I'm going to be in Washington D.C. for two days and three nights. It's my first time to the city and I would like to see as much as possible in the limited time I have. Planning on spending one full day at the Smithsonian and would like to spend other day touring various monuments. Do you think I would get to see more by taking a city tour, or is it better to go at my own pace? I'd appreciate any advice. Thanks.

"one full day at the Smithsonian".

It takes one full day (or more) at EACH of the multiple Smithsonian museums. You'll have to pick one or two close together and do a "really fast" 1/2 day in each. Perhaps American History and Natural History museums since they are closeby. The Air & Space Museum is great too but, again, you just won't have time in one day.

Be sure to see Arlington Cemetery. (you can take the subway / Metro) Even in a short stay, spend a couple hours there, seeing the highlights that are well marked on their map.

I think with only two days, if you can take a couple hours city tour - that might be best.

I would do the Tourmobile. It takes you around to all of the major sites, and it's a hop-on, hop-off deal. Makes it much easier to cover a lot of the city in limited time.

I personally have never spent an entire day in one of the Smithsonian museums. You could fit four in one day, unless you are like my mother and have to read EVERYTHING in the entire museum, whether you are interested in it or not. The Air and Space Museum isn't very far from American History, Natural History, Art, and Modern Art. Easy to walk among all of those.

The newly opened National Museum of the American Indian is a fabulous addition to the Smithsonian museums. It is last museum at the Capital end of Mall immediately next to the Air & Space museum. I visited yesterday {Monday} and even though I had reserved my required timed entrance tickets over the website [www.tickets.com] they
were unnecessary because there were not huge crowds. The museum building itself is gorgeous, the introductory theatre presentation on the 4th floor was moving, and the diversity and tone of
the exhibits was impressive. My kids and I enjoyed it very much. An added bonus was the delicious Native American food offerings in the 1st floor cafeteria - what variety & good tastes!
I would highly recommend at least a sampling of what this fine new museum has to offer! Enjoy.

Thanks for the advice. I've heard the Spy museum is also very interesting. Maybe Air and Space and Spy Museum one day and tour mobile next day to visit monuments and Arlington next day.

Day One -- Hit the Smithsonians on the Mall. I'd vote for the American History (more unique stuff there) over Natural History, but the idea that have to pair the two is kind of goofy. None of the mall museums are that far apart. Air & Space is a 10-minute walk from American History and like the history museum has more unique stuff. (My problem with the Natural History Museum is that there are several other natural history museums around the U.S. and, despite the Hope diamond, it just doesn't have as much that you can't find anywhere else.)

Take a night time tour of the monuments for a nice overview.

Day 2) Visit Arlington and Mount Vernon.

I liked the Spy Museum, but with your limited time, I'd skip it. I know a few people who didn't enjoy it at all.

The one thing I didn't like about it is that you have to do the whole thing at once. It's not like other museums where you can rest for a while, get something to drink, or whatever. You're put on a path and you follow it to the end.

Haven't been there yet myself, but have heard mainly good things about the Native American museum.