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If you want to spend one day in Washington DC, talk to a local for the best tips on where to go and what to see. I’ve asked Washington insider, the travel-loving Hillary Leo, to tell us where to dine, sleep and sightsee.
One Day in Washington DC
Washington DC is the type of city where, ideally, you’d have several days to explore when visiting. I’ve lived here for five years and am still discovering the many neighborhoods, trying the never-ending list of recommended restaurants and scoping out the various boutiques that are sprouting up all around the capital.
Blossom season in Washington Photo Credit Library of Congress
What to See on a Day Trip to Washington
The plethora of monuments offers countless opportunities to appreciate the city’s history and patriotic spirit along with the many museums that cater to all different tastes. If you have only one day to spend in D.C. you won’t have the chance to experience all that it has to offer; however, you can cover quite a bit of ground with a 24 hour tour.
St Regis: Photo Credit St Regis Washington
Where to Stay
Three hotels that I would suggest staying for a night at are the Four Seasons , St. Regis or Hay Adams. All three are in excellent locations, offer exemplary service and cater to creatures of comfort.
The Hay Adams is the most preferred of the three for its proximity to, and famed views of, the White House.
The St. Regis is just a block away from the Hay Adams.
If you fancy a stay in one of the most expensive zip codes in Washington, find yourself a room at the Four Seasons in Georgetown.
Hay Adams Photo Credit: Hay Adams Hotel
Getting Active in the Capital
One of my favorite things to do in D.C. is to go for a good run around the National Mall. If you’re an early riser head out for a morning run when the sidewalks and pathways won’t be packed by throngs of tourists. Given that you’ve only got 24 hours, it is a great way to get in some quick sight seeing.
The Washington Monument, the Capitol Building, the Smithsonian museums, Lincoln Memorial, various war memorials and the Reflecting Pool are just some of the things to see while you get a little workout in. Not a runner? Grab a coffee and go for a stroll to see some of the most quintessential D.C. landmarks.
Indulge with a Washington Brunch
If you’ve burned off some calories then why not treat yourself to an amazing brunch? Take a taxi or Uber to the U St. Corridor and have a seat at Barcelona or Le Diplomate for delectable eats.
The U St. Corridor is an area that has seen major growth and development over the past few years. There are countless spots to dine, drink, dance and even do a little retail therapy session.
Le Diplomate Photo Credit: Le Diplomate
Where to Shop – Tips From an Insider
GoodWood is one of my favorite stores, full of funky vintage and antique finds for the home. Redeem offers clothing from some amazing off-the-radar designers and there are dozens of other boutiques in the area offering some very cool consignment steals. You really can’t walk a few blocks in the neighborhood without stumbling upon a store that sells vintage wares so take your time and traipse around for a while.
If you’re looking for more name brand buys head to Georgetown for a wide variety of well-known designer goods. Even if you’re only spending one day in Washington DC, you can still fit in a bit of shopping.
Jefferson Memorial Photo Credit: Library of Congress
Sights Not to Miss
Once you’ve gotten your shopping fix make time for something cultural. With only 24 hours in the capital it won’t be easy but do the best you can. The National Portrait Gallery, Hirshorn Museum, Smithsonian American Art Museum, National Gallery of Art and The Phillips Collection are a small collection of the many art offerings in the city.
Often the museums host concerts, wine tastings, painting instruction or game nights once a month. Be sure to check their calendars for any special evening or weekend events that might be going on. While most of the museums are free, some require a small entry fee especially if it is a special event day.
The White House Photo Credit: Library of Congress
Cocktails and People Watching
Reward your retail hunting and cultural intake with a well-deserved cocktail at the bar with the best view in the city. Even a day trip to Washington should include some down time.
POV overlooks the White House and has a perfect view of the Washington Monument (the people watching isn’t half-bad either). On the rooftop of the W Hotel, the bar offers light bites or you can reserve a table for a full dining menu. I recommend a glass of champagne (or two) before heading back to your hotel to freshen up for dinner.
Washington Restaurants
There are so many restaurants that I still have to try in this town, but there are a few that I can recommend that are sure to please even the pickiest diner. If you’re only spending one day in Washington DC you’ll be spoiled for choice.
Fiola Mare Photo Credit: Fiola Mare Restaurant
Seafood – Fiola Mare
If you’re in the mood for seafood then I suggest Fiola Mare in Georgetown. Located at the Potomac River waterfront, choose to dine al fresco or in the beautifully appointed and nautically themed interior. Having grown up in Boston it is fair to say that I am quite finicky when it comes to seafood. Fiola Mare has brought fine seafood dining to the District and has my stamp of approval.
A Classic Option – 1789
For a classic dining option at one of the most famed restaurants in the capital you’ll want to try for a reservation at 1789. Among the more popular dishes are the Rack of Lamb with roasted potatoes, rapini, roasted garlic purée and lamb jus and the Pork Chop with roasted chanterelle mushrooms, brussel sprouts, braised pork belly and cider jus.
Little Serow Photo Credit: Little Serow
For the Adventurous Eater – Little Serow
If you’re feeling adventurous I suggest Little Serow. The restaurant doesn’t take reservations which leaves patrons lining the sidewalk in hopes of securing a seat. The queue never seems to keep diners away and the accolades keep piling up for this 28-seat Northern Thai restaurant where the menu changes nightly.
A Whirlwind 24 Hours in Washington Wrap Up
Et voila! There you have it… a guide to one day in Washington DC. Hopefully you’ll have at least gotten a feel for city after a whirlwind single day stay. The best time to visit is most definitely the spring. The beauty of Cherry Blossom season can’t be beat and the weather is pretty perfect, too. Washington looks forward to welcoming you. Enjoy!
Read more: Visiting New York too? Check out this article on the best things to do in Chelsea NYC or some luxury New York hotels.
About the author: Hillary Leo is a freelance photo editor for National Geographic Society and former fashion editor with an insatiable appetite for travel.
We’d have no problem staying at the Four Seasons, St. Regis or Hay Adams :-). A morning run to see some of the sights (minus the crowds) sounds like a great idea.
This post makes DC look and sound so grand, and I’m sure it is with all the history!
Thanks for the tips! I haven’t been yet, so this is quite handy!
What a wonderful insider’s guide. I’d love to visit D.C. and visit each of these.
If you only have one day to spend in DC, this is a great guide to bring with you. Love this post and totally agree with all of your must-visit choices. There’s so much to explore and do in DC, which can sometimes this can be super overwhelming to newcomers. Love how simple and to-the-point this guide is and really highlights the best parts!
DC is one of my favorite cities for a quick day or weekend trip. I highly recommend checking out the restaurant scene around Dupont Circle as well!
Advice from a local is always the absolute best:-). Thanks for these great tips!!!
Great, we’re planning a visit later on this year. Little Serow looks like a nice place to eat…
It’s always nice to have insider tips. Good reading, thx.
Great tips. I haven’t visited DC since my 8th grade field trip. I would love to go back now that I could thoroughly appreciate it.
I went once to Washington a few years ago and it was exactly for a day. Actually a day trip from a nearby town.
Really enjoyed seeing the main monuments but didn’t have much time to see in detail, obviously. Have to go back and dedicate more time to it.
Lelde, thanks for the tip about the bikes!
Love those photos you chose…different angles. Been to DC twice and still have not been to every place worth visiting!
The hotels look beautiful and brunching in a city is a way to see how locals are, feel the vibe of the city. And, who doesn’t love people watching? Great post!
Get a bike. One of the best rides I ever took was from the Mall, around the Tidal Pool and on to the Martin Luther King Memorial. Also there are plentiful bike paths in D.C. And you can ride on wide sidewals everywhere and no one cares because it is America and you can do what you want:)
Oh, how great, Wendy. Take plenty of photos and let me know how it goes.
This is perfect timing…we are visiting Washington for cherry blossom season in early April! Thanks Carol!