Washington DC

What to do in Washington DC

Introductory Tours

The best way to get an introductory overview of the capital and to see the best it has to offer is with one of its many highlights tours. There are walking tours through the government buildings including the US Capitol, Supreme Court, and others, through the Mall and the bordering museums, as well as bus tours of the city.

Capitol Hill

The great power and influence of America is instantly felt as you stand in the shadow of the Capitol building. Featuring a central Rotunda and massive dome, architect William Thornton's design is reminiscent of Rome's Pantheon. The similarity was certainly intentional, as the nation's founders based their new American government on the principles of the Roman republic. You can either look around on your own, or join a guided tour.

White House

It's true - the President's home is open to the public on a daily basis. Guided tours of the White House are run on a regular schedule and are free!.

View Congress in Action

Get a gallery pass to the House or Senate chambers and watch your representatives and senators at work.

The National Gallery of Art

Truly one of America's greatest treasures, this permanent collection of more than 100,000 art objects from the Middle Ages to the 20th century is a must-see on your visit to the capital. The angular East Wing, designed by IM Pei, is an astounding work of architectural design. Inside, it features a display of modern art that is world-class.

Visit the Capital's Memorials

From towering testaments to noble achievements to somber remembrances for the suffering and sacrifice of so many people, the many national memorials in Washington DC all share one quality honoring the legacy of humanity.

Lincoln Memorial

Inspired by the spirit, determination, and compassion of its namesake, the Lincoln Memorial is one of the most profound symbols of American democracy. People from all walks of life come to the memorial to celebrate the accomplishments that have united the nation for more than 200 years. The memorial also serves as a place where citizens assemble to draw attention to their causes.

Vietnam Veterans Memorial

A sobering tribute to those who died in America's most tragic war.

United States Holocaust Memorial Museum. This national museum and memorial tells the story of the 11 million Jews, Gypsies, political prisoners, and others killed by the Nazi regime between 1933 and 1945. The presentation includes graphic content.

The Smithsonian Institution

Established in 1846 with funds bequeathed by James Smithson, the Institution holds more than 140 million artifacts and specimens in its trust for "the increase and diffusion of knowledge." The Smithsonian's components include museums, galleries, research centers, and a zoo.

National Museum of Natural History

The collections at the NMNH number over 124 million objects and specimens of the natural world. Its departments include anthropology, botany, entomology, invertebrate zoology, mineral sciences, paleobiology, and vertebrate zoology.

National Museum of American History

Explore America's cultural, political, technical, and scientific past. The museums exclusive collections and programs reflect upon and nurture understanding for our nation, its many people, and our shared legacy.

National Air and Space Museum

The NASM memorializes the national development of aviation and space flight by preserving and displaying aeronautical and space flight equipment, data, and historical content. Many aircraft are on display, ranging from the Wright brothers' flyer to a prototype of the Voyager spacecraft.

National Museum of African Art

This leading center for the visual arts of Africa includes exhibitions, collections, research, and public programs. Items represent both ancient and contemporary African cultures.

Visit the Aviary at the National Zoo

This top-ranked zoo's innovative compounds show many animals in their naturalistic settings, with birds flying unrestricted overhead!.

Washington Monument

Looming high above the National Mall and standing adjacent to the Lincoln Memorial, the striking image of the Washington Monument symbolizes the enduring gratitude and respect a nation has for the "Father of His Country.".

Washington National Cathedral

Although built in modern times, the cathedral is medieval Gothic in style. Envisioned by Pierre L'Enfant to be a great "church for national purposes," the Cathedral is the 6th largest in the world and the 2nd largest in the United States.

J. Edgar Hoover FBI Building

A 1-hour tour of the building outlines the bureau's work, featuring exhibits of famous past cases, show how the FBI conducts its investigations, and illustrates the bureau's high-tech forensic laboratories.

Day Trip to Mount Vernon

A leisurely 4 + hour cruise along the Potomac is a great scenic excursion, delivering you to the home of George and Martha Washington. The house is preserved in mint condition, with original furnishings, keepsakes, herb gardens, carriage house, and much more!.