The Great American Road Trip Challenge~4.5 years · 48 states · one loop
← The Mid-Atlantic

Stop 20 · Days 137–145

Washington, DC

Washington, DC, DC

The nation's capital — the monuments, the free Smithsonians, the Capitol, and Arlington — and the close of the East Coast leg. Plan on a full week-plus.

Where to stay

  • A hotel near the National Mall or Dupont Circle

    Mall-adjacent for the monuments; Dupont/Logan for dining and nightlife.

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You gotta eat this

  • A half-smoke at Ben's Chili Bowl

    A U Street institution since 1958 — the city's signature sausage.

The days here

Each day opens its own hour-by-hour page

  1. 137Day 137 — The National Mall & MonumentsFull day · 4h planned
  2. 138Day 138 — Smithsonian IFull day · 5h 30m planned
  3. 139Day 139 — Smithsonian IIFull day · 6h planned
  4. 140Day 140 — Capitol HillFull day · 4h 15m planned
  5. 141Day 141 — The White House & Ford's TheatreFull day · 3h 30m planned
  6. 142Day 142 — Free DayFree day
  7. 143Day 143 — ArlingtonFull day · 3h planned
  8. 144Day 144 — Georgetown & the Tidal BasinFull day · 4h 30m planned
  9. 145Day 145 — South into VirginiaDrive day · 1h 30m drive

What this stop is made of

  • Landmarks & Monuments
  • Museums & History
  • Somber & Civil-Rights Sites
  • Outdoor & Water Activities
  • Guided Tours
  • Shopping