Top 21 Washington D.C. Landmarks to Visit in 2026

Visiting Washington D.C. – the capital of the United State – is like taking a U.S. history class. You can see the Declaration of Independence, U.S. Constitution, White House, Capitol Building, and more.

I have been to D.C. 3 times, including a high school trip that I barely remember. I am a museum lover and have spent 19 days in the Smithsonian Museums.

I have wanted to tour the White House for years. I got busy with life. And it was closed to the public under both Obama and Covid. Finally in 2022 I booked a flight and submitted a request with my local congressman. A few months later I went inside 1600 Pennsylvania Ave!!!

In this post I will tell you everything you need to know about touring out nation’s capital, including how to visit the Top 21 Washington D.C. Landmarks!

1) Tour the White House

The most exciting thing to do in Washington D.C. is to tour the White House. The most easily recognized house in the world, It is the official residence and workplace of the President and First Family of the United States.

Every president since John Adams has called 1600 Pennsylvania Ave home. Over 1.25 million visitors tour the White House every year.

How to Tour the White House

Free, self-guided tours of the White House are available Tuesday-Saturday from 9:30am-12:30pm. To get a ticket, you have to submit a request to your Member of Congress 21 days to 3 months in advance.

The tour includes the public rooms in the East Wing (Blue Room, Red Room, Green Room, State Dining Room, China Room) and a view of the White House Rose Garden.

Check out my blog How to Tour the White House in 2025!

Take Pictures of the White House South Side

Members of the public can take pictures in front of both the south and north side of the White House.

The south side – with its distinctive portico – is the most famous side. It faces the Washington Monument and Jefferson Memorial. It is bordered on the south by a large park (that looks like a lawn) called the Ellipse and Constitution Avenue.

You can walk on the sidewalk or through the Ellipse to get to the White House fence. However, the large White House lawn is between you and the White House, so you will be standing far away.

Take Pictures on the White House North Side

You can get closer to the White House from the north side. It is located across from Lafayette Square Park, the site of many political protests. (Fun Fact – Lafayette Square Park is named after the French Marquis de Lafayette, hero of the American Revolution. George Washington considered him like a son).

The well known White House address is 1600 Pennsylvania Ave. You can stand on Pennsylvania Ave, which is closed to traffic on that stretch. You can reach your camera through the black bars to take pictures.

2) Visit the White House Visitor Center

The White House Visitor Center is the next best thing to visiting the White House. It features over 100 artifacts from the White House Collection.

The White House Visitor Center is located at 1450 Pennsylvania Ave in Washington D.C. (next to the White House). It is Open Daily from 7:30am – 4:00pm. The phone # is 202-208-1631.

What can I see at the White House Visitor Center?

Highlights include the Telegraph Key that was used by President Abraham Lincoln’s administration to receive and send General Ulysses S. Grant’s message informing him of General Robert E. Lee’s surrender during the Civil War.

The 14-minute film “White House: Reflections from Within” offers a glimpse of the White House through the eyes of those who have called it home. And there is an amazing replica of the White House.

White House Visitor Center Flagship Store

The onsite White House Visitor Center Flagship Store sells clothing, books, jewelry, Christmas ornaments and more. Highlights include the Official White House Ornament Collection, White House LEGO set, President’s Pets Christmas ornaments.

I bought the First Ladies coloring book (below) for my friend who likes to draw.

3) Tour the U.S. Capitol Building

U.S. Capitol Building has been home to the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives since 1800 and is one of the most important landmarks in the country. It is where Congress debates laws, national policies are shaped, and major events like Presidential Inaugurations and the State of the Union Address take place.

The Capitol sits at the eastern end of the National Mall. The west front faces the Mall and serves as the site of presidential inaugurations, while the east side faces the Supreme Court of the United States.

The west side overlooks the National Mall and inauguration grounds, where the Presidential Inauguration is held every four years, while the east side faces the Supreme Court and is where all tours begin.

Learn more about visiting the U.S. Capitol Building!

What to See Inside

Visitors can take a free guided tour through the Capitol Visitor Center, which includes the stunning Rotunda, the National Statuary Hall, and the historic Crypt. The Rotunda sits beneath the famous Capitol Dome and features impressive artwork, including The Apotheosis of Washington painted high above the chamber.

The National Statuary Hall contains two statues from every U.S. state, honoring important political leaders, humanitarians, and historical figures. Beneath the building, the Crypt supports the Capitol structure and includes exhibits connected to early American history.

Above it all stands the massive Capitol Dome, topped by the 19-foot Statue of Freedom, one of Washington D.C.’s most recognizable symbols.

Brush up on your history with this amazing virtual Capitol Tour.

➡️Check out DC Monuments and Memorials Night Tour

4) Watch Congress in Session

The Senate and House Galleries are open to visitors each time they are in session. However, visitors have to obtain passes from the offices of their senators or representative.

(International visitors can inquire about Gallery passes at the House and Senate Appointment Desks on the upper level of the Capitol Visitor Center).

Tour the U.S. House of Representatives

When the House of Representatives is not in session, visitors with passes are admitted to the House Gallery Monday – Friday from 9:00am – 4:00pm. It is closed on holidays and is subject to unplanned, temporary closures.

Tour the U.S. Senate

The Senate Gallery is open during scheduled recesses of one week or more. Visitors are admitted Monday through Friday from 9:00am to 4:15pm.

The Senate Gallery is closed on weekends and holidays (unless the Senate is in session), and during any recess or adjournment of less than one week. For information on whether the Senate Gallery is open, please call 202-224-0057.

Note: The Galleries are currently not open to visitors.

5) Visit the National Archives

No trip to Washington D.C. would be complete without viewing the ORIGINAL COPIES of the Declaration of Independence, U.S. Constitution, and Bill of Rights!!! They are on display in the Rotunda of the National Archives Museum.

The museum also has excellent displays on both the civil rights and women’s rights movements. It will take less than an hour to see each.

The National Archives Museum is Open Daily from 10:00am – 5:30pm. It is located at 701 Constitution Ave NW in Washington D.C. The phone number is 877-444-6777.

View the Declaration of Independence

“We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.”

The Declaration of Independence proclaimed the separation of the 13 American colonies from Great Britain. It was approved by the Continental Congress on July 4, 1776 – the birth date of the United States.

The first person to sign the declaration was John Hancock, president of the Continental Congress. According to legend, Hancock signed his name prominently to make sure King George III could read it. As a result, “John Hancock” has become an eponym for a signature.

View the U.S. Constitution

“We the People of the United States, in Order to form a more perfect Union, establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common defense, promote the general Welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America.”

The Constitution is the supreme law of the United States. It was written on 4 large parchments of paper, and was signed on September 17, 1787, by delegates to the Constitutional Convention in Philadelphia.

The Constitution established the doctrines of separation of powers and checks and balances, resulting in 3 branches of government– legislative, judicial, and executive. There have been 27 amendments to the Constitution.

View the Bill of Rights

The first 10 amendments to the U.S. Constitution are called the Bill of Rights. They were written by James Madison, who is called the Father of the Constitution. He later became the 4^th president.

The document on display in the Rotunda is the original Joint Resolution passed by Congress in 1789, proposing 12 amendments to the Constitution. Only the following 10 were ratified:

1) Freedom of Religion 2) Right to bear arms 3) No quartering of soldiers 4) Freedom from unreasonable searches and seizures 5) Right to due process 6) Right to a speedy and public trial 7) Right of trial by jury 8) Freedom from excessive bail and cruel and unusual punishments 9) Other rights of the people 10) Powers reserved to the states

View the Magna Carta

Also on display is one of 4 surviving originals of the 1297 Magna Carta. King John of England was forced by his barons to sign the original Magna Carta on June 15, 1215.

It was the first document to state that the king must follow the law and to grant legal rights to citizens. Tragically, 10 weeks later Pope Innocent III nullified the agreement. It was reissued several times and the 1297 version became law.

How to Visit the National Archives Museum

The National Archives Museum is Open Daily from 10:00am to 5:30pm. Timed entry tickets are required for entry. Admission is free, but there is a $1 convenience fee.

Photography is not allowed inside the building. (I tried to take a picture inside the bookstore, but a security guard stopped me!)

Appropriately, the museum is located at 701 Constitution Avenue NW (between 7th & 9th Streets). The General Public Entrance is near the corner of Constitution Avenue and 9th Street, to the left of the stairs. Reservations can be made online or by calling 877-444-6777.

6) Take a Bus to the National Mall Monuments

Most of the popular Washington D.C. landmarks are located next to each other. You can see them all in one day if you hurry.

I don’t recommend driving your own car because you will have trouble finding parking, and you will have to do a lot of walking to and from your car. Instead, the best way to explore the most popular monuments is to take a bus. There are several options.

Public Bus – The DC Circulator

The DC Circulator is the public bus system in Washington D.C. It is free and buses come every 10 minutes. It runs on Monday-Friday from 7:00am-8:00pm. And Saturday-Sunday from 9:00am-8:00pm.

The National Mall Route begins at Union Station, travels along Louisiana Avenue and loops around the Mall via Madison Drive, West Basin Drive, Ohio Drive, Constitution Avenue and Jefferson Drive.

Note that there is a little walk between some of the bus stops and the monument entrances. And since it is a city service, the bus sometimes runs late.

Red Golf Cart – Capitol Express Tour

I highly recommend Capitol Express Tour. You get driven around in an 8-seater red golf cart as a tour guide narrates. The driver stops at each site for 15 minutes. (Or longer if that is the group consensus). If your group is the only one riding that day, it’s like having a personal chauffeur!

Taking the Capitol Express Tour better than taking the bus, because you get dropped off and picked up right in front of the site. And you don’t have to wait for the next bus, you can leave the site when you want –

It was so convenient. It was the best day of my trip.

Hop On/Hop Off – Big Bus Washington D.C.

I have taken the Big Hop On/Hop Off Bus all over the world (London, Paris, Rome, Istanbul, Hong Kong, San Francisco, and Las Vegas). It is always my favorite day of the trip. I love sitting back and listening to the commentary on my headphones while I’m being driven from site to site.

The drawback is that it is very expensive and you are not going to spend that much time on the bus. The advantage is that buses run every 15 minutes, so unlike Capitol Express Tours you can stay at each site as long as you want.

There are 3 Big Red Bus Hop On/Hop Off routes in Washington D.C. Purchase tickets here. The Red Loop stops at the White House, Capitol building, and several memorials. It runs from 10:00am-5:00pm.

The Blue Loop is a 30-minte drive across the Potomac River to Arlington National Cemetery. It is included with the regular ticket price. The 2-hour Night Tour lets guests see DC’s famous landmarks lit up at night. It operates on a loop and is not hop-on, hop-off.

➡️Check out Washington DC: National Mall Tour by Electric Vehicle

7) Take the Elevator to top of the Washington Monument

The view from the top of the Washington Monument is absolutely amazing!!! (See my pictures below). Visitors have to take the elevator to get to the top.

(There are 896-step stairs from the ground level to the observation level at 500 feet. However, they have been closed to the public since 1976).

The elevator was out of work for repairs between 2016-2019. Two months after it reopened, 40 people had to walk down 896 stairs after the elevator got stuck at the observation level!

A timed entry ticket is required.

Travel Tip: If you are going to visit all of the monuments in one day, the Washington Monument should be your first stop.

Obelisk Shaped

The Washington Monument is an obelisk, which means that it is square at the bottom and has a point at the top. As the name suggests, it was built to honor George Washington, the commander-in-chief during the American Revolutionary War and the first U.S. president.

At 555 feet tall, the Washington Monument is both the tallest structure in Washington, D.C. and the tallest stone structure in the world. The 50 flags around the base represent the 50 U.S. states.

On-Site Experience

After security, visitors take a fast elevator ride (about 70 seconds) to the 500-foot observation level. From here, you get sweeping views of the National Mall, the White House, and the Capitol.

Visitors also pass through an exhibit level at 490 feet before descending back down.

Tip: The elevator ride is quick, but the views at the top are unforgettable — take your time to enjoy them.

Note: There are no restrooms, food, or water inside the monument. Restrooms are available at the Washington Monument Lodge nearby.

History of the Washington Monument

Workers began building the Washington Monument in 1848. However, they soon ran out of money.

By the time construction began again in 1878, the marble used was no longer available and they had to use another kind. As a result, if you look really closely you can see a ring around the base.

Fun fact! The Washington Monument was the tallest structure in the world from its dedication in 1885, until the Eiffel Tower in Paris was completed in 1889.

Buy your Ticket in Advance!

Tickets for the Washington Monument always sell out, so buy your tickets in advance!!!

There are three ways to get tickets:

• 30-Day Advance Tickets: Released daily at 10:00 AM ET for visits exactly 30 days later
• 24-Hour Last-Minute Tickets: A small batch released daily at 3:00 PM ET for next-day visits
• Same-Day Walk-Up Tickets: Available at the Washington Monument Lodge starting at 8:45 AM, but lines form early and tickets run out fast

Tip: Most visitors now rely on advance booking because walk-up tickets are extremely limited during peak season.

You can purchase tickets at recreation.go or by calling 877-444-6777. Tickets become available 30 days in advance and are released daily at 10:00am. In addition, some tickets are released online one day in advance. There is a $1 service fee per ticket for tickets purchased online.

Since tickets sell out, call exactly at 10:00am! The National Park Service recommends creating a recreation.gov account and logging in a few minutes before the tickets are released.

In addition, there are several free, same day timed tickets available daily on a first come, first serve basis. They can be picked up at the nearby Washington Monument Lodge, which is located at 15th Street between Madison and Jefferson Drive. It opens at 8:45am. However, there is always a long line and they run out.

Tip: The waiting area is fully exposed to sun, wind, or rain. Bring water, sunscreen, and weather-appropriate clothing while waiting outside.

Covid-19 Memorial on the National Mall

The In America: Remember Covid-19 Memorial was displayed on the National Mall from September 17-October 3, 2021. I feel so lucky that I was in D.C. at that time!

The memorial consisted of fields of small white flags, each honoring an American who died of Covid-19. Every day more flags were added to the exhibit to honor those who died that day. Sadly, by the time the exhibit closed on October 3rd, there were over 693,000 flags.

Those who lost a loved one to Covid-19 were able to write the person’s name and a personalized message on a flag. Or they could make an online request for a volunteer to inscribe a flag for them. You can view each flag on the exhibit website. And you can watch the live stream closing ceremony on Facebook.

8) Visit the Jefferson Memorial

Thomas Jefferson is the author of the Declaration of Independence and the 3^rd president of the United States. During George Washington’s presidency, Jefferson served as the first Secretary of State. After retirement he founded the University of Virginia.

The Jefferson Memorial is a beautiful, white circular marble structure that houses a bronze statue of President Thomas Jefferson. You can see the statue through marble columns from far away.

The Jefferson Memorial is located at 16 E Basin Dr SW in Washington, D.C. The phone # is 202-426-6841.

Thomas Jefferson Statue

The statue of Thomas Jefferson sits on a black granite pedestal inscribed with his birth and death dates (1743-1826). He is holding a copy of the Declaration of Independence in his left hand.

Thomas Jefferson Quotations

There are 4 quotations from Jefferson’s writings engraved on the walls of the memorial. The southwest wall has an excerpt from the Declaration of Independence. The southwest wall features a statement on the evolution of law and the constitution, taken from a letter Jefferson wrote to Samuel Kercheval in 1816

The northwest wall features 6 quotations from Jefferson’s “1786 Notes of Virginia” and “Summary Views,” which illustrate his beliefs in both the evils of slavery and the need to educate the masses.

The northeast wall contains a quote from the “Act of Religious Freedom,” which was adopted in 1779 and eliminated the state church of Virginia. It expresses Jefferson’s views on freedom of religion.

In addition, there is a quote engraved on the freize encircling the memorial’s interior taken from an 1800 letter from Jefferson to Benjamin Rush. It says, “I have sworn upon the altar of God eternal hostility against every form of tyranny over the mind of man.”

➡️Washington DC in One Day: Guided Sightseeing Tour

9) Visit the Franklin D Roosevelt Memorial

The Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial in Washington D.C. was dedicated on May 2, 1997 by President Bill Clinton; 40 years after the idea was first proposed to Congress. The memorial’s 4 open-air rooms represent each of Roosevelt’s 4 terms of office. They contain waterfalls, bronze sculptures, and FDR’s powerful words carved on granite walls.

This Washington D.C. landmark is located along the western shore of the Tidal Basin, next to the Martin Luther King Jr Memorial. The public can visit the memorial 24 hours a day 365 days a year. Rangers are on duty to answer questions from 9:30am to 10:00pm daily.

Franklin Delano Roosevelt

“The only thing we have to fear is fear itself.” –President Franklin Roosevelt (March 4, 1933)

Franklin Delano Roosevelt (FDR) is the longest-serving president in U.S. history. Winning a record 4 presidential elections, he was in office from 1933 until his death in 1945.

Travel Tip: Check out the National Park Service FDR Memorial page for the GPS coordinates, directions, public transportation, and parking information.

10) Visit the Martin Luther King Jr Memorial

The Martin Luther King Jr Memorial was dedicated in 2011. It consists of a 30 foot statue of Dr King carved into white granite stone. It is inspired by Dr. King’s 1963 “I Have a Dream” speech that states, “Out of the mountain of despair, a stone of hope.”

The statue and nearby walls are engraved with Dr King’s quotations. Make sure you top at the amazing bookstore across the street!!! It sells Dr King’s quotes on every item imaginable, including pens, gift bags, puzzles, and books.

Martin Luter King Jr

“Darkness cannot drive out darkness, only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate, only love can do that.” –Dr Martin Luther King

The Reverend Dr Martin Luther King Jr is the leader of the modern civil rights movement. Winner of the 1964 Nobel Peace Prize, Dr King fought to end racial segregation and discrimination. Sadly, he was assassinated on April 4, 1968.

Travel Tip: Check out the National Park Service MLK Memorial page for the GPS coordinates, directions, public transportation, and parking information.

11) Visit the Lincoln Memorial

The Lincoln Memorial is one of the most beautiful memorials in Washington D.C. It was dedicated in 1922 and features a 19-foot statue of U.S. President Abraham Lincoln seated on a marble chair.

The memorial is a large, rectangular building located on the western side of the National Mall. It is surrounded by 36 Grecian columns, which represent every state in the union at the time of Lincoln’s death.

Abraham Lincoln

Abraham Lincoln was the16th president of the United States. Credited with preserving the Union, he was in power during the American Civil War. (Which began one month after his inauguration).

Lincoln is most loved for freeing the slaves. In 1863 he issued the Emancipation Proclamation, which declared that the slaves within the Confederacy were forever free.

The first time I visited Washington D.C. was on a high school trip in 1986. I looked up at the towering statue and thought this must be what God looks like sitting on his throne. We mere mortals aren’t as tall as his shoes.

Abraham Lincoln’s Assassination

On April 9, 1965, Confederate General Robert E. Lee surrendered, and the American Civil War was over. Tragically, 5 days later John Wilkes Booth – a famous actor and Confederate sympathizer – assassinated President Lincoln at Ford’s Theatre in Washington, D.C.

The red golf cart Capitol Express Tour (mentioned above) drives by Ford’s Theatre

Abraham Lincoln’s Second Inaugural Address

Lincoln’s Second Inaugural Address is engraved on the north wall. (If you are facing the Lincoln statue, it is on the left).

In the speech – which was given one month before the end of the Civil War – Lincoln created a policy of compassionate reconciliation with the south. He urged, “Malice towards none and charity for all.”

Abraham Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address

“Four score and seven years ago our fathers brought forth, upon this continent, a new nation, conceived in liberty, and dedicated to the proposition that all men are created equal.”

The Gettysburg Address – which is one of the greatest political speeches of all times – is engraved on the southern wall. (If you are facing the Lincoln statue, it is located on the right).

President Lincoln gave the speech on November 19, 1863 at a Union cemetery in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania during the American Civil War. The official purpose of the speech was to mourn the loss of Union soldiers that had died during the Battle of Gettysburg 4 months earlier.

However, Lincoln used the occasion to implore northerners to continue to fight the war for the preservation of the union and the principles that it was founded on. He famously reminded listeners that the United States was founded on the principle founded in the U.S. Constitution that “all men are created equal.”

How to Visit the Lincoln Memorial

The Lincoln Memorial is open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. The early evening and morning hours are a beautiful and tranquil times to visit.

Check out the National Park Services page for the GPS coordinates, directions, public transportation, and parking information.

The Lincoln Memorial is located at 2 Lincoln Memorial Cir NW in Washington, D.C. The phone # is 202-426-6841.

12) Visit the Korean War Veterans Memorial

The Korean War Veterans Memorial honors the lives of the 54,269 American casualties of the Korean War. It consists of 19 soldiers on eternal patrol walking amongst juniper bushes and granite strips, representing the rough terrain they faced. The soldiers represent the Army, Air Force, Navy, and Marines.

To honor an individual who lost their life during the Korean War, search the Korean War Veterans Memorial Honor Roll and print a commemorative certificate. The honor roll is available online or at the kiosk near the memorial.

The Korean War Veterans Memorial is located at 900 Ohio Dr SW in Washington, D.C. The phone # is 202-426-6841.

13) Visit the Vietnam Veterans Memorial

The Vietnam Veterans Memorial includes the names of over 58,000 U.S. servicemen and women who gave their lives in the Vietnam conflict. It consists of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall, the Three Servicemen Statue, and the Vietnam Women’s Memorial.

This Washington D.C. landmark is a little tricky to find. It is located north of the Lincoln Memorial near the intersection of 22nd Street NW and Constitution Avenue NW.

The Vietnam Veterans Memorial is located at 5 Henry Bacon Dr NW in Washington, D.C. The phone # is 202-426-6841.

How to Find a Veteran on the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall

To locate a name on the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall, use one of the catalogs located near the entrance. The names are listed alphabetically by last name.

Each listing provides a panel number and a row number. To locate the name on the wall, look on the bottom corner of each panel for its panel number (Eg. 24W) and then count down the rows starting from the top.

14) Visit the World War II Memorial

The World War II Memorial honors the service of 16 million members of the U.S. Armed Forces, the support of countless millions on the home front, and the ultimate sacrifice of 405,399 Americans.

Twenty-four bronze bas-relief panels flank the ceremonial entrance. To many, these panels stir memories as they tell the story of America’s experience in the war. Granite columns representing each U.S. state and territory at the time of World War II ring an impressive pool with water shooting high into the air.

The World War II Memorial is located at 17th Street NW (between Independence and Constitution Avenues) in Washington D.C. It is located in between the Washington Monument and the Lincoln Memorial.

World War II Memorial Specs

Quotes, references to theaters, campaigns, and battles, and two massive victory pavilions chronicle the efforts Americans undertook to win the war. A wall of 4,048 gold stars reminds all of the supreme sacrifice made by over 400,000 Americans to make that victory possible.

Visitors can also search the World War II Registry, a computerized database honoring Americans who helped win the war, either overseas or on the home front.

➡️Washington DC in One Day: Guided Sightseeing Tour

15) Visit Arlington National Cemetery

Arlington National Cemetery is the final resting place for more than 300,000 veterans of every American conflict, from the Revolutionary War to Iraq and Afghanistan.

Since its founding in 1866, the 600 acre cemetery has provided a solemn place to reflect upon the sacrifices made by the men and women of the United States Armed Forces. This Washington D.C. landmark is administered by the Department of the Army.

Arlington National Cemetery Burial Requirements

Arlington National Cemetery burial eligibility requirements are stricter than all other national cemeteries.

There are 28 burials each weekday, totaling around 6,900 each year. Flags at Arlington National Cemetery are flown at half-staff from 30 minutes prior to the first funeral until 30 minutes past the last funeral.

Famous people buried at Arlington include President William Howard Taft (the first president buried at Arlington), General George C. Marshall (Army Chief of Staff during World War II), and Thurgood Marshall (the first African-American Supreme Court Justice).

President John F. Kennedy’s Grave

After his assassination in 1963, President John F. Kennedy was laid to rest in Arlington. His wife Jaqueline is married next to him. Each year millions of people visit the gravesite of the 35th President marked by an eternal flame.

Changing of the Guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier

The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier is a burial vault containing the remains of 3 unidentified service members; one each from World War I, World War II, and the Korean War. A white marble sarcophagus sits atop the vault facing Washington.

The tomb is guarded continuously by the 3rd U.S. Infantry, the oldest active duty infantry unit in the Army. Known as “The Old Guard”, they are the Army’s official ceremonial unit and escort to the president. And they provide security for Washington in times of national emergency or civil disturbance.

How to Visit Arlington National Cemetery

Arlington National Cemetery is located in Arlington, Virginia just across Memorial Bridge from the Lincoln Memorial. The Visitor Center is located at the main entrance on Memorial Drive. It houses a gift shop and the ticket office.

From April 1-September 30 the cemetery is open from 8:00am-7:00pm. And from October 1-March 31 it is open from 8:00am-5:00pm. For more information call 877-907-8585.

16) Tour the U.S. Supreme Court

The Supreme Court of the United States (SCOTUS) is the highest court in the U.S. It has appellate jurisdiction over all federal and state court cases that involve federal law.

In addition, the court has original jurisdiction over cases that have a state as a party; or involve ambassadors or ministers. The court also has the power of judicial review, meaning it can invalidate a statute for violating the Constitution.

Sit in on the U.S. Supreme Court

Amazingly, all Supreme Court oral arguments – including handing down of opinions – are open to the public!!! Check out the Court’s Daily Calendar to see which cases they are hearing.

Courtroom seating is limited and on a first-come, first-seated basis. Before a session begins, two lines form in front of the building. One line is for those who wish to attend an entire argument; seating begins at 9:30am. The other line is for those who wish to observe the Court in session only briefly; seating begins at 10:00am.

Travel Tip: The Supreme Court is located across the street from the east side of the U.S. Capitol Building. It is open Monday – Friday.

U.S. Supreme Court Tours and Exhibitions

There are no guided walking tours of the Supreme Court. However, visitors are free to walk around the public areas of the ground and first floor, including the Courtroom. Highlights include the John Marshall statue and portraits and busts of former Justices.

In addition, there are several Exhibitions located on the ground floor. Current exhibits include Sandra Day O’Connor, First Woman on the Supreme Court, A History of the Supreme Court’s Group Photograph, and Lady Lawyers: The Rise of Women Attorneys and the Supreme Court.

Courtroom Lectures

here are also 30 minute Courtroom Lectures taught by volunteer docents. They take place in the Courtroom and cover the judicial functions of the Supreme Court, the history of the building, and the architecture of the Courtroom.

Lectures are available Monday – Friday on a first-come, first-served basis and are free of charge. A line forms in the Great Hall on the first floor before each lecture. On days that the Court is not in session, they are scheduled every hour from 9:30am – 3:30pm

When the Court is in session, Courtroom Lectures are available only after Court adjourns for the day. Check out the Lectures Calendar for more details.

Cafe and Gift Shop

The Supreme Court Café on the ground floor offers breakfast, sandwiches, wraps, salads, pizzas, and Starbucks® drinks. It is open to the public from 9:00am-3:00pm, Monday through Friday. Vending machines with snacks and drinks are also available during business hours.

The Gift Shop is open from Monday through Friday at 9:00am-3:00pm. It offers a range of books, educational games, and themed items related to the Supreme Court’s history and law.

17) Tour the Pentagon

The Pentagon is the headquarters of the U.S. Department of Defense. It is located in Arlington County Virginia, across the Potomac River from Washington D.C. (You can see it from the top of the Washington Monument!)

The 5-sided (“pentagon”) shaped building is the world’s largest office building. This Washington D.C. landmark is 5-stories above ground and houses 26,000 military and civilian employees.

Pentagon Tours are offered to U.S. citizens on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 10:00am and 1:00pm . The 60 minute tour covers 1.5 miles. You have to register 2 weeks in advance and get clearance from the Pentagon Forces Protection Agency. 

How to Get There

• By Metrorail: Take the Yellow or Blue Line to Pentagon Metro Station.
• Taxis/Ride shares: Taxis/Ride shares drop off on North Rotary Road’s sidewalk near Corridors 2 and 3.
• Driving/ Parking: There is no public parking so driving is not recommended; nearest parking is at Macy’s, Pentagon City. The nearest parking is at the Fashion Centre at Pentagon City mall, followed by walking through the pedestrian tunnel to the Pentagon Visitor Entrance. 

18) Tour the Library of Congress

The Library of Congress is the national library of the United States. As the name suggests, it is the research library of the U.S. Congress. One of the largest libraries in the world, the Library of Congress has over 160 million items in its collection.

The library is free and open to the public with a timed-entry pass. Check out the current library Exhibitions and Events!

The Thomas Jefferson Building is located at 101 Independence Ave SE in Washington, D.C. It is open Tuesday – Saturday from 10:00am-5:00pm. A timed entry pass is required.

Reading Rooms

The Library of Congress is not a lending library. Only members of Congress and their staffs can check out books.

However, anyone 16 years or older can obtain a free Reader Identification Card and read material in one of the library’s reading rooms. For more information call 202-707-5278.

Located across from the U.S. Capitol Building

The Library of Congress opened in 1800 inside the U.S. Capitol Building. (Which makes sense, since it was to be used by members of Congress).

However, the library soon outgrew the space. Especially after the Copyright Act of 1870 decreed that two copies of all protected works be deposited in the library.

As a result, in 1897 the Library of Congress moved across the street from the U.S. Capitol Building; next door to the U.S. Supreme Cout. It is housed in 3 buildings that are connected by underground passageways. Some of the library’s gigantic collection is houses in two off site storage locations in nearby Maryland.

Library of Congress Dome

The 12 large figures painted under the Library of Congress Dome represent different countries or regions of the world. The areas chosen represent a late 19th century view of their important contributions to western civilization.

The 8 figures between the windows symbolize subjects you can explore at the library. Flanking them on the balustrade below, 16 bronze statues depict men famous for their contributions to each subject.

Thomas Jefferson’s Private Library

One of the highlights of the Library of Congress is President Thomas Jefferson’s Private Library. The books are kept behind glass, but you can browse the titles. And you can explore the collection online.

Thomas Jefferson loved to learn so much he famously stated, “I cannot live without books.”  When his family home Shadwell burned in 1770, he most lamented the loss of his books. Jefferson then acquired the largest personal collection of books in the United States for his library at Monticello.

When the British set fire to the U.S. capitol in 1814, over 3,000 books in the Library of Congress burned. In 1815 Congress purchased 6,487 books from Thomas Jefferson’s library for $23,950. Sadly, a fire on Christmas Eve 1851 destroyed nearly two thirds of the works.

19) Tour the FBI

The Federal Bureau of Investigation – commonly known as the FBI – is the chief U.S. federal law enforcement agency. It has jurisdiction over more than 200 federal crime categories.

Self guided tours of FBI Headquarters are open to the public. Visitors learn how the Bureau operates in the field, at Headquarters, and within communities across the country. And they get a rare look inside the organization’s investigative divisions, laboratory resources, professional occupations, and more. In addition, artifacts from notable cases are on display for the very first time.

The FBI Headquarters is located at 935 Pennsylvania Ave N.W. in Washington, D.C. FBI Experience Tours are free, but must be booked in advance through your congressional representative’s office. It can be up to five months in advance but no less than four weeks prior to your desired tour date.

FBI 10 Most Wanted Fugitives

The Ten Most Wanted Fugitives List debuted in 1950 with one simple goal: to help the FBI catch the nation’s most dangerous criminals by enlisting the public’s help. Since then, more than 520 fugitives have appeared on the list, and thanks to citizen tips, over 90% have been apprehended or located.

Public awareness has always played a major role. In fact, two of the most famous captures happened in 1961 and 1967, when visitors on the FBI’s Washington, D.C. tour recognized fugitives from the wall display and alerted staff, leading directly to arrests.

The current Top 10 Fugitives (See below pictures):

1. Omar Alexander Cardenas: Allegedly shot and killed a 46-year-old man (Jabali Dumas) outside a barbershop in Sylmar, Los Angeles on August 15, 2019.
2. Yulan Adonay Archaga Carias: A top MS-13 leader in Honduras, indicted for orchestrating racketeering, drug trafficking, and firearms offenses. Accused of sending firearms and multi-ton cocaine shipments to the U.S. and ordering murders of rival gang members.
3. Bhadreshkumar Chetanbhai Patel: Wanted for fatally stabbing his wife while they were working together at a Maryland doughnut shop on April 12, 2015.
4. Wilver Villegas-Palomino: A member of Colombia’s National Liberation Army (ELN), designated a foreign terrorist organization. Wanted for drug trafficking linked to the group’s northeastern warfront.
5. Alejandro Rosales Castillo: Accused in the 2016 murder of his ex-girlfriend, Truc Quan “Sandy” Ly Le, in Charlotte, North Carolina.
6. Arnoldo Jimenez: Allegedly murdered his newlywed wife on their wedding night in 2012 in Illinois. He evaded capture until his arrest in Monterrey, Mexico, in January 2025.
7. Donald Eugene Fields II: Wanted for involvement in child sex trafficking between 2013-2017 in Missouri. He was captured in Florida in January 2025, about 20 months after being added to the list.
8. Vitel-Homme Innocent: A Haitian gang leader implicated in violent kidnappings of U.S. citizens. He was added to the list in November 2023 and later removed while still considered at large.
9. Ruja Ignatova (“Cryptoqueen”): Founder of OneCoin, a massive cryptocurrency Ponzi scheme that defrauded investors of billions of dollars. She disappeared in 2017 after being charged with fraud and money laundering.
10. Alexis Flores: Convicted in the kidnapping and murder of a 5-year-old girl in Philadelphia in 2000.

➡️Private Washington DC City Tour

20) See Pandas at the Smithsonian National Zoo

After a year with no pandas, the National Zoo in Washington D.C. once again has these beloved creatures in its care!

Sadly, due to a cooling in Chinese/U.S. relations in 2023 pandas at the San Diego Zoo and Memphis Zoo were sent back to China. Then on November 8, 2023, National Zoo resident pandas Tian Tian, Mei Xiang, and their youngest cub Xiao Qi were also sent back.

For a short period, the only U.S. zoos that still had pandas was Zoo Atlanta.

All of that has changed in 2024 when the Chinese government sent giant pandas Bao Li and Qing Bao to the National Zoo! Starting in January 2025, you can visit the new bear pair in their renovated habitat on Asia Trail.

Check out the Mama Kims Pandas at National Zoo in Washington D.C. blog to learn more!

Shop

You can gear up to welcome them in style with their exclusive merchandise! Shop and explore their range of exclusive apparel and accessories designed just for you, including sweaters, tees, tote bags, hats, mugs, and souvenirs!

➡️Check out Washington DC Bus Tours

Check out my blog How to Visit the 16 Smithsonian Museums in Washington D.C.

21) Visit the David’s Tent D.C.

David’s Tent DC is a 24/7 worship gathering located on the National Mall in Washington, D.C. It is powered by Youth With A Mission (YWAM) Washington DC. In 2012, inspired by a calling to pray for national renewal, YWAM DC launched a 40-day praise and worship gathering on the National Mall – and the tent has been active 24/7 ever since.

Core leadership and long-term staff, often called “missionaries” are trained through YWAM’s Discipleship Training School (DTS). They truly reflecting the spirit of intercession and worship that fuels the Tent around the clock.

The heart of David’s Tent is simple: worship Jesus around the clock without agenda, politics, or denominational barriers. Anyone can come in, whether for a few minutes or a few hours, and join the singing, prayer, or simply sit quietly in the presence of God.

If you are visiting the National Mall, David’s Tent is easy to find and always open. It is a quiet retreat where you can pause during your sightseeing and experience the spirit of worship.

In 2021 I accidentally discovered the tent while looking for a place to charge my mobility scooter. (I rented a scooter due to a leg injury). Then in 2025, San Francisco mayoral candidate Ellen Lee Zhou asked me to meet her there. She had been volunteering at the tent for a month.

Where To Stay in Washington D.C.

If you’re planning to visit the National Archives, the National Mall, or the U.S. Capitol, staying in or near the Downtown, Penn Quarter, National Mall area keeps everything within easy reach.

Here are three of the best-reviewed hotels in Washington D.C. for all budgets:

Budget Accommodation – Motto by Hilton Washington D.C. City Center

If you’re looking for a clean, modern stay just blocks from the National Archives and Smithsonian Museums, Motto by Hilton offers great value.

The rooms are compact but stylish, and there’s a rooftop bar with fantastic city views. Guests love the location, just a short walk to Metro stations and top sites.

Mid-Range Accommodation – Hotel Hive (Near the National Mall)

Hotel Hive is Washington D.C.’s first micro-hotel, blending affordability with fun, artistic design. Located near the Lincoln Memorial and Foggy Bottom, it’s perfect for travelers who plan to spend their days exploring and want a hip, affordable home base at night.

There’s a rooftop bar, great pizza downstairs, and tons of great reviews from solo travelers and couples alike.

Luxury Accommodation – Willard InterContinental Washington D.C.

For those wanting a luxurious stay with historical depth, you can’t beat the Willard InterContinental. Just a block from the White House and a 10-minute walk to the National Archives, this iconic hotel has hosted U.S. presidents, foreign dignitaries, and even Martin Luther King Jr.

The rooms are grand, the service is exceptional, and the lobby feels like stepping into a piece of American history.

Check out my National Portrait Gallery Highlights & Visitor Guide blog!

Final Thoughts

Washington D.C. offers an unforgettable journey through U.S. history. Start your visit by touring the White House, U.S. Capitol Building, and taking the elevator to the top of the Washington Monument. You can also explore the National Archives to view the Declaration of Independence, visit Washington D.C. landmark like the Lincoln and Jefferson Memorials, and see Congress in session.

Don’t miss a trip to Arlington National Cemetery to watch the Changing of the Guard or explore the Library of Congress. Other must-sees include the Smithsonian National Zoo, where you can visit the pandas, and the World War II and Vietnam Veterans Memorials.

Don’t miss these must-see Washington D.C. landmarks in 2026!

Check out my Smithsonian National Museum of American History | What to See + Visitor Tips blog!

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