Washington D.C.

Our JustRetired50Plus Washington D.C. visit was part of our longer 10 week sabbatical trip in the summer of 2011.

Video 1-minute instagram of Arlington Cemetery

Red, White & You: Our 3-Day July, 2011 Journey to Washington, D.C.

There’s something undeniably patriotic about visiting the U.S. capital in July. Maybe it’s the flags fluttering on every street corner, or the sense of history baked into the hot summer sidewalks. Either way, we decided to embrace the season and spend three days in Washington, D.C.—and it turned out to be the perfect blend of reflection, discovery, and surprisingly refreshing breezes off the Potomac.

If you're recently retired and wondering if D.C. is worth the summer sweat, the answer is yes—with the right shoes, some water, and a flexible plan.

Day 1: Capitol Ideas & Riverside Views

We kicked off our trip with a bang—literally, as we arrived just after Fourth of July weekend. The city was still buzzing with that festive, post-fireworks energy. First stop: the U.S. Capitol Building.

We booked a guided tour in advance (highly recommend!), and it did not disappoint. The Capitol Rotunda was breathtaking, and hearing stories of legislation, debate, and the architecture itself gave us a renewed appreciation for how this democracy functions—flaws, grandeur and all. Security was thorough but friendly, and the air-conditioning was excellent (a theme we came to appreciate!).

After lunch, we made our way to The Wharf, a recently revitalised riverside area full of restaurants, shops, and shaded places to sit. But the real highlight? A late afternoon boat cruise on the Potomac River. With the sun lowering and a gentle breeze rolling in, we glided past monuments, bridges, and kayakers. The perspective from the water gave us a whole new view of the city—literally and figuratively.

Dinner by the river, a crisp glass of white wine, and a stroll back to our hotel ended the day on a perfect note.

Day 2: Monuments, Museums & Meaning

We rose early to beat the heat and made our way to the Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial—a personal favourite. Tucked along the Tidal Basin, this memorial is quieter than some of the others, but no less powerful. Water features, famous quotes, and bronze sculptures invite you to slow down and reflect. And shade! Lots of lovely, leafy shade.

From there, we hopped in a cab to explore the Smithsonian museums. There are so many, and while you could spend a week doing them all, we chose two: the National Museum of American History and the National Museum of Natural History. Air-conditioned, free, and packed with exhibits that are both nostalgic and awe-inspiring. I especially loved seeing the original Star-Spangled Banner and the ruby slippers from The Wizard of Oz—a real treat for anyone who grew up in the 50s or 60s.

We broke for lunch at the museum café and then headed over to The White House for a walk-by. While tours are tricky to book, just standing outside the gates and imagining all that’s happened behind those walls was enough for us. And yes—we took the classic selfie with the iron fence in the background.

We ended our evening with a quiet dinner near Dupont Circle and an early night. July in D.C. is no joke when it comes to heat, but we were learning how to pace ourselves!

Day 3: Sacred Ground & Stunning Architecture

Our final day began with a visit across the river to Arlington National Cemetery. Words fall short to describe the experience. It’s solemn, vast, and deeply moving. We paid our respects at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and watched the changing of the guard—a moment we’ll never forget. We also visited the Kennedy gravesites and simply walked, silently, among the rows of white headstones.

In the afternoon, we returned to Capitol Hill for one last gem: the Library of Congress. If you’ve never been, do yourself a favour and go. The architecture is absolutely stunning, and it felt like stepping into a European cathedral crossed with a literary palace. We took a short guided tour (free and informative) and marvelled at everything from Thomas Jefferson’s personal library to the ceiling frescoes.

We wrapped up our trip with a light meal at a quiet sidewalk café nearby and toasted the city that had welcomed us with open arms, even in the sweltering heat.

Tips for Fellow 50+ Travellers

Hydrate constantly – We each brought a collapsible water bottle and refilled at museums.
Start early, rest mid-day – Beat the heat and crowds by sightseeing in the morning, then take a hotel break before dinner.
Comfortable shoes are a must – Even with the Metro, we still logged nearly 10,000 steps a day.
Book ahead – Capitol tours, boat rides, and even some museum entries benefit from early reservations.
Embrace the pace – It’s okay to sit, sip, and soak in the scene. You don’t need to rush to experience the heart of D.C.

Three days in Washington, D.C. gave us more than just photos and facts—it gave us a deeper connection to the American story. It reminded us that retirement isn’t about slowing down—it’s about choosing how to spend your energy. And we’re grateful we spent it here.

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