Ultimate Guide to 2 Days in Washington, D.C.

A city we have always seen in movies or shows which, in a way, makes us feel strangely familiar and connected to. Our beautiful nation's capital! At this exact moment, hearing all of that can be a bit scary with the political controversy surrounding our country but that is the city's fault! There is so much that Washington has to offer, aside from politics! There is charm, history, and cultural sights that you can not miss. Whether you are planning to spend a weekend in Washington, D.C. or considering it, this travel blog will guide you in everything from the Lincoln memorial to the District Wharf!

Day 1:

• Checked into our hotel - We stayed at Holiday Inn Washington Capital which was a perfect walking distance to all of the historical monuments and it was financially affordable. Beware that parking in Washington, DC costs an arm and a leg. Parking our rental car at the hotel per day was $52.

• Lincoln Memorial - The feeling you get just looking at this monument up close is incredible. You feel the rich history just flowing through you. We actually saw someone get proposed to here!

• Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool - Walking by this pool and sitting by it, is breathtaking. From here, you can see the Lincoln Memorial on one side and the Washington National Monument on the other.

• Washington National Monument - The great thing about this area is that everything from here is walking distance. Once you get to either of these monuments, you can spend the day walking to everything else and taking in the historical culture.

• World War II Memorial - Beautiful park dedicated to honoring the 16 million Americans who served during World War II.

• Tidal Basin - This is a noteworthy location along the water filled with cherry blossoms! Also, if you want a neat view of the Thomas Jefferson Memorial, this is the spot to be. Plus, it's perfect to take some pictures!

• United States Capitol - This was something we were extremely stoked to see but was blocked off for miles. You could barely even see it because of all the soldiers and gates they had placed going as far as miles out due to the storming of the capital that just happened in January.

• The White House - Another location we were looking forward to seeing but was just as equally guarded and blocked off as the Capitol. All it took was the storming of the capitol, to ruin it for everyone else.

Because The White House and United States Capitol were blocked off and guarded so heavily, everything in that area was also closed and blocked off such as the Botanical Gardens, Union Square, Library of Congress, and the Supreme Court. It was a bummer that we unable to go to all of these locations, but it was also completely understandable. Just a heads up that all of these locations may still be blocked off or closed for your future trip.

Day 2:

• City Center DC - Our day began at City Center DC which is a really neat and fun place to walk around. They have an alley (that you can not miss) that is always decorated for the season. Since our trip was mid February, it was decorated with a Valentines theme.

• Washington National Cathedral - Whether you are big into faith or not, this cathedral is a must see. It's crazy to think how something as beautiful as this exists and is in our country! It resembles a huge beautiful castle.

• Thomas Sweet - Homemade ice cream yogurt and other sweet treats! I have a huge sweet tooth so finding a good dessert spot was a MUST. This a super cute and well recommended place with pictures along the walls of former presidents and our current president with some of the workers!

• District Wharf - Recreation Pier at the District Wharf is a new hot spot in Washington, D.C to hangout. There are so many trendy food places in this area, swings, outdoor activities, shops, and it is along the water with docks so you can walk out and see boats. We spent a few hours here.

• United States Arboretum - Neat picture spot or just to walk by! Huge, tall, beautiful pillars lined up.

Although we were unable to really get that full Washington, D.C. experience because plenty of places were closed or just completely blocked off and protected, we enjoyed every moment of our time is this historically rich capitol of our nation and would definitely 10/10 recommend to visit! Washington, D.C. has earned a spot in my Top 5 must visit cities. You feel so much power, just being here!

Xoxo, Tess