Timeline
15:24
Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception
Enter the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception right at opening. The cool, quiet morning light filters through the vast interior, making the contemporary sacred art and blended architectural styles feel intimate before the day’s visitors arrive.
17:24
Walk to San Antonio Grill for lunch. The Tex-Mex menu offers Mexican food far above the local average, and the Cuban masitas de puerco are a standout choice to fuel your afternoon.
19:09
Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception
Return to the Basilica during the golden light hour. The late afternoon sun casts a warm glow on the stone and glass, highlighting the sheer scale of the building as it transitions from the busy day to the quiet evening.
Local tip
Tours start on the hour from 9AM to 3PM on weekdays and 1:30PM to 3:30PM on Sundays. Check the route if you need to get back to the Basilica after lunch.
Check before you go
- Basilica hours: Apr-Oct 7AM-7PM daily, Nov-Mar 7AM-6PM daily.
- San Antonio Grill: Mo-Th, Su 11:00-23:00; Fr, Sa 11:00-23:00.
Built from places in the Wikivoyage guide to Washington, D.C. (CC BY-SA 4.0), with open map data from OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL).