Do you only have a single day to spend in Washington, DC? What are you going to see? There’s too much to see. If you’re on limited time, this is a mix of must-do’s and one potentially unique suggestion that doesn’t make it onto the typical 1-day plans.

This plan will avoid some other key sites (like White House and House of Representatives) in favour of staying central.

So, where do you start? First, you’ll head to the skies and stars.

• 10AM – 12PM: Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at the location of your choice (at your hotel or something nearby). At 10AM, begin your day at the National Air & Space Museum. Here, you’ll spend two hours visiting all the exhibits, taking photos, and learning a little more about the history of air and space.

  

  It’s free to visit. Still, do some research before you go so you don’t miss out on something you’re interested in! Check out their website for more details about the exhibits.

• 12 – 1PM: Next, grab a quick lunch before you head on to your next stop. There’s plenty of options nearby if you don’t eat at the museums. The latter will be slightly overpriced, so I’d recommend that you venture off the museum path. Stay in the L’Enfant Plaza area though, because your next stop is close by.

• 1 – 3PM: What’s a unique way to indulge in Washington DC museums? Live out your secret fantasies of being part of the CIA or MI-6 with a visit to the Spy Museum.

• 3 – 4PM: Next, you’ll stay on the mall to visit several of the monuments. Some specific memorials that are truly inspiring to visit are the Korean War Veterans Memorial, the Lincoln Memorial, the Jefferson Memorial, and the World War II memorial. That’s just a beginner’s guide, but a great way to spend your afternoon.

  

  You can find the full list here and plan your walk. Your next destination is across the mall, so plan out your route to avoid retracing your steps.

• This step only applies in a specific time in SPRING, but if you’re lucky enough to be in Washington DC at the right time, you can bask in the cherry blossoms.

• 4 – 6 PM: Your next stop won’t be far either. Just across the mall, wander over to explore the National Museum of Natural History for your free exploration of the natural wonders of the world. Plus, you’ll get to see fossils of dinosaurs, which is traditionally one of the coolest things you can do.

  

• 6PM Onwards: Settle up your day with dinner. There’s so many options and you can find something that suits your needs whether you’re looking for something affordable, a more memorable experience, or just want to wrap up with a familiar option like a chain. Either way, you can relax after a day well-spent in Washington D.C. that’ll have you exploring things without spending too much or walking too much!