Discovering Washington D.C. in 2 Days: An Essential Itinerary for First-Timers

I’m thrilled to be back and share all the intricate details of a whirlwind weekend adventure! If you’ve been following along, you’ll know that my college roommate, Giovonne, and her boyfriend, Josh, journeyed all the way from sunny California for a visit. Their trip had a dual purpose: exploring prospective graduate schools in Washington D.C. and experiencing the nation’s capital for the very first time. They arrived late on a bustling Thursday night, leaving us with a mere two days to immerse ourselves in the city’s rich history and vibrant culture. This meant my hostess and tour guide skills were definitely pushed into high gear, but I’m proud to say we managed to pack an incredible amount into our limited time.

Our comprehensive tour officially commenced bright and early on Friday. As Giovonne and Josh were staying at my place, we began our day around 9 AM, fueled by a quick, hearty breakfast of incredibly convenient Kodiak pancakes. These protein-packed wonders were a lifesaver, allowing us to hit the ground running for our carefully curated D.C. itinerary. Our first destination was American University Washington College of Law, where we explored the campus, toured the impressive library facilities, and visited the admissions department. It was a crucial step for Josh and Giovonne to get a feel for potential academic environments in the area, offering them a tangible glimpse into their graduate school considerations.

Following our campus visit, we made our way to the area near my old high school, which conveniently sits adjacent to the majestic National Cathedral. We found parking nearby and then opted for the most efficient way to navigate downtown D.C.: the Metro. A short walk brought us to the Woodley Park/National Zoo metro station, from where we embarked on our journey into the heart of the city, brimming with anticipation to explore its iconic sights.

The remainder of our Friday was a testament to our adventurous spirit, involving an extensive amount of walking—approximately 7 to 8 miles, to be precise. We were incredibly fortunate to be blessed with truly exceptional weather throughout the entire weekend. The temperatures hovered comfortably between 60 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit, under clear, brilliant blue skies. Adding to the charm, a few trees still clung to their vibrant autumn leaves, creating picturesque scenery before the impending chill of winter. In fact, at one point, with the sun warming our backs, I almost regretted not having chosen shorts for the day!

Of course, no visit to Washington D.C. is truly complete without standing before the iconic residence of the U.S. President, the White House.

By this point, after several hours of walking and exploring, the three of us were undeniably hungry… again! We continued our stroll around the vicinity of the White House and serendipitously discovered Breadline, a charming local cafe. This culinary gem offered a delightful array of paninis, perfectly crispy hand-cut fries, creative sandwiches, and savory empanadas. What truly sets Breadline apart, however, are its renowned fresh, crunchy handmade baguettes, which were an absolute highlight of our lunch. I opted for a delicious chicken guacamole sandwich, served on one of those exquisite French baguettes, accompanied by a side of fresh mixed greens. It was incredibly flavorful! The guacamole was perfectly fresh, chunky, and boasted just the right hint of spice, elevating the entire sandwich.

While I didn’t get a chance to try their highly-praised hand-cut fries myself, I’ve read countless reviews raving about them. Breadline was a fantastic discovery and one I wholeheartedly recommend if you find yourself in the area looking for an easy, yet exceptionally satisfying lunch. It was a refreshing change to experience a unique, locally-owned establishment rather than resorting to predictable chain restaurants like Cosi or The Corner Bakery, providing Giovonne and Josh with a more authentic taste of D.C.’s culinary scene.

With our much-needed fuel replenished, we retraced our steps, heading towards the majestic monuments that line the National Mall. From this moment onward, my camera became an inseparable extension of my hands, eager to capture the grandeur and beauty unfolding before us. What followed was a truly memorable afternoon, and I’m excited to share a little virtual tour of our monumental experience!

We then found ourselves happily “wasting” a bit of time, experimenting with creative shots involving aviator sunglasses and the stunning reflections of the monuments in various water features. It was a fun and playful interlude, allowing us to capture unique perspectives of these historic landmarks.

Our journey through the memorials continued with a visit to the poignant World War II Memorial. This solemn and beautiful monument, dedicated to the service members of the United States armed forces and civilians who supported the war effort, is a powerful experience. It’s impossible not to feel a deep sense of gratitude and reflection while walking among its pillars and fountains, each representing a U.S. state or territory.

It was here that I seized the opportunity to experiment with different shutter speeds on my camera. The photo above, for instance, was taken using a short shutter speed. This technique effectively “freezes” the motion, making the cascading water of the fountain appear as if it’s suspended in time, capturing each individual droplet with crisp clarity. In contrast, the photo below was captured using a long shutter speed. This creates a mesmerizing effect where the moving water transforms into a silky, continuous flow, blurring its individual elements into a smooth, ethereal stream. It’s a fantastic trick that adds a dynamic, artistic quality to water features, and I certainly need to practice mastering it much more!

Achieving truly professional long-exposure shots typically requires a tripod to keep the camera perfectly still for extended periods, a piece of equipment I sadly didn’t have with me. However, necessity is the mother of invention, and I improvised by carefully bracing my camera against the sturdy stone walls and ledges surrounding the monument. It wasn’t perfect, but it allowed me to get a decent feel for the technique and some interesting results.

Naturally, the iconic Reflection Pool and the awe-inspiring Lincoln Memorial were also high on our must-see list. As luck would have it, by the time we reached these landmarks, the day was gracefully transitioning into early evening. The setting sun cast a truly beautiful, golden light across the landscape, bathing the monuments in a warm, ethereal glow that was simply breathtaking.

Look closely, and you might even spot the moooooon beginning to rise!

Our Friday was jam-packed with unforgettable experiences, from academic exploration to monumental history and delightful culinary discoveries. Because we managed to fit so much into our short stay, I’ve decided to split our D.C. adventure into multiple parts. Stay tuned—there’s still much more to come from our incredible weekend!