About two minutes before landing at Washington DC’s Ronald Reagan National Airport, look to your left and have your phone ready. If you’re lucky, and the flight’s descent follows the path of the Potomac River from the north, you’ll see the city’s stunning sights emerge, one by one. There’s Georgetown, then the Watergate complex, then the Kennedy Center, then the Washington Monument – for a brief second, perfectly aligned with the Capitol dome. What a joy it is to see the United States’ defining landmarks come into view. These are just some of the must-see attractions in Washington, DC.
There’s no mistaking the region in which you’ve landed. Welcome to Washington DC, brimming with history and a vibrant present. Founded in 1790, the federal district was established by the United States Constitution to serve as the nation’s capital and the seat of government. President George Washington picked this exact site at the confluence of the Anacostia and Potomac Rivers to appease northern and southern stakeholders. If the city, with its grand boulevards, mammoth circles and vast park space, evokes a certain European charm, it’s no wonder. Pierre L’Enfant, appointed by Washington to draw the blueprints, is a native of Paris.
The city persevered through civil unrest and riots in the 1960’s, when many residents left for the suburbs. But DC has undergone a true renaissance over the last 20 years. If you venture a few blocks away from its historical landmarks, you’ll find total urban transformation: bustling neighborhoods with independent coffee shops, bookstores and Michelin-starred restaurants. Hip multiuse developments with breweries and rooftop pools dispel the city’s stuffy reputation. This is a lively, culturally diverse city, and it’s only continuing to grow; Washington DC’s population has increased by nearly 150,000 since the year 2000.
The city is easy to navigate, and its relatively small size makes it easy to walk. The Capitol sits at the planned center, serving as the axis from which four quadrants emerge: Northwest (NW), Northeast (NE), Southeast (SE) and Southwest (SW). These abbreviations are important addendums to every local address in DC. Generally speaking, numbered streets (north-south) and lettered streets (east-west) emanate from the Capitol. In other words, 3rd Street SE would be three blocks east of the Capitol. The streets are bisected diagonally by avenues that are mostly named for the 50 states.
Beyond its borders, the Maryland and northern Virginia suburbs combine to form what locals colloquially refer to as the DMV (District, Maryland, Virginia). Its science, engineering and biomedical industries are booming, and Amazon is building its HQ2 here. Government will always be the area’s largest employer, but this region has a heartbeat beyond its limestone core. Nevertheless, that’s precisely where to start.
Any trip to the nation’s capital will likely center on the National Mall and its historic museums, monuments and landmarks. That is largely the focus of this guide. We also showcase some of the city’s other popular attractions and famous neighborhoods because you’ll need a chance to catch your breath in between all the walking!
The National Mall
“America’s front yard” may look relatively small on paper, but don’t let Google Maps fool you. The country’s most-visited national park stretches two miles, from the Lincoln Memorial on the west to the U.S. Capitol on the east. In between, the lawns and toe paths are dotted with meaningful statues, museums and cultural institutions.
To appreciate the size of the Mall, get a bird’s eye view from the 500-foot observation tower dedicated to the United States’ first president. One month prior to your visit, reserve a timed entry ticket to the Washington Monument, the Egyptian obelisk that was the tallest building in the world at 555 feet, 5-1/8 inches when it was completed in 1884. Multiple rounds of restoration work have been completed since, including 2011-2014, to repair damage following an earthquake.
The Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C. on November 8, 2016. Photo by Peter Stringer for Amazing America.
Must-see highlights include the Parthenon-inspired Lincoln Memorial and circular Jefferson Memorial, completed in 1922 and 1943, respectively, to honor America’s second and 16th presidents. Spend a leisurely afternoon strolling around the Tidal Basin, where the famous cherry blossoms turn the waterfront a dazzling shade of pink for a brief two-week stretch each spring. They’re the result of a 1912 gift of friendship from Japan, and perhaps best experienced from one of the paddle boats for rent.
From the steps of the Lincoln Memorial, overlooking the reflecting pool, it’s hard not to think of Martin Luther King, Jr.’s famous “I Have a Dream” speech in 1963. Today, his legacy as a civil rights leader is remembered with the nearby Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial. It opened to the public in 2011 following decades of planning and features a 30-foot sculpture called the “Stone of Hope.”
The World War II Memorial, with granite columns representing each U.S. state and territory, is sure to stir a solemn sense of patriotism. A wall of 4,048 gold stars serves as a reminder of the 400,000 Americans to have paid the ultimate sacrifice. You might spot a veteran or two making the pilgrimage themselves, oftentimes part of an Honor Flight trip.
Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C. Stock photo by Harold Mendoza via Unsplash.
The U.S. Capitol is open for tours on select days, with reservations available. A 580,000 square foot United States Capitol Visitor Center was added in 2008. It is completely underground, accessible from the east side of the complex.
Across the Ellipse, The White House makes for the quintessential backdrop to any selfie. Tours inside, however, are quite hard to come by. Requests must be submitted through a member of Congress at least 21 days in advance.
Smithsonian Museums
Perhaps no city is more budget-friendly than Washington, DC, when you consider the plethora of free museums. You can visit each of the Smithsonian Institution’s assets without paying a penny, although some museums do require timed entry tickets.
The National Museum of American History is an enduring and informative tribute to the country’s culture and complicated past. Don’t miss the Star-Spangled Banner exhibit and Dorothy’s ruby red slippers from The Wizard of Oz. The neighboring National Museum of Natural History, famous for its butterfly pavilion and the Hope Diamond, could just as easily be a day in itself. The Air and Space Museum features the Space Shuttle “Discovery” and Apollo 11 Command Module “Columbia,” the living quarters for Neil Armstrong, Buzz Aldrin and Michael Collins during their landing on the moon in 1969 and the only portion of the spacecraft to return to earth.
No trip to Washington is complete without visiting the National Archives, housing the Declaration of Independence, Constitution and Bill of Rights. These founding documents are on display in an awe-inspiring rotunda – one place where photography is strictly prohibited.
Next door, the massive National Gallery of Art and its adjacent sculpture garden features works by Monet, Van Gogh and Degas across two impressive buildings. The Hirshorn Museum and Sculpture Garden, National Portrait Gallery, Sackler Gallery, Freer Gallery of Art, National Museum of African Art and National Museum of Asian Art also offer wonderful diversions for a day packed with learning. The U.S. Botanic Garden is another serene respite.
More recent additions to the Mall include highly-acclaimed cultural museums. The National Museum of the American Indian, completed in 2004, and the African American Museum of History and Culture, completed in 2016, are architectural masterpieces representing decades of tireless work to make possible. The United States Holocaust Memorial Museum is a somber and sharp reminder of the atrocities committed and lives lost.
Beyond the Mall
It’s possible the giant pandas are as enveloped in the branding of Washington, DC as the monuments. Housed in a renovated exhibit at the Smithsonian’s National Zoo since 1972, Mei Xiang (female) and Tian Tian (male) are the second pair of pandas to call DC home as part of a collaboration with the China Wildlife Conservation Association. They have given birth to high profile cubs, whose bamboo chewing has been viewed by millions on the Smithsonian’s “giant panda cam.” To get there, take Metro’s red line to the Woodley Park-Zoo/Adams Morgan station.
The National Cathedral, with its Gothic architecture and impeccable grounds, is another popular uptown stop. The awe-inspiring arches, flying buttresses, stained glass windows and gargoyles took 83 years to complete. The sixth-largest cathedral in the world, its trademark spires stand at the highest point of the city: 676 feet. The Cathedral offers tours, although times vary day-to-day. Reservations are also available for self-guided tours. Uber and Lyft would provide the quickest means of transport. It’s quite a walk to the nearest Metro stops: Woodley Park or Tenleytown-AU.
International Spy Museum in Washington, D.C. Stock photo by Yohan Marion via Unsplash.
There are a couple other museums worth considering downtown, although each requires paid admission. The International Spy Museum, which relocated in 2019, offers a fun glimpse into the world of espionage. The National Building Museum offers an engaging look into the impact of architecture, engineering, planning and design.
Washington DC Neighborhoods Worth Exploring
To experience “the real DC” and get a taste of the local character that makes this city so vibrant, venture into its eclectic neighborhoods. Capitol Hill, defined by its multicolored rowhouses, is home to venerable pubs catering to the happy hour crowd. Eastern Market’s indoor and outdoor vendors are a joy to peruse, particularly on weekend mornings. Barracks Row (8th Street SE) is lined with local restaurants, bakeries and international flavors.
14th Street NW, as symbolic as any area for its revitalization, is packed with boutique shopping and some of the hottest restaurants in the city. World-renowned chefs have opened global eateries to critical acclaim. The steak and frites at Le Diplomate are the star of the show here.
Just to the west of downtown DC, tony Georgetown features some of the city’s trendiest shopping. The cobblestone streets slope uphill from the picturesque waterfront, with a walking path that connects all the way to the Mall. The old brick row houses are among the city’s most expensive locations to live. You’ll get a glimpse of some of them if you walk to Georgetown University’s main campus, Thomas Sweet for ice cream or Baked and Wired for a latte and cupcake.
A few blocks from Capital One Arena, home to Washington’s NBA and NHL teams (the Wizards and Capitals), the swanky retail destination CityCenterDC boasts a list of high-end stores and restaurants to appease the most discerning of tastes. Walk through at night for a picture under the white lights strung above.
There is a law that prohibits the height of any building in DC to the width of the adjacent street plus 20 feet (not the height of the Washington Monument, as many believe). New developments are low but take great advantage of their location. Nowhere is this more evident than “The Wharf.”
Washington Channel in Washington, D.C. Stock photo by Sogand Gh via Unsplash.
The city, which has long struggled to take advantage of its waterfront locations, has embraced this development for its sprawling boardwalk on the Washington Channel. In the summer months, outdoor restaurants and bars, exciting events and live music make for a lively destination. Enjoy the authentic guacamole at Mi Vida or just relax on a swing or in an Adirondack chair to the sound of boats bobbing against the docks. The marina is also a launching point for guided cruises and boat rentals.
Nationals Park, home of the 2019 World Series champions, is a 20-minute walk down M Street. The ballpark, which opened in 2008, is surrounded by a revitalized “Navy Yard” district with its own plethora of buzzy restaurants and nightlife destinations. The Salt Line, Bluejacket and Mission are hard to beat.
Just Beyond DC
A trip to Arlington National Cemetery is a must. Its historic, hallowed grounds are expansive; 639 acres. There is a tour bus that offers stops at notable gravesites, including that of John F. Kennedy.
Not to be missed is the Changing of the Guard, a prodigious and precise ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. It takes place every hour on the hour from October 1 through March 31 and every half hour from April 1 through September 30. Metro’s blue line offers easy access to the cemetery’s welcome center.
From The Wharf or Georgetown, consider taking a water taxi to Old Town Alexandria, Virginia, with its waterfront dining, cobblestone streets and endless blocks of shopping in quaint, red brick buildings.
Across the Potomac River, National Harbor is another reinvigorated waterfront project. Ride the Capital Wheel, a 180-foot ferris wheel with eight-person gondolas that offers sweeping views. “The Awakening” is a famous sculpture of a man emerging from the sand.
20 minutes south of Old Town Alexandria by car lies Mount Vernon, the mansion estate of George and Martha Washington and their final resting place.
