6-Day Family Friendly Itinerary for Virginia Beach and Washington DC in July 2023

1. Day 1: Virginia Beach Boardwalk and Beach
   30 minutes (18.3 miles) from Norfolk International Airport

   Enjoy a morning stroll on Virginia Beach Boardwalk and have breakfast at one of the many beachfront restaurants. Spend the afternoon on Virginia Beach swimming, surfing or just relaxing on the sand. In the evening, catch a free concert or an outdoor movie on the beach.

2. Day 2: First Landing State Park and Military Aviation Museum
   30 minutes (17.6 miles) from Virginia Beach Boardwalk and Beach

   Explore the trails and beaches of First Landing State Park in the morning. Stop at the Chesapeake Bay Center to learn about the park's history and wildlife. In the afternoon, visit the Military Aviation Museum to see vintage aircraft and learn about military aviation history. Have dinner at the museum's Fighter Factory.

3. Day 3: Mount Vernon and National Mall
   2 hours (120 miles) from Military Aviation Museum

   Start the day with a visit to George Washington's Mount Vernon estate. Take a tour of the mansion and explore the gardens and farm. In the afternoon, head to the National Mall to see iconic landmarks such as the Washington Monument, Lincoln Memorial and Smithsonian museums. Enjoy dinner at one of the many restaurants in the area.

4. Day 4: National Zoo and United States Capitol
   15 minutes (4.4 miles) from National Mall

   Spend the morning at the National Zoo, home to over 2,700 animals from around the world. Visit popular exhibits like giant pandas, lions, and elephants. In the afternoon, tour the United States Capitol building and learn about the history and function of the legislative branch. Have dinner at a nearby restaurant.

5. Day 5: Smithsonian Museums and Georgetown
   10 minutes (2 miles) from United States Capitol

   Explore the Smithsonian museums in the morning, including the National Air and Space Museum, National Museum of American History, and National Museum of Natural History. Have lunch at one of the many food trucks on the National Mall. In the afternoon, head to Georgetown for shopping and a stroll along the waterfront. Have dinner at one of the trendy restaurants in the area.

6. Day 6: Arlington National Cemetery and Departure
   15 minutes (6.8 miles) from Georgetown

   Start the day with a solemn visit to Arlington National Cemetery to pay respects to our nation's heroes. Witness the Changing of the Guard ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. Afterward, head to the airport for your departure flight.

Recommendations

Consider taking a day trip to Williamsburg, VA to explore colonial history and visit Busch Gardens theme park. If you have extra time, visit the Shenandoah National Park for outdoor activities like hiking and camping. Don't forget to try some fresh seafood while in Virginia Beach, such as crab cakes and oysters.

Time and Costs Estimates

• Virginia Beach Boardwalk and Beach (full day, free)
• First Landing State Park (half day, $5 per vehicle)
• Military Aviation Museum (half day, $14 per adult)
• Mount Vernon (half day, $20 per adult)
• National Mall (full day, free)
• National Zoo (half day, free)
• United States Capitol (half day, free)
• Smithsonian Museums (full day, free)
• Georgetown (half day, free)
• Arlington National Cemetery (half day, free)
• Total Estimated Costs: $39 per adult