The Ultimate Washington D.C. 2-Day Itinerary: From Monuments to Metro

I’m back, and this time, I’m excited to share all the intricate details of a whirlwind weekend adventure in Washington D.C.! For those who’ve been following along, my wonderful college roommate, Giovonne, accompanied by her boyfriend, Josh, made the journey all the way from sunny California to explore our nation’s capital. Their visit wasn’t purely for leisure; both are actively considering various graduate schools in the D.C. area and wanted to experience the city firsthand for the **very first time**. With their arrival late on a Thursday night, we had a mere two days to navigate the entire metropolitan area. You could say my hostess and tour guide skills were definitely put into overdrive, but I’m thrilled to report that we managed to pack **a lot** into our limited timeframe, creating an unforgettable experience for them.

Day 1: Academic Tours and Iconic Landmarks

Our D.C. exploration officially kicked off on Friday. Since Giovonne and Josh were staying at my place, we started our day around 9 AM. A quick and delicious breakfast of Kodiak pancakes, a true testament to convenience and flavor, fueled us for what would be a packed day. Our first destination on the D.C. itinerary was American University Washington School of Law. As prospective graduate students, it was crucial for them to get a feel for the campus. We took our time exploring the impressive academic buildings, perused the vast library, and gathered valuable information from the admissions department. This initial visit provided excellent insight into the academic atmosphere they might soon be a part of.

Following our campus tour, we headed towards my old high school, which conveniently sits right near the majestic National Cathedral. We found parking with relative ease, a rare luxury in D.C., and then made our way to the Woodley Park-Zoo/Adams Morgan Metro station. From there, it was a short ride into downtown D.C., ready to immerse ourselves in the city’s iconic sights. The rest of Friday proved to be an extensive walking tour, covering an impressive 7-8 miles by the day’s end. We were incredibly fortunate to experience absolutely perfect weather throughout the entire weekend. Temperatures hovered comfortably between 60 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit under clear blue skies, with just enough beautiful autumn leaves still clinging to the trees to add a vibrant touch to the urban landscape. In fact, at one point, with the sun shining so brightly, I almost regretted not opting for shorts!

Lunch Break: A Local Culinary Gem Near the White House

Of course, no visit to Washington D.C. is truly complete without gazing upon the historic White House.

By this point in the afternoon, after much walking and sightseeing, the three of us were undeniably hungry… again! We decided to explore the area surrounding the White House in search of a satisfying lunch. It was during this impromptu search that we stumbled upon Breadline, a delightful cafe known for its tempting array of paninis, perfectly hand-cut fries, gourmet sandwiches, and savory empanadas. However, the true standout, and certainly the highlight for us, were their freshly baked, wonderfully crunchy handmade baguettes. They truly live up to their reputation! I opted for a chicken guacamole sandwich served on one of those exquisite French baguettes, complemented by fresh mixed greens. It was absolutely delicious; the guacamole was vibrant, chunky, and had just the right hint of spice, elevating the entire sandwich.

While I didn’t get a chance to try their famous fries, I’ve heard rave reviews about them. Breadline was a fantastic discovery, and I highly recommend it if you find yourself in the area craving an easy, yet exceptionally tasty lunch. I particularly appreciated the opportunity to support a unique local establishment rather than resorting to ubiquitous chain restaurants like Cosi or The Corner Bakery, offering Giovonne and Josh a more authentic D.C. culinary experience.

An Afternoon Among the Monuments: A Virtual Tour

After our much-needed refuel at Breadline, we retraced our steps, heading back towards the National Mall to delve into the grandeur of D.C.’s iconic monuments. From this moment onward, my camera became an inseparable extension of my hand, eager to capture the beauty surrounding us. Get ready for a little virtual tour of the rest of our captivating afternoon!

We spent a delightful amount of time indulging in some creative photography, particularly enjoying playing with aviator sunglasses for fun reflections of the monuments. The iconic Washington Monument, standing proudly against the clear sky, provided a perfect backdrop for these playful shots. The serene reflecting pools offered their own unique opportunities, mirroring the grand structures around us and adding an artistic dimension to our photos.

The World War II Memorial: A Tribute to Sacrifice

Following our creative photo session, we proceeded to the powerful World War II Memorial. This stunning tribute, with its majestic columns and triumphal arches, evokes a profound sense of respect and gratitude. The memorial’s design, featuring 56 pillars and two arches surrounding a central fountain and plaza, represents the unity of the American people during the war. It’s a truly moving experience to walk through, contemplating the immense sacrifices made. The gentle sounds of the water features add a solemn beauty to the site, encouraging quiet reflection.

It was here that I decided to experiment with camera shutter speeds, a technique I’m constantly trying to master. The photograph above, for instance, was captured using a short shutter speed, which effectively “freezes” the water, making it appear trapped in time – each droplet perfectly distinct. In contrast, the photo below was taken with a long shutter speed, transforming the flowing water into a smooth, continuous, almost ethereal blur. This technique beautifully conveys motion and fluidity. It’s a challenging trick that definitely requires a lot more practice to perfect!

Ideally, achieving such effects with long exposures requires a tripod to keep the camera perfectly still. However, without one on hand, I improvised by using the solid, steady walls around the monument as a makeshift support. It’s amazing what you can achieve with a bit of creativity and stable surfaces!

The Lincoln Memorial and Reflecting Pool: Sunset Splendor

Of course, our D.C. “to-do” list wouldn’t be complete without a visit to the iconic Reflection Pool and the awe-inspiring Lincoln Memorial. Luckily, as the afternoon transitioned into early evening, the lighting became absolutely breathtaking. The golden hour cast a warm, soft glow over the landscape, making the white marble of the memorial almost shimmer. Walking up the steps to stand before the colossal statue of Abraham Lincoln is a truly humbling experience. The views from the memorial, looking out over the Reflecting Pool towards the Washington Monument, are quintessential D.C. and incredibly poignant. The calm waters of the pool beautifully mirrored the monuments, creating stunning, symmetrical vistas that were a photographer’s dream.

As dusk truly settled in and the lights of the city began to twinkle, we even managed to spot the subtle crescent moon rising in the sky – a perfect end to a perfect day of exploration.

Our first day in Washington D.C. was incredibly rich and fulfilling, covering a remarkable amount of ground despite the tight schedule. Given how much we accomplished this weekend, I’ve decided to split our adventure into multiple parts to give each moment the attention it deserves. Stay tuned for more details and discoveries from our unforgettable D.C. trip!