Timeline
17:14
Stroll through the United States Botanic Garden. It is one of the least visited attractions on the Mall, offering a quiet start before the crowds gather. Check the route if you need directions from the Navy Museum.
17:49
Stop at Oyamel Cocina Mexicana for a bite. The mole is outstanding and it is a short walk from the garden. Note that happy hour deals run from 4:30 to 6:30 PM, which fits this timeline perfectly.
18:14
Head to the Old Post Office Tower. It is the best viewpoint for the sunset, located just a short walk away. You will have time to get to the top before the sun sets toward the west.
18:59
End the evening at Nationals Park. The stadium is open in the evening and offers a relaxed place to unwind after the view. Check the route from the Old Post Office Tower.
Local tip
The United States Botanic Garden is less crowded than other Mall sites, making it a perfect calm start. Oyamel is busy, so having a reservation or being ready for a short wait is wise. The Old Post Office Tower offers the best unobstructed view of the sunset toward the west.
Check before you go
- Oyamel Cocina Mexicana is open until midnight on Saturdays, so this plan works well for a weekend evening.
- The Old Post Office Tower is a viewpoint; check opening hours for the elevator access if you plan to go up.
- Nationals Park events vary; check the schedule for games or concerts.
Built from places in the Wikivoyage guide to Washington, D.C. (CC BY-SA 4.0), with open map data from OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL).