Timeline
16:25
Grab a drink and tapas at Oyamel Cocina Mexicana. The happy hour deals from 4:30 to 6:30 PM make this the perfect pre-sunset stop. The mole is outstanding and the atmosphere is lively.
16:55
Hirshhorn Museum & Sculpture Garden
Walk 11 minutes northwest to the Hirshhorn Museum & Sculpture Garden. The circular building is striking, but the real draw is the Sculpture Garden. Find a seat on the plaza facing west.
17:10
Hirshhorn Museum & Sculpture Garden
Watch the sun set toward the WSW. The open plaza offers an unobstructed view of the sky changing color over the Washington Monument and the Capitol dome in the distance. It is one of the most iconic vantage points in the city.
17:40
Walk 8 minutes northeast to the United States Botanic Garden. It is one of the least visited attractions on the Mall, making it a peaceful way to end the evening. The climate-controlled conservatories offer a warm, green contrast to the cooling air outside.
Local tip
The Hirshhorn is free, but the Sculpture Garden can get crowded. Arriving with your drink before sunset helps you secure a good spot on the plaza.
Check before you go
- Oyamel Cocina Mexicana happy hour runs Su-F 4:30-6:30 PM. On January 15, sunset is at 17:10, so you have plenty of time to enjoy the deals before the moment.
- The United States Botanic Garden hours vary by season. Check the current opening times for your visit date.
Built from places in the Wikivoyage guide to Washington, D.C. (CC BY-SA 4.0), with open map data from OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL).