Whirlwind Five hours in Washington, D.C.

Arrive hungry at Ben’s Chili Bowl (1213 U St. NW; benschilibowl.com), a veritable D.C. institution (its owners were inducted into the city’s Hall of Fame) best known for its heavenly chili dogs and french fries drenched in cheese. (0:25) Walk off the calories on 14th Street, an up-and-coming shopping district full of charming storefronts. Grab an off-beat (or perhaps off-color) souvenir at quirky gift shop Pulp, and then poke through the antique housewares at Miss Pixie’s (1626 14th St. NW; misspixies.com). Perhaps an Eisenhower-era credenza will catch your eye. (1:10) Visit commanders in chief of years past at the National Portrait Gallery (800 F St. NW; npg.si.edu). If you prefer kings to presidents, you’re in luck—there’s an exhibit on Elvis, too. (1:55)

BOARDING PASS

It’s not always politics in the U.S. capitol, and United makes it easy to enjoy D.C.’s state buildings, monuments and museums with 300 daily departures from Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD). Fly United into IAD or Reagan National Airport and enjoy a visit to the nation’s showcase city. Walk down the Mall to the The National Archives (Constitution Ave. between 7th and 9th Sts. NW; archives. gov). Run inside and sneak a peek at the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution. Admire their splendor, but don’t strain your eyes; the words may be powerful but the text is downright unreadable. (2:30)

Head across the Mall to one of the District’s premier spring offerings: the Cherry Blossom Festival (Tidal Basin and East Potomac Park; nationalcherryblossomfestival. org). You’ll have to fi ght the crowds, but seeing these pink and white beauties in full bloom is well worth it. (3:15)

Take a quick gander at the elegant World War II Memorial, then stroll past the White House (1600 Pennsylvania Ave. NW; whitehouse.gov). If you look hard enough you might spot Bo Obama digging holes in the Rose Garden. (3:45)

Take a break from all this history at the ultramodern Point of View bar, situated on the roof of the W Hotel (515 15th St. NW; starwoodhotels. com). Sip a fancy cocktail in a cushy chair while taking in the most impressive view of the city and the power players who run it. (4:40)

On your way out of town, ask your cabbie to drive past the Lincoln Memorial (Lincoln Memorial Cir SW; nps. gov/linc). When the sun is down, this already majestic monument is lit up by fl oodlights, rendering Honest Abe’s dour mug even more striking than usual. (5:00)