How you can take advantage of sooner or later in Washington, DC

National Zoo

Weekend brunch in Georgetown at Farmers Fishers Bakers

National Mall (Smithsonian museums)

From the Lincoln Memorial to the U.S. Capitol, the National Mall was designed in the 18th century by French American urban planner Pierre L’Enfant. He envisioned a dramatic grand promenade similar to the Tuileries Garden in Paris.

In addition to the stunning views of the Capitol and Washington Monument, the National Mall offers ample gardens and is fringed by several Smithsonian museums. Here’s an overview of the museums you can access from the National Mall:

• National Museum of African American History and Culture.
• National Museum of American History.
• National Museum of Natural History.
• National Gallery of Art.
• National Museum of the American Indian.
• National Air and Space Museum (open but currently undergoing significant renovations).
• Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden (stop at the Sculpture Garden if you’re craving a cup of coffee).
• Smithsonian Institution Building (more commonly known as the Smithsonian Castle).
• Freer Gallery of Art.
• Arthur M. Sackler Gallery.
• National Museum of African Art.

The Holocaust Museum and International Spy Museum are a block south of the National Mall. The Spy Museum has an entry fee of $18.95 to $29.95 per person.

Plan to use the restrooms inside the museums, and skip the food trucks and underwhelming museum cafeterias since there are plenty of great restaurants to enjoy in Washington.

Since time is limited (and you need a couple of days to see all these museums), we recommend selecting one or two museums that interest you the most. As an aviation enthusiast, I needed to keep my eyes on the time at the Air and Space Museum so I didn’t miss out on our other stops.

Afternoon tea at The Ritz-Carlton, Pentagon City

Since you’ve been on the go for a couple of hours at the National Mall, a posh afternoon tea across the river in Virginia is the perfect way to recharge for the afternoon and evening activities ahead.

The Ritz-Carlton, Pentagon City offers one of the most decadent afternoon teas in the area. Though expensive, it’s a surprisingly good value as it’s difficult to find similar experiences for under $90 in Washington.

When Emily and I were here, they served a slightly enhanced Cherry Blossom afternoon tea for $75, including a glass of Champagne or a mimosa.

The tea sandwiches and pastries were scrumptious, and the homemade scones served with clotted cream and local jam paired excellently with the sakura cherry rose white tea.

Arlington National Cemetery

• Hours: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• Cost: Free for all, but you must present an ID.
• Getting there: 10-minute ride-hailing service ride from Pentagon City.
• Time required: One hour (3:45 p.m. to 5 p.m.).

The final resting place of some 400,000 American veterans and statespeople, Arlington National Cemetery is a place to recognize the sacrifices made by those who have served our country.

Stop by the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, dedicated to unidentified soldiers who have lost their lives in service to the country. The changing of the guard ceremony, which takes place at the tomb, is a solemn and moving event every half-hour from April to September and on the hour from October to March.

Another must-see site at Arlington National Cemetery is the John F. Kennedy Eternal Flame. This flame marks the gravesite of President Kennedy, who was assassinated in 1963. The flame symbolizes the president’s enduring legacy and is a poignant reminder of his service to the country.

Night monument tour

Ben’s Chili Bowl

• Hours: Monday to Wednesday, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Thursday, 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 11 a.m. to 4 a.m.; and Sunday, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.
• Cost: $10 to $20 for a complete meal.
• Getting there: 10-minute ride-hailing service ride.
• Time required: 30 minutes (10:30 p.m. to 11 p.m.).

Few things are more D.C. than Ben’s Chili Bowl.

Founded in 1958 by Ben Ali and his wife Virginia, Ben’s Chili Bowl became a popular gathering place for civil rights activists during the 1960s. The U Street Corridor, known as Black Broadway, is rooted in the thriving African American arts and entertainment scene outside Ben’s doors.

Ben’s has gone hand-in-hand with civil rights in D.C. by donating food and providing shelter to those in need during the 1963 March on Washington and 1968 D.C. riots.

The restaurant is still famous for its half-smoke chili dogs, fries and milkshakes. But more than the food, it’s about the establishment’s legacy as a gathering place for civil rights activists during the 1960s.

This is a good opportunity to wind down your whirlwind day with some casual, yet filling, comfort food.

Bottom line

Feeling a yawn come on?

If you made it this far, you’ve been out of your hotel room for around 15 hours, as Emily and I were, but with any luck, the rest stops throughout the day have made it more manageable.

Truthfully, there’s no way to see everything in one day. After all, if you have the time, I’d reserve an entire day at the National Mall alone, hopping from museum to museum.

But a proper field trip to D.C. goes beyond the museums and monuments, highlighting American culture and D.C.’s vibrant neighborhoods, including Georgetown, the U Street Corridor and Columbia Heights. Hopefully, you’ll be eager to plan your next trip to Washington before this one is over.