Washington D.C. and Williamsburg, VA 9-Day Trip Itinerary

Depart Burlington, WI

Begin your road trip from Burlington, WI, heading southeast towards Williamsburg, Virginia.

This will be a full day of driving.

Arrive in Williamsburg & Check-in

Arrive in historic Williamsburg, VA, and check into your accommodation for a restful evening after your long drive.

Colonial Williamsburg Historic Area

Step back in time at Colonial Williamsburg, exploring the living history museum with its preserved buildings, costumed interpreters, and artisan shops.

Start with the Visitor Center.

Purchase tickets online in advance. Wear comfortable shoes as you'll be doing a lot of walking. Consider a full-day pass.

Lunch in Colonial Williamsburg

Enjoy a traditional lunch at one of Colonial Williamsburg's historic taverns, offering an authentic 18th-century dining experience.

Reservations are recommended for popular taverns like Chowning's Tavern or King's Arms Tavern.

Afternoon Exploration & Shops

Continue your exploration of Colonial Williamsburg, visiting government buildings, homes, and trade shops.

Witness crafts like blacksmithing or wigmaking.

Check the daily schedule for specific demonstrations or tours that interest you.

Dinner in Williamsburg

Enjoy dinner at a local restaurant outside the historic area, offering a variety of cuisines.

Jamestown Settlement Visit

Explore Jamestown Settlement, a living history museum that tells the story of America's first permanent English colony.

See re-creations of the James Fort, Powhatan village, and replica ships.

Buy a combination ticket with Yorktown Battlefield for savings. Plenty of parking available.

Lunch Near Jamestown

Enjoy a casual lunch at a restaurant near Jamestown Settlement.

Yorktown Battlefield Exploration

Visit the Yorktown Battlefield, site of the decisive Revolutionary War victory.

Explore the battlefield, the surrender field, and the Yorktown Victory Center.

The National Park Service Visitor Center is a good starting point for maps and information. Consider a self-guided driving tour of the battlefield.

Evening & Dinner

Enjoy your final evening in Williamsburg with a relaxed dinner.

Drive to Washington D.C.

Depart Williamsburg and drive north to Washington D.

C. The journey offers scenic views as you head towards the nation's capital.

Check into D.C. Hotel

Check into your hotel in Washington D.

C. and get settled.

Many D.C. hotels offer valet parking or have garages, often at an additional cost.

Explore The Wharf DC

Discover The Wharf, a vibrant waterfront neighborhood with shops, restaurants, and entertainment.

Enjoy the lively atmosphere and Potomac River views.

Great place for a leisurely stroll. You can also find casual eateries for a late lunch/early dinner.

City Cruises Washington DC

Enjoy a relaxing evening cruise on the Potomac River from Pier 4 at The Wharf, offering monumental views of the city skyline.

Book tickets in advance, especially for dinner cruises. Check schedules for sunset cruises.

Washington Monument Visit

Start your day with a visit to the iconic Washington Monument.

While tickets to go inside are highly sought after, admiring it from the National Mall is a must-do experience.

Tickets to ascend the monument are released in advance online and are difficult to secure. Enjoy the exterior and surrounding views.

Stroll the National Mall

Walk along the National Mall, taking in the Reflecting Pool and views of the Lincoln Memorial and U.

S. Capitol Building. You can also see the World War II Memorial.

The National Mall is expansive; wear comfortable walking shoes and bring water.

Smithsonian Museum Visit

Choose one of the world-class Smithsonian Museums to explore.

Popular options include the National Air and Space Museum, National Museum of Natural History, or the National Museum of American History.

All Smithsonian museums offer free admission. Check their websites for current exhibitions and any timed-entry requirements.

Babylon Tours Washington D.C.

Experience a private walking tour with Babylon Tours, focusing on specific historical or cultural themes, offering a deeper insight into D.

C.'s rich heritage.

Booking a private tour allows for customization to your interests. Confirm meeting point with the tour operator.

Dinner in D.C.

Enjoy dinner at a restaurant in a vibrant D.

C. neighborhood, such as Penn Quarter or near your hotel.

D.C. offers a diverse culinary scene. Consider making reservations, especially on a Thursday evening.

U.S. Capitol Building Tour

Explore the historic U.

S. Capitol Building, the meeting place of the United States Congress. Learn about American democracy and view its impressive architecture.

Tours are free but require advance reservations, often months ahead. Check the official Capitol Visitor Center website. Security screening is mandatory.

Library of Congress

Visit the stunning Thomas Jefferson Building of the Library of Congress, the oldest federal cultural institution in the United States and the largest library in the world.

Directly across from the Capitol. Offers beautiful architecture and rotating exhibits. Entry is free.

Lunch near Capitol Hill

Enjoy a casual lunch at a cafe or restaurant in the bustling Capitol Hill neighborhood.

Many options available, from quick bites to sit-down meals.

Washington Monument Visit

See the iconic 555-foot obelisk dedicated to George Washington, standing tall on the National Mall.

Access to ascend the monument requires timed tickets, which are released daily or in advance. Booking: https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g28970-d107009-Reviews-Washington_Monument-Washington_DC_District_of_Columbia.html?m=66827

National WWII Memorial

Pay respects at the National World War II Memorial, honoring those who served in the war.

Reflect by the stunning fountains and pillars.

Dinner Downtown D.C.

Enjoy a relaxing dinner in one of Downtown D.

C.'s many excellent restaurants.

National Air and Space Museum

Immerse yourselves in the history of flight and space exploration, from the Wright Flyer to lunar modules.

One of the most popular Smithsonian museums.

Admission is free, but timed-entry passes may be required for certain exhibits or peak times. Check their website for current policies. Closed Tuesdays.

Lunch at Museum Cafe

Grab a quick and convenient lunch at one of the cafes within the Smithsonian museums.

National Museum of Natural History

Explore the wonders of the natural world, from dinosaur skeletons to the Hope Diamond, at this comprehensive museum.

Admission is free. Popular exhibits can be crowded. Closed Tuesdays.

The Wharf DC Exploration

Stroll along the lively waterfront promenade at The Wharf, enjoying the shops, views, and vibrant atmosphere.

A modern waterfront destination with restaurants, shops, and entertainment. Booking: https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g28970-d13007321-Reviews-The_Wharf_DC-Washington_DC_District_of_Columbia.html?m=66827

Dinner at The Wharf

Dine at one of the many diverse restaurants offering waterfront views and fresh seafood at The Wharf.

City Cruises Washington D.C.

Enjoy a relaxing evening cruise on the Potomac River, offering monumental views of D.

C.'s illuminated skyline.

Booking in advance is recommended, especially for dinner cruises. Check schedules and pricing. Booking: https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g28970-d2171244-Reviews-City_Cruises_Washington_DC_Pier_4-Washington_DC_District_of_Columbia.html?m=66827

White House & Lafayette Square

View the iconic White House from Lafayette Square.

Explore the historic park and see St. John's Church, known as 'The Church of the Presidents'.

No tours of the White House are planned for this itinerary, as they are often difficult to secure. St. John's, Lafayette Square is nearby (1525 H Street Northwest, Washington).

Lincoln Memorial & Reflecting Pool

Visit the majestic Lincoln Memorial, honor Abraham Lincoln, and enjoy the views across the Reflecting Pool towards the Washington Monument.

Lunch in West End

Enjoy lunch in the West End neighborhood, offering a mix of casual and upscale dining options.

Washington National Cathedral

Explore the stunning Gothic architecture and beautiful grounds of the Washington National Cathedral, a house of prayer for all people.

Consider a guided tour for deeper insights into its history and art. Booking: https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g28970-d143751-Reviews-Washington_National_Cathedral-Washington_DC_District_of_Columbia.html?m=66827

The Phillips Collection

Discover America's first museum of modern art, housed in an intimate setting with works by Renoir, Rothko, O'Keeffe, and more.

A refreshing change from the large Smithsonian museums, offering a more focused art experience. Check for timed entry requirements.

Farewell Dinner D.C.

Enjoy a special farewell dinner in a vibrant D.

C. neighborhood, reflecting on your trip.

Relaxed Breakfast & Packing

Enjoy a final D.

C. breakfast and finalize your packing before starting the journey home.

Hotel Check-out

Complete your check-out process from your Washington D.

C. accommodation.

Begin Drive to Burlington, WI

Start your scenic drive back towards Burlington, WI.

This will be a multi-day journey. Plan your first overnight stop along the route.

Consider breaking the long drive into two days, with an overnight stop somewhere along the way, such as Ohio or Indiana.