Things to do in  Washington DC

The Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial commemorates the life and legacy of the renowned Civil Rights Movement leader. Located in West Potomac Park and overlooking the Tidal Basin, the memorial is free to visit and centers around a commanding statue of Dr. King. A 450-foot (137-meter) Inscription Wall carved with passages from 14 of Dr. King’s sermons and speeches surrounds the statue, inviting visitors to contemplate this historic activist’s legacy.

The official residence of each US president since 1800, the 132-room White House in Washington DC draws visitors from around the world. Admire the sight from afar, stop by the White House Visitor Center, or request access to a public tour, which includes highlights like the East Wing, State Dining Room, China Room, and the White House Rose Garden.

The US Capitol is the heart of the American government. Topped by the bronze Statue of Freedom, the Washington, DC, landmark houses both chambers of the United States Congress: the Senate and the House of Representatives. When Congress is in session, visitors can watch politicians debate various legislative issues, as they've done here for centuries. Guided tours of the landmark are also a popular attraction for DC visitors.

A 19-foot-tall (5.7-meter-tall) marble statue of President Abraham Lincoln dominates the Lincoln Memorial, situated at the edge of the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool on the western end of the National Mall in Washington DC. The most visited National Park Service site in the city is an homage to the 16th president of the United States, who helped to preserve the Union during the Civil War and delivered the Gettysburg Address and the Emancipation Proclamation.

The Vietnam Veterans Memorial, one of Washington DC’s most visited landmarks, is comprised of three parts—the Three Soldiers statue, the Women’s Memorial, and the main attraction, the Maya Lin–designed Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall, engraved with the names of some 58,000 fallen and missing Vietnam War soldiers. Visitors arrive to pay their respects and leave notes and mementos at the wall.

The Washington Monument is the tallest—and arguably the most recognizable—landmark in Washington DC, soaring to a height of 555 feet (169 meters). The white, marble obelisk, erected in honor of President George Washington, stands tall overlooking the National Mall. You can ascend to its summit or admire its mirror image in the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool.

The Korean War Veterans Memorial brings together life-like statues of a patrol squad with a walled triangle inscribed with scenes depicting the Korean War. The steel statues and granite walls lead to the center of a reflecting pool. Dedicated in 1995, the memorial honors the 5.8 million Americans who served in the Korean War (1950–1953).

Set at the heart of the National Mall, the World War II Memorial honors the 16 million American soldiers who served in World War II. The site’s pillars represent each state and territory; it’s arches are dedicated to victories; and more than 4,000 stars symbolize the sacrifices made.

The Thomas Jefferson Memorial, commissioned by Franklin D. Roosevelt, is a tribute to the third president of the United States, founder of the University of Virginia, and key drafter of the Declaration of Independence. Its Pantheon-esque facade and bronze statue of Thomas Jefferson overlook the Tidal Basin and Washington Monument.

Stretching from the Capitol to the Lincoln Memorial, the grassy, tree-lined National Mall is central to the culture and history of Washington DC. The open space between Constitution and Independence Avenues is home to the Washington Monument and fringed by Smithsonian museums and attractions such as the National Archives Museum. Affectionately known as “America’s Front Yard,” it has hosted such historic events as Dr. Martin Luther King Jr’s “I Have a Dream” speech and the AIDS Memorial Quilt.

With 21 museums, several research centers, and the National Zoo, it's no surprise that the Smithsonian Institution is one of the most famous curatorial institutions in the United States and around the world. Whether you're a history buff, a science lover, or an art enthusiast, you'll definitely want to spend at least a few hours—or maybe even a few days—in these world-renowned collections.

The Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial lies on the National Mall in Washington DC, on the edge of the Tidal Basin. The sprawling site comprises four distinct parts, portraying each of the 32nd president’s terms in office. Bronze sculptures and quotes engraved into the stone walls take visitors on a journey through FDR’s presidency and era.

This vast archive in Washington DC is not only the national library of the United States, but the world’s largest library. It houses the country’s most important historical documents—all 160 million of them. Maps, manuscripts, films, and rare prints comprise part of the collection, while 25 million books alone line miles of bookshelves in three different buildings, though many are not on public display.

Flowing east from its source in West Virginia to where it empties into the Chesapeake Bay, the Potomac River is rich in American history and lore. Known as "Our Nation's River," it passes the Mount Vernon, birthplace of George Washington, and the capital city of Washington DC. It also once marked the border between the Union and Confederacy, making it an important landmark from the American Civil War.

Featuring the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution, and the Bill of Rights—as well as other priceless artifacts—the National Archives Museum displays many of the United States’ most pivotal founding documents. Housed in the rotunda of a Greek Revival building on the National Mall, this Washington DC museum invites visitors to learn the stories behind the centuries-old works, engage with interactive exhibits, and more.