washington DC
SEE
Air & Space Museum: Two locations in both DC and Chantilly (Udvar-Hazy Center, near Dulles Airport). Udvar-Hazy is incredible...definitely worth the trip!
Natural History: Hope Diamond, mummies, dinosaurs, great museum shop.
American History: Dorothy's red shoes, the OG Kermit puppet, First Ladies Dresses Exhibit, Star Spangled Banner, and more.
Portrait Gallery and American Art Museum: So beautiful, great shops.
Postal Museum: Most underrated Smithsonian museum in all of DC. So interesting, interactive for kids, gorgeous historical building, and super nice employees. The best part is the free envelope of stamps you can take to start a collection.
Spy Museum: Not free, but near the Mall. Incredible, interactive exhibits. Great gift shop.
Mount Vernon: One of the best museums in all of DC. You can easily spend several hours here. And don't miss the museum shop!
*Traveling with kids? Check out the NPS Junior Ranger program and make sure to grab a booklet and badge wherever you see a Park Ranger. There are badges available for the monuments on The Mall (pick up from Ranger kiosks near the Lincoln Memorial), Ford's Theater, Arlington, and additional locations.
SHOP
Georgetown: Take an Uber to Georgetown for all the best shops, restaurants, and bakeries. Wander around the neighborhoods off of M Street and enjoy the gorgeous homes and festive porches.
The Shops at Mount Vernon: Maybe the best museum gift shop in all of DC. If you're looking for DC or Americana-themed gifts, this is the place. My personal favorites are the embroidered ornaments of US Presidents and historical figures.
White House Visitor Center: I recently visited this gift shop and was blown away. The shop is ran by the White House Historical Association, a non-profit organization, with quality and reasonably-priced merchandise. You can find current and past year's White House ornaments, DC-themed gifts and items, books, children's items (like a pop-up book of the White House!), jewelry, etc. Basically a must-stop if you're in DC, especially if you are near the White House. The Visitor Center is located south east of the White House, marked by large, blue dome awnings.
SAVOR
Le Diplomate: Incredible French cuisine, Le Dip is a hot spot in DC.
Clydes: Classic DC restaurant. I live for the salmon salad and chili. Multiple locations throughout the DC area.
Old Ebbitt Grill: Another classic DC spot, oldest restaurant in DC. Fun, politico vibe. Also love the salmon salad. Located near the White House and Treasury.
Founding Farmers: Love this place so much for any meal, but the weekend brunch buffet is INCREDIBLE. Multiple locations throughout the DC area.
Sisters Thai: I could eat at Sisters Thai multiple times a week. Multiple locations in Northern VA and Potomac. Highly recommend the Garden Rolls with Peanut Sauce, Crispy Spring Rolls, Pad Thai, and Drunken Noodles. I love spicy food but this place is super super spicy. Use caution when ordering...I usually get the "no spicy" or level one spice.
Andy's Pizza: Best pizza in the world (literally). I love the White Pie and the Mushroom & Onion pie. Around $4/slice, $28/pie. Also, hot tip: If there's a long wait for the whole pies, make a mixed box of different slices.
Good Stuff Eatery: By celebrity chef Spike Mendolsohn. Multiple locations throughout DC area. We love the Farm Cheeseburger, Village Fries (with rosemary, thyme, and sea salt...don't miss this!), and the incredible shakes with flavors like Salty Caramel Kiss and Toasted Marshmallow.
DAY TRIPS FROM DC
Hershey, PA
Baltimore, MD
Annapolis, MD
Gettysburg, PA
Luray Caverns, VA
Harpers Ferry, VA
Mount Vernon, VA
Philadelphia, PA