Washington DC, known as The District, is the capital of the United States. It is home to many historical monuments and artifacts. As well as the home of the Federal Government. The city of Washington DC has so much to offer guests that you should plan to stay for at least three to four days.
Exploring Washington DC is fairly easy with the DC Metro card that you can top up and use during your trip. It is valid at all the metro stations as well as the bus lines. The card is available to purchase at select Metro stations.
Museums
DC has no shortage of museums. Leaving you with plenty of things to see and do. There are 70 museums in the region and 19 of those are Smithsonian Museums. A majority of which are free.
This is a list of only the Smithsonian Museums located in Washington DC. You can find out more information about each of these museums from the Smithsonian website.
- National Museum of African American History and Culture
- National Museum of African Art
- National Air and Space Museum
- Smithsonian American Art Museum
- National Museum of American History
- National Museum of the American Indian
- Anacostia Community Museum
- Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden
- National Zoo
- National Museum of Natural History
- National Postal Museum
- Smithsonian Gardens
Other Notable Museums
The National Archives is home to the founding documents. These include The Bill of Rights, The Constitution, and the Declaration of Independence.
Be wary that you will wait in a very long line, and the room where the documents are is cold and dark in order to preserve them better. You will not be able to take pictures.
US Bureau of Engraving and Printing is where all the US paper money is printed. If you ever wanted to see billions of dollars in one room, this is the place.
The International Spy Museum displays many artifacts of espionage. There is an interactive spy mission for kids to complete while exploring the museum. James Bond props and artifacts are a highlight in the museum.
National Geographic Museum is a photographer and explore’s dream museum. You’ll be able to get an up-close look at artifacts used during expeditions from scientists.
Library of Congress is the largest library in the world. It holds a collection of books, magazines, recordings, photographs, maps, and manuscripts.
The National Mall
The iconic National Mall is located in the heart of Washington DC. It is the most visited National Park in the country and stretches for two miles. One end is the Capitol Building and on the other, The Lincoln Memorial. In between are a number of monuments, museums, and sculptures.
The most recognized are the Washington Monument, Martin Luther King Jr Memorial, World War II Memorial, Jefferson Memorial, Franklin D. Roosevelt Memorial, the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, and the Tidal Basin.
The initial thoughts and planning of what is now the National Mall started in 1791. It has seen many changes, construction, and been the stage for voices to be heard around the country and the world.
The Mall runs parallel to Constitution Ave with the White House nearby. There are free walking tours through DC By Foot. You can also schedule bike tours, segway tours, and bus tours. The best way to get to the Mall is by Metro on either the Blue, Orange, or Silver line at Federal Triangle Station.
Touring the US Capitol Building and The White House
The US Capitol Building is a working office building for the House of Representatives and the Senate. Admission is free but you will need to get a ticket time for a guide. They will take you to see the Rotunda, the Crypt, and the National Statuary Hall.
If you are a US Citizen, you can apply for a private tour through your State Representative or Senate office. Sign-ups are available on the representative’s personal website which can be found here.
Additionally, if you book a tour through your representative’s office, you will also be invited into their office where you may be able to meet with them if they are available. Tours are conducted by interns. They will also take you to see the House of Representative floor or the Senate floor depending on availability. You’ll be able to walk underground through the tunnels that connect all the offices to the Capitol Building.
While tours of The White House are very strict and selective, US Citizens can apply through their State Representative. However, if you are not a US Citizen you can contact your Embassy in Washington for more information. They require an FBI background check and 3 months in advanced submission of your application. I was not selected to tour The White House during my visit, but everyone can visit The White House visitor’s center which is a block away.
Arlington National Cemetery
Lastly, on the other side of the Potomac River lies Arlington National Cemetery. This is the final resting place for over 400,000 men and women. It covers an area of 624 acres.
Notable sites in Arlington are:
- Former President John F. Kennedy and his family
- The Tomb of the Unknown Solider
- US Army General John J. Pershing
- US Marine Corps War Memorial
- US Coast Guard Memorial
Tours can be scheduled through Arlington’s official tour group. The cemetery is open 365 days a year. Visitors will need to present a valid photo ID upon entry.
Thanks for the great information! We’ve been working our way through all the Smithsonian museums since moving to Baltimore last year, and there’s so much to see in DC.
Great post! I didn’t know there was a Nat Geo museum!! I went to the White House and Congress when I was a child and my parents applied for the tours. So lucky we got to go! Thanks for sharing this great post.