Things To Do Around Pentagon City

Morning

Early Start. Santé, inside The Ritz-Carlton, Pentagon City, begins serving breakfast at 6:30 a.m., even on weekends. The décor of this sophisticated space draws inspiration from the nearby Pentagon, the five-sided headquarters of the U.S. Department of Defense. The mouth-watering menu features contemporary cuisine and changes seasonally, sourcing its inspiration from the Mediterranean.

A Revered Final Resting Place. As beautiful as it is somber, Arlington National Cemetery is the final resting place for more than 400,000 military veterans and their immediate family. Start at the welcome center to get an overview of the site and a map, and sign up for the bus tour that hits the major attractions like President John F. Kennedy's gravesite and the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.

Congressional Matters. Head across the Potomac River into Washington, D.C., to the U.S. Capitol’s visitor center for a one-hour tour of the iconic domed building, the seat of the legislative branch of the federal government. Then walk through the underground tunnel to reach the Library of Congress (the nation's oldest federal cultural institution, dating to 1800) and wander the largest library on Earth.
 

Midday

America’s Only da Vinci.​ Walk a half mile down Pennsylvania Avenue to the National Gallery of Art, one of the largest museums on the continent and the home of the only painting by Leonardo da Vinci in the Americas. There’s unfortunately not enough time to visit any of the Smithsonian museums that are also on the National Mall, but be sure to at least catch a glimpse of the Smithsonian Institution Building, a stunning castle built of Maryland red sandstone in 1855.

Modern Lunch. Eat at the casually elegant Pavilion Café in the National Gallery of Art’s Sculpture Garden. After the seasonal soup of the day and gourmet salad, or perhaps a roasted turkey and brie sandwich, tour the 6-acre garden to take in the awe-inspiring works of modern sculpture.
 

Afternoon

Two Great Leaders. In the center of the National Mall, you’ll find the Washington Monument, standing at just over 555 feet high. The world’s tallest stone structure and obelisk honors George Washington, the commander-in-chief of the Continental Army and the first president of the United States. One mile across the mall to the west sits the Lincoln Memorial, a 19-foot tall statue of Abraham Lincoln, the 16th president, seated in a chair at the helm of a 200-foot-wide building marked by 36 enormous Doric columns. While there are many moving memorials, like the Vietnam Veterans Memorial between the two, Washington and Lincoln are the must-sees.

The White House.​ No visit to the nation’s capital is complete without stopping by to see the official residence and workplace of the president. Tours must be scheduled way in advance, through your congressional representative, but that doesn’t mean you can’t admire the exterior view, and note that the White House is the centerpiece of a national park, with its own set of gorgeous grounds and historic buildings.

Shop Like a Diplomat. Some of the best shopping in the U.S. can be found in Arlington’s Pentagon City neighborhood, in three adjacent retail centers: Pentagon Row, the Fashion Centre at Pentagon City and Pentagon Centre. With limited time, stick to the Fashion Centre at Pentagon City, home to 170 world-class retailers in a spectacular multi-floor setting that’s also the site of The Ritz-Carlton, Pentagon City.
 

Evening

The Classics.​ Arlington features several classic fine-dining restaurants. Guests can enjoy classic entrees and cocktails at Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse and McCormick & Schmick’s Seafood & Steaks.

World-Class Performing Art. With one night in the D.C. area, the choice is clear: the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. The 17-acre facility is the summa cum laude of performing arts in America, covering the full spectrum from ballet to Broadway musicals to opera, across six theaters. Check with the concierge at The Ritz-Carlton, Pentagon City for tickets and recommendations. Whatever you choose, be sure to step out onto the terrace overlooking the Potomac River for one last iconic view.

Morning

Landmark Breakfast. Start your day near the White House at Old Ebbitt Grill, a Victorian-style tavern dating from 1865 that has become a local dining institution. Your family is sure to enjoy a farm-fresh American-style breakfast, with tourists, politicians, journalists and celebrities at neighboring tables.

Midday

Monument Meander. At the National Mall, there are nine iconic American memorials in the 1-mile green space between the Washington Monument and the Potomac River. The best way to see them is on foot, ending at the awe-inspiring Lincoln Memorial. If the family is up for it, plan for three hours.

Afternoon

Kick Back. After all that walking, give your feet a break on a 45-minute Potomac River cruise, taking in some of Washington D.C.’s most important sites — like the Kennedy Center, Watergate Complex and Memorial Bridge — from the comfort of a mid-sized river tour boat.

Evening

Waterfront Dining. Georgetown is one of the area’s dining, and shopping, hotspots. For dinner, head to Fiola Mare, where they specialize in Italian- and Mediterranean-style seafood dishes. The family can also enjoy the photo-worthy waterfront views.

Morning

Market Fresh. Every weekend since 1873, the Capitol Hill neighborhood has hosted the bounty known as the Eastern Market. Indoors, you will find meat, seafood, pasta, baked goods, and cheeses from around the world. Outside, local farmers and artists sell their goods. Do not miss the legendary blueberry buckwheat pancakes at the Market Lunch counter — there’s plenty for the whole family.

Midday

Inspiring Architecture. The U.S. Capitol is a working office for Congress, but it’s also a national monument with a magnificent interior. Take a one-hour tour to view the exquisite architecture of the rotunda, crypt, and national statuary hall.

Afternoon

Presidential Lunch. A short walk from the White House, through the famous statues of Lafayette Square, you will find the Oval Room. Enjoy modern American cuisine with Asian and Mediterranean flavors.

Evening

A Performance to Remember. The stately glamour of the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts is undeniable, and there surely will be a world-class performance happening at one of its six venues while your family is in town.

Morning

Brunch Like a Local. Fuel the family with brunch at Circa, in Arlington’s Clarendon neighborhood. Circa is a lively local chain of bistros serving creative New American cuisine.

Midday

Artistic Delights. Many claim the National Gallery of Art is the greatest art museum on Earth, and while that is a matter of opinion, it is surely among the top museums anywhere. It is also enormous, spread across two buildings and a 6-acre sculpture garden. Follow the Collection Highlights guide (available online or at the museum) to the West Building to view 12 masterpieces in about an hour.

Afternoon

Lunch at the Station. In 1907, Union Station started as one of the country’s first great railroad terminals. It has since gone from historic landmark to brilliant restoration, revered for its fascinating architecture and world-class shopping. Relax at any one of its 35 eateries for lunch.

Evening

Fun French Dining. Bistrot du Coin, a one-of-a-kind dining experience in the American capital, combines fine French cuisine with a friendly atmosphere. Order the mussels by the bucket, perfect for sharing.

Morning

First View. Pay a visit to the memorable Washington Monument, one of the tallest free-standing stone structures in the world. Guests can admire the views from the top of the 555-foot structure, as well as the many stones from across the country in its interior.

Midday

The Politics of Lunch. For a true taste of the capital, eat at the Monocle, an American steak and seafood restaurant that is a couple of blocks from the U.S. Capitol. The food and the service are top-notch, as is the clientele, which includes Supreme Court justices and members of Congress.

Afternoon

Space Odyssey. The Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum is just one of the many essential museums in the area but is a fun and engaging start, with something for the whole family. Don’t miss the moon rock, a slice that astronauts brought back from space.

Evening

Family Feast. There’s something for everyone on the menu in Santé at The Ritz-Carlton, Pentagon City. Named for a toast to health and happiness, Santé brings the ease and elegance of the Mediterranean to Arlington’s vibrant National Landing neighborhood and incorporates seasonal and local ingredients in dishes to delight guests of all ages.

Morning

Reverent Silence. At the Tomb of the Unknown Solider in Arlington National Cemetery, a sentinel from the 3rd U.S. Infantry Regiment, the oldest active-duty infantry unit in the Army, stands guard 24 hours a day, a silent vigil to the sacrifice of all who serve. Visit for the Changing of the Guard ceremony, which happens every hour, a precise routine done in increments of 21 steps that require special training to execute.

Midday

American Treasures. For an unforgettable mash-up of American social, political, cultural, scientific and military history, you must not miss the Smithsonian National Museum of American History. You will see everything from the ruby red slippers worn by Judy Garland in “The Wizard of Oz” to the American flag that flew over Fort McHenry in 1814, moving Francis Scott Key to write the lyrics to the “Star-Spangled Banner.”

Afternoon

See the White House. You can’t leave the Beltway area without checking this spot off your list. Tours of the White House must be booked far in advance, but no reservation is needed to admire the building’s exterior. Every U.S. president except George Washington has lived here, although James Madison’s stay was cut short when the British set the White House on fire during the War of 1812. It’s a memory that the kids won’t soon forget.

Evening

A Final Taste. Say goodbye to this quintessentially American metropolis with dinner at The Capital Grille. The steakhouse’s consistently excellent food, extensive wine menu and prime location at Pennsylvania Avenue and Sixth Street­­ have made it a dining tradition among locals and visitors alike.