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Experience the nation’s capital from the comfort of your car on this self-paced GPS-enabled driving tour of Washington, D.C. We’ll begin at the White House Visitor Center, then take in all the must-see sights, from the Capitol Building and Supreme Court, to the Smithsonian and National Archives.
Don’t forget the National Mall! We’ll explore the stories behind the Washington Monument and Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial. Even if you’re a repeat visitor to the nation’s Capitol, you might be surprised to hear some of the details about John Wilkes Booth’s desperate flight when we stop by Ford’s Theater.
After crossing the Potomac, we’ll pay our respects at Arlington National Cemetery and hear about its colorful wartime history. The route will take us past the Pentagon as we loop back towards the city to discover the National Portrait Gallery and Art Museum as we finish out the day.
Whether you’re a first-time visitor or an old regular, we guarantee you’ll discover something new in D.C.
You have three main options when flying into Washington, D.C.:
Ronald Reagan is typically the most convenient, but you can easily access the city from any of the three airports.
If you’re driving into the city, you’ll come in via I-66 or I-395. These offer direct routes towards the Capitol hill district where our tour begins.
Getting Around
The D.C. Metro is a convenient way to navigate the city. If you want to rent a car to explore downtown, get off at the Union Station stop and rent a car at one of the providers there.
Almost all of the sights along the National Mall and Capitol Hill are free to enter, but some require a timed entry ticket. Reserve your slot online ahead of time, then make sure you’re near that spot at your scheduled time for:
There are a wide variety of hotels and rentals available within easy walking distance of the National Mall and Capitol Hill. Neighborhoods that provide easy access to top sightseeing spots include Penn Quarter, the Federal Triangle, Capitol Hill, and Chinatown.
If you’re willing to make a short drive or metro ride into the city, Silver Springs, MA and Arlington, VA have additional hospitality options within a short trip.
Spring is the peak season to visit D.C. Come in during the Cherry Blossom Festival to see the pink and white blossoms frame the memorials along the Tidal Basin – just be prepared for crowds. The mild temperatures make spring ideal for walking around the Mall and the U.S. Capitol.
Summer brings long daylight hours for exploring the monuments and sites along the tour. Expect high humidity and busy sidewalks near Arlington and the Mall. Start early for cooler air, and museums along the route offer air conditioned rests.
Fall brings cooler temperatures and gorgeous foliage around the historic neighborhoods and memorials. This season brings fewer crowds than spring and summer, and cool, crisper air. This makes driving and short walks between stops especially enjoyable.
Winter is a good time to enjoy the art galleries and museums around D.C.. The weather is chilly, rainy, and sometimes icy, but fewer crowds means much better views of the monuments if you’re willing to bundle up.
Paying your respects at the burial place of American heroes is an unforgettable experience. We’ll discover the Cemetery’s Civil War origins, and see key sights like the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, Arlington House, and John F. Kennedy’s grave.
See the scene of Abraham Lincoln’s tragic assasination at this downtown D.C. theater, then hear all about John Wilke’s Booth’s dramatic flight across the Potomac and eventual capture by Federal forces. Free tours of the theater are available with advance booking.
Driving around the Tidal Basin gives fantastic views of the D.C. skyline, then leads past the Thomas Jefferson Memorial and the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial. Framed by the famous Cherry Trees, we’ll stroll through the marble monuments honoring these great American leaders.
The Capitol is the heart of the city. Make sure to park and explore the grounds before heading on to see more D.C. sights and grab some photos at the center of the American government! If you want to take a free guided tour, make sure to register online for a timed entry slot.
This is the most iconic sight in the city. Standing at the premier spot on the grassy expanse of the National Mall, this 555-foot marble obelisk offers a peaceful space in the middle of the bustling city. Elevator rides to the top give a breathtaking view of the landscape. Click for info on visiting the monument.
No trip to D.C. is complete without a visit to the president’s home and workplace, and the famous executive residence is where we’ll begin our route. We’ll hear surprising details about its construction, its role in war, and also some mysteries hidden in plain sight here. Click for information on visiting the White House.
One day is typically enough to see the highlights around D.C. If you have an extra day, you can spend a little extra time exploring the National Mall, Arlington National Cemetery, the MLK Memorial, and the Jefferson Memorial on foot.
A sample two-day tour for someone staying near the city might look something like this:
On Day One, start out with the D.C. Driving Tour, starting out at the White House Visitor Center. You’ll see iconic spots in D.C., like the Supreme Court Building, the Library of Congress, the Washington Monument, and the White House. As you drive through Georgetown, this is a good spot to stop for lunch.
In the afternoon, drive over the Potomac River into Virginia to tour Arlington National Cemetery. Take your time to explore on foot here. When you’re done, drive past the Pentagon and around East Potomac Park. If you have time, take in a game of mini golf or walk some of the riverfront paths. As the air gets cooler in the evening, that’s a good time to visit the Jefferson and MLK Memorials.
You can finish up the day at the National Gallery and Portrait Galleries, or leave that for the next morning if you’re tired. After driving past Ford’s Theater (and taking in a tour if you’re a Civil War history buff), you can drive a few blocks over to the walking tour. Our walking tour gets a lot more in depth about the monuments along the National Mall, so this is a great way to explore sights you just drove past on Day One.
You can complete this flexible driving tour in a single day. If you have a little more time to spend in the city, you can spread the tour over two days to spend extra time exploring sights like the Arlington National Cemetery, National Portrait Gallery, Jefferson Memorial, MLK Memorial, or East Potomac Park.
Start you day out at the White House Visitor Center. Then, take in the Capitol Hill highlights by driving past the Library of Congress, Supreme Court Building, and the Capitol Building.
Break for lunch in historic Georgetown, then head across the Potomac to pay your respects at Arlington National Cemetery. Drive past the Pentagon as you return to the city. Take a break to stretch your legs in the East Potomac Park, then visit the Jefferson and MLK Memorials.
Take in some artwork at the National Portrait Gallery and the National Gallery. Then, finish out your day by driving past Ford’s Theater, or stopping in to take the tour if you have time.
Pack a DC Charger: Since using location services drains your battery faster, bring a 12V DC charger to keep your phone charged throughout the day.
Lightweight Layers: It can get chilly in the spring and fall, especially in the evenings, so pack a light sweater or jacket just in case.
Water Bottle: Start the day out with a full water bottle so you can stay hydrated as you explore memorials and monuments.
Sunscreen: It gets very sunny and hot in the summertime in D.C., so wear sun protection and reapply as needed.
Sunglasses and sun hat: During the sunny summertime, you will want to shade your eyes from glare, especially near the water.
Sturdy walking shoes: Even though this is a driving tour, you’ll want to walk around the museums and monuments. Wear shoes that will keep you comfortable and supported throughout the day.
Insect Repellant: Mosquitos can be a problem near the Potomac and Tidal Basin, so bring bug spray to avoid bites.
First Aid Kit: Pack a basic kit with blister pads (moleskin), bandages, and antiseptic wipes. The steep terrain can be tough on feet and ankles.