The Pentagon

Things To Do Around Pentagon City

Planning Your Trip

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In Arlington, Virginia, just steps from the Pentagon and at the center of everything Washington, D.C., has to offer, The Ritz-Carlton, Pentagon City is the ideal hub for work or play in the nation’s capital. Whether business meetings or days spent at Smithsonian museums and on a White House tour are on your itinerary, there are a few must-pack items to bring along.

Food, Beverage and Cocktails
Food, Beverage and Cocktails
What to Pack

Summer rainstorms are common in D.C., so bring a small umbrella that can be tucked into a purse or briefcase.

Business Travel
  • As the capital of the United States, Washington, D.C., is always bustling with activity and has an appropriately formal air about it. This clearly translates to the business dress code for both men and women. While there are no official rules, here are a few things to keep in mind.

  • Suits are commonplace for both men and women. While in the mid-summer heat, jackets may be carried while commuting, most professionals don’t forgo them entirely even when humidity soars.

  • Depending on your audience, consider sprucing up your standard suit or blouse and blazer combination with a fun accessory like a patterned tie or a statement necklace.

  • Heels are commonplace for women but not required. Particularly if you’re commuting to and from meetings on the Metro, consider wearing a pair of stylish, sensible flats or low heels
Exploring the City

There is so much to see and do in the city, from the 13 free museums on the National Mall to a tour of the White House to a stroll through picturesque Georgetown. Be prepared for a bit of everything by packing these essentials.

  • A smart pair of shoes is key. While Uber and taxis are available, most people commute by walking or taking the Metro. Plus, you’ll likely be on your feet for hours while touring through the many museums.
     
  • Bring several layers no matter what the season. In summer, temperatures can soar into the 90s with high humidity, but a light layer will be welcome in air conditioning. In winter, snow is common, so a hat and an extra sweater and scarf will be appreciated additions to your suitcase.
     
  • Bring one polished outfit for a night out at a restaurant or the theater. Most locals will wear their business attire or dressier clothes, so more casual garb will stand out.
Evening Chic
  • Casual dress is a wise choice for touring the capital, but once it’s time to enjoy the  nightlife, it’s best to sport a more polished ensemble. Here’s what to bring.

  • If traveling on business, it’s completely acceptable to wear your business attire to a more formal dinner or performance. Most locals will be coming straight from the office and similarly dressed.

  • Most locals have a decidedly preppy aesthetic — think high-quality materials done in classic, tailored silhouettes. For men, a suit or well-cut blazer with slacks is practically the uniform. For women, slightly more conservative dress is common even for a night out.

  • For a more casual outing — to a bar, perhaps — consider packing a dressier pair of jeans to pair with a nice blouse or a sharp blazer and shirt.  
Reserve your stay at The Ritz-Carlton, Pentagon City.
Reserve your stay at The Ritz-Carlton, Pentagon City.
What to Reserve

A coveted table at one of Washington, DC’s most popular restaurants; a ticket to a must-see exhibit; a tour through Virginia’s wine country and the chance to see an unforgettable musical performance are among the experiences visitors should reserve in advance.

Make a reservation at Santé for Mediterranean-inspired cuisine in a sophisticated, yet approachable atmosphere. The seasonal menu showcases the fresh, global flavors of the western and eastern coastline regions, and allows them to meet at the table in perfect harmony in a nourishing mosaic of shareable presentations and craveable dishes. Or set aside time for a sumptuous afternoon tea on a Saturday or Sunday and enjoy homemade pastries and from-scratch scones along with a variety of teas. 

If getting just outside of town is of interest, consider arranging for a tour of historic Old Town Alexandria with buildings and historic sites dating back to the earliest days of the United States. Or arrange for a day of wine tasting throughout Virginia — home to more than 250 wineries — just a short car ride from the hotel. Take a restorative walk at the National Arboretum, a 446-acre property full of stunning trees and plant life just 2 miles from the capital.  

Begin with a signature cocktail at Santé. Order the Santé Sparkler, featuring Catoctin Creek Watershed Gin, Campari, and Sparking Grapefruit Soda. Then head off for an evening of exploring, perhaps with a drink at one of the trendy cocktail spots popping up all over town, a musical performance at the classic 9:30 Club or a performance at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts (the Millennium Stage hosts free performances every day at 6 p.m.).

With the blue and yellow Metro lines just outside of the hotel doors, it’s easy to pop into town to explore D.C.’s many attractions. Arrange for a tour of the White House (a request for a White House tour must be submitted through your representative in Congress, and well in advance), spend the day exploring the Smithsonian museums, take a tour of George Washington’s home, Mount Vernon, or opt for a lovely day outdoors with a trek through Rock Creek Park and a visit to the National Zoo.

An outdoor ice skating rink overlooked by tall buildings and a clock tower
An outdoor ice skating rink overlooked by tall buildings and a clock tower
Itineraries

Drawing on the expertise of the hotel’s Ladies and Gentlemen, itineraries highlight well-known sights and lesser-known gems. Guests are encouraged to use these as foundations for exploring Arlington and Washington, DC and draw upon the hotel concierge for specific recommendations or reservations.

Morning

Early Start. Fyve Restaurant Lounge, inside The Ritz-Carlton, Pentagon City, begins serving breakfast at 6:30 a.m., even on weekends. The name and décor of this sophisticated space draw inspiration from the nearby Pentagon, the five-sided headquarters of the U.S. Department of Defense. The mouth-watering menu features contemporary American cuisine and changes seasonally, sourcing its bounty from Arlington-area farms.      

A Revered Final Resting Place. As beautiful as it is somber, Arlington National Cemetery is the final resting place for more than 400,000 military veterans and their immediate family. Start at the welcome center to get an overview of the site and a map, and sign up for the bus tour that hits the major attractions like President John F. Kennedy gravesite and the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.

Congressional Matters. Head across the Potomac River into Washington, D.C., to the U.S. Capitol’s visitor center for a one-hour tour of the iconic domed building, the seat of the legislative branch of the federal government. Then walk through the underground tunnel to reach the Library of Congress (the nation's oldest federal cultural institution, dating to 1800) and wander the largest library on Earth.
 

Midday

America’s Only da Vinci.​ Walk a half mile down Pennsylvania Avenue to the National Gallery of Art, one of the largest museums on the continent and the home of the only painting by Leonardo da Vinci in the Americas. There’s unfortunately not enough time to visit any of the Smithsonian museums that are also on the National Mall, but be sure to at least catch a glimpse of the Smithsonian Institution Building, a stunning castle built of Maryland red sandstone in 1855.

Modern Lunch. Eat at the casually elegant Pavilion Café in the National Gallery of Art’s Sculpture Garden. After the seasonal soup of the day and gourmet salad, or perhaps a roasted turkey and brie sandwich, tour the 6-acre garden to take in the awe-inspiring works of modern sculpture.
 

Afternoon

Two Great Leaders. In the center of the National Mall, you’ll find the Washington Monument, standing at just over 555 feet high. The world’s tallest stone structure and obelisk honors George Washington, the commander-in-chief of the Continental Army and the first president of the United States. One mile across the mall to the west sits the Lincoln Memorial, a 19-foot tall statue of Abraham Lincoln, the 16th president, seated in a chair at the helm of a 200-foot-wide building marked by 36 enormous Doric columns. While there are many moving memorials, like the Vietnam Veterans Memorial between the two, Washington and Lincoln are the must-sees.

The White House.​ No visit to the nation’s capital is complete without stopping by to see the official residence and workplace of the president. Tours must be scheduled way in advance, through your congressional representative, but that doesn’t mean you can’t admire the exterior view, and note that the White House is the centerpiece of a national park, with its own set of gorgeous grounds and historic buildings.

Shop Like a Diplomat. Some of the best shopping in the U.S. can be found in Arlington’s Pentagon City neighborhood, in three adjacent retail centers: Pentagon Row, the Fashion Centre at Pentagon City and Pentagon Centre. With limited time, stick to the Fashion Centre at Pentagon City, home to 170 world-class retailers in a spectacular multi-floor setting that’s also the site of The Ritz-Carlton, Pentagon City.
 

Evening

Spanish Influence.​ Arlington, of course, serves up all the classic fine-dining favorites, from Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse to McCormick & Schmick’s Seafood & Steaks. But for a more singular experience, book a table at Jaleo in the Crystal City neighborhood. Founded in the Washington, D.C., area in 1993, Jaleo (and Chef José Andrés) are credited with popularizing Spanish-style gourmet food and drink in the U.S. and making tapas a cherished word among foodies everywhere.    

World-Class Performing Art. With one night in the D.C. area, the choice is clear: the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. The 17-acre facility is the summa cum laude of performing arts in America, covering the full spectrum from ballet to Broadway musicals to opera, across six theaters. Check with the concierge at The Ritz-Carlton, Pentagon City for tickets and recommendations. Whatever you choose, be sure to step out onto the terrace overlooking the Potomac River for one last iconic view.

Morning

Landmark Breakfast. Start your day near the White House at Old Ebbitt Grill, a Victorian-style tavern dating from 1865 that has become a local dining institution. Your family is sure to enjoy a farm-fresh American-style breakfast, with tourists, politicians, journalists and celebrities at neighboring tables.

 

Midday

Monument Meander. At the National Mall, there are nine iconic American memorials in the 1-mile green space between the Washington Monument and the Potomac River. The best way to see them is on foot, ending at the awe-inspiring Lincoln Memorial. If the family is up for it, plan for three hours.

 

Afternoon

Kick Back. After all that walking, give your feet a break on a 45-minute Potomac River cruise, taking in some of Washington D.C.’s most important sites — like the Kennedy Center, Watergate Complex and Memorial Bridge — from the comfort of a mid-sized river tour boat.

 

Evening

Waterfront Dining. Georgetown is one of the area’s dining, and shopping, hotspots. For dinner, head to Fiola Mare, where they specialize in Italian- and Mediterranean-style seafood dishes. The family can also enjoy the photo-worthy waterfront views.

Morning

Market Fresh. Every weekend since 1873, the Capitol Hill neighborhood has hosted the bounty known as the Eastern Market. Indoors, you will find meat, seafood, pasta, baked goods and cheeses from around the world. Outside, local farmers and artists sell their goods. Do not miss the legendary blueberry buckwheat pancakes at the Market Lunch counter — there’s plenty for the whole family.

 

Midday

Inspiring Architecture. The u.S. Capitol is a working office for congress, but it’s also a national monument with a magnificent interior. Take a one-hour tour to view the exquisite architecture of the rotunda, crypt and national statuary hall.

 

Afternoon

Presidential Lunch. A short walk from the White House, through the famous statues of Lafayette Square, you will find the Oval Room. Enjoy modern American cuisine with Asian and Mediterranean flavors.

 

Evening

A Performance to Remember. The stately glamour of the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts is undeniable, and there surely will be a world-class performance happening at one of its six venues while your family is in town.

Morning

Brunch Like a Local. Fuel the family with brunch at Circa, in Arlington’s Clarendon neighborhood. Circa is a lively local chain of bistros serving creative New American cuisine.

 

Midday

Artistic Delights. Many claim the National Gallery of Art is the greatest art museum on Earth, and while that is a matter of opinion, it is surely among the top museums anywhere. It is also enormous, spread across two buildings and a 6-acre sculpture garden. Follow the Collection Highlights guide (available online or at the museum) to the West Building to view 12 masterpieces in about an hour.

 

Afternoon

Lunch at the Station. In 1907, Union Station started as one of the country’s first great railroad terminals. It has since gone from historic landmark to brilliant restoration, revered for its fascinating architecture and world-class shopping. Relax at any one of its 35 eateries for lunch.

 

Evening

Fun French Dining. Bistrot du Coin, a one-of-a-kind dining experience in the American capital, combines fine French cuisine with a friendly atmosphere. Order the mussels by the bucket, perfect for sharing.

Morning

First View. Pay a visit to the memorable Washington Monument, one of the tallest free-standing stone structures in the world at 555 feet. Perfect for a family photo op. A new and improved elevator debuts in the spring of 2019. Until then, entry to the monument is closed.

 

Midday

The Politics of Lunch. For a true taste of the capital, eat at the Monocle, an American steak and seafood restaurant that is a couple of blocks from the U.S. Capitol. The food and the service are top-notch, as is the clientele, which includes Supreme Court justices and members of Congress.

 

Afternoon

Space Odyssey. The Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum is just one of the many essential museums in the area but is a fun and engaging start, with something for the whole family. Don’t miss the moon rock, a slice that astronauts brought back from space.

 

Evening

Family Feast. There’s something for everyone on the menu at Fyve Restaurant in The Ritz-Carlton, Pentagon City. Inspired by the Pentagon, the aptly named restaurant draws from both the diversity and bounty of its community, using seasonal ingredients procured from artisans and farmers near Arlington.

Morning

Reverent Silence. At the Tomb of the Unknown Solider in Arlington National Cemetery, a sentinel from the 3rd U.S. Infantry Regiment, the oldest active-duty infantry unit in the Army, stands guard 24 hours a day, a silent vigil to the sacrifice of all who serve. Visit for the Changing of the Guard ceremony, which happens every hour, a precise routine done in increments of 21 steps that require special training to execute.

 

Midday

American Treasures. For an unforgettable mash-up of American social, political, cultural, scientific and military history, you must not miss the Smithsonian National Museum of American History. You will see everything from the ruby red slippers worn by Judy Garland in “The Wizard of Oz” to the American flag that flew over Fort McHenry in 1814, moving Francis Scott Key to write the lyrics to the “Star-Spangled Banner.”

 

Afternoon

See the White House. You can’t leave the Beltway area without checking this spot off your list. Tours of the White House must be booked far in advance, but no reservation is needed to admire the building’s exterior. Every U.S. president except George Washington has lived here, although James Madison’s stay was cut short when the British set the White House on fire during the War of 1812. It’s a memory that the kids won’t soon forget.

 

Evening

A Final Taste. Say goodbye to this quintessentially American metropolis with dinner at The Capital Grille. The steakhouse’s consistently excellent food, extensive wine menu and prime location at Pennsylvania Avenue and Sixth Street­­ have made it a dining tradition among locals and visitors alike.