We’ve all been there, at the breakfast table, staring down a full day of an out-of-towner’s visit. “Let’s skip the Mall and all the touristy places, today,” they say, as your brain goes into overdrive trying to come up with the right mix of activities to keep this particular person or family happy until another meal mercifully offers a break. And suddenly your mind is blank, as though D.C. isn’t brimming with things to see and places to go beyond the major Smithsonians or national monuments. To save some time on your next weekend of entertaining, just bookmark this list—a combination of places we’ve written about before and other favorites that are surefire hits with guests.

Outdoors

FRANCISCAN MONASTERY: Pilgrims flock to this peaceful sanctuary in the middle of Brookland for replicas of Holy Land sites, including catacombs that may appeal to the spiritually-minded goth. But even the non-religious can appreciate the site’s beautifully kept gardens—42 acres worth! You can wander for hours along the cloister walk or just sit and read and contemplate. Garden tours are held from April through September at 11 a.m. and noon (one of the Monastery’s regular pasta suppers is also coming up on September 9 at St. Francis Hall). — Pat Padua

The Franciscan Monastery is located at 1400 Quincy St NE

DUMBARTON OAKS: Once you flee the well-trodden sidewalks of M Street and Wisconsin Avenue NW, there are some architectural and historical gems to be discovered while wandering the cobblestoned side streets of Georgetown. One of them is Dumbarton Oaks, best known as the site of a conference that laid out the blueprint of the United Nations. The historic estate has since become a research library and museum specializing in Byzantine, garden and landscape, and Pre-Columbian studies. The real magic, though, is getting lost in the labyrinth of gardens. Romantics, (non-commercial) photographers, and anyone still pining after The Secret Garden won’t be disappointed by the idyllic grounds. Admission costs $10 from March 15 through October 31, and is free the rest of the year. Consider going on a late fall or winter day with decent weather. One of my favorite trips was on a warmer November day when there was virtually no one there. We took in the dramatic trees, wound our way up elaborate staircases, and explored the deserted sunken gardens without having to pay a penny. — Rachel Sadon

Dumbarton Oaks is located at 1703 32nd Street NW

ROCK CREEK PARK: Rock Creek is a great place to get lost in and explore when you don’t have anywhere to be—there are all kinds of trails, hidden picnic areas, and even little historical tidbits like Peirce Mill from the 1820s and Fort DeRussy, part of the Civil War defenses of the city. The Valley Trail is pretty easy while the Western Ridge Trail has more changes in relief, and the Nature Center and Planetarium up near Military Road is a small but interesting little museum. Another option is to grab your bike and roam around, but in any case make sure to bring a picnic or some snacks. — Andrew Wiseman

Rock Creek Park is big and accessible from various places in NW, but the address listed is 3545 Williamsburg Lane NW.

THEODORE ROOSEVELT ISLAND: For those looking for a nice stroll or hike in the greet outdoors, Roosevelt Island is a great option. Located in the Potomac River, the 88.5-acre island features a statue of America’s 26th president, as well as many trails. Pedestrians may only enter the island from a footbridge in Rosslyn, while drivers enter from the George Washington Memorial Parkway. While pets are welcome, bikes are not. Bonus for locals? It’s one of the least visited tourist attractions in the area. — Sarah Anne Hughes, adapted from this list

Theodore Roosevelt Island is accessible from the downstream side of the Key Bridge in Virginia.

NATIONAL BONSAI & PENJING MUSEUM: Located inside the magnificent National Arboretum is the National Bonsai & Penjing Museum, which boasts a spectacular collection of the trees and potted landscapes. The best part of the museum, which is mainly outdoors but also features an indoor pavilion, are the knowledgable volunteers, who will explain the history of each bonsai. Do not miss the nearly 400-year-old Japanese White Pine. — Sarah Anne Hughes, adapted from this list

The National Bonsai & Penjing Museum is located inside the National Arboretum (3501 New York Avenue NE).

GRAVELLY POINT: I don’t have children of my own, but I have a handful of nieces and nephews, and they’re all fascinated with planes. The first place I want to take them when they visit is Gravelly Point. The park, that’s just a few hundred feet from the north runway of Reagan National, is accessible by Metro (with a 10-minute walk up the Mt. Vernon Trail) or car. You can see if planes are landing or taking off on that side of the airport using Flight Aware — I prefer when they’re landing — and go reenact scenes from Wayne’s World. — Andy Hess, adapted from this list

Gravelly Point is located in Arlington, Va. off the George Washington Parkway.

NEIGHBORHOOD PARKS: The grandeur of the Mall is hard to beat, but D.C.’s local parks are no slouch—and there are generally way fewer matching t-shirts and bellyaching teenagers. For a more low-key and insider afternoon, consider packing a picnic and checking out the vistas at Yards Park, spend an afternoon meandering among the trails at Kingman Island, toss a frisbee in Malcolm X Park or check out the drum circle on Sunday afternoon, pick up a free pair of skates (this is the last weekend for this summer) and roll around at Anacostia Park, ogle the cute dogs or take a walking tour at Congressional Cemetery, you get the idea. For trips further afoot, here are our favorite hiking trails. — Rachel Sadon

You know where your local park is (I hope)

KENILWORTH AQUATIC GARDENS: I’ve lived about two miles from the Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens for most of my life, but visited it for the first time last year. The only national park that caters to water-loving plants, it’s truly a D.C. treasure. With its wetlands, ponds, and marsh, the garden offers a serene environment for taking in nature’s beauty in a city where the sight of cranes is commonplace. As my partner and I took an early morning walk through the floral oasis, decorated with exotic water lilies and lotus, I beat myself up for not coming sooner. But I was grateful that I finally made it. — Christina Sturdivant

The Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens is locate at 1550 Anacostia Avenue NE.

Food and Drink

RESTAURANT LINE: For the most hard to please guests out there, kill a significant amount time (and ensure they can’t complain about dinner) by suggesting a visit to one of D.C.’s excellent, no-reservations restaurants. Go big with the now-famous queue at Rose’s Luxury, and plan to get there several hours ahead of opening. Ditto for the tiny restaurant-of-the-moment, Bad Saint, where sightings of people down a healthy stretch of 11th Street in the mid-afternoon are now common. Or hop on the streetcar for a brief thrill before waiting your turn for ramen at Toki Underground. For spicy Thai, get to Little Serow around 4 p.m. If you’re trying to fill up an afternoon, bring some cards and consider those waits a feature, not a bug. — Rachel Sadon

UNION MARKET: You’re not truly on vacation until you head to a marketplace for a taste of the local flavors. When traveling to Istanbul, for instance, you’d be a fool to miss the Grand Bazaar, filled with teeming stalls of spices, ceramics, and textiles. While not even remotely at the same scale, D.C.’s Union Market, located right near Gallaudet University, boasts more than 40 local vendors hawking their wares in a space that was the city’s largest indoor market when it opened in 1871. The offerings include foodstuffs from many of the folks who were previously only available at pop-ups, like Toli Moli and Mason Dixie Biscuit Co. Don’t buy until you’ve surveyed all of the stalls to avoid any remorse. You can take your foods to go or stick around the seating area and see if you’ve got room for dessert. Go on the weekends for Neopol Savory Smokery’s out-of-this-world bagel sandwiches. You can buy some souvenirs at the Salt & Sundry Outpost, but don’t expect to haggle over the pricey home goods. After, grab freshly made gelato at Dolcezza’s cavernous factory and catch an indie flick at the Angelika Pop-Up. — Rachel Kurzius, adapted from this list.

Union Market is located at 1309 5th Street NE.

EASTERN MARKET: While Union Market may be a fancy version of the old Florida Avenue Farmer’s Market, this Capitol Hill institution is the closest the city has left to an old school public market. Tell your visiting relatives that they’re rubbing elbows with Hill staffers and politicians alike at the Market Lunch’s long communal table. If your visiting relatives can’t decide what souvenirs to bring home, try something edible like cheese from Bowers Fancy Dairy Products or cookies from The Fine Sweet Shoppe. — Pat Padua

Eastern Market is located at 225 7th Street SE.

BREWERY/DISTILLERY TOUR: D.C.’s brewing and distilling scene took off a few years ago and never really stopped running. Whatever your drink of choice, there’s probably a local spot to see how it is made and sip on some samples (one notable exception is wine, but that is on its way next year). The newest to open is District Distilling, a conveniently located distillery/restaurant at 14th and U Streets (they’ll officially start tours next month, but you can peek through the windows at some truly gorgeous brewing equipment and taste what they’re getting up to in the upstairs bar). Republic Restoratives recently opened a beautiful new tasting room to sample their vodka wares in cocktail form, replete with private tastings on the weekends (or by appointment during the week). Or if you’re looking for extra D.C. pride displayed on your cans of beer, head out to DC Brau, which offers free tours on Saturdays every hour between 1 and 4 p.m. Alternatively we’ve already made you a handy map of places to check out in NoMa and Ivy City, including Atlas Brew Works (craft beer), New Columbia Distillers (gin, whiskey), and One Eight Distillery (vodka, whiskey, gin) — Rachel Sadon

MAINE AVENUE FISH MARKET: One of the oldest continuing fish markets in the U.S., this pungent open-air market is a local institution. Stock up on freshly caught oysters, crab, and shrimp for a well-priced, home cooked meal, or have it prepared for you and dine on site. Expect dramatic changes in the upcoming years as The Wharf development continues next door. — Rachel Sadon

The Maine Avenue Fish Market is located at 1100 Maine Ave SW

ETHIOPIAN: We tend to take the city’s vibrant Ethiopian food scene for granted. But don’t forget about it when visitors, who likely don’t have access to excellent injera on the regular, are in town. Here’s a basic guide to essential Ethiopian dishes and where to find them in D.C. — Rachel Sadon

Museums off the Mall

NATIONAL BUILDING MUSEUM: Although it has made a name for itself with blockbuster summer exhibitions like The Beach and this year’s ICEBERGS, the National Building Museum is still somewhat rare on tourists’ itineraries. That’s a shame, because the building is an architectural gem filled with fascinating exhibitions—some of which are likely to appeal to creative kids and adults alike (current exhibits include one on intricate architectural paper models and another on the curious tiny worlds of dollhouses). Keep an eye out for special events, like the annual CANstruction competition. (Note: the Building Museum is closed from December 2019 to March 2020 for renovations. See here for other kid-friendly alternatives.)— Rachel Sadon

The National Building Museum is located at 401 F St NW

THE PHILLIPS COLLECTION: The Phillips Collection at 21st and Q Streets NW bills itself as America’s first museum of modern art. Opened in 1921, the museum grew out of art collector Duncan Phillips’ personal collection of modern and contemporary (to him) art and includes names like Renoir (particularly his “Luncheon of the Boating Party,”), Mark Rothko, half of Jacob Lawrence’s “Migration Series,” plus works by Klee, Matisse, O’Keefe, Van Gogh, and a few older artists that reminded Phillips of modern art. The museum is situated in the beautiful Phillips family mansion, which has been modified, with new wings added over the years. The building also hosts traveling shows and the ever-popular “Phillips After Five” events the first Thursday of every month, which combines a pseudo-happy hour with lectures or performances. — Andrew Wiseman, adapted from this list.

The Phillips Collection is located at 1600 21st Street NW.

AFRICAN AMERICAN CIVIL WAR MUSEUM AND MEMORIAL: You’ve undoubtedly seen the African American Civil War Memorial situated right outside the 10th Street NW exit of the U Street Metro stop, but have you been to the museum? Did you even know there was a museum right across the street? Didn’t think so. Easily one of D.C.’s most hidden treasures, the African American Civil War Museum is small, but contains fascinating artifacts, pictures, clothing, and other tidbits about the role African Americans played in the Civil War. It’s a small museum, but nonetheless important. — Matt Cohen, adapted from this list.

The African American Civil War Museum and Memorial is located at 1925 Vermont Avenue NW.

NEWSEUM: When it’s not wrapped in silly exhibits like one promoting a certain satirical film about broadcast journalists in the ’80s, the Newseum is actually a fascinating snapshot of the history of journalism (OK, it’s more than a snapshot, as you can get lost for hours perusing through its collection of old newspapers). From exhibits documenting the first newspapers and printing presses, to artifacts from major world events like the Berlin Wall being torn down and 9/11, the museum is quite a remarkable and robust tribute to journalism in all its forms—from print to radio to broadcast to, yes, web journalism. Plus, there is an excellent opportunity to practice your own newscasting skills. — Matt Cohen, adapted from this list.

The Newseum is located at 555 Pennsylvania Avenue NW.

NATIONAL POSTAL MUSEUM: Located next to Union Station, the National Postal Museum doesn’t get quite as much attention as the other Smithsonian Museums in D.C. While the history of the United States Postal Service may not be quite as exciting as space travel or dinosaurs, the museum’s exhibits do a great job of explaining everything mail from the Pony Express to stamps. Seriously, so many stamps! There are also planes, a mail truck and a railcar in the lobby, if you need something a bit flashier to look at. While I couldn’t and wouldn’t pick a favorite Smithsonian museum, this is the best for a quiet afternoon off the beaten path. — Sarah Anne Hughes, adapted from this list.

The Postal Museum is located at 2 Massachusetts Avenue NE.

PRESIDENT LINCOLN’S COTTAGE: The Lincoln Memorial on the National Mall is a grandiose celebration to the 16th president. Not only is his statue 19 feet tall, but it sits within a massive marble structure that anchors the western fringe of the grassy expanse. The Lincoln Cottage is quite the opposite. Sitting in the Old Soldiers’ Home east of Grant Circle, the cottage that Lincoln and his family often occupied from the summer of 1862 until his death is modest and sparsely decorated. It hardly speaks to a man who drafted the Emancipation Proclamation within its walls, much less navigated the Civil War to victory for the union. But that’s somewhat the point. The cottage, and its small museum and the daily guided tours, attempt to paint Lincoln as a great leader who was conflicted and challenged by the myriad of issues that faced his presidency. — Martin Austermuhle, adapted from this article

President Lincoln’s Cottage is is located on the grounds of Armed Forces Retirement Home (140 Rock Creek Church Rd NW)

NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC MUSEUM: For photography, nature, and history lovers, it is hard to beat National Geographic. The wall of magazine covers is a highlight of the small-ish downtown museum, which mounts impressive large-scale exhibits, like a recent look at Joel Sartore’s impressive photographs of endangered species and the current The Greeks, which explores 5,000 years of Greek culture (on view until Oct. 10). Admission is $15 for adults. — Rachel Sadon

The National Geographic Museum is located at 1145 17th St NW

Entertainment

THE KENNEDY CENTER: The Washington institution—filled with red carpets and chandeliers—has an epic grandeur not typically seen around D.C. venues. Tickets for shows like Les Misérables and The Book of Mormon may set you back, but between the high quality entertainment, gorgeous views from the terrace, and that whole Kate Middleton-y feeling you get walking around inside (no? Just me?), it will probably be an unforgettable evening. — Nicole Dubowitz, adapted from this list

The Kennedy Center is located at 2700 F Street NW.

MILLENIUM STAGE: As an addendum to the Kennedy Center, but equally well worth keeping in mind, is the venue’s free, daily performance series. It can be a bit of a cultural crapshoot on any given evening—over the past 19 years, there have been more than 26,000 performers to grace the stage—but there are often shows you wouldn’t see anywhere else, and certainly not for free. Check the site for the schedule or just stroll on over at 6 p.m. to be surprised by the day’s offering. — Rachel Sadon

MOVIES: D.C. has certainly lost its fair share of beautiful theaters (inexplicably many of them are now a CVS), but there are certainly creative options out there for those looking for something a little more local than a Loews or Regal (though, of course, sometimes that’s just what you need for an afternoon of entertaining). The AFI Silver is a stunner in both atmosphere and the films offered. E Street Cinema is always a good bet, and Landmark has also recently expanded to Shaw with a fancy theater. I’m particularly partial to the Angelika pop-up near Union Market. And despite having just one screen, the Mt. Pleasant newcomer Suns Cinema still manages the most eclectic variety of films. For some of the most interesting movie offerings in any given week, check out our Popcorn & Candy column. — Rachel Sadon

JAZZ: The District’s jazz scene is small, but mighty. While we still weep over the closing of Bohemian Caverns, there are still plenty of places where you can catch the best in local talent. Alice’s Jazz & Cultural Society is bare bones, but the music and atmosphere are always fantastic. Plus, at $5, you can’t ask for a better deal (and there are plenty of places to get food or drink before and after the show, as the venue is located in the heart of Brookland). — Sriram Gopal

Alice’s Jazz & Cultural Society is located at 2813 12th Street NE

NATIONAL ZOO: While the Smithsonian’s National Zoo is a particularly magical place for the youngsters in your family, you don’t have to be a tot. After all, I moved to D.C. in my twenties and visit as much as humanly possible. Sure, it’s packed to the brim on the weekends, but don’t let that dissuade you. The zoo does a good job of keeping people up-to-date on its social media feeds about the latest drama and antics among its animals, but nothing compares to seeing the creatures in the flesh and watching kids’ delighted reactions. My personal favorite is the Amazonia exhibit, a building where tropical birds can wander right up to you and you can score a great view of the humungous prehistoric Arapaima fish. And there are some other benefits to an in-person visit. Sure, you can ogle the animals online, but does the zoo’s Flickr account have its own Dippin’ Dots machine? I didn’t think so. — Rachel Kurzius

The National Zoo is located at 3001 Connecticut Ave NW

THEATER: Catch a show: Nothing like a night at the theater to impress your ‘rents with your urbane and cultured lifestyle. (Bonus points for pronouncing it “theeeaa-tah” … or maybe not.) Add a pre-show dinner and you’ve got an easy way to button up plans for an entire evening. Plus, D.C. often doesn’t get credit for offering such a variety of performance genres, including the very eclectic and experimental. Stay posted to our monthly theater guide for a snapshot of what different theater companies are staging at any given time. — Rachel Kurzius