48 HOURS IN WASHINGTON, D.C.

Day One

Morning

Begin your day with a walk on the National Mall and get oriented with the heart of the city. The two-mile long, tree-lined lawn is bordered by the Capitol Building on the east and the Lincoln Memorial and Potomac River on the west. With many of the most popular Smithsonian museums on one side and the most famous memorials on the other, there’s no shortage of historic sights to gaze at while you work up an appetite for breakfast. Head over to Astro Doughnuts & Fried Chicken for a morning meal that hits the spot. The menu of doughnuts evolves with the seasons and the fried chicken has earned accolades in its own right. Combine them both for a breakfast chicken sandwich with a savory doughnut bun.

Afternoon

Enjoy some of the District’s best sites from a different vantage point by renting a paddle boat to cruise along the Tidal Basin. From there, you can enjoy great views of the Washington Monument, Jefferson Memorial, Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial, and the Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial.

For an unexpected DC experience, head to the Folger Shakespeare Library and go on a free docent-led tour of the world's largest collection of materials relating to Shakespeare and his works. For lunch, head back toward the hotel and try one of the neighborhood favorites. Open City offers sandwiches, burgers, salads and shareable plates as well as numerous vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free options. Cafe Sorriso is a cozy, sunny spot featuring authentic Italian cuisine (try the pizza) and great wines.

Evening

Back at the Shoreham, enjoy dinner at Robert’s Restaurant, where you’ll find signature entrees such as filet mignon, duck confit and pan-seared rockfish paired with a celebrated wine list. Afterward, enjoy a walk along the waterfront in Georgetown where you’ll find stunning sunset views against the Potomac.

After you leave the waterfront, stop off for a cocktail and enjoy the Georgetown nightlife. Be sure to check out the landmark Georgetown restaurant, Martin’s Tavern. It offers a slice of old-school Washington. If you’re in the mood for some live music, head to Georgetown Piano Bar or the Ri Ra Irish pub. At the Georgetown Piano Bar, you’ll find a daily happy hour and dueling pianos every Friday and Saturday. Ri Ra is located in two buildings dating back to the 1800s. There, you’ll sit amongst artifacts from vintage Irish pubs that offer a genuine pub feel.

Day Two

Morning

Fuel up with a hearty breakfast in-room or try the Art of Breakfast buffet at Robert’s Restaurant. For a dining experience rooted in America’s agricultural tradition, try Founding Farmers. This hot spot, the most booked restaurant on OpenTable in America for five years running, bakes their own bread, grinds their own meat, presses their own juices and even churns their own butter. Try the shareable peanut butter banana toast with marshmallow crème chocolate pearls.

Once your appetite is satiated, visit the Smithsonian, which offers 19 world-class museums, galleries, gardens and a zoo to choose from. Options include the new African American Museum, as well as the Air and Space Museum, Postal Museum and art and history museums. Whatever the tastes of your group, you’ll find a museum well worth a few hours of your time.

Afternoon

While you’re in the Smithsonian complex, consider lunch at the Smithsonian American Indian Museum’s Mitsitam Cafe. Many consider this “Native foods” experience one of the best museum restaurants anywhere.

Later on, visit the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, which is commemorating its 35th anniversary. Dedicated in November 1982, “The Wall” has the names of more than 58,000 veterans inscribed on black granite and is a tangible, poignant symbol of recognition for those who served in the war.

If you don’t want to leave the city without a few treasures, head to Georgetown for some shopping. There, especially along M Street and Wisconsin Avenue, you’ll discover scores of one-of-a-kind boutiques and specialty stores as well as high-end national chains.

Evening

For dinner and drinks, The Dubliner is a Capitol Hill institution. There you can enjoy favorites such as the amazing beef stew, catch of the day, rack of lamb and more along with a pint of your favorite Irish beer. The Dubliner also offers live music daily. For a sophisticated and soulful experience, Tail Up Goat focuses on house-made breads and pastas topped with creative toppings (think Mediterranean-meets Caribbean) such as crispy salt cod with smoked cauliflower and pickled red onion.

Once back at the Shoreham, reflect on your whirlwind 48 hours with drinks at Marquee Bar and Lounge, where you can sip on martinis, whiskey, margaritas, signature cocktails or choose from a wine and beer list.

If you have more time...

Don’t miss the DC jazz scene. Many of the jazz world’s most important clubs called DC home and many of the greatest players have played (and still play here). If you have an opportunity, check out the vibrant and thriving jazz scene in the city. Blues Alley is the nation’s longest continuing jazz supper club. Located in the heart of Georgetown and reminiscent of the supper clubs from the 1920s and 1930s, this iconic club (which has featured greats like Dizzy Gillespie and Wynton Marsalis) has a unique ambiance, top-notch acoustics and authentic Creole cuisine. Twins Jazz is a laidback, hip spot for straightforward jazz and fine dining featuring a combination of American, Ethiopian and Caribbean cuisine.

Nature lovers have come to the right place. Omni Shoreham Hotel sits adjacent to the 1,745-acre Rock Creek Park, the District’s largest park. Founded in 1890, Rock Creek became the country’s third national park. Visitors can enjoy walking trails, bike paths, horseback riding, concerts, boating, history and plenty of nature to enjoy.

The Omni Shoreham Hotel concierge team contributed to this article.