Washington, D.C. is famous for its renowned museums and iconic sights such as the White House, the Capitol, and the monuments on the National Mall. But the city has much more to offer beyond its rich history, including a thriving food and entertainment scene.
For many Americans, their first trip to the nation’s capital is on a school excursion. However, if you’ve never been to Washington before, it can be challenging to decide what to see and do, especially when it comes to discovering those lesser-known experiences beyond the typical tourist trails.
To help those unfamiliar with the city, my colleague Emily Thompson and I recently ventured there with the aim of designing the ideal one-day itinerary for exploring Washington. While your perfect day may look different, here are our essential recommendations for visitors eager to experience the city, along with tips for optimizing points and miles along the way.
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National Zoo
- Hours: 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
- Cost: Free, but entry passes are necessary for all visitors.
- Getting there: Just three blocks from the Woodley Park-Zoo/Adams Morgan Metro station or a 15-minute ride via Uber or Lyft from downtown. If driving, parking costs $30 at the National Zoo, so street parking is a convenient alternative.
- Time required: About one hour (8 a.m. to 9 a.m.).
Start your day early by arriving at the Smithsonian’s National Zoo & Conservation Biology Institute at 8 a.m. You’ll catch the 2,200+ animals in a more active state before the heat of the day sets in.
Upon entry via the Connecticut Avenue gate, we enjoyed walking along the Asia Trail, spotting clouded leopards, sloth bears, and red pandas along the way.
The highlight of our visit was seeing Xiao Qi Ji, the giant panda born to a 22-year-old mother in 2020—the oldest giant panda to give birth in the U.S. Although Xiao Qi Ji and his parents returned to a reserve in China in late 2023, the National Zoo welcomed a new pair named Bao Li and Qing Bao in January 2025 at the refreshed David M. Rubenstein Family Giant Panda Habitat.
After an hour at the zoo, you’ll likely be ready for breakfast.
Weekend Brunch in Georgetown at Founding Farmers Fishers & Bakers
- Brunch Hours: 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on weekends and holiday weekdays.
- Cost: $35.50 per person; complimentary for kids under 3, and $15.50 for ages 4 to 12.
- Getting there: A 15-minute Uber or Lyft ride, or a 45-minute walk downhill from the zoo.
- Pay with: Use a dining-friendly credit card like the American Express® Gold Card.
- Time required: About 1 hour and 15 minutes for brunch and a walk along the Georgetown Waterfront (9:30 a.m. to 10:45 a.m.).
In D.C., weekend brunch is a cherished tradition, and locals passionately debate the best spots. Founding Farmers Fishers & Bakers is one of my favorite brunch destinations.
The restaurant offers a lavish spread made with fresh, sustainable ingredients sourced from local farms. The buffet includes items like famous banana Foster French toast, live omelet stations, molasses-glazed ham, spicy fried chicken, seafood jambalaya, and much more. Cold options like bruleed grapefruit and chia bowls also feature prominently.
The dining atmosphere is vibrant, serving around 500 guests on peak weekends, so expect a possible wait at the buffet. Be sure to ask your server about the Bakers Pizza, Farmhouse Sushi, and cinnamon rolls, which are served directly to your table upon request.
Don’t forget to snap some pictures at the picturesque Georgetown Waterfront before you leave!
National Mall (Smithsonian Museums)
Spanning 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, who imagined a grand promenade akin to the Tuileries Garden in Paris.
In addition to breathtaking views of the Capitol and the Washington Monument, the National Mall features lush gardens and is bordered by numerous Smithsonian museums. Here is a list of some museums you can explore:
- 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 (currently undergoing major renovations)
- Hirshhorn Museum (please note the Hirshhorn’s sculpture garden will be closed until 2026 for a $68 million revitalization)
- Freer Gallery of Art
- Arthur M. Sackler Gallery
- National Museum of African Art
The Holocaust Memorial Museum and International Spy Museum are located just a block south of the National Mall, with entry fees for the Spy Museum ranging from $31.75 to $37.05 based on ticket purchase timing.
Make sure to take advantage of restrooms inside the museums and consider skipping the food trucks and cafeteria offerings—there are plenty of wonderful restaurants in Washington.
Given the limited time (and knowing that you need at least a couple of days to explore all these museums), we suggest you choose one or two museums that pique your interest the most. As someone passionate about aviation, I had to keep an eye on the clock at the Air and Space Museum to ensure I made it to our next locations.
Afternoon Tea at The Ritz-Carlton, Pentagon City
After a busy morning at the National Mall, take a break with a lavish afternoon tea in Arlington, Virginia, to recharge for the rest of your day and evening plans.
The Ritz-Carlton, Pentagon City offers an exquisite afternoon tea service, which is surprisingly affordable, especially for similar experiences in Washington priced over $90.
Between March 14 and April 13, they also offer a special Cherry Blossom Tea on Fridays through Sundays for $88, including a glass of sparkling wine. During my visit, I enjoyed scrumptious tea sandwiches and pastries, along with delightful homemade scones paired with clotted cream and local jam, all complemented by the sakura cherry rose white tea.
Arlington National Cemetery
- Hours: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- Cost: Free, but identification is required.
- Getting there: A quick 10-minute Uber or Lyft ride from the Pentagon City.
- Time required: 1 hour and 15 minutes (3:45 p.m. to 5 p.m.).
As the final resting place for approximately 400,000 veterans and their families, Arlington National Cemetery is a sacred site honoring those who served our country.
Be sure to visit the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, which pays tribute to unidentified soldiers who made the ultimate sacrifice. The Changing of the Guard ceremony occurs every half-hour from April 1 to September 30 and on the hour from October 1 to March 31.
Don’t miss the John F. Kennedy Gravesite, marked by an eternal flame that serves as a poignant reminder of his legacy.
If desired, you can opt for a narrated hop-on, hop-off bus tour, but a ticket is not required to enter the cemetery.
Take a moment to unwind back at your hotel before your evening plans.
Night Monument Tour
- Tour Hours: 7:30 or 8 p.m. until 10-10:30 p.m.
- Cost: Starting at $53 per person.
- Getting there: Tours depart from various locations, so allow 15-20 minutes for an Uber, Lyft, or public transport ride to the starting point.
- Time Required: Two to three hours in the evening.
- Payment Recommendation: Reserve through Viator, using any portal that offers extra points for your booking. Then, pay with a credit card that earns rewards on general travel expenses.
If you have spare time before your tour, we recommend enjoying drinks and tapas at The Bazaar by José Andrés located in the lobby atrium of the Waldorf Astoria.
When it’s time for the monument tour, you’ll see Washington’s historic monuments illuminated in stunning light displays. This tour was a favorite of mine during my college years—a must-do for guests!
You have the choice of an open-air trolley, electric cart, or bus for the tour, each offering comparable experiences. The electric cart provides a more personal touch with fewer guests but is generally shorter than the others.
Make sure your tour allows time for photo stops at highlights like the Capitol, White House, World War II Memorial, Korean War Veterans Memorial, Vietnam Veterans Memorial, Lincoln Memorial, and Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial.
During our visit, which coincided with peak cherry blossom season, we were showered with petals as we took in MLK’s inspiring quotes—truly an unforgettable experience.
Ben’s Chili Bowl
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KYLE OLSEN/Flying Frugal
- Hours: Sunday to Thursday, 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 11 a.m. to 4 a.m.
- Cost: $10 to $20 for a complete meal.
- Getting there: About a 10-minute Uber or Lyft ride.
- Time required: Approximately 30 minutes (10:30 p.m. to 11 p.m.).
You can’t visit D.C. without stopping by Ben’s Chili Bowl, a historic and beloved spot.
Founded in 1958 by Ben Ali and his wife Virginia, this eatery became a focal point for civil rights activists during the 1960s. The U Street Corridor is celebrated as Black Broadway, deeply rooted in the vibrant African American arts and culture in the area.
Ben’s sustained its legacy during the 1963 March on Washington and the 1968 riots by providing shelter and food to those in need.
Known for its Half Smoke chili dogs, fries, and milkshakes, Ben’s is as much about its history and cultural significance as it is about the food.
Bottom Line
Feeling tired yet?
If you’ve followed along, you’ve enjoyed about 15 hours out of your hotel room, much like Emily and I did—but with all the breaks, it’s been manageable!
Truthfully, one day isn’t enough to take in all that Washington has to offer. If you can spare the time, dedicating an entire day to the National Mall to explore the various museums is a great plan.
However, an enriching visit to Washington goes beyond the monuments and museums, showcasing the cultural vibrancy of neighborhoods such as Georgetown, the U Street Corridor, and Columbia Heights. Hopefully, your visit will inspire you to plan another trip to D.C. before you even leave!
Related: 8 best things to do in DC for families with kids of different ages
