Family-Friendly Itinerary: Washington, Virginia Beach
Thursday, August 24: Arrival in Washington
Start your family-friendly adventure in the bustling city of Washington. In the morning, explore the National Mall, home to iconic monuments and memorials like the Lincoln Memorial and Washington Monument. Take a break for a picnic lunch at the picturesque Tidal Basin, surrounded by cherry blossom trees. In the afternoon, visit the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum for an interactive and educational experience. Wrap up your day with a relaxing evening stroll along the Georgetown Waterfront Park, where you can enjoy beautiful views of the Potomac River.
National Mall: Free, 3-4 hours
Tidal Basin: Free, 1-2 hours
Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum: Free, 2-3 hours
Georgetown Waterfront Park: Free, 1-2 hours
Restaurants
Busboys and Poets: A vibrant and eclectic cafe known for its delicious breakfast options like avocado toast and eggs benedict. Average cost for a meal is about $15 per person.
Federalist Pig: A popular lunch spot specializing in mouthwatering barbecue sandwiches and savory sides. Average cost for a meal is about $12 per person.
Rose's Luxury: A highly acclaimed dinner destination serving innovative and delectable dishes showcasing the best of modern American cuisine. Average cost for a meal is about $40 per person.
Friday, August 25: Washington
Spend the morning exploring the vibrant neighborhood of Dupont Circle. Visit the Phillips Collection, a renowned art museum featuring works by artists like Renoir and Van Gogh. Enjoy a delicious lunch at one of the family-friendly restaurants in the area. In the afternoon, head to the National Zoo, home to over 2,700 animals. Kids will love seeing giant pandas, lions, and elephants. Wrap up your day with a visit to the United States Botanic Garden, where you can wander through beautiful gardens and conservatories.
Dupont Circle: Free, 2-3 hours
Phillips Collection: $16 for adults, $12 for children, 2-3 hours
National Zoo: Free, 2-3 hours
United States Botanic Garden: Free, 1-2 hours
Restaurants
For breakfast, head to The Coupe, a cozy neighborhood spot known for its delicious pancakes and breakfast burritos. Average cost for a meal is about $12 per person.
For lunch, try Mr. Chen's Organic Chinese Cuisine, a family-friendly restaurant offering a variety of healthy and flavorful Chinese dishes. Average cost for a meal is about $15 per person.
For dinner, visit Kramerbooks & Afterwords Cafe, a popular bookstore and restaurant known for its eclectic menu and cozy atmosphere. Average cost for a meal is about $25 per person.
Saturday, August 26: Travel to Virginia Beach
Today, make your way to the beautiful coastal city of Virginia Beach. After checking into your hotel, spend the morning exploring the Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center, where you can learn about marine life through interactive exhibits. Enjoy a seafood lunch at one of the beachfront restaurants. In the afternoon, relax on the sandy shores of Virginia Beach and soak up the sun. In the evening, take a stroll on the Virginia Beach Boardwalk and enjoy the lively atmosphere.
Virginia Aquarium: $29.95 for adults, $24.95 for children, 2-3 hours
Virginia Beach: Free, 3-4 hours
Virginia Beach Boardwalk: Free, 1-2 hours
Restaurants
Start your day with a delicious breakfast at The Bee and the Biscuit. This charming restaurant offers a cozy atmosphere and serves a variety of classic breakfast dishes with a twist. Average cost for a meal is about $10 per person.
For lunch, head to Waterman's Surfside Grille, a popular beachfront restaurant known for its fresh seafood and stunning ocean views. Indulge in mouthwatering seafood dishes and enjoy the lively beach atmosphere. Average cost for a meal is about $20 per person.
End your day with a memorable dinner at Catch 31 Fish House & Bar. This upscale restaurant offers a diverse menu featuring freshly caught seafood, delicious steaks, and creative cocktails. Enjoy waterfront dining with panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean. Average cost for a meal is about $30 per person.
Sunday, August 27: Virginia Beach
Start your day with an exciting visit to the First Landing State Park, where you can go hiking and explore the nature trails. Pack a picnic lunch and enjoy it in the park's peaceful surroundings. In the afternoon, head to Ocean Breeze Waterpark for some family fun and thrilling water slides. As the evening approaches, treat yourself to a delicious seafood dinner at one of the local restaurants.
First Landing State Park: $5 per vehicle, 3-4 hours
Ocean Breeze Waterpark: $39.99 for adults, $29.99 for children, 3-4 hours
Restaurants
Start your day with a delicious breakfast at The Bee and the Biscuit, a charming restaurant known for its homemade biscuits and creative breakfast dishes. Average cost for a meal is about $12 per person.
For lunch, head to The Atlantic on Pacific, a popular seafood restaurant located near the beach. Enjoy fresh seafood platters and sandwiches with an average cost of about $15 per person.
For dinner, indulge in a delightful meal at Waterman's Surfside Grille, a waterfront restaurant offering a wide range of seafood and steak options. Average cost for a meal is about $25 per person.
Monday, August 28: Virginia Beach
Embark on an exciting adventure today by visiting the Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge. Explore the refuge's hiking trails and keep an eye out for migratory birds and wildlife. Pack a picnic lunch and enjoy it in the serene surroundings. In the afternoon, visit the Military Aviation Museum, where you can see a vast collection of vintage military aircraft. Wrap up your day with a relaxing visit to Sandbridge Beach, known for its natural beauty.
Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge: Free, 3-4 hours
Military Aviation Museum: $15 for adults, $10 for children, 2-3 hours
Sandbridge Beach: Free, 2-3 hours
Restaurants
Breakfast: Start your day off right at The Bee and the Biscuit, a charming local cafe known for its delicious Southern-inspired breakfast dishes. Indulge in their fluffy biscuits and gravy or try their famous honey lavender scones. Average cost for a meal is about $12 per person.
Lunch: For a casual and affordable lunch option, head to Eurasia Cafe & Wine Bar. This trendy spot offers a diverse menu with options ranging from tasty sandwiches to flavorful salads. Don't miss their unique selection of wines to complement your meal. Average cost for a meal is about $15 per person.
Dinner: Treat yourself to a memorable dining experience at Terrapin Restaurant. Known for its farm-to-table concept, Terrapin offers seasonal menus featuring locally sourced ingredients. Enjoy dishes like seared scallops or grass-fed beef, all prepared with utmost care and attention to detail. Average cost for a meal is about $40 per person.
Tuesday, August 29: Virginia Beach
Spend your morning exploring the Virginia Museum of Contemporary Art, which showcases contemporary art in a family-friendly environment. Enjoy a leisurely lunch at one of the nearby restaurants. In the afternoon, head to the Atlantic Fun Park, a family-friendly amusement park with thrilling rides and games. As the evening sets in, take a sunset dolphin-watching cruise for a memorable experience.
Virginia Museum of Contemporary Art: $10 for adults, free for children, 2-3 hours
Atlantic Fun Park: Varies based on rides, 2-3 hours
Sunset Dolphin-Watching Cruise: $25 per person, 2 hours
Restaurants
For breakfast, check out The Bee and The Biscuit, a charming cafe that serves delicious homemade breakfast dishes. The average cost for a meal is about $10 per person.
For lunch, grab a bite at Waterman's Surfside Grille, a beachfront restaurant known for its fresh seafood and stunning ocean views. The average cost for a meal is about $15 per person.
For dinner, indulge in a culinary experience at The Shack on 8th, a cozy yet upscale restaurant offering a creative menu featuring local ingredients. The average cost for a meal is about $30 per person.
Wednesday, August 30: Departure
On your last day, enjoy a leisurely morning and indulge in a delicious brunch at one of the local eateries. Take any last-minute souvenir shopping before heading to the airport for your departure.
Hidden Gems and Local Favorites
While exploring Washington, don't miss the National Building Museum, known for its unique architecture and interactive exhibits. In Virginia Beach, make sure to visit the Cape Henry Lighthouse, offering panoramic views of the coastline. Locals also love exploring the vibrant ViBe Creative District, home to art galleries, local shops, and delicious food trucks.