Washington, D.C., looks compact on a map until your feet disagree. The National Mall stretches for miles, museum lines can change your schedule, and the best parts of a trip often happen away from the monuments. A little planning makes the difference between a rushed checklist and a capital visit that feels full, smooth, and memorable. These five tips will help you make the most of your time, whether you are coming for museums, history, food, family travel, or a long weekend.