One of Washington's most famous attractions, the Capitol Building houses the United States Congress. Sitting atop Capitol Hill, this majestic building can be viewed from several locations throughout the district. Tours last up to 60 minutes.
Situated in downtown Washington, the National Air and Space Museum covers the history of manned flight and space travel. From Kitty Hawk to the moon, this museum features around 50,000 aircraft--but only 10 percent of the collection is displayed at any given time. A must-see attraction at the museum is the IMAX theatre, which features shows covering the nation's proud aeronautical history.
Constructed in honor of the nation's 16th president, the Lincoln Memorial is a must-see monument situated along the Potomac River. The covered portion of the memorial is open to the public 24 hours a day at no charge.
The National Gallery of Art features some of the western world's most famous pieces. Artifacts date back to the Middle Ages and also include modern artwork. Tours provide a narration of the museum.
Located in the heart of the city, the Supreme Court of the United States provides free tours of this impressive building. Guests have the opportunity to view rituals including the announcement of justices. A lecture concerning the building and court procedures is also part of the tour.
This museum features over 200 years of American history, including artifacts such as Thomas Jefferson's desk, Dorothy's ruby slippers and Julia Child's kitchen. The original Star-Spangled Banner is also available for viewing during one of the museum's daily tours.
The President's home and office--and perhaps the centerpiece of Washington, DC--features a public tour. White House tours visit many of the famous rooms, including the Oval Office, Blue Room, Green Room and Red Room, along with the State Dining Room and Gold/White Room. Visitors must request a tour at least 30 days in advance, and all tours are subject to last-minute cancellation.
DC's National Museum of Natural History features a broad range of exhibits ranging from human history to ancient dinosaurs. The Ocean Hall, constructed in 2008, explains the ocean's effect on the planet. An IMAX theatre features a six-story screen with 3D movies.
This fun museum features interactive exhibits such as shoe transmitters and lipstick tubes that fire bullets. The 68,000-square-foot museum covers thousands of years of espionage, ranging from Sun Tzu to the modern CIA. Visitors have the option to partake in an hour-long event where they take on the role of an intelligence agent in order to crack a case. Unlike most museums throughout the district, the International Spy Museum requires an entry fee.
The United States Holocaust Memorial Museum is a grim reminder of one of the world's most tragic disasters. Opened in 1993, the museum features exhibits split into three parts: Nazi Assault, Final Solution and Last Chapter. Over 12,000 artifacts and 70 video monitors make up this sobering experience. Reservations are suggested, but not required.
