Washington DC attractions

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.

Along with the White House and US Capitol, the Supreme Court ranks among Washington DC’s most significant, iconic landmarks. Founded in 1789 and now housed in a neoclassical building that dates to 1935, the Supreme Court is the highest court in the land, and visitors are welcome to visit (even when court is in session).

The impressive, green-domed National Museum of Natural History in Washington DC was one of the first Smithsonian museums. Since it opened its doors in 1910, the museum has endeavored to inspire curiosity and learning through its collection of 148 million natural specimens and artifacts. It’s considered to be one of the world’s leading resources for scientific and cultural heritage and a top sight in the US capital.

The peaceful green fields of Arlington National Cemetery are lined with neat rows of simple white grave markers, shaded by towering oaks and maples. It’s a serene spot to commemorate and remember the lives of American soldiers, but it’s also a place of education and historic significance. Immaculately uniformed Sentinels guard the grand Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, adding an extra layer of ceremony.

Located between the Capitol and the White House in Washington DC, the outdoor U.S. Navy Memorial is a circular plaza featuring a map of the world, known as the “Granite Sea.” Two tall, arched buildings hug the plaza. It is also home to the statue of the Lone Soldier, which represents every person who has served in the Navy.

The bright white molding and yellow accents of Ford’s Theatre make the space seem larger than it is, while the classic proscenium stage and late Victorian architecture feel comfortably familiar. Without prior knowledge, it would be hard to imagine that this theater is the site of one of the most tragic moments in American history, when President Lincoln was assassinated while watching a play.

Somber and sobering, the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum is unlike any other museum in Washington DC. The museum’s exhibits take an unflinching look at the Nazi Party’s rise to power in Germany and the subsequent execution of millions of Jews during World War II. Displays use historical objects, photographs, film footage, and survivor testimonials to confront one of the darkest chapters in human history, as well as document courageous rescue efforts.

Named after one of Washington DC’s most iconic landmarks, Capitol Hill is both the heart of the American government and a vibrant neighborhood favored by politicos and tourists alike. From literary highlights such as the Library of Congress and Folger Shakespeare Library to the Supreme Court Building and the United States Botanic Garden, there is much to see and do on the Hill beyond the US Capitol itself.

One of many military monuments in Arlington, Virginia, the US Marine Corps War Memorial was installed in 1954 and is dedicated to all Marine Corps members who lost their lives in conflict. It is also known as the Iwo Jima Memorial and depicts the six-man, flag-raising event captured in the iconic 1945 photo by Joe Rosenthal.

Part of the Smithsonian Institute, the National Museum of American History is one of Washington DC’s most popular museums. A highlight of the National Mall since opening in 1964, the museum is home to nearly 2 million objects related to American history—including the original Star-Spangled Banner flag, and the 1776 gunboat Philadelphia.

Founded almost a century ago and located right on the National Mall, the National Gallery of Art is one of Washington DC’s preeminent museums. The museum is today home to a collection of more than 141,000 artworks, which spans the medieval period to the modern day and includes paintings, sculptures, and photographs. Its companion Sculpture Garden is also a highlight.

Located in West Potomac Park, the Tidal Basin is surrounded by some of the most iconic memorials and monuments in Washington DC, including the Jefferson Memorial, the FDR Memorial, and the Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial. The attractive man-made inlet is also where you’ll find thousands of cherry trees gifted to the nation by Japan.

Few places in the US see past and present melding so harmoniously as in the historic Georgetown neighborhood in Washington DC. Founded in 1751, this buzzy area is now packed with glamorous storefronts and chef-driven restaurants. All around are multimillion-dollar townhouses, distinguished by 18th- and 19th-century architecture and tales of famous owners (such as the Kennedys). Then there’s the popular Georgetown Waterfront, home to outdoor cafés and a scenic Potomac River promenade.

Located on the grounds of the US Capitol Building, the United States Botanic Garden brings together plants from around the world. Inside a glass conservatory, labyrinths connect tropical jungles and deserts that are home to orchids, hanging plants, and blooms of every shape and color. This free-to-enter attraction draws plant enthusiasts and families seeking educational experiences, both for the indoor conservatory and the outdoor National Garden and Bartholdi Park.

Officially dedicated on October 14, 2006 by President George W. Bush, the U.S. Air Force Memorial is located in Arlington, Virginia, across the Potomac River from Washington D.C. This place of remembrance features three stainless steel spires that reach 402 feet (122.5 meters up into the sky.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) is headquartered in the J. Edgar Hoover Building in downtown Washington DC. The famous Hollywood-ready bureau is tasked with protecting the United States from threats both foreign and domestic, drawing on both intelligence and law enforcement in its daily work. Tours definitely require navigating some red tape to arrange, but many visitors find the effort worth it.

Located on the banks of the Potomac River, the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts is the national cultural center of the United States and a memorial to the 35th president. The busiest performing arts center in the country, it hosts more than 2,000 shows annually—including theater, classical music, opera, ballet, and dance—across its numerous theaters and stages, galleries, and event spaces.

George Washington's Mount Vernon estate is among the most important historic landmarks in the US. Set along the Potomac River, this complex includes George and Martha Washington's former mansion, a museum and education center, farm and gardens, a forest walking trail, a slavery exhibit and memorial, a Revolutionary War encampment, and Washington's tomb. Visitors can also see Washington's reconstructed waterwheel gristmill and learn about small-batch rye whiskey distilling traditions at the nearby fully functioning distillery.

Up there with the White House when it comes to the United States’ most famous landmarks, the Pentagon is more than just a government building—it’s a symbol of national power that’s known around the world. Serving as the headquarters of the US Department of Defense since World War II, it’s named for its unique 5-angled design and ranks among the largest office buildings in the world.

Dedicated to representing American Indians from throughout the continent, the National Museum of the American Indian houses one of the world’s largest collections of Native artifacts, photographs, and media. From a striking exterior designed to resemble sandstone rock formations to state-of-the-art interior exhibits, the museum attracts everyone from passers-by to travelers from far and wide.

More money passes through the Bureau of Engraving and Printing in Washington DC than most people make in a lifetime. At this federal agency managed by the US Department of the Treasury, visitors can see the country’s paper money being printed, learn about counterfeit currency, and explore how paper money has been made more secure.

Dedicated to modern and contemporary art, the Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden attracts art enthusiasts from across the globe. The innovative building—a cylindrical concrete structure—stands out on the National Mall and houses dynamic exhibits that include paintings, sculptures, and photography. Outside, sculptures range from a colorful pumpkin to an imposing spider-like creature.

The only major museum in the US devoted to the arts of Africa, the National Museum of African Art is administered by the Smithsonian and located on Washington DC’s National Mall. Home to 12,000 artworks spanning traditional and contemporary pieces, the museum’s permanent collection features work from across the African continent.

Step into the shoes of a spy at the International Spy Museum in Washington DC. Hear stories about real operatives and intelligence officers, see the gear and gadgets they used, and learn the techniques of espionage. The immersive experience sends you undercover on a covert mission—with a formal debriefing at the end to evaluate your work.

Set on 59 acres (24 hectares) of gardens and grounds, the Washington National Cathedral is more than a place of worship. It is a community meeting place, a center for advocacy and change, and the final resting place of more than 200 luminaries, including Hellen Keller and President Woodrow Wilson. An Episcopal church that’s dedicated to welcoming all visitors, regardless of faith, it has served as the venue for state funerals, including for five American presidents.

The National Portrait Gallery in Washington DC houses an impressive collection of nearly 20,000 works of art, including all of the official portraits of the US presidents and other notable historical figures. The gallery, part of the Smithsonian Institution, has permanent and visiting exhibitions that enrich any visit to the US capital.

Set on the Potomac River and lined with brick sidewalks and historic rowhouses, Old Town Alexandria combines 18th-century charm with modern-day pleasures. Integral to any tour of the US capital, the Old Town lets you dine where George Washington ate and shop at the farmers market where his family sold produce. Beyond its history, Alexandria is equally known for its thriving artisan community, dynamic foodie scene, and scenic waterfront.

Washington DC’s major transit hub, Union Station is also an architectural gem. Visited by close to 40 million people each year, the bustling neoclassical station is the terminus of Amtrak’s Northeast Corridor line and connects buses, Metro lines, and other commuter rails. It’s also home to many shops and services geared to travelers.

Created to commemorate the two-term US president and victorious Civil War general, Washington DC’s Ulysses S. Grant Memorial is one of its most important military monuments. Unveiled in 1924, the bronze sculpture—the largest equestrian statue in the United States—situates Grant above a reflecting pool, facing the Lincoln Memorial.