When I lived in Washington, DC, I never tired of going to the National Mall. There was something about that combination of patriotic memorials and world-class museums that made my aspiring politico's heart sing. Along the way, I picked up plenty of tips that helped me maximize my sense of all-American wonder and minimize the chances of getting stuck behind a 7th grade class trip at the Air and Space Museum. Here are a few pieces of advice that might help you make the most of your next trip to America's front lawn.

Pro Tip:  Stand on the right when using the Metro escalators to avoid holding up other travelers.

Learn the Secrets of the National Mall

Keep Your Eyes Peeled for Hidden Symbols in Monuments

When I say hidden symbols, I don’t mean in a "the president is secretly a space lizard" kind of way. I’m talking about easter eggs hidden by the monuments’ creators and visitors. For instance, the Washington Monument features messages carved by Union soldiers during the Civil War, while the Lincoln Memorial boasts a subtle (but pervasive) motif using the fasces, the bundled wooden rods that symbolized Roman political authority. My personal favorite? The World War II Memorial, which features not one, but two, guest appearances of the famous "Kilroy Was Here" graffiti.

Skip the Boring, Overpriced Tourist Chow

Have Lunch at the National Museum of the American Indian

At the museum's Mitsitam Cafe, you won't find the sad salads and way-too-expensive hot dogs that typify most Washington, DC museums. Instead, you'll find native-style cuisine from tribal areas across the Western Hemisphere. There's something here for everyone; kids will love the fry bread tacos, while adults might gravitate towards upscale picks like the Pacific Northwest's cedar-plank salmon or the Great Plains' bison chili.

Find Green Space Amidst All the Stone and Marble

Recharge at the Enid A. Haupt Garden

Built in 1987, this peaceful 4.5-acre park provides a much-needed getaway from the bustle of the mall proper. You can watch the traffic on Independence Avenue through intricate gates designed by famed architect James Renwick, or relax beneath shady magnolia trees that line the perimeter. See it while you can: current proposals call for the garden's removal during future rounds of National Mall renovations.

Head Underground to Find Some of the Best Museums

...And Air Conditioning

The Haupt Garden is actually the roof of some of the most overlooked Smithsonian museums, whose relative lack of crowds and inviting A/C make them easy ways to cool off while still feeling cultured. Subterranean options include the Arthur M. Sackler Gallery and the National Museum of African Art.

Avoid Hoards of School Children

Visit the Most Popular Monuments at Night

The monuments are open all night, which means you can save trips to the most crowded ones until after most tour groups have gone to bed. An after-dark trip to the Jefferson Memorial is particularly rewarding, with the spotlights that illuminate the central statue providing a warm backdrop to evening views across the Tidal Basin.

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