Tag: ITINERARY

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Delaware Itinerary Maryland National Parks, Monuments, and Seashores New Jersey United States

How We Easily Visited 3 States in 1 Day

Crossing New Jersey, Delaware and Maryland off of our list of places we've been!

Over the years our kids have had countless hands-on experiences that have helped them learn more about themselves and the world around them.  As they’ve gotten older, they’ve developed a love of traveling like mine.  I thought setting a goal for them to visit all 50 states would be fun.

On January 1, 2024, we started a new family tradition.  We placed the names of the states the kids have not been to into a hat and selected one at random.  The kids chose West Virginia, so I planned a road trip to The Mountain State.  One thing led to another, and other states got added to our itinerary.

That week we went sledding in West Virginia and visited Gettysburg, Eisenhower’s home, and Hersheypark in Pennsylvania before we made our way down to Maryland.  That’s when things got WILD!  We crossed off not one, not two, but three new states from our list in just one day!

To mark a state from our list, we have to do an activity there, so I took to Google Maps to map out our road trip.  We knew, for sure, we would be at Great Wolf Lodge in Perryville, Maryland on Christmas Day.  Once I realized how close we were to Delaware and New Jersey, it was game on!

Crossing New Jersey, Delaware and Maryland off of our list of places we've been!

Crossing 3 States Off of Our List in 1 Day!

Maryland

We began and ended our day in Maryland.  We started in Perryville, Maryland where we celebrated Christmas Day at the Great Wolf Lodge.  

New Jersey

I struggled to find anything on the NJ/DE border.  I didn’t want to go as far north as Camden, and we had already hit up a theme park, so Diggerland was out.  There’s the old Quaker Hancock House, but my kids will pick a fort over a historic home any day, so that left us one option: Fort Mott State Park.

Fort Mott is a post-Civil War defense system built to protect the Delaware River.  The fort didn’t see much action, but troops were regularly stationed there.

Fort Mott State Park, New Jersey
The boys holding down the fort at Fort Mott State Park, NJ

The fort is still pretty much intact.  You can see the old railyard, towers, and gunneries.  The kids liked it way more than I thought they would- considering there’s not much to it.  They had a blast pretending to be soldiers and firing off the guns they bought in Gettysburg.

Forts, for them, have always been an opportunity for them to stretch their legs, run around, and use their imagination.  

Part of me wishes we went up to Camden, but I wanted to ensure we had time for what else was in store for us.

Delaware

Not only are we trying to visit all 50 states, but we’re also working towards visiting all of the National Park Sites…all 460+ of them!  So, naturally, it only made sense for us to stop by the First State National Historical Park in Delaware.  Delaware is small…but mighty!  It was the first state to declare independence from Great Britain, which takes a lot of guts if you ask me!

The New Castle Court House is where Delaware declared its independence from Pennsylvania and Great Britain.  The court hearing that inspired Harriet Beecher Stowe to write Uncle Tom’s Cabin also took place here.  Since Smiley did a report on her last year, it made for the perfect stop.

New Castle Courthouse, First State National Historical Park
The colonial architecture in New Castle, Delaware

When we got to the courthouse, we weren’t quite sure which door we were supposed to enter.  The sign said it was open, but the front door was locked.  After trying several doors, we finally found one that was open.  We crept inside and found a ranger main courtroom.  Startled, he asked us how we had gotten in there.  Whoops!  Apparently we broke in.  The ranger backtracked to the door we entered, locked it, and came back to show us around.  We learned all about the history of not only the courthouse and New Castle, but how Delaware became to be the first state.    The ranger was super informative and really good about answering all of the kids’ questions…and boy, did they have a lot of them!

After our tour, we walked to the New Castle Historical Society to learn more about the town.  Just around the corner, there was a neat little cemetery at Immanuel Episcopal Church on the Green.  We stopped by to see the graves of George Read (signer of the Declaration of Independence), and several Senators, Representatives, Governors, and Revolutionary War Patriots. Surprisingly, the kids enjoyed walking around the cemetery.  They made up a game called “Find the Oldest Dead Person” and went from gravestone to gravestone in their quest to find the oldest.

Around town, we also visited the site of the gallows and jail and walked down the cobblestone streets surrounding William Penn’s statue.  

Oh my gosh, ya’ll, I am so glad we stopped!  The town of New Castle is so stinking cute like it could seriously be the set for a TV show (is it?).   I could have easily spent a weekend exploring the town.

William Penn statue, New Castle, Delaware

Maryland

With New Jersey and Delaware under our belts, it was time to head back to Maryland.  I’m not quite sure spending Christmas Day at Great Wolf Lodge counts as doing something in Maryland 😂 so we headed back to Baltimore, for good measure.

On the way into the city, the kids had their first tunnel experience.  We took the Fort McHenry Tunnel which cuts through the Baltimore Harbor.  To this day, they don’t believe that we were actually underwater 😂.

Our second National Park passport stamp of the day came from Fort McHenry…because you can never visit too many forts in one day!  Fort McHenry had an absolutely incredible Visitor Center/Museum.  We started our visit by watching the park’s film about the battle that inspired Francis Scott Key to pen the “Star Spangled Banner.”  The video was extremely well done and ended with the screen being raised into the ceiling unveiling a spectacular view of the fort.

By the time it we left Fort McHenry, it was late afternoon so we decided to check into our hotel.  Our hotel was located near the Boston Harbor, a part of town with loads of things to do.  We dropped off our bags and walked to Chick-fil-A to grab dinner.  When we walked into the Chick-fil-A, we noticed there were 2 armed guards….in fact, there were armed guards in all of the shops and eateries in the area.  After seeing that, we decided it would be best if we took our dinner back to the hotel and called it a night.  

Baltimore can get sketchy after dark, and we’d rather be safe than sorry.

The kids learning about the history of Fort McHenry

Conclusion

Within a span of just a few hours, we drove from Maryland to New Jersey, to Delaware and back to Maryland!  We visited two forts, got two National Park passport stamps, and learned about colonial history and the fight for independence.  I’d say that was a pretty successful day!

Planning a Road Tip

Want to plan a killer road trip but you’re not quite sure where to start?  We’ve mapped out our tried and true way of planning a road trip the whole family will enjoy!

In this post, we outline:

  • How to pick a destination
  • Our research tips
  • Budgeting
  • Lodging tips
  • Our road trip essentials

Save a Pin & Start Planning Your Adventure

We visited these sites on our Mason-Dixon Road Trip.  While we were in the area, we also stayed at the Great Wolf Lodge in Perryville, learned about the Battle of Gettysburg, visited President Eisenhower’s home, and visited our favorite city, Washington, DC.

Be sure to give us a like on Facebook or follow us on Instagram and Twitter for more travel tips and tricks. See you next time!

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Itinerary Kentucky United States

8 Totally Fun Things to Add to Your Kentucky Itinerary

Hidden River Cave

Are you heading to Kentucky soon?   From remarkable caves to historic landmarks, impressive car museums to quirky landmarks, there is so much to see and do in the Blue Grass State!  

Our family went on an incredible week-long trip to explore Kentucky.  When I started planning out the trip, I knew I wanted to hit up Mammoth Cave National Park and Abraham Lincoln Birthplace National Historical Park, but other than that, I had no idea how we were going to spend our time.

Once I started researching, I was surprised at how much there was to do. Here are some tried-and-true things to add to your Kentucky itinerary.

8 Things to Add to Your Kentucky Itinerary

The kids deep inside Mammoth Cave at Mammoth Cave National Park

Mammoth Cave National Park

One of the biggest draws to Kentucky is the Mammoth Cave National Park.  I mean, who wouldn’t want to hang out in the world’s longest cave system?  Mammoth Cave National Park offers several incredible tours that help you delve deeper into the history of the caves. 

And believe me, there’s plenty of history.  The oldest portions of the cave date back 10 million years! 

We found the 2-hour Historic Tour super informative and fun.

Abraham Lincoln Birthplace National Historic Site

Abraham Lincoln Birthplace National Historical Park

We’ve been following Abraham Lincoln’s footsteps for the last few years.  We’ve visited the White House, Ford’s Theater, and the Petersen House, so it only made sense that while we were in Kentucky we popped in to check out his birthplace. 

Seeing Lincoln’s humble beginning was pretty incredible and made my little nerd heart so happy.  We enjoyed our time walking around the Abraham Lincoln Birthplace National Historical Park, exploring the trails, and visiting the spring where Lincoln took his first sips of water.

Lost River Cave

Lost River Cave

The Lost River Cave was probably one of my favorite things we experienced while we were in the Bluegrass State.  Beneath the town of Bowling Green, is an underground river that you can explore on a boat tour.  And believe me, this cave has seen it all!  Not only was it once a hideout for Jesse James, but it was also a nightclub at one point!

 

National Corvette Museum

Did you know that Bowling Green is the only place in the world where Corvettes are built? The Bowling Green Assembly has produced over 1.1 million Corvettes since it opened in 1981.

In 2014, the weight of the museum helped cause a 35-foot sinkhole to open up.  The sinkhole was directly below the Skydome, the portion of the museum that held some of the museum’s most historic vehicles.  8 Corvettes were damaged in the accident.  

The museum is very well done and is a great attraction for families.  Our boys are obsessed with cars and enjoyed being able to get up close and personal with some pretty rad cars.  Our daughter loved the kid’s area where she was able to design her own Corvette.  I was impressed by how many interactive elements they had for kids explore.

American Cave Museum

You can’t visit the Kentucky caves without making a trip to the American Cave Museum.  The museum is the only one in the US that is dedicated solely to caves.  It showcases the history and science of America’s caverns.  During our visit, we learned about how the caves formed, the different ways that they have been utilized, archaeology, cave wildlife, and groundwater.  Even better, the museum is free!

The museum is attached to the Hidden River Cave.  The cave features the world’s longest in-cave swinging bridge.  Check out the ticket information.

The kids at Jellystone Park Mammoth Cave

Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park

During our trip, we were hosted by  Yogi’s Jellystone Park Mammoth Cave.  Our kids love Jellystone, so they were stoked to find out we’d be visiting a new park.  The Mammoth Cave location is less than 5 miles away from Mammoth Cave National Park.  

It was the perfect place to spend some quality time as a family.  We spent a lot of time swimming in the lake, racing pedal carts, playing putt-putt, jumping on the pillow pad, and much more.  This is the ultimate place for families to stay when they are in the area.

Aviation Heritage Park and Museum

While we were in Bowling Green visiting the Corvette Museum, we stumbled upon Aviation Heritage Park and Museum.  The museum and park feature historic airplanes and aviation memorabilia.   

The museum and park are free and open to the public.  Fighter jets and helicopters are on display outside for visitors to touch, inspect, and take photos with, including an F-4 Phantom, an F-111 Aardvark, an F9F Panther painted in Navy Blue Angel livery, an SH-3H Sea King Helicopter in Marine 1 configuration, and a “Huey” helicopter. All of these aircraft were curated because they all connect in some way to aviators from this region.

Kentucky Stonehenge

When I plan out our trips, I always hit up Google Maps to check out what is in the area.  While mapping out our trip, I discovered a place called Kentucky Stonehenge.

This quirky little attraction is located in someone’s sideyard. It was created by Chester Fryer in the early 2000s as a tribute to his late wife.  Fryer spent months collecting the rocks and construction the monument by hand.  

Save a Pin & Start Planning Your Adventure

For future reference, be sure to save our post on 8 Totally Fun Things to Add to Your Kentucky Itinerary!   Pin one of the images below to Pinterest.  Go ahead and follow 5 Suitcases on Pinterest while you’re at it!

While we were in the area, we also visited Mammoth Cave National Park, Yogi’s Jellystone Park: Mammoth Cave, and Abraham Lincoln’s Birthplace National Historical Park.

Be sure to give us a like on Facebook or follow us on Instagram and Twitter for more travel tips and tricks. See you next time!

Categories
Europe Iceland Itinerary

10 Unique Experiences to Add to Your Iceland Itinerary

Iceland is home to some of the most incredible experiences in the world!  From ice caves and tectonic plates to the Northern lights and fancy-ass horses, this place has it ALL.  Our 8-day trip around the Ring Road of Iceland was the most remarkable time of my life.  To help make your trip just as memorable, I’ve come up with a list of 10 Unique Experiences to Add to Your Iceland Itinerary.

Let’s DO THIS!

Unique Experiences to Add to Your Iceland Itinerary

Snorkeling Silfra at Thingvellir National Park

1. Snorkel Between the Tectonic Plates

To kick things off, let’s get a little nerdy and dive into some science.  Bear with me.

In 1789 earthquakes opened up several fissures in the area now known as Thingvellir National Park.  The Silfra Fissure cut into an underground spring filled with glacial meltwater from the nearby Langjökull glacier.  Why is this important?  Because this awesome event has made it possible to snorkel or dive between the North American and Eurasian Plates.

Silfra is the only place in the world where you can dive or snorkel between tectonic plates! Which is pretty badass. This was one of my favorite experiences from our time in Iceland. To do this unique experience, you’ll need to book a tour.  The tour operator will provide you will all of the necessary gear for a safe snorkel/dive trip.

Nearby Towns:

  • Reykjavik- 55 miles (55 km)
  • Laugarvatn- 20 miles (30 km)
  • Selfoss- 30 miles (50 km)
  • Vik- 110 miles (115 km)

2. Bake Bread Underground

At the Geothermal Bakery at Laugarvatn Fontana, visitors can make bread using geothermal energy.  The bread is placed in a metal pot and then put into the hot black sand.  24 hours later, you’ll have a delicious loaf of bread!

This is a fun stop to add to your  Golden Circle tour.  The Geothermal Bakery is located between  Silfra at the Thingvellir National Park and the Geysir Geothermal Area.  It is easy to combine all 3 for a jam-packed day of fun.

Pro-Tip:  While you’re in the area, check out the Kerid Crater and Bruarfoss.

Nearby Towns:

  • Reykjavik- 50 miles (80 km)
  • Laugarvatn- 0 miles (0 km)
  • Selfoss- 25 miles (40 km)
  • Vik- 105 miles (165 km)
Hofsós Swimming Pool

3. Visit a Geothermal Lagoon or Pool

 A visit to the Icelandic baths is an absolute must!  Iceland sits on one of Earth’s “hot spots” which has resulted in natural geothermal pools scattered around the island.  Several man-made pools in Iceland also harness this geothermal power.

While we were in Iceland, we visited the Blue Lagoon and Hofsos Swimming Pool.  Both were wonderful.  Other popular options include:  Sky Lagoon, Hvammsvik Hot Springs, Myvatn Nature Baths, Vok Baths, and Fontana Geothermal Baths.


Related Post: Visiting a Pool or Lagoon in Iceland for Newbies

4. Go Inside a Volcano

Uh…yeah, that’s right.  This is a thing.  You can enter the Þríhnúkagígur volcano and descend into the only accessible lava chamber on Earth. Talk about gaining street cred with the adventure crowd!

After a 3km hike, you’ll reach the dormant volcano.  From here, you’ll suit up and descend 400 feet into the volcano in an open cable lift….if you dare!

Tours operate from May 5th until October 31st.

Nearby Towns:

  • Reykjavik- 20 miles (35 km)
  • Laugarvatn- 50 miles (80 km)
  • Selfoss- 30 miles (50 km)
  • Vik- 110 miles (115 km)
Not the best photo, but the fluke of a humpback whale we spotted off the coast of Iceland

5. Go Whale Watching

Although it may be true that you can whale watch in many parts of the world, there’s nothing quite like doing it near the Arctic Circle.  Whale-watching tours are available from Reykjavik, Akureyri, and Husavik.

If you’re doing the entire Ring Road, consider going on a tour out of Husavik (not too far from Akureyri) as it is widely known as the whale-watching capital of Iceland. Husavik was also my favorite town in Iceland.

The Penis Museum

6. Visit the Penis Museum

There’s something weirdly appealing about visiting the world’s only penis museum.  Reykjavik’s Penis Museum was our second stop in Iceland- after the Blue Lagoon.  The museum’s collection holds well over 300 wieners from more than 100 different species of mammals….including a human.  The visit was quite interesting, to say the least.  Be sure to read our blog post about our visit– you won’t be disappointed.

Nearby Towns:

  • Reykjavik- 0 miles (0 km)
  • Laugarvatn- 50 miles (80 km)
  • Selfoss- 35 miles (60 km)
  • Vik- 120 miles (190 km)

7. Ride Icelandic Horses

As if Iceland wasn’t already cool enough, they also have their very own horse breed!  Icelandic horses are a “five-gaited” breed…whereas regular old horses just have 3 gaits.  

These gentle horses are also known for being calm, laid-back, and easy to work with, making them perfect for new riders.  Tours range anywhere from 30 minutes to 10 hours and can be found all over the island.

8. Hike Through an Ice Cave

This was one of our favorite activities in Iceland.  We caught a tour out of Vik that took us to the Katla Ice Cave.  Once we were fitted with helmets and crampons, we hiked through a lava field and up to the ice cave.  We crossed several wooden footbridges (with the help of ropes), and found ourselves inside of Katla.  It was such a cool experience!  

One neat thing about the ice caves is that each tour is completely different because the caves are constantly evolving/melting.  The entrance we went into will be completely gone in less than 2 years.

Nearby Towns:

  • Reykjavik- 130 miles (210 km)
  • Laugarvatn- 115 miles (187 km)
  • Selfoss- 90 miles (150 km)
  • Vik- 10 miles (20 km)

9. Snowmobile on a Glacier

If you want to get your heart pumping a bit, check out a snowmobile tour.  There are a handful of places in Iceland where you can snowmobile on a glacier.  Popular choices are Langjökull Glacier and Eyjafjallajokull Glacier.  You can also snowmobile near Lake Mývatn.  All tours come with expert guides and the necessary snowmobiling gear.

10. Scope out the Northern Lights

Iceland is one of the best places in the world to catch the Auroras because it is perfectly positioned in the Auroral Zone.  If you want to scope out the Northern Lights, you’ll have to visit during the cooler months.  Due to the midnight sun during the summer, the aurora borealis is not visible during peak season.

The best time to catch the lights is between September and April.  The best place to see the Auroras is from Lake Mývatn- known as the “Northern Lights Capital”.  However, on active nights, the lights are visible from anywhere in Iceland, even Reykjavik.  

A Summary of Unique Experiences to Add to Your Iceland Itinerary

More Iceland Resources

Save a Pin & Start Planning Your Adventure Today!

For future reference, be sure to save our post “10 Unique Experiences to Add to Your Iceland Itinerary”!   Pin one of the images below to Pinterest.  Go ahead and follow 5 Suitcases on Pinterest while you’re at it!

Be sure to give us a like on Facebook or follow us on Instagram for more travel tips and tricks. See you next time!

Categories
Itinerary National Parks, Monuments, and Seashores United States Washington DC

15 Must See Places in Washington DC + Tips for Planning Your Itinerary

Library of Congress

Washington, DC is one of my favorite cities in the world.  There is so much do see and do in the nation’s capital, it’s hard to know where to start so we’ve come up with our list of 15 Must See Places in Washington DC!  Our list covers our favorite museums, historical buildings, government buildings, and more!

15 Must See Places in Washington DC

National Museum of Natural History

Megalodon fossil, Smithsonian's National Museum of Natural History

The National Museum of Natural History is the #1 most visited museum in Washington, DC.  The museum follows the journey of life on Earth from its creation until modern day, and explore what might happen in the future.

The museum has a large collection of dinosaur fossils, human and animal fossils, gems and minerals, and so much more.  It includes lots of interactive elements that will keep your kids entertained.  You could easily spend all day here!

Nearest Metro:  Federal Triangle Station (Blue, Orange, and Silver Lines), The Archives/Navy Memorial Station (Green and Yellow Lines), Metro Center (Red Line)

National Zoo

This is Washington, DC’s most popular attraction and the second most visited Smithsonian Institution.  It is free to enter, however entry passes are required for all guests (even infants).

The most popular animals that reside here include giant pandas, elephants, lions, and of course…naked mole-rats.  More than 1,500 animals call the National Zoo home.

Plan on spending between 2 and 4 hours at the National Zoo, to get the full experience.  We suggest getting there early, when the zoo is the least crowded.

Nearest Metro: Cleveland Park Station and Woodley Park-Zoo/Adams Morgan Station (Red Line)

National Museum of American History

What we love about this museum is that it combines American history and American culture.  This means there’s a little something for everyone!  Where else are you going to find Julia Child’s kitchen and Abraham Lincoln’s top hat in the same place?  Or Dorothy’s Ruby Red Slippers amongst the Star-Spangled Banner?

Like all of the Smithsonian museums, you could easily spend all day here.  We suggest dedicating at least 2 hours here (but 3 would be better!). Check out our list of 10 Must-See Things at the National Museum of American History.

Nearest Metro: Smithsonian Station and Federal Triangle (Both on the Orange, Silver, and Blue Lines)

The desk Thomas Jefferson wrote the Declaration of Independence on-National American History Museum
An aerial view of the America by Air Exhibit at the National Air and Space Museum

National Air and Space Museum

After being closed for renovations, the National Air and Space Museum is finally back open and it is awesome!  This is one of the most popular attractions in DC, so be sure to book your timed entry pass as early as possible so you don’t miss out!

The museum boasts an awe-inspiring collection of Space memorabilia and aviation marvels.  There are even some movie props and actual space rocks sprinkled into the mix!  This museum will be a favorite for young and old alike!

Nearest Metro: L’Enfant (Orange, Silver, and Blue Lines)

National Museum of African American History and Culture

This is another super popular museum that is hard to get tickets to.  The National Museum of African American History and Culture is a massive museum that celebrates the roles African Americans have had in our nation’s history and culture.  This is one of the must-see places in Washington DC!

Obviously, there are some really moving exhibits that center around slavery and the Jim Crow era.  You can see everything from an actual slave home to shackles that bound African slaves.  The museum has a formidable collection of memorabilia from Civil Rights leaders such as Rosa Parks and Martin Luther King, Jr.  

Nearest Metro: Smithsonian Station and Federal Triangle (Both on the Orange, Silver, and Blue Lines)

Lincoln Memorial

The Lincoln Memorial was built to honor one of our nation’s most beloved leaders, President Abraham Lincoln.  The 16th President led our nation through some of the most difficult times in our nation’s history.  He valiantly fought to put an end to slavery and to reunify our nation following the South’s secession.  

This grand memorial was erected to honor this incredible man.  It has also been home to many key events in our nation’s history such as Martin Luther King Jr.’s, “I Have a Dream Speech.”

The memorial is stunning during the day, but it is, perhaps, even more impressive at night when it is all lit up.  

Nearest Metro: Foggy Bottom and Smithsonian (Both Orange, Silver, and Blue Lines)

Ford's Theatre

Speaking of Abraham Lincoln, another one of the must-see places in Washington DC is the site of his assassination, the Ford’s Theatre.  The National Park Service has done an incredible job preserving the theater so that it looks just as it did the night that he was shot by John Wilkes Booth.

There are National Park Rangers on site who will happily answer any questions you may have about that fateful night and the days that followed.

The theater also includes a series of museums dedicated the Abraham Lincoln’s life, the plot to kill him and others, and the nationwide hunt for his assassin.  While you’re there, be sure to visit the Petersen House across the street.  After Lincoln was shot in the head, he was brought to this home where he would take his final breaths.

Nearest Metro:  Metro Center (Red, Orange, Silver, and Blue lines) and Gallery Place (Red, Yellow, and Green lines)

Presidential Balcony at Ford's Theater

Library of Congress

The Reading Room at the Library of Congress

When I booked tickets to the Library of Congress, I went in with low expectations.  To be honest, I didn’t know much about it…just that it was the world’s largest library.  I didn’t expect it to be so ornate and opulent.  Surprisingly, it’s much more elegant and extravagant than the White House!

The Library of Congress has a magnificent collection of books, maps, photos, and historical memorabilia.  Highlights include Thomas Jefferson’s personal library, the Gutenberg Bible, and more!

Nearest Metro: Capitol South (Orange, Blue and Silver Lines)

National Archives Museum

The National Archives Museum is home to the Declaration of Independence, the U.S. Constitution, and the Bill of Rights.  It’s a great place to go to learn about the founding of our nation and to observe the documents that helped to sculpt our nation.

Nearest Metro: Federal Triangle (Blue, Orange, and Silver Lines), Archives/Navy Memorial (Green and Yellow Lines), or Metro Center (Red Line)

The White House

The White House has been the residence of every sitting president with the exception of George Washington.  It has been the site of weddings, state funerals, important meetings, and so much more.

We strongly suggest trying to get a tour of the White House, it’s quite the experience.  It’s neat getting to see portraits and busts of all of the  important leaders of our nation and to walk the halls that they once walked.

Tours are self-guided and take between 30 minutes and an hour to complete.  This is something everyone should do at least once in their lifetime, so start looking into booking your tour today.

If you aren’t able to get a tour (or even if you are!) we also suggest visiting the White House Visitor Center where you’ll have the opportunity to see their collection of presidential relics. 

Nearest Metro: McPherson Square Station and Farragut West Station (Both on Orange, Silver, and Blue Lines)

U.S. Capitol Building

Each year more than 3.5 million people visit the U.S. Capitol building.  Not only is this where Congress meets, but it is also a museum dedicated to American History.  

Only visitors with tour reservations are able to enter the Capitol Visitor Center.   To schedule tour, visit the Capitol’s website.  The tour is led by a tour guide and visits the Crypt, the Rotunda, and the National Statuary Hall.  It does not include the House and Senate Galleries.  

Nearest Metro: Union Station (Blue, Orange, and Silver Lines)

Korean War Veterans Memorial

National Mall Monuments & Memorials

The National Mall is known as “American’s Front Yard”.  It is the home to iconic monuments and memorials that are recognized throughout the world.  You could easily spend an entire weekend visiting all of the monuments and memorials that line the mall.

The National Mall is massive and there are countless stops that service this area.  It’s best to consult a map to determine which stop is best for you.

Read More:  The Ultimate Guide to the National Mall & Beyond

United States National Holocaust Memorial Museum

One of the most moving museums in the District of Columbia is the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum (USHMM).  The USHMM is our nation’s official memorial to the Holocaust.  The center is dedicated to helping the leaders and citizens of the world fight hatred, prevent genocide, and promote human dignity, peace, and kindness. 

The USHMM contains more than 12,750 artifacts, 93,000 library items, and a list of over 200,000 registered survivors and their families.  It is truly remarkable and an absolute must-see.

Despite its proximity to the Smithsonian museums, the USHMM is not part of the group.  Instead, it operates as an independent entity.  A timed entry ticket is required to enter.

Nearest Metro: Smithsonian (Orange, Blue and Silver Lines)

Washington National Cathedral

One of the most gorgeous buildings in the city is the Cathedral Church of Saint Peter and Saint Paul in the City and Diocese of Washington…also known as the Washington National Cathedral.  The Neo-Gothic Cathedral is the second-largest church building in the US and the third-tallest building in DC.  Construction began in 1907 under the presidency of T. Roosevelt, and was completed 83 years later in 1990 under the presidency of George H.W. Bush.  

State funerals for Presidents Eisenhower, Reagan, Ford, and Bush Sr., were all held at the cathedral.  Presidents Harding, Taft, Coolidge, Truman, and Nixon memorial services were also held here.  Many Presidential inaugural prayer services happen here, as well.

Nearest Metro: Tenleytown and Woodley Park (Both on Red Line)

Arlington National Cemetery

This cemetery is the final resting place for nearly 400,000 people.  Arlington National Cemetery was established during the Civil War.  

Notable burials include:

  • President William H. Taft
  • President John F. Kennedy & his wife Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis
  • Senator Robert F. Kenney
  • Senator Ted Kennedy
  • Senator (and astronaut) John Glenn
Nearest Metro: Arlington National Cemetery Metro Station (Blue Line)

**Bonus Place if You're Traveling with Kids**

National Children's Museum

The Dream Machine- National Children's Museum

The National Children’s Museum sparks curiosity in STEAM for children ages 12 and under.  STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts, and math) activities help develop soft skills (creativity, problem-solving, collaboration), increase engagement and motivation, and help personalize learning experiences for children.  The activities help capture their interest in fun, engaging, and innovative ways.

We found this was a great way to balance out the heaviness of visiting Ford’s Theatre.

Nearest Metro: Federal Triangle (Orange, Blue, and Silver Line)

Planning Out Your Trip

It would be exhausting trying to cram all of these places into a long weekend.  It’s pretty impossible- unless you just zoom through everything without taking the time to soak it all in.  To do these 15 sites justice, you’d honestly need about a week.

When we planning a trip to DC, we suggest using the following strategy each day:

  • 1 Museum
  • 1 Government Building
  • 1 Important Site
  • Time on the National Mall

1 Museum

The museums in Washington, DC are absolutely incredible, but let’s face it, nobody wants to spend their entire trip exploring museums.  We suggest picking one museum each day and spending a couple of hours wandering around.

If you’re visiting in the warmer months, you’ll want to do this in the afternoon to take advantage of the air-conditioning- DC in the summer gets dreadfully hot!  If you’re visiting in the cooler months, you may want to do the museum in the morning to allow the weather to warm up a bit before you spend time outdoors.

The most popular museums are based on the number of visits:

1 Government Building

We also recommend visiting one government building each day.  These are a great way to learn more about our nation’s history, our leaders, and how our governments works.

These include:

  • The Library of Congress
  • U.S. Capitol Building
  • The White House
  • Bureau of Engraving and Printing (currently closed to visitors)
  • Supreme Court (currently closed to visitors)
  • The Pentagon (currently closed to visitors)

1 Important Site

Washington, DC is the backbone of our nation.  So many incredible, and historical, things have taken place here.  To honor this history, there are memorials, monuments, and historical sites sprinkled all throughout the District of Columbia.  Pick and choose what interest you and add one of these into your itinerary each day. 

Ideas include:

  • Ford’s Theatre
  • Arlington National Cemetery
  • National Cathedral
  • National Archives
  • United States National Holocaust Memorial Museum

Time on the National Mall

You could easily spend an entire day strolling along the National Mall visiting all of the monuments and memorials.   We, however, prefer to break up the Mall and do a little each day. 

Each of the monuments and memorials is an magnificent piece of art dedicated to our Nation’s heroes. 

Popular favorites include:

  • Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial
  • Thomas Jefferson Memorial
  • Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial
  • Washington Monument
  • Lincoln Memorial
  • National World War II Memorial
  • Korean War Veteran’s Memorial
  • Vietnam Veterans Memorial

Ready to Start Planning?

Honestly, there’s nothing like a trip to Washington, DC.  It is the perfect destination for families.  If a museum or monument isn’t holding your kid’s attention, there’s always another one you can check out- and it’ll most likely be free!

If you’d like a little guidance for your itinerary, see our 4-Day Itinerary.  It was designed with young kids in mind and hits a lot of the most popular sights in Washington, DC such as:

The White House
National Museum of American History
National Air & Space Museum
Ford’s Theater
Lincoln Memorial
Washington Monument
National Children’s Museum

and so much more!

Save our 15 Must See Places in Washington, DC

For future reference, be sure to save our Ultimate Guide to the National Mall and Beyond!   Pin one of the images below to Pinterest.  Go ahead and follow 5 Suitcases on Pinterest while you’re at it!

If you’re planning a trip to Washington, DC, be sure to check out our Ultimate Guide to the National Mall and Beyond and our 4 Day Washington, DC Itinerary. You can also learn how to visit the White House.

Be sure to give us a like on Facebook or follow us on Instagram and Twitter for more travel tips and tricks. See you next time!

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Updated: 2/13/23

Categories
United States Washington DC

Why You Should Add DC’s National Children’s Museum to Your Itinerary!

When I mapped out our 4 day Washington, DC Itinerary, the National Children’s Museum was no where on my radar.  Boy…am I glad we veered away from our original plan and made the decision to visit the National Children’s Museum.  In a word, it was amazing!  Honestly, it was exactly what my kids needed to experience to help break up the monotony of visiting museums and monuments.  It gave them an opportunity to let off some steam and be kids.

The National Children’s Museum sparks curiosity in STEAM for children ages 12 and under.  STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts, and math) activities help develop soft skills (creativity, problem-solving, collaboration), increase engagement and motivation, and help personalize learning experiences for children.  The activities help capture their interest in fun, engaging, and innovative ways.

Pro-Tip:  Sensory backpacks are available to borrow at no cost.  They include noise-reduction headphones as well as fidgets to help ease sensory stimulation.  There is also a quiet room on-site.

Exhibits at the National Children's Museum

Dream Machine

The centerpiece of the museum is the Dream Machine, a massive three-story climber and slide designed for kids 5 and up.  The Dream Machine is a futuristic play space consisting of space-like orbs, climbing nets, and a fun, twisty slide.  The Dream Machine is wheelchair accessible at multiple points.

The Dream Machine Source: Nationalchildrensmuseum.org

The play structure, inspired by clouds, encourages kids to slide, crawl, climb, and explore the structure.  It encourages them to use their imagination while testing their balance, strength and agility.  Children learn problem solving, risk management, planning, motor fitness and spatial and directional awareness all while having fun!

Little Dreamers

This zone was designed for children 0-3.  Little ones can take flight in this cloud and aviation themed area.  Kiddos can engage in sight and sound exploration and develop gross and fine motor skills.  They work on discovering light and shadow, using their imagination, exploring their senses and testing their limitations. 

Innovation Sandbox exhibit at the National Children's Museum

Innovation Sandbox

Our oldest couldn’t get enough of this interactive exhibit!  In this super fun weather inspired interactive exhibit, kids have the opportunity to shoot bolts of lightning, make it rain, create clouds, and more in this technology forward space.  How is this possible, you might ask?  With a little magic, green screen technology and the simple wave of the hand!

Kids learn cause and effect, decision making, and how their actions are connected to others and the world.

Art + Tech

This fun, interactive space is presented by Nickelodeon.  Kids can join SpongeBob SquarePants and the PAW Patrol Crew and learn about building, design, aerodynamics, probability, and light and shadow.

Oh…and of course, there’s slime!  Don’t worry, it’s amazingly mess free!  The Slime Fun House allows visitors to explore and experience the iconic green gook without getting messing.

In the PAW Patrol Rescue Training section, kids can fight art-fully represented “fires” with Marshall, join Rubble in constructing buildings and create flying machines with the one and only Skye

Data Science Alley

This section, presented by Amazon, is designed for kids 5 to 12.  Data Science Alley features a super fun, playful scatter plot where visitors use a magnetic disk to track how high they can jump.

Our kids favorite part was a Pom Pom Poll which is a playful twist on the classic pneumatic-tube system.  The drop a pom pom into a tube and watch it travel up to the ceiling before dropping to the ground.

Little Movers

This is another space designed with littles in mind.  Kids 0-3 can enjoy this free-movement play space that encourages kids to build gross and fine motor skills.

The Engineering Games + Play Exhibit at the National Children's Museum Source: Nationalchildrensmuseum.org

Engineering Games + Play

Another one of our favorite parts of the National Children’s Museum was the Engineering Games + Play section.  Here, kids could design, build, and race vehicles down an adjustable track.  

There are also several sports themed STEAM activities like shooting a basketball with a wind machine, scoring a homerun, and more.

Tinkers Studio

The creative hub of the National Children’s Museum is presented by Microsoft.  In the space, kids are encouraged to design, create, build, and play based off the of the skills they have acquired in the museum.  

Plan Your Visit the National Children's Museum

The museum is open every day except Tuesdays from 9:30 until 4:30.  It is closed on Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day.

The cost of admission is $15.95 per person for ages 1 and older.  

Children under 1 are free.

The National Children’s Museum is located at:

1300 Pennsylvania Avenue NW
Washington, DC 20004

The National Children’s Museum is located at the exit of the Federal Triangle Metro Station or 3 blocks from Metro Center.  

Nearby bus routes include 30N, 30S, 32, 33, 34, 36, D6, and P6.

If you’re arriving by car, parking is limited.  The are parking garages nearby that offer paid parking.

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Itinerary United States Washington DC

Our 4 Day Washington DC Itinerary: Kid-Tested & Mom-Approved

The White House

DC is one of my favorite places in the world, so when I sat down to create our 4 Day Washington DC Itinerary, I knew exactly where I wanted to take the kids.  Before this trip, I had spent about 3 weeks exploring DC on my own, over the years.  I’ve spent hours perusing the incredible masterpieces in the countless art museums in the District, visited almost every single memorial and monument, and seen pretty much everything I’ve wanted to see.  

Because of this, I had a pretty good idea of what we would do on our first family trip to Washington DC.  I wanted to include their interests with places that are important to our nation’s history.  I also wanted to sprinkle in a few things that I hadn’t done yet.

The kids interests include:

  • Art
  • Space
  • Dinosaurs
The Lincoln Memorial

Additionally, I wanted to squeeze in something Ashley enjoys (reading) with one of my interests, history.

Smithsonian's National Museum of Natural History

Planning for our 4 Day Washington DC Itinerary

Step One: The Hotel

On my past trips to DC, I have stayed in Arlington, Virginia and Alexandria, Virginia.  Both are just outside of the District of Columbia.  These are popular choices with travelers because the hotels are cheaper and they nearby the District.  If you’re arriving by car, both cities offer an easy drive into the District.  If you’re arriving by plane and will be using the Metro, the Orange Line and Silver Line both service Arlington and the Yellow Line and Blue Line service Alexandria.

Since we were traveling with young kids, I wanted to find a hotel that was near the National Mall, that way we could run back to the hotel quickly if someone needed a nap or if we needed to access the hotel during the middle of the day.  I’m glad we did this because we actually found ourselves going back to the hotel twice.

To find our hotel, I hopped on Google Maps and looked to see what was near the National Mall.  I found a Hyatt Place that was between the National Mall and The District Wharf.  The Mall is where you’ll find many of the monuments and museums and The Wharf has a ton of restaurants, shops, and bars.  To top it off, it was a couple of blocks away from two different Metro stops on the Orange, Blue, and Silver lines, which were the ones we would be predominately be using.  The location couldn’t have been more perfect!

Step Two: Mapping Out our 4 Day Washington DC Itinerary

Washington Monument

Once we booked our hotel, I jotted down a list of places I wanted to visit on our trip.  The list included places that would interest all of the kids.  When traveling with kids, it’s important to keep your itineraries to a minimum.  I planned on visiting about 4 things a day- knowing that we’d be doing a ton of walking (even with us using the Metro), that we’d be skipping our usual nap, and not wanting to over do it.  Overdoing it would only lead to meltdowns and tantrums- by not only the kids, but also by us grown ups.

After figuring out where we would be visiting, I hopped on Google Maps again to cluster places that were close together.  This helped cut down on unnecessary walking- since we’d already be walking around so much.

Step Three: Getting Around

On this trip, we were arriving by airplane and weren’t going to rent a car.  Honestly, you don’t need a car in Washington, DC.  It’s so easy to get around using the Metro or on foot.  In my experience, it’s actually easier to use the Metro or walk than it is to deal with finding parking in many places in DC.

I did lots of research on the DC Metro, since it’s been about a decade since my last trip to Washington, DC.  There are several different options for paying your fares.

DC Metro

Originally, I planned on purchasing a 3 day Unlimited Pass and a 1 Day Unlimited Pass to cover all 4 days.  Kids 5 and up need a Metro pass, which meant the boys would ride for free.

All of this went out the window, however when I purchased our passes.  The great thing about the DC Metro is that each of them is manned by employees that are happy to help you get the most bang for your buck.  There is Metro station within the airport, so as soon as we got off the plane, we headed to the Metro to catch a ride to the hotel.  

As I approached the machine to get our passes, an employee offered to help.  He asked me what our plan was, and I told him I was going to buy us the unlimited passes.  He explained to me that this was a waste of money and suggested I load some money onto a card instead and reload it as needed.  We got 2 cards, loaded $20 on each and it was plenty for us to get around all weekend- even with us using the Metro several times a day.

1-, 3-, and 7-Day Unlimited Pass

  • Pass is activated the first time SmarTrip is tapped at a fare gate or bus farebox
  • Pass expires at the end of the last consecutive operating day
  • No time restrictions
  • Cost of passes:  1 Day $13, 3 Day $28, 7 Day $58

Pre-Loaded Card

Another option is to get a Metro card, put some money on it and reload it as necessary.

The cost to ride the Metro is based on service, ride length, day, and time you ride. 

  • Peak Fare: $2.25 – $6.00
  • Off-Peak Fare: $2 – $3.85
  • Weekend Metro one-way fare: $2 flat fee
  • Late Night Flat Fee (M-F after 9:30): $2

 

How to Purchase SmarTrip Pass

Finalizing our 4 Day Washington DC Itinerary

Once we figured out our lodging, our transportation, what we wanted to see, and the logistics, it was time to finalize our 4 Day Washington DC Itinerary.  I’m kind of old school so I wrote it all down on paper, but I also typed it in as a note on my phone so I could refer to it.  Going into the trip, I knew that the 4 Day Washington DC Itinerary would have to be fluid because there was a good chance we wouldn’t be able to see and do everything I wanted to.

Several places in DC required timed ticket reservations, so I planned those for 10 and 4 each day to give us ample time in between reservations to do other things.

Day One

The Plan

  • Lincoln Memorial
  • Korean War Memorial
  • MLK Monument
  • WWII Memorial
  • Washington Monument
  • Constitution Garden
  • Vietnam Veteran’s Memorial

We arrived at DC in the early afternoon, checked in to our hotel, stowed away our luggage and headed to the National Mall.  The concierge suggested that we walk, rather than take the Metro.  I should have stuck to my gut and taken the Metro because we totally got lost and walked about 2.5 miles out of the way.  My wife was hot, irritable, and tired from a long day of travel so, our afternoon didn’t go as planned.  Rather than doing the monuments and memorials, we ducked into a museum instead.

The desk Thomas Jefferson wrote the Declaration of Independence on-National American History Museum

The National American History Museum was a great introduction to our nation’s capital.  It’s filled with relics from American history and American culture.  We were able to give the kids some insight on some of the places we’d be visiting while in town.

What We Actually Did

Day Two

The Plan

Dude...they actually let US inside the White House!

What We Actually Did

We woke up early and had breakfast at our hotel before hopping on the Metro over to The White House.  We made a pitstop in the White House Visitor’s Center, which I’m so glad we did.  It gave an insight as to what life is like inside the White House. It was a super impressive exhibit and well worth a visit!

While we waited for our 10 AM tour of the White House to start, we saw the Benjamin Franklin and Alexander Hamilton statues and walked to the park to see the southside of the White House.  It was a nice way to kill time before our tour began.

The White House tour was remarkable.  It was so cool being able to step inside the White House and see all of the relics from our nation’s history.  It’s something everyone should do at least once.

Pro-Tip: The best views of the White House are from the South Lawn. Take 15th Street, pass the US Treasury Building, walk along E Street to the back of the White House.

Smithsonian's National Museum of Natural History

Next, we took the Metro to the National Museum of Natural History, where we had lunch and then spent a couple of hours exploring the collections.  It’s very different visiting the museum with kids, it was fun to see it through their eyes.  We spent a lot of time checking out the dinosaur fossils in the Bone Hall and the Hall of Fossils.  We also spent quite a bit of time gazing at the gems and space rocks.

In the past, I’ve concentrated more on the gems and the Egyptian artifacts, so it was interesting to see how that changed when visiting with kids.

Lastly, we had 4:00 reservations to see the Library of Congress– the World’ Largest Library!  Ashley is a huge reader, so I wanted to include something should we enjoy.  My goodness, the library is stunning!  Dare I say it was even more ornate than the White House?  We visited the Young Readers Center, perused the special exhibits and even got to check out Thomas Jefferson’s personal library collection.  Next time, I’d love to get into the Reading Room!

Day Three

The Plan

What We Actually Did

We started our morning off with a tour of Ford’s Theater.  Our pass covered the Ford’s Theater Museum, the theater itself, The Petersen House, and the Aftermath Exhibits.  We spent probably two hours learning all about the life and death of Abraham Lincoln, the 16th President of the United States.  Part of the presentation was a lengthy (probably 45 minutes to an hour) Park Ranger talk.

Needless to say, it was emotionally exhausting and kind of boring of the kids.  While we were at lunch at the nearby Hard Rock, we discussed changing up our original plan to visit the National Portrait Gallery.  When we got off the Metro, we saw the National Children’s Museum and decided that would be a better fit for the kids after a heavy morning.  This turned out to be one of the best things we did the entire trip!

The Kids at Ford's Theater

The National Children’s Museum is a STEAM inspired play space where kids can learn about the world around them through hands on activities.  They had an absolute blast playing in the super futuristic play space!  They also got to race cars down ramps, express themselves artistically, combine science and sports, and build with massive blocks.  They enjoyed this much more than they would have enjoyed the National Portrait Gallery.  It gave them a chance to get some energy out and decompress from such an emotionally exhausting morning retracing Abraham Lincoln’s last steps.

Smithsonian's National Air and Space Museum

The weekend that we visited was the grand re-opening of the National Air and Space Museum.  We had a timed entry ticket for 4:00.  Even with only 40% of the museum open, it was still incredibly massive and impressive.  There were lots of hands-on elements to the exhibit that allowed the kids to fully immerse themselves in the experience.  Our middle kiddo is super into space so this was right up his alley!

We got to see the Wright Brother’s glider, go inside an airplane, see space rovers, antique sports cars, and much more.  It will be interesting to see the remaining exhibits once the museum is completely opened.  

Lastly, we headed to Chinatown to meet some friends for dinner.  After dinner, we walked back to our hotel, rather than take the Metro, so we could see the monuments lit up at night.

Day Four

The Plan

Our plan for day four was to get up and go to the Lincoln Memorial, since we missed it on day one.  The plan was to eat breakfast, hop on the Metro to see it, head back to the hotel, get our stuff, get back on the Metro and head to the airport.  While it was totally feasible time wise, since we had a 2 o’clock flight, we opted to stay at the hotel instead.  

Even though we used the Metro a majority of the time, we still managed to walk about 25 miles.  Adding on the Lincoln Memorial would add on about another 1.5 miles of walking to our day.  We stayed at the hotel until check out time, 11:00, and took the Metro one last time to the airport.

 

The Mineral Rainbow- Smithsonian's National Museum of Natural History

Our 4 Day Washington DC Itinerary- Condensed

Day One

Day Two

Day Three

Day Four

  • National Mall/Lincoln Memorial
  • Depart DC

Reflecting on our 4 Day Washington DC Itinerary

While we didn’t get to see everything we planned on seeing, we got to see and experience so much during our time in the nation’s capital.  I’m extremely glad we decided to swap out the National Portrait Gallery  for the National Children’s Museum.  It ended up being the kids favorite memory of the trip!

I’m glad our itinerary was loose and not concrete.  The last-minute changes we made to our itinerary were great additions!  The White House Visitor’s Center, the National Museum of American History and National Children’s Museum were not on our original itinerary, yet they ended up being some of the most memorable places!

 Had we not gotten lost on the first day, we would have been able to see the Lincoln Memorial and several other monuments and memorials during the National Mall.  Although it’s disappointing we didn’t get to see those, we did make it to the National Museum of American History, which was probably more enjoyable for the kids, anyway.  We’ll catch the monuments and memorials when they are a little older.

All in all, it was a great trip.  Despite having spend nearly 25 days exploring the city, there is still so much I’d love to see.  Looks like we’ll have to make a return trip when the kids are older!

FAQ About DC

Is 4 Days Washington, DC enough?

Honestly, Washington, DC has a ton to offer.  When planning a trip to DC, you want at least 3 full days…and even then, you won’t be able to see everything you want to. 

Our itinerary takes into account our young kids- we could have squeezed in more sites, but wanted to be mindful of their limitations.

What is the cheapest month to visit Washington, DC?

February is the most affordable month to visit Washington, DC.  At this time the hotel rates drop down and the crowds tend to die down.  Be sure to pack lots of layers though, it tends to be cold during this month!

What months are the worst time to visit DC?

DC is absolutely insane in the summers, and it’s also ridiculously hot.  The general rule of thumb is to avoid DC during early spring through the end of summer.  

It also gets busy during Presidential Inaugurations and the holidays.

Do you need a car in DC?

I’ve experienced DC both with a car and without.  Honestly, it’s much easier to forget the rental car and just use the Metro.  That way, you don’t have to deal with finding parking.  The Metro is very user-friendly.

What part of Washington, DC should I stay in?

The best areas to stay in Washington DC are Downtown DC/National Mall, Georgetown, Capitol Hill, Penn Quarter, Foggy Bottom, Logan Circle, Adams Morgan, and Woodley Park.  These areas are popular for tourists, include lots of attractions and amenities, and are serviced by the Metro.

If you’re looking for a more affordable option, consider staying just outside of DC in Alexandria or Arlington.  The Metro services both towns.

Save a Pin and Start Planning Your Adventure

For future reference, be sure to save Our 4 Day Washington DC, Itinerary.   Pin one of the images below to Pinterest.  Go ahead and follow 5Suitcases on Pinterest while you’re at it!

If you’re planning a trip to Washington, DC, be sure to check out Guide to the National mall and our list of 15 Must See Places in Washington, DC.  You can also learn how to visit the White House.

Be sure to give us a like on Facebook or follow us on Instagram and Twitter for more travel tips and tricks. See you next time!

Categories
Florida Itinerary Jacksonville United States

The Ultimate 3 Day Jacksonville Itinerary

Are you looking for the perfect Jacksonville itinerary?  As ambassadors for the city of Jacksonville, we know all of the best places to visit!  Our Jacksonville itinerary is based off of all of the places we suggest to our friends and family when they come to visit.

Our hometown of Jacksonville is the largest city in the USA by landmass, so everything is pretty spread out.  Most places are within a 20 to 30 minute drive of downtown or the beaches (including driving from downtown to the beach). 

Jacksonville is a very diverse city.  At the beaches you’ll find small shops, restaurants, and bars.  The St. Johns Town Center is located at the center of the city.  Here you’ll find a ton of shopping and restaurants.  Downtown you’ll find our museums, upscale restaurants, and urban parks.  The Northside is home to a lot of nature preserves, the zoo, beaches,  and farmland with large neighborhoods dotting the landscape.  The other areas are heavily residential.  

How to Get to Jacksonville

If you’re flying in to down, chances are you’ll fly directly into Jacksonville International Airport.  There are several cities that offer direct flights into JAX.

You’ll also want to pick up a rental car, if you’re arriving by plane.  When you book your rental car, remember that you do not have to return the car to the same location you picked it up from- however, you’ll typically save money by returning it to the original location.

If you’re driving I-95 North cuts directly through downtown Jacksonville.  I-10 also empties out into the Bold City.

Land of the Tiger Exhibit at the Jacksonville Zoo

How Much Time Should I Spend in Jacksonville?

Like with any vacation,  you can spend as much time on your Jacksonville vacation as you would like.  You could do this trip in as little as three days, or stretch it out for however long you would like.  For this Jacksonville itinerary, we’ll focus spending 3 days, or a long weekend, on the First Coast.

Where Should I Stay for this Jacksonville Itinerary?

Our main beltway, I-295, is a loop that circles the city.  This circular highway makes everywhere super easy to access meaning that you can literally stay anywhere in the city and be in a decent location.

For this particular Jacksonville itinerary, we suggest staying out at Jacksonville Beach.  If you want something a little more centralized, you could stay at the St. Johns Town Center.  If you plan on spending more time at the museums and the historic neighborhoods, you may want to consider downtown.

Our favorite hotel out at Jacksonville Beach is Casa Marina.  It’s a classic, vintage, beachfront hotel. The hotel opened in 1925 and has hosted the Duke and Duchess of Windsor, the Rockefellers, Al Capone, Charlie Chapman and Presidents Truman and FDR.

If you want to go with a more resort-vibe look into Margaritaville at Jacksonville Beach.  The Jacksonville Margaritaville opened in early 2021 making it almost brand-new.  The rooms are gorgeous and the oceanviews are even better!

 

When is the Best Time to Visit Jacksonville?

The weather in Florida is pretty great year round. 

  • In January and February, the temperatures can drop in the high-30s to 50s. 
  • Spring is absolutely gorgeous with temperatures in the 70s and 80s. 
  • During the summer months it gets H-O-T hot with the feel-like temperatures in the high 90s and low 100s.  Due to high humidity, it also rains almost every afternoon.  If you spend time at the beach or springs, and plan your day out right, the rain and heat shouldn’t be a huge factor.
  • September and October are still rather hot, but the temperatures are usually in the high 80s and low 90s.
  • November and December are pretty perfect, weatherwise.

There is a jet stream off of our coast that helps keep tropical storms and hurricanes at bay, however we are occasionally impacted by large storms.

During the month of November, there is a month long event known as “Kids Free November” where several of the most popular spots in town offer free admission to kids.

3 Day Jacksonville Itinerary

Day One

On day one of our Jacksonville itinerary, we’ll be hitting the great outdoors.

Jacksonville Beach has plenty of sand for your to throw down a towel and spend a day. There are tons of bars and restaurants in the area if you want to dedicate an entire day to a beach day.

Our favorite food options are: Dockside Seafood Restaurant, Jax Beach Brunch Haus, Salt Life Food Shack, TacoLu, and Eleven South.

Jacksonville Beach

If you want a more diverse beach, consider checking out Hanna Park, which is just north of Jacksonville Beach.  Here you’ll find kayaking, fishing, bike trails, beach access, and even a splash pad.  The cost to enter is $5 per vehicle.

Blackrock Beach

Still even further north, you’ll find Huguenot Beach. Although you’ll pay $5 per vehicle to access this park, you’re able to drive on the sand which makes life a breeze when you’re traveling with kids.  After spending some time at Huguenot, check out the historic Kingsley Plantation, the oldest remaining plantation home in the state of Florida.  The main home, several slave quarters, and other out buildings still remain intact.

If you’re up for a little more beach action, we suggest spending some time at Blackrock Beach.  To access the beach, you’ll have to do a short 1/2 mile hike through the woods however you’ll be awarded with an absolutely incredible view.  You can also pair Blackrock Beach with Fernandina Beach or the Jacksonville Zoo. on day two or three.

Day Two

On day two of the Jacksonville itinerary, we suggest either visiting Fort Caroline National Memorial, taking a hike at either Spanish Pond or the nearby Jacksonville Arboretum and Gardens.  Fort Caroline is a replica of a fort that was established by the French Huguenots in the 1560s. From here, we recommend checking out Tree Hill Nature Center.  They have well shaded trails, animal enclosures, and a nature center.

After spending time at Fort Caroline, which is part of the National Park system, you can head on over to explore the Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens.  Be sure to pick up a pass to ride the train so you can save up some energy for Blackrock Beach if you didn’t make it there on day one.  The Zoo has a splash pad that is perfect for cooling down on a hot day.

You might also want to book an eco tour with Kayak Amelia.  They offer guided kayaking and paddleboarding tours or rentals.  Enjoying Florida from the water is part of the true Florida experience!

While you’re in the area of the Zoo, Blackrock, and Kayak Amelia, stop in to Palms Fish Camp for some fresh local seafood.

Locks of Love Bridge- Northbank Riverwalk

Day Three

Of course, you can’t visit the city without spending time in the city! 

We suggest spending some time strolling either the northbank or the southbank of the St. Johns River.  Perhaps, you could even hop on the river taxi to take a short river cruise!  Both of the river walks are paved, have street art, and offer impressive views of the city.  If you walk the southbank, be sure to stop by MOSH– the Museum of Science and History.

For lunch, pop in to one of our favorite sandwich shops The Bread & Board or The Burrito Gallery.

When it heats up, spend some time downtown checking out the city’s museums.  If you’re into traditional art check out the Cummer Art Gallery and Gardens.  Contemporary art fans might prefer the Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA).  MOCA is on the same square as Sweet Pete’s the largest candy store in the southeastern United States.

Downtown is home to several breweries.  Our favorite (in this area) are Bold City Brewery, Tabula Rasa Brewing, Aardwolf, and Intuition Ale Works.

For dinner, we suggest River & Post (they have a rooftop bar if you want to just stop by for drinks), Hawkers Asian Street Food, Carmines Pizza House, Hoptinger Bier Garden & Sausage House, or The Garage.

Extending Your Jacksonville Itinerary

If you have extra days that you can add on to your Jacksonville itinerary, we suggest taking a day trip out of Jacksonville.  There are several different options that we recommend for this- depending on how far you want to go.  Our list of the Best Day Trips from Jax focuses on places that are within 100 miles of the Bold City.  Within 100 miles you can visit Florida springs, Cumberland Island National Seashore, and even Daytona Beach or have appetizers and drinks on the rooftop at San Sebastian’s Winery in St. Augustine.  Any of these would be great additions to your Jacksonville itinerary!

When we have visitors come in from out of town, we typically take them down to St. Augustine– the nation’s oldest city.  We recommend visiting Castillo de San Marcos,  the St. Augustine Pirate and Treasure Museum, and the St. Augustine Alligator Farm.   We never tire of strolling down historic St. George Street. You can also never go wrong with the hop-on-hop-off-trolley tour.

Fort Clinch

Another option is heading north up to Amelia Island and Fernandina Beach. There are several cute shops in Fernandina Beach for you to scope out.  You absolutely must check out Fort Clinch State Park if you’re in the area.  Fort Clinch is an impressive Civil War era fort with a museum, re-enactments, and more.  The park also has hiking trails, bike paths, kayak launches and an impressive beach.  The beach is well known for shark tooth hunting.  

If you’re traveling with kids be sure to spend sometime at the nearby Pirate Playground.  The Amelia Island Lighthouse, Amelia Island State Park, Pippi Longstocking House, and the Egan’s Creek Greenway Trail are also nearby.  The Greenway Trail is beautiful- be on the look out for snakes and gators.  Across from the Pippi Longstocking House is directly across from the Fernandina Plaza Historic State Park- if you’re lucky you may be able to catch a reenactment! 

We hope that these ideas help you jumpstart the planning of your Jacksonville itinerary!  If you have any questions about the Bold City, feel free to reach out to us on our social media channels.  As ambassadors for the city of Jacksonville, we’re super happy to help you plan your Jacksonville itinerary!

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