Collect bags and take taxi/Metro (Blue/Yellow to L'Enfant/Smithsonian) or rideshare to Hyatt House to check in and drop luggage; typical airport transfer 20–30 minutes. Allow time for security lines and DCA arrival processing.
Start at the Lincoln Memorial then walk along the Reflecting Pool to the WWII Memorial and visit the Vietnam and Korean War Veterans Memorials; monuments are open 24/7 and are especially striking at dusk. Note sunset in mid-November is around 4:50–5:00pm, so bring warm layers.
Classic D.C. family-friendly spot with American fare and a short walk from the White House; popular, so reservations or early arrival recommended. Typical hours: open evenings (confirm current hours).
See the White House exterior and snap photos from the public viewing area; White House grounds are open to view but tours require advance request through your Congress member (see later day's note). Exterior viewing is free and possible after dinner.
Start with the hotel’s complimentary breakfast or walk to We, The Pizza on 7th St (family-friendly, quick) for an easy morning meal; verify hours (We, The Pizza typically opens ~11am on weekends, so check).
See the Declaration of Independence, Constitution and Bill of Rights in the Rotunda; galleries generally open 10:00am–5:30pm but check for holiday hours and timed-entry notes. This is essential for teens learning U.S. history.
Tour the stunning Jefferson Building (reading rooms and exhibits); visitor hours often start around 8:30–9:00 and run through late afternoon — guided tours operate at set times, so allow 45–60 minutes.
Founding Farmers (farm-to-table, family-friendly) near the Mall is great for hearty lunches; Good Stuff Eatery offers casual burgers and shakes — check both for current hours and reservations.
Explore the Conservatory and outdoor gardens near the Capitol; typically open 10:00am–5:00pm (check seasonal hours). It's a short, relaxing visit and good for teens who like plants and photography.
Interactive exhibits on the Bible’s history, impact and cultural stories — family-friendly and engaging for teens; general hours commonly 10:00am–5:00pm, and timed tickets/reservations are recommended. Plan 1.5–2 hours.
Carmine’s in Penn Quarter is large-plate Italian good for families; if you prefer waterfront, head to The Wharf for several choices. Verify opening hours and reserve for larger family groups.
The museum’s permanent exhibition typically requires a timed entry ticket and opens at 10:00am; arrive early for the Orientation or to pick up timed passes. Plan 2–3 hours for this powerful, educational experience (content is intense; recommended for mature teens).
Explore historical aircraft and space artifacts (interactive exhibits great for teens); downtown Air and Space hours are typically 10:00am–5:30pm—confirm as some galleries are undergoing renovations or limited access. If a major restoration is closed, plan to go to Udvar-Hazy on another day (we do on Day 6).
If time/energy allow, stroll to Natural History or American History museums — both are free and open most days 10:00–5:30pm. Choose based on teen interests (science, fossils, or pop-culture exhibits).
The Zoo (often open early, check current hours — usually 8:00am–4:30/5:00pm in November) is free admission and great for teens who like animals; plan 2–3 hours to hit highlights (pandas if on exhibit, great family trails).
Explore the 446-acre Arboretum (bonsai collection, azalea gardens, Capitol columns) — generally open 8:00am–5:00pm; excellent for walking, photography and letting teens stretch legs away from the Mall bustle.
If you want a short trip, Old Town Alexandria (about 20–30 minutes by car) has family-friendly restaurants and a charming evening stroll along King Street; otherwise choose something near your hotel.
Early breakfast and drive (or take the MV bus/ferry options) to Mount Vernon; driving is ~30–45 minutes from downtown D.C. depending on traffic. Mount Vernon opens around 9:00am—confirm seasonal hours.
Tour the Mansion, gardens, slave memorial and museum galleries; a full visit typically takes 2–3 hours. Tickets usually cost and include grounds and museum access (allow extra time for the education center and riverside views).
Drive into Old Town Alexandria (10–15 minutes) for boutique shopping, waterfront views and a stroll along King Street; family-friendly atmosphere and good for souvenir hunting.
Have breakfast then drive/ride to the Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center near Dulles Airport; travel takes ~40–60 minutes depending on traffic — plan conservatively for morning commute. The Center usually opens at 10:00am.
Large hangars with Concorde, Space Shuttle replica and many aircraft — excellent for teens and aviation fans. Admission to the Udvar-Hazy Center is free (Smithsonian) but parking or special exhibits may have fees; plan 2–3 hours.
Return toward Arlington to visit the cemetery, the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, and the Iwo Jima Memorial; cemetery typically open 8:00am–5:00pm (confirm seasonal hours). If you want to see the changing of the guard at the Tomb, the ceremony occurs regularly (usually ~11:00am) so plan accordingly.
Head back into the city for dinner — Pentagon City mall has family-friendly options if returning from Arlington, or choose a Capitol Hill restaurant near your hotel.
Have a relaxed breakfast and prepare documents for White House tour (if approved) — bring photo ID and printed confirmation. White House tours are free but must be requested via your Congressional office weeks in advance.
If you secured a White House tour slot, tours typically run in the morning and last about 45–60 minutes; if you could not get a tour, visit the White House Visitor Center and Lafayette Square instead. Confirm your tour time and entry requirements ahead of time.
If you have time after the White House, these museums (in the same building) are excellent for teen-friendly exhibits and unique portraits; open roughly 11:00am–5:00pm — check current hours and special exhibits.
Use this afternoon to cover anything skipped earlier — good choices for teens: Natural History (fossils, gems), American History (transportation, pop culture) or return to the National Archives if needed; most museums close 5:00–5:30pm.
Have an early breakfast, check out or move luggage to the hotel's hold if you want a short last visit. Hyatt House often offers luggage storage if your departure is later in the day.
If you didn’t earlier or want one last museum-free walk, the US Botanic Garden (usually 10:00am–5:00pm; if closed early, choose a Mall stroll) or a quick neighborhood walk is a calm start to the day. Confirm opening times before committing.
Pick up luggage, finalize travel to Reagan National; allow time for DCA security and check-in. For a 4:17pm flight, plan to arrive at the airport by ~2:00pm domestic (adjust if TSA precheck or international).
Take a taxi/rideshare or Metro to DCA; travel time typically 20–40 minutes depending on traffic. Aim to reach airport by 2:00pm for a 4:17pm flight to allow for security lines and boarding.