The Perfect 3-Day Washington, D.C. Field Trip Itinerary

Abigail Holbrook
Oct 21
3 min read

8th grade students on the perfect Washington, D.C. field trip

3-Day Washington, D.C. Field Trip Itinerary – 50 Years of Expertise, One Unforgettable Trip

Planning a Washington, D.C. field trip can feel like a balancing act — you want to give students a life-changing experience without breaking the budget. After 50 years of leading student groups to our nation’s capital, we’ve perfected a 3-day itinerary that keeps costs low while still packing in all the major highlights.

This standard package is designed for schools looking for an affordable, well-rounded experience. Of course, we can always elevate it with premium options for those wanting to enhance their visit even more.

Day 1 – Welcome to Washington, D.C.

Students start their journey with a lunch on the road before diving straight into the heart of America’s history. Their first stop: the Smithsonian Museums — a chance to explore everything from the Wright brothers’ plane to the Star-Spangled Banner.

National Museum of American History
National Museum of Natural History
National Air and Space Museum (if available)

Afterward, the group enjoys dinner at the Ronald Reagan Building & International Trade Center food court, followed by an evening stroll to the White House for a classic group photo before checking into the hotel for the night.

Tip for teachers: Encourage students to wear comfortable walking shoes — Smithsonian days cover a lot of ground!

Day 2 – Monuments, Museums, and Meaningful Moments

The second day begins with a hot breakfast before heading out for a guided tour of D.C.’s most iconic memorials, including the MLK, FDR, and Thomas Jefferson Memorials.

Next up is a visit to one of the city’s powerful museums, such as the National Museum of African American History and Culture or the National Museum of the American Indian. After a boxed lunch, students continue their guided tour with stops at the Lincoln Memorial, Korean War Memorial, Vietnam Veterans Memorial, and World War II Memorial — a moving and educational walk through American history.

Later in the day, groups may visit Ford’s Theatre National Historic Site (if available) before enjoying dinner at the Pentagon City Mall food court and a reflective evening stop at the Pentagon 9/11 Memorial.

Our favorite optional substitutions (for $10–$25 per person):

International Spy Museum
Planet Word
U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum

Tip for teachers: The Spy Museum and Planet Word are great add-ons for groups looking to integrate interactive learning and literacy-based activities.

Day 3 – Capitol Hill & Arlington National Cemetery

After a hearty breakfast, students head to Capitol Hill for a guided walking tour past the Library of Congress and Supreme Court Building, followed by a guided tour of the U.S. Capitol Building (pending availability).

Groups can also add a professional group photo in front of the Capitol — a timeless keepsake for $18 per person.

Lunch is included in the Capitol Café, then it’s on to the U.S. Marine Corps War Memorial (Iwo Jima) and a guided tour of Arlington National Cemetery. Students will experience (and maybe even participate in) a wreath laying at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.

The trip concludes with a fast-food dinner on the way home, full of memories and new inspiration for the classroom.

Tip for teachers: Prepare students ahead of time for the steep walk to the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier — it’s one of the most memorable parts of the trip!

Why Teachers Love This Trip

This 3-day itinerary delivers the full D.C. experience — major landmarks, Smithsonian museums, and meaningful moments — all while keeping the cost as low as possible.

And because it’s planned and operated by Holbrook Field Trips, teachers enjoy: