Washington D.C. Suggestions

Check out a show at the Kennedy Center. You can also take nighttime tour of the monuments
Make sure you visit Arlington national cemetery, eastern market on a weekend morning, newseum. Caps games are fun!
Fine dining: Rasika, Proof, Jaleo, BlackSalt
Casual dining: Graffiato, 2 Amy's
Bars: Poste, POV lounge

Definitely see the monuments/memorials at night. It'll feel more relaxed and personal when it's less crowded. The Korean War memorial is better at night due to the effect of lighting and shadows.

I also agree with rooftop dining at the W, overlooking the Whitehouse.

Also go old school with a meal at nearby Old Ebbitt Grill. If you've only experienced gulf oysters, get their oyster sampler for varieties you may have never had a chance to try in Louisiana.

Take an Uber to the Washington Hilton to visit the location where Reagan was shot.

Rent kayaks in Georgetown to take in the views along the Potomac.

Rent bikes to explore the DC area more efficiently. There are also bike trails in the Arlington area that will take you to Teddy Roosevelt island. Bikes and vehicles are not allowed on the island, so you'll have to use a bike rack and walk across a foot bridge, but this worthwhile destination is usually not very crowded. It gives you a glimpse of what the DC area looked like prior to it becoming the nation's capital. You'll be close enough to continue to Gravelly Point where you can experience large commercial jets flying right above your head.

For people watching, have lunch in the cafeteria of the Hart Senate Office building. Also try happy hour at one of the Union Station bars, but sit in the area where you can be seated in the Union Station lobby area.

Take one afternoon to go up and down King Street in Alexandria. It's a historic areas that was frequented by our founding fathers. The Metro Blue Line near your hotel will take you there.

Don't leave without going to the Pentagon. The inside may not be a big deal, but visiting the memorial area where the plane hit on 9/11 makes it a worthwhile visit.

Second vote for Old Ebbitt Grill.

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Poste

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Poste closed :(

but the new spot Dirty Habit is good, small plates, Asian fusion

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Second vote for Old Ebbitt Grill.

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Old Ebbitt is touristy though the location is great and it's not too expensive

soooo many better restaurant options in the city

Do I need to reserve a table for the POV Lounge if we are just grabbing drinks? I see on their website where you can pick your table in the area with views of White House or Washington Monument

I ended up booking a table for 2 in the area with views of the Whitehouse. From what I understand it's separate from the Lounge area but I wanted to assure we had a table and we plan on hanging there for a while before we head to Warner Theater for Tedeschi Trucks.

Smith Point, Town Hall, Mason Inn

My boss says 2 Amy's is the best meal in town. I am skeptical, but will try it out soon.