Mini Getaway to Washington, D.C.

I love a mini getaway… 3-days, 2-nights are my go to when I just need a break.  I’ve been trying to get my mom to go with me for years and I was finally able to get her to go by getting tickets to the National Museum of African American History and Culture in Washington, D.C.  She loves history and politics so I knew I could win with this one.  Washington, D.C. is one of my favorite cities in the US… I love the vibe of the city and that there is so much to do.  Since it was my mom’s first time I wanted to show her everything I loved about the city in 2.5 days.  I went with a loose plan because I like to allow for spontaneity but you also need plans for short trips… If you love short trips like me… this is a great one.  Here are some tips to keep in mind that made our trip a breeze.

• Washington, D.C. hotels are more expensive during the week… there are always conferences going on… so prepare for additional lodging expenses if you go during the week.  My favorite areas to stay are Georgetown, Crystal City or the National Harbor.  We stayed at AC Hotel by Marriott National Harbor (4.2 stars).  This is a good distance ($16 uber ride) from the museum but the views are beautiful and there are a lot of cute shops and restaurants in the area.

National Harbor Main Street

• If you are able to fly into DCA instead of IAD, it’s a smaller airport and quicker to get in and out of.

NH Restaurant View

• The metro system in DC is very easy to navigate and we saved money by taking the train instead of ubering everywhere.  I don’t recommend renting a car, you have to pay to park everywhere.

• I don’t mind Uber Pool especially from the airport, it cuts cost and sometimes there isn’t anyone else that joins the pool.

• We made a day of the history sites, I had tickets for the museum on Tuesday – so all of Tuesday was museum day.  We started at 9 am and hit so many of them… great walking shoes are a must have.

Lincoln 2

• I would recommend getting tickets to the hop on, hop off double decker bus if you don’t like to walk… this will help save you money.  You aren’t paying to park and don’t have to uber to each site.  Have somewhat of a plan… all the Smithsonian Museums are near each other… The Lincoln Memorial, Vietnam Veterans Memorial, MLK Memorial and Washington Monument are also very close together.  We did visit The White House but it wasn’t open, the street was closed off as well.  If that is something you want to do I recommend getting tickets prior to going.

• Go to the ATM before you start your day, a lot of the food truck don’t accept credit cards.  This also helps you have money if you set a certain amount to spend each day.  I wanted to buy everything in each gift shop, but i stuck to the budget.