President’s Day is only a week away and you may be wondering the best ways to celebrate. Visiting Washington DC should definitely be on the top of your list. But once you arrive, what should you do and where should you go? With so many iconic places in presidential history it may be hard to decide.
Whether you are a lover of monuments and presidential history or a foodie looking for the next good bite, we’ve got you covered. DC has enough to fill your week’s itinerary. However, we’ve curated a list of the top must see and do activities during President’s Day while you're in our nation’s capitol.
9 ways to celebrate President’s Day in DC
Here is the list of the top recommendations we have to make the most of your President’s Day experience. This by no means covers everything. But let’s get you started as you build your itinerary.
1. Visit the Portrait Gallery
Without a doubt, the top of your list must be The Portrait Gallery. It contains the most complete collection of presidential portraits outside of the White House. These are the most easily accessible way for the public to view every president who has served in American history. Many of these portraits have been donated, bought in auctions, or acquired at estate sales. Since 1962, however, the gallery has been working with the White House staff for official commissioned presidential portraits.
Walk past the famous Lansdowne portrait of George Washington saved by the fires of 1814, the WFK Traver’s portrait of Abraham Lincoln remembering the Emancipation Proclamation, or the modern contemporary one of Barack Obama. You will not only learn more about each president and their impact but of the image they wanted to leave behind.
2. Explore the National Archives
In memory of our founding fathers who were also presidents, namely, George Washington, John Adams, Thomas Jefferson, James Madison, take a visit to the National Archives. It gives you the opportunity to visit and honor the founding documents that these men risked their lives for.
View the original Declaration of Independence, Constitution, and Bill of Rights, in a magnificent 75ft dome surrounded by 38 ft long paintings by the artist Barry Faulkner. Dig deeper into the meaning and significance of our Constitution and the role of the presidency.
3. Take a photo of the White House
A great way to celebrate President's Day in DC is a visit to the White House. While taking a tour of the building is possible, it needs prior reservations made three months in advance. If you didn’t have time to plan ahead, have no fear, you can still get that iconic shot of the White House.
However, it’s still a great memory in your scrapbook to snap pictures of the White House. For the best views, head to Lafayette Park located in the downtown neighborhood of DC. Although the park is partially closed until the end of February 2025, you can still get close enough to grab a selfie. If you’re interested in a walking tour that takes you right to the White House, take a look at our Hidden DC tour.
4. Stroll through Mount Vernon
A short drive from Washington DC across the Potomac river sits the home of our first President, George Washington. This 500 acre property with magnificent views of the river, is the perfect place to reflect on presidential history and learn more about our first president outside of his time in public office.
The land contains the 21 room colonial style mansion, blacksmith shop, smoke house, slave quarters, and Washington's grave. It’s a great half day activity for anyone interested in the daily life of our first president and his family. Sometimes you can catch the cook creating her next masterpiece on the outdoor fire. When you finish, be sure to check out Old Town Alexandria, the local colonial town and George’s favorite hangout spot, Gadsbys Tavern.
5. Take a Lincoln Assassination Tour
Remembering President’s Day should also involve honoring the presidents who lost their lives in the role, one of the most famous, Abraham Lincoln. However, it may surprise you to know that he was not always the most popular. Leading up to Lincoln's assassination even some northern newspapers called him a tyrant.
Taking a Lincoln Assassination tour will give you the in-depth story behind his murder, explain the complicated series of events, and explore the polarized political landscape that led to the death of our 16th president. Walk past the Surratt House where the conspirators devised their plan, explore the theatre where John Wilkes Booth fired that fateful shot, and see the room where Lincoln took his last breath. You do not want to miss out on this iconic way to honor President’s Day.
6. Dine at Martin’s Tavern
Originally an Irish pub now turned American tavern, Martin’s Tavern is the oldest continuously owned restaurant/bar in DC. Located in the heart of Georgetown, along Wisconsin Ave. NW, Martin’s Tavern, one of the most well-loved restaurants in the area. It’s known not only as the restaurant that served several presidents but also as the place John F. Kennedy proposed to his wife Jackie.
When you enter the restaurant, you’ll notice that certain booths are named after different presidents like Nixon, Johnson, Bush, and two for Kennedy (the proposal and work booth). They honor their memory by marking the spot they frequently sat. A meal at Martin’s Tavern will have you enjoying the same family recipes and warm hospitality. You’ll be literally walking in the footsteps of our former presidents.
7. Grab a drink at Old Ebbitt Grill
Opened in 1856, Old Ebbitt Grill is the oldest saloon in the city. The saloon started first as a boarding house, it moved and changed hands over the years. They have a favorite quote that says, “Many other famous statesmen, naval and military heroes, too numerous to mention here, have been guests of the house.”
Order Ulysses S. Grant’s favorite, the Old Crow, a Kentucky straight bourbon whiskey distilled since the 1830s. Or why not something more refreshing like Theodore Roosevelt go-to, a Mint Julep. When you visit Old Ebbitt Grill you’ll be in the space where President McKinley
Andrew Johnson, Grover Cleveland, and Warren Harding refreshed themselves at its stand-around bar. Enjoy your drinks with a plate of their famous oysters!
8. Walk through Arlington Cemetery
Located just across the Potomac River, sits one of the most visited sites in DC, Arlington Cemetery. Established during the Civil War, it was not initially associated with US presidents. However, it's picturesque location and proximity to Washington, DC have made it a desirable final resting place for military and government officials alike.
That also includes the US presidents. Most presidents have chosen to be buried in their home states, however, you’ll see the graves of two presidents: William Howard Taft and the famous John F. Kennedy. In addition, Robert Todd Lincoln, Abraham Lincoln's only son to live into adulthood, is buried beneath a beautiful monument set among trees along the path between the Taft and Kennedy graves. It’s a sight you can’t miss.
9. Explore DC Presidential monuments
Last but not least on your list is exploring the presidential monuments. These free monuments are spread out throughout the city. The main three surround the National Mall, namely, the Washington Monument, Lincoln Memorial, and Jefferson Memorial.
However, there are other monuments that honor our presidents. Some notable ones include the Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial located near from the Jefferson Memorial, Dwight Eisenhower Memorial near the Smithsonian Air & Space museum, and Theodore Roosevelt Island that sits in the middle of the Potomac. Celebrating President’s Day would not be complete without a visit to at least one of these quintessential landmarks.
You will have plenty to do on President’s Day in DC
Visiting DC and remembering the legacy of our presidents is a great way to connect with the spirit of the holiday. The city offers a variety of experiences to celebrate President’s Day, making it the perfect destination for history buffs and casual visitors alike. From exploring the Portrait Gallery and National Archives to taking the Lincoln Assassination Tour or visiting Arlington Cemetery, there is no shortage of ways to honor the nation's leaders.
Whether you’re taking in the monumental sights or enjoying a meal at historic spots like Martin’s Tavern or Old Ebbitt Grill, you’ll find yourself immersed in the legacy of the presidents who shaped our country. This list provides the perfect starting point to make the most of your President’s Day in DC, blending history, culture, and once-in-a-lifetime experiences.
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