

Omni Shoreham has over 830 rooms, renovated in 2019, and offers the amenities and conveniences you expect from the Omni brand; fitness center, event space, pool, and an array of onsite dining options. My favorite feature of this hotel was its approximately to Rock Creek Park, one of the oldest parks run by the National Park Service.  The park is home to an extensive multi-use trail system, canoeing and kayaking, and more – definitely worth exploring! The hotel backs up to this park and it was so nice to be able to take a morning run through the park or enjoy the tranquility the park offers in the heart of the city.

This hotel in convenient to the museums on the National Mall and downtown via the Metro system or by car. The Woodley Park Metro Station is just up the street from the property. Reagan National Airport is 15 minutes away by car or accessible by the Metro too.

Final Thoughts

Washington, D.C. is an excellent destination for a family vacation. Whether you’re interested in history and museums, or just want to spend time exploring a new city, D.C. has something for everyone. There is so much to see and do, you could easily spend a week here and not get bored. And, with so many free things to do, it’s a great place to visit on a budget.

The city is also very teen and kid-friendly, with plenty of activities and attractions to keep your kids entertained. Hopefully this guide has given you some ideas of things to do on your next trip to D.C.!

What are your favorite things to do in D.C.? Share them with us in the comments below!

Thank you to Viator, Omni Shoreham, and International Spy Museum for partnering with us on this trip. As always, all opinions are my own.