A Capital Adventure: Navigating Washington D.C. with Points and Miles

Introduction: Embarking on a long weekend journey to Washington D.C. with my husband and girls proved to be an enriching experience filled with history, museums, and the joy of family travel. Utilizing points and miles made this escapade not only memorable but also surprisingly affordable. In this post, I'll share our itinerary and how we made the most of our

points and miles for flights, hotels, and activities.

Flights: Opting for Southwest Airlines and leveraging Rapid Rewards, we secured an incredibly cost-effective journey with a mere 11,000 points + $5.60 payment for each of us. The added perk of the Southwest Companion Pass meant one of our daughters traveled for free (we still had to pay the $5.60 for her to cover taxes and fees).

Hotels: Our stay at the Hilton Washington DC National Mall The Wharf was a highlight. Using Hilton Honors points plus cash, we used 160,000 points + $185 for a four-night stay in a room that typically costs $300/night. The hotel's central location, proximity to the metro, and on-site amenities, including a food court and Starbucks, enhanced our experience. The Hilton Honors Surpass card, with its annual fee of $150, proved its worth with perks like a significant signup bonus (150,000 points), diamond status for a year, and a food and beverage credit.

Activities: Our itinerary was packed with exploration:

Day One:

• Smithsonian’s Natural History Museum

• National Mall, Washington Monument, and the Declaration of Independence

Day Two:

• Ford's Theater and Peterson House

• White House tour (secured through advance tickets)

• Postal Museum

• Food trucks along the National Mall

Day Three:

• Holocaust Museum (requires advance tickets)

• Air and Space Museum

• Dinner at the Wharf, (we recommend Kirwan's) and exploring the waterfront

Day Four:

• Arlington National Cemetery

• National Mall stroll

• American History Museum

Day Five:

• Grabbing Starbucks and headed to the airport via the metro

Bottom Line: Washington D.C. on points and miles was a delightful and affordable family experience. From the rich history to the diverse museums, every moment was cherished. This journey serves as a testament to the joy of exploring our nation’s capital with the added benefit of making it a budget-friendly adventure through points and miles. A blend of smart planning, credit card perks, and a dash of flexibility made this trip an absolute success.