If you’re itching for a mini vacation after a long winter, a few days in a new city can be just the thing. If you’re coming from Southern Maryland, less than two hour’s drive will get you to Washington D.C.. With delicious food, endless activities, and abundant historic value, it’s no wonder why it’s been ranked as one of the most visited cities in America. Of course, a long weekend isn’t enough to see everything in this vast city, but it’s certainly enough to give you a taste of the culture and leave you wanting to return for more. If you’re thinking of heading our nation’s capital this spring, here are some highlights to add to your list:

See the Sights

The list of famed historical attractions in this city is long, so I recommend choosing a few favorites and prioritizing those.

The White House

If you’ve never been, it’s worth the trip. Visiting the White House is on most people’s D.C. list, and there’s also a kid-friendly White House Visitor Center a short distance away with free entry and interactive exhibits.

National Mall: Veterans Memorials, U.S. Capitol, The Washington Monument, The Lincoln Memorial, Jefferson Memorial and Tidal Basin

Save some time to walk through all there is to see in the National Mall. With lush green lawns and pools, this is the most concentrated spot to see historic landmarks and monuments in the city. The 555-foot white shaft of the Washington Monument stands out at the center point and reflects down into the long Reflecting Pool beneath it. Walk through the famous Veterans Memorials including those of World War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War. The United States Capitol building is one of the most popular sites, with a huge dome based on St. Peter’s in Rome. The Lincoln Memorial, with its 19-foot-tall statue of President Abraham Lincoln, stands at the far end of the Reflecting Pool. The architecture of the Jefferson Memorial is meant to resemble the Pantheon in Rome, and it overlooks the beautiful Tidal Basin lined with cherry blossom trees.

Museum hop

There are a seemingly endless number of museums to explore in Washington, but some favorites include the National Air and Space Museum, the National Gallery of Art, the National Museum of American History, and the National Museum of Natural History. The National Air and Space Museum is one of the most popular in the world and includes historic exhibits like Charles Lindbergh’s Spirit of St. Louis and the 1903 Wright Brothers Flyer. At the National Gallery of Art, you’ll find two buildings filled with a collection of masterpieces as well as an outdoor sculpture garden. At the National Museum of American History, you can explore artifacts and exhibits which tell the story of the cultural, scientific, political, and technological history of the U.S. dating back to the Revolution. The National Museum of Natural History is a great kid-friendly museum, with exhibits on the natural world from sea animals to a gem and mineral collection. Other top museums to visit are the National Holocaust Museum and the National Museum of African American History and Culture. This is not an exhaustive list, so be sure to explore around for other museums within the city as well.

Arlington National Cemetery: Changing of the Guard

Though it’s not right in the city, the Arlington National Cemetery is worth the trip. One main attraction there is to see the ceremonial Changing of the Guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. This takes place each hour on the hour in the off-season and each half hour during the warmer months.

Eat your way through the city

Washington D.C. has some of the most diverse food in the state, so make sure to come hungry. If you arrive in the city for lunch or dinner, start your food journey at DCity Smokehouse for some D.C.-style barbecue. D.C. is particularly fond of their “half-smoke” sausage, a combination of pork and beef with a touch of hot pepper, and this smokehouse offers it two ways. Of course, if you’re from Maryland, you’re already familiar with the delicious Chesapeake blue crabs, and there’s one spot in the city that’s famous for them, Captain White’s Seafood. It’s a seafood market with fresh options and low prices, and they’ll even steam them for you with a sprinkle of the classic Old Bay Spice. If you’re craving Chesapeake oysters, make sure to visit Hank’s Oyster Bar. With 5 locations throughout the city, it’s easy to find a spot to enjoy them during your busy days of sightseeing. On the sweeter side, I recommend stopping into Baked & Wired for a delicious cupcake or pastry or braving the lines at Thomas Sweet Ice Cream Co. for a cone.

 

Catch the Sunday Farmers Market

Before ending your weekend in Washington, catch the FRESHFARM Dupont Circle Market, one of the top farmers markets in the country. With over 50 farmers offering fresh produce, eggs, poultry, pastured meat, cheeses, baked goods, jams, fresh-roasted coffee, fresh flowers and more, you’re bound to find something to take home with you. There’s also plenty of prepared foods to enjoy for lunch before you make the trip back home. It’s the perfect place to sample all the flavors of the city in one place.

 

 

As it’s such an expansive city, you’re not going to be able to see and do it all in in just a few days. But with a long weekend to spend, you’ll definitely scratch the surface and begin to get a sense of all that this vibrant city has to offer. Any D.C. spots that make your must-visit list? Share them with us.