According to a 2013 report from the U.S. Census Bureau, 6 of the top 10 highest-income counties in the country are found in the D.C. metro area. It's no surprise, then, that the city where America sets its spending can be a costly place to visit. But if you're smart about it, you can do D.C. on a budget of less than $300 for a whole weekend, including lodging, food, and activities. Here's how:

Hotel: About $200

Depending on your budget and itinerary, you can stay in the affluent Virginia suburbs to the west, the… also affluent Maryland suburbs to the north, or the District itself. Here are four well-priced spots to consider: 

• Liaison Capitol Hill: Whether you're interested in strolling the Mall or doing a little light legislating, this hotel—just two blocks from the Capitol Building—is a convenient walk away (starting at $109/night).

• Holiday Inn Washington-Central/White House: This spot is a steal considering its central location at the nexus of Dupont Circle, Logan Circle, and Downtown (starting at $110/night).

• Hotel RL: Another great Dupont Circle find, this time offering complimentary passes to the nearby LA Fitness or Gold's Gym (starting at $89/night).

• Radisson Hotel DC-Rockville: The north suburban location might not be ideal for sightseeing, but if you're on a budget, it's hard to beat the price (starting at $59/night).

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Food & Drink: About $55

D.C. may be best known for its power-lunch spots, but it's also home to a thriving cheap eats scene featuring a rainbow of cuisines, particularly Middle Eastern and Indian. Sample the local flavors with this itinerary:

• Lunch on Day 1: $12 for gourmet sausages at HalfSmoke in LeDroit Park

• Dinner on Day 1: $15 for Indian cuisine at Cafe of India in Friendship Heights

• Lunch on Day 2: $13 for Mediterranean food at Jerusalem Restaurant in Bailey's Crossroads

• Dinner on Day 2: $12.50 for pizza at 1000 Degrees Neapolitan Pizza in Arlington

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Museum Visit: $21 or Less

It's safe to say the home of the Smithsonian Institution isn't hurting for killer museums. But if you've already seen highlights like the American History Museum and the Air and Space Museum, or you just want to mix it up, these places are worth a look:

• Newseum: There's so much to see at the Newseum that these tickets are good for two days. See how journalists covered the Civil Rights Movement, 9/11, the Cold War, and more at exhibits housed on seven levels ($20.50).

• Mansion on O Street: Sip champagne during a self-guided tour through one of the most unusual museums in D.C., a historic home that now hosts antiques, art, and memorabilia in themed rooms—and behind hidden doors ($18.50).

• College Park Aviation Museum: Check out antique planes including a replica of the Wright Brothers' 1910 Model B at an airport where Wilbur Wright once gave flight lessons ($6 for admission for two adults and two children).

• President Woodrow Wilson House: This Georgian Revival home looks just as it did in 1924, the year of Wilson's death, and contains artifacts from the White House and the 28th President's personal art collection ($11.50 for admission for two).

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Take a Tour: $34 or Less

Many of D.C.'s biggest attractions are within walking distance of each other, but with only one weekend to see everything, it may be worth it to book a bus or boat tour. Besides, you'll get much more out of the experience if you have a guide explaining what you're looking at. Here are some affordable options: 

• USA Guided Tours: Check out the Lincoln Memorial, the Capitol, the White House, and plenty more in a single 3- or 4-hour guided shuttle tour ($33.50).

• DC Trails: If you'd rather make your own itinerary, this hop-on, hop-off tour is the way to go. Buses run roughly every 40 minutes and stop at 22 D.C. sites ($31.50).

• DC Cruises: Get a new view of the Washington Monument, Lincoln Memorial, and more during Happy Hour, Moonlight, and DJ Night cruises down the Potomac (starting at $19).

• Boomerang Pirate Ship: Kids love boarding this 54-foot double-decker vessel for Potomac River tours, which culminate in a water-cannon battle to recapture stolen treasure ($16).

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Other D.C. Activities: $25 or Less

Of course, there's more to D.C. than monuments and museums. For a fun change of pace, try these other activities: 

• Big City Hunt: Add a layer of suspense to your sightseeing with this two-hour scavenger hunt, which sends players scrambling to find 15 clues across the city ($23 for two people).

• Catch Me: The Magic Duel: Watch two magicians compete in styles of magic chosen by the audience, then vote on which one takes home the "Golden Wand" for superior showmanship (starting at $24).

• Great Shoals Winery: Munch on cheese and sip cider and wine at a Silver Springs, MD, winery users called this Silver Springs, MD, winery a hidden gem (starting at $25 for two people).

• One Eight Distilling: Sample the local spirits on a tour of a 19,000-sq.-ft. distillery that also includes a tasting and a cocktail of your choice ($14).

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