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Start your trip with breakfast at the historic Hay-Adams Hotel, the site of Michelle Obama's Vogue cover shoot. Next, head to America's main street, Pennsylvania Avenue, for a stop at the Newseum - a 250,000 sq. ft. museum of the news. Make sure to stop by First Dogs: American Presidents and Their Pets. Sasha and Malia visited the exhibition in January with their parents. And how fitting, since Bo, the newest addition to the Obama family, has joined the display. For lunch, consider B. Smith's, the southern restaurant in historic Union Station where the First Lady had lunch with DC Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton.

The afternoon takes you downtown to Ford's Theatre. One of DC's most famous Lincoln landmarks, the Obamas were present for the venue's grand re-opening. The day continues with a stop at the National Portrait Gallery, where Shepard Fairey's famous Obama print is now on display, or Madame Tussauds Washington, DC, to take a picture with lifelike wax figures of the First Couple. The sports-minded set might consider catching one of DC's many sports teams in a game at the Verizon Center, where President Obama attended a Washington Wizards basketball game. End the day on Capitol Hill, with a casual dinner at First Lady pick Good Stuff Eatery. Executive Chef Spike Mendehlson has even named a burger after her, the "Michelle Melt." It features free-range turkey and locally-grown vegetables in a nod to her commitment to healthy eating.

Touring the White House: Contact your Representative or Senator at least two months before you arrive. International visitors should contact their embassies.

Book in advance: Reserve tickets for attractions like the Washington Monument, Spy Museum, Bureau of Engraving and Printing and Holocaust Memorial Museum in advance.

See what's going on: Search our calendar of events to see what's going on.

Budget tips: You'll generally find the best hotel rates on weekends and in late summer and winter.

Tour at "off-peak" hours. Check for special early hours or late hours at select museums, or check out the monuments at dawn or dusk.

Great views: Ride to the top of the tower at the Old Post Office Pavilion or cross the Potomac River to the U.S. Marines Memorial (Iwo Jima). The Frederick Douglass House in Anacostia also boasts a great view.

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Stop by the White House for a photo op, then pay a visit to the newly-remodeled National Museum of American History. Admire the First Ladies' gowns (the First Lady's will soon join the collection) see the American Presidency exhibition. President Obama's name is already on the presidential timeline. Next, visit DC's Anacostia neighborhood to visit the home of another gifted orator and statesman, Frederick Douglass, at his former residence, Cedar Hill. It's perched atop a hill offering an amazing view of the city.

Or, hop on Metro and head to the historic U Street Corridor, the site of joyous street celebrations that took place the night Obama was elected. A visit to Ben's Chili Bowl is a must; be sure to order the signature chili half-smoke, which Barack sampled on his first visit. If pampering is on the agenda, consider a stop at Corte Salon, the new salon with Johnny Wright, the First Lady's hair stylist, at the helm. Make sure to book an appointment in advance.

Continue exploring this historic neighborhood (once known as "Black Broadway") by following Cultural Tourism DC's self-guided African-American Heritage Trail. Then pop into some of DC's independently- owned boutiques like Pulp, Lettie Gooch, Nana and Home Rule. Wind down with dinner near Union Station at Art & Soul. Michelle Obama was joined there for dinner by nine friends before attending the Celebration of Women in the Arts at the Kennedy Center. It's also the location where Oprah Winfrey filmed her special inauguration episode.

Start your day with a free 30-minute tour (small donation encouraged) at the historic and architecturally-stunning Washington National Cathedral, where President Obama's Inaugural Prayer Service was held. For lunch, feast on southern favorites at Georgia Brown's, where Michelle Obama was joined by Dr. Jill Biden and DC Mayor Adrian Fenty and his wife for a lunch outing. If your visit there falls on a Sunday, you'll discover DC's most decadent brunch, featuring live jazz.

The afternoon leads you to Georgetown, where retail rules. Channel Michelle Obama's fashion sense with a visit to the Shops at Georgetown Park (where you'll find national retailers like First Lady-favorite, J.Crew). Also explore independently-owned DC boutiques located throughout the neighborhood offering the designs of young, emerging designers like Jason Wu, the largely unknown designer that entered the mainstream after Michelle wore his design the night of inauguration.

End your day with a performance at the Kennedy Center. The Obama family sat in the presidential box to watch a performance by the Alvin Ailey Dance Ensemble. Or, consider dinner at the sophisticated Blue Duck Tavern, where the Obamas celebrated their most recent wedding anniversary. Make your last stop the Lincoln Memorial, and pay tribute to Honest Abe just like the First Family did on their visit to the national treasure. You'll be inspired to see the illuminated Memorial by moonlight.