Four-Day Washington DC Memorials, Capitol, Arlington, and Rehoboth Beach Itinerary
National Mall Memorials, Capitol Building, and Library of Congress
- National Mall — National Mall; morning, ~1 hour. Begin with the Washington Monument grounds and the open-air Mall.
- National World War II Memorial — National Mall; late morning, ~30 minutes. Walk west along the Reflecting Pool to this waterfront memorial.
- Lincoln Memorial — West Potomac; midday, ~45 minutes. Continue to the Reflecting Pool’s western end for the city’s most iconic monument.
- The Wharf — Southwest Waterfront; lunch, ~1.5 hours. Dine at a waterfront restaurant, typically about $20–40 per person, before heading east.
- United States Capitol — Capitol Hill; afternoon, ~1.5 hours. Take a reserved Capitol tour and admire the dome and historic interiors.
- Library of Congress Thomas Jefferson Building — Capitol Hill; late afternoon, ~1 hour. Visit the stunning Great Hall and Main Reading Room overlook.
Morning and the National Mall
Start early at the National Mall, ideally around 8:00–8:30am, when the lawns are quiet and the light is best around the Washington Monument. Allow about an hour to stroll the grounds and orient yourself; the monument grounds are free and open from dawn to dusk, while going inside requires a timed ticket. From there, walk west along the Reflecting Pool—roughly 20 minutes—to the National World War II Memorial, which is open 24 hours and usually takes 30 minutes. Continue beside the pool to the Lincoln Memorial, another 15–20 minutes away. Give yourself about 45 minutes here for the steps, chamber, and views back toward the Capitol; this is a good place to pause, but bring water because shade is limited.
Lunch and Southwest Waterfront
From the Lincoln Memorial, the easiest practical option is a short rideshare to The Wharf—typically 10–15 minutes, depending on traffic—or a longer walk of about 35 minutes via Constitution Avenue and the Southwest neighborhood. Set aside roughly 1½ hours for lunch along the waterfront. Officina at The Wharf is a polished choice for Italian food and rooftop views, while Hank’s Oyster Bar is better for seafood and a relaxed meal; expect around $20–40 per person before drinks and tip. After lunch, walk east along Maine Avenue and 7th Street toward Capitol Hill, or take a rideshare if the afternoon is hot.
Afternoon on Capitol Hill
Arrive at the United States Capitol for your reserved tour, allowing about 1½ hours including security. The Capitol Visitor Center is generally open Monday through Saturday, 8:30am–4:30pm, and timed reservations are strongly recommended; arrive 20–30 minutes early, and avoid large bags because security lines can be slow. Afterward, walk about five minutes to the Library of Congress Thomas Jefferson Building. Its Great Hall is the highlight, and the overlook into the Main Reading Room is usually available during public hours; check the timed-entry schedule before the day, since access can vary. Plan about an hour here, then finish with a quiet wander around Capitol Hill—especially Pennsylvania Avenue SE—before dinner or returning to your hotel.
Arlington Cemetery and Nighttime Monument Bus Tour
- Arlington National Cemetery — Arlington; morning, ~3 hours. Visit the cemetery, President John F. Kennedy’s gravesite, and the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.
- U.S. Marine Corps War Memorial — Rosslyn; early afternoon, ~30 minutes. See the striking Iwo Jima Memorial and enjoy Potomac skyline views.
- Founding Farmers DC — Foggy Bottom; lunch, ~1 hour. Have a substantial farm-to-table meal, generally about $20–35 per person.
- National Museum of African American History and Culture — National Mall; afternoon, ~2.5 hours. Explore one of Washington’s most important museums; timed entry is recommended.
- Nighttime monument bus tour — Downtown departure area; evening, ~3 hours. See the illuminated monuments without a long night walk; arrive early at the confirmed operator’s pickup point.
Morning
Take the Blue Line from Smithsonian or Capitol South to Arlington Cemetery—roughly 25–40 minutes, with fares usually $2–4 using SmarTrip or a contactless card. Allow about three hours at Arlington National Cemetery: follow the signs to President John F. Kennedy’s gravesite, then continue uphill toward the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier for the changing-of-the-guard ceremony. The cemetery is generally open from 8:00am until 5:00pm, and its hills are steeper than they look, so comfortable shoes matter; the on-site shuttle is worthwhile if available and if you prefer to save your legs.
Early Afternoon and Lunch
From the cemetery, walk or take a short rideshare toward Rosslyn for the U.S. Marine Corps War Memorial, about 30 minutes including time for the views. The memorial is free and especially impressive from the Potomac-facing side, where you can frame the city skyline beyond the enormous flag-raising sculpture. Continue by Metro or rideshare to Foggy Bottom for lunch at Founding Farmers DC. Expect a substantial meal to run about $20–35 per person; reservations are sensible, particularly on a weekday when nearby offices fill the dining room.
Afternoon and Evening
After lunch, take a short rideshare or Metro connection toward the National Mall for the National Museum of African American History and Culture. Set aside at least two and a half hours—the lower-history galleries are emotionally demanding and best explored without rushing. Timed entry is recommended, and you should check the museum’s October hours and entry requirements before leaving; admission is free, but popular times can sell out. In the evening, head to the confirmed pickup point for your nighttime monument bus tour 15–20 minutes early. The roughly three-hour ride is a good choice after a full walking day, taking in the illuminated memorials from a comfortable seat; bring a light layer, since waiting areas and the bus can feel cool after sunset.
Supreme Court, Georgetown, and Rehoboth Beach Excursion
- United States Supreme Court Building — Capitol Hill; morning, ~1 hour. View the exterior and, when available, enter for public courtroom or exhibition access.
- Eastern Market — Capitol Hill; late morning, ~1 hour. Browse the historic market and nearby stalls for local food and crafts.
- Old Ebbitt Grill — Downtown; lunch, ~1.5 hours. Enjoy a classic Washington institution, typically about $25–45 per person.
- Georgetown Historic District — Georgetown; afternoon, ~2 hours. Walk M Street, C&O Canal, and the neighborhood’s historic streets.
- Rehoboth Beach Boardwalk — Rehoboth Beach, Delaware; evening, ~1.5 hours. Stroll the oceanfront boardwalk and beach before returning or continuing your overnight plans.
Morning on Capitol Hill
Start at the United States Supreme Court Building around 9:00am. The exterior is worth a few minutes on its own, and public access to the courtroom or exhibitions is generally available on weekdays when the building is open, typically 9:00am–4:30pm; entry is usually free, though courtroom seating and tours can be limited. From there, it is about a 10-minute walk along East Capitol Street to Eastern Market, where you can browse the indoor market, food counters, and nearby vendors. The market is open Tuesday through Sunday, with the outdoor weekend stalls making Sunday especially lively; on a Wednesday, focus on the historic market hall and the surrounding Capitol Hill shops. Grab a pastry or coffee here rather than making breakfast too formal.
Lunch and Georgetown
Take Metro from Eastern Market toward downtown, or use a rideshare if you want to save time, and settle in for lunch at Old Ebbitt Grill near The White House. Allow about 1½ hours and expect roughly $25–45 per person before drinks and tip. It is a busy, classic Washington dining room, so a reservation is useful; otherwise, the bar is often the easiest way to get seated. After lunch, take a short rideshare—usually 15–25 minutes depending on traffic—to the Georgetown Historic District. Spend the afternoon wandering M Street, the cobbled side streets, and the C&O Canal, where the towpath offers a quieter change of pace from the shops. Give yourself roughly two hours, with time for a coffee stop or a look inside the small boutiques along Wisconsin Avenue.
Evening at Rehoboth Beach
Leave Georgetown around 3:30–4:00pm for the drive east on US-50 and DE-1. Traffic leaving Washington can be slow, and the trip commonly takes 2–2½ hours, so avoid cutting it later if you want daylight at the coast. In Rehoboth Beach, park in a municipal lot or use available metered street parking near the oceanfront—rules and rates vary by season—and walk the Rehoboth Beach Boardwalk for about 1½ hours. The mile-long boardwalk is ideal for an easy arrival: stroll beside the beach, watch the waves from the sand, and grab something casual from the nearby shops before settling into your overnight plans.
Washington, DC Highlights and Departure Day
- National Gallery of Art — National Mall; morning, ~2 hours. Enjoy major European and American collections in a compact, manageable visit.
- Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History — National Mall; late morning, ~2 hours. See the Hope Diamond, fossils, and the museum’s signature exhibits.
- Old Post Office Tower — Downtown; early afternoon, ~45 minutes. Take in broad city views from the historic tower.
- Le Diplomate — Logan Circle; lunch, ~1.5 hours. Have a polished French meal, generally about $30–60 per person.
- Meridian Hill Park — Columbia Heights; afternoon, ~1 hour. Finish with a relaxed walk around the landscaped park and cascading fountain.
Morning
After the early return from Rehoboth Beach, begin at the National Gallery of Art when it opens at 10:00am. Allow about two hours for a focused wander through the West Building’s European masters and the East Building’s modern collection; admission is free, though special exhibitions may charge a fee. The underground walkway between the buildings is useful if the weather is poor. From there, it’s a pleasant 10-minute walk east along Constitution Avenue to the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History, also free and generally open 10:00am–5:30pm. Spend roughly two hours with the Hope Diamond, dinosaur fossils, and ocean-life galleries. Both museums have security screening, so keep bags small and allow a few extra minutes.
Lunch and Afternoon
Walk or take a short rideshare—about 10 minutes—to the Old Post Office Tower downtown. The historic building is part of the Waldorf Astoria Washington DC; tower access is usually free, but hours and elevator availability can vary, so check the day’s listing before going. The observation level is a quick 45-minute stop with excellent views toward the Capitol and Monumental core. Continue by rideshare or Metro—roughly 10–15 minutes—to Le Diplomate on 14th Street NW in Logan Circle for a leisurely French lunch. Plan on $30–60 per person before drinks and tip, and make a reservation if possible; the restaurant is popular even on weekdays.
Late Afternoon
After lunch, take a 10-minute rideshare north to Meridian Hill Park in Columbia Heights, or use the U Street or Columbia Heights Metro stations and walk. Give yourself about an hour to stroll the terraces, shaded paths, and broad lawns, ending at the dramatic cascading fountain—traditionally one of the park’s highlights on Sunday afternoons, though the grounds are enjoyable any day. The park is free and open during daylight hours; wear comfortable shoes, and note that its steep paths are less convenient with luggage. If this is also your departure day, keep the final stop flexible and allow time to collect bags and reach the airport or station in the evening.
