Things to Do in Washington DC

Stretching from the Capitol to the Lincoln Memorial, the National Mall is a wide, tree-lined expanse of open space between the Constitution and Independence avenues. The Mall is the center of D.C. tourist attractions, fringed by the Smithsonian museums and dotted with monuments.

For here is the iconic Lincoln Memorial, fronted by its long Reflecting Pool; nearby is the Washington Monument, the top of which offers some of best panoramic views of the city. Pause to reflect on the fallen soldiers at the Vietnam Veteran’s Memorial, or marvel at the 56 granite pillars at the National WWII Memorial. If you come in late March or early April, the cherry trees at the Thomas Jefferson Memorial will be blazing pink.

You could spend days and days studying the treasures at the Smithsonian museums on the Mall. From the massive collections in the National Gallery of Art and the National Museum of Natural History.

Part of the National Mall and National Park Service, this 7.5-acre park dedicated to America’s 32nd president features a series of four outdoor artworks depicting the Great Depression and FDR’s 12 pivotal years in office. Scenes include one of the leader’s “fireside chats” via radio, and waiting for food in a bread line.

The most famous feature of this 1997 memorial is a large-scale bronze sculpture of Roosevelt and his beloved terrier, Fala. The artwork is controversial because it depicts the president, who was wheelchair-bound in real life, sitting in a chair that is almost entirely draped by a cloak.

Park rangers are on site every day to offer interpretive tours between 10 a.m. and 11 p.m. Visitor parking is available for free along Ohio Drive south of the Lincoln Memorial, or just south of the Jefferson Memorial in Lots A, B and C. No Metrorail stations are entirely adjacent to the Memorial, but the Farragut North, Metro Center, Farragut West.

This man-made reservoir located in West Potomac Park offers some of the most extraordinary views of Washington, D.C.’s most spectacular sites. Whether visitors wander its parameter or hire paddleboats and cruise out into its waters, they will surely be treated to a picture-perfect look at the Jefferson, Franklin Delano Roosevelt, Martin Luther King, Jr. and George Mason Memorials. Close proximity to the National Mall, Washington Monument and all of the top museums make if the perfect place to spend an afternoon wandering, biking and exploring in D.C.

More than 126 million (yes, million!) specimens of plants, animals, rocks, fossils, meteorites, human remains, and cultural artifacts can be found at The National Museum of Natural History. The museum, opened in 1910 is administered by the Smithsonian Institution, and was one of the first Smithsonian buildings built to exclusively house collections and research facilities. The buildings are also buzzing with almost two hundred natural history scientists. Open 364 days a year, with free admission, this is the most-visited natural history museum in the world—and the most-visited museum of any type in North America. Insider’s Tip: It might go without saying that this museum is always packed, but it’s worth setting aside a day and fighting the crowds to see the incredible collections on display at this family friendly attraction.

First-time visitors will be forgiven for assuming Capitol Hill, the geographic and legislative heart of the city, is all about the majestic icon that sits atop its hill. While the U.S. Capitol -- with its towering cast-iron dome topped by the bronze Statue of Freedom, ornate fountains, and marble Roman pillars -- is no doubt the centerpiece of this area, there is more to Capitol Hill than its namesake building.

The Capitol Grounds is a lush landscape of sweeping lawns and more than 4,000 trees. At the base of the hill, the Capitol Reflecting Pool echoes the larger, rectangular pool at the other end of the National Mall. House and Senate office buildings surround the Capitol, while the Supreme Court, the three Library of Congress buildings, and the Folger Shakespeare Library & Theatre lie east.

One of the most iconic and impressive structures in Washington D.C., the Library of Congress contains a staggering 120 million items, including 22 million books plus manuscripts, maps, photographs, films and prints. But don't expect to see many books: Most are shelved on more than 500 miles of closed library stacks housed in the three different buildings. The Library - the world’s largest - is still nonetheless fascinating.

The centerpiece of the LOC experience is the historic 1897 Jefferson Building, where you can wander around the spectacular Great Hall, ornate with stained glass and marble. The artwork of the Great Hall reflects the beauty that emerges from such amassed wisdom, such as the goddesses and cherubs who represent different fields of knowledge. Multimedia kiosk provide the minutest details of the library’s awe-inspiring collection.

Anyone over the age of 18 carrying photo ID can use the library, and more than a million people do so each year.

For under the Smithsonian banner are 19 world-class museums, 9 research centers, and the National Zoological Park. Its collection of some 140 million spans the entire world including artworks, scientific specimens, artifacts, and other objects. So large is the collection that only one percent is on display at any given point.

The Smithsonian Institution includes such popular attractions as the National Air and Space Museum, the National Museum of African Art, the Freer Gallery of Art, the National Museum of American Indian, the National Museum of American History, the National Museum of Natural History, and the Smithsonian American Art Museum and National Portrait Gallery.

The Institution also includes low-key but fascinating collections in the Anacostia Community Museum, the Arthur M. Sackler Gallery, and the National Postal Museum. All the museums have stunning permanent collections, but always be on the lookout for temporary exhibitions.

The flagship of the U.S. Government’s National Archives and Records Administration, this Greek Revival building in D.C.’s Federal Triangle was created in 1934 to house records of America’s military, civic and diplomatic origins and activities. Home to the Charters of Freedom – the Declaration of Independence, Constitution and Bill of Rights – the Archives offers a comprehensive visitor experience that includes the Charters themselves, as well as a film about the relationship between public records and democracy, and a peek into the public research vaults.

The outdoor US Navy Memorial is a circular plaza with a "Granite Sea" map of the world. Two tall, arced buildings encompass the map in the center, the focal point of the Memorial. Fountains with pools, sculpted panels, and long columns embellish the stately Memorial. The eye-catching statue of the Lone Soldier represents every man and woman who has served in the Navy or other sea services.

Adjacent to the US Navy Memorial is the Naval Heritage Center. A pseudo-museum, it was built to educate the public on the mission and history of the Navy, as well as a look into the life of those who serve in it. In the Center, visitors will find interactive exhibits and a movie theater that screens films about Navy service. There is a Media Resource Center on site, which houses historical text and documents on the Navy, as well as a souvenir shop.

The J. Edgar Hoover FBI Building, also known as the Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI) Headquarters, is the brain of the FBI’s activities around the world. The building, named after Hoover, who was the first FBI director, is located downtown in Washington DC, within walking distance of many other popular attractions. It also has a unique history, including a story that the famous FBI crime laboratory may have also been used as a smoking lounge.

The FBI has multiple locations, each of which handles various parts of the organization. The headquarters centralizes and coordinates activities at the highest levels. It serves as a hub for intelligence and information gathering. It’s also the location that takes the lead for the FBI during times of crisis or emergency.

More than four million people visit Arlington National Cemetery, which contain the graves of soldiers of every war the United States has fought since the American Revolution. The cemetery is also a resting place for such American leaders as John F. Kennedy, Oliver Wendell Holmes, and Medgar Evers.

At the end of Memorial Drive is the Women In Military Service for America Memorial, honoring women who have served in the armed forces since the Revolution. On the slopes above are the Kennedy gravesites; an eternal flame marks John F. Kennedy’s grave. The Tomb of the Unknowns holds unidentified bodies from World War I, World War II, and the Korean War. Soldiers march before it 24 hours a day, performing an impressive ceremonial changing of the guard every half hour.

Ford’s Theatre has served many functions since its construction was completed in 1833. Once a church, a warehouse, a theater and then an office building, the landmark is now known as a National Historic Site. By and far, the historical building is most infamously known as the theater where actor John Wilkes Booth shot and killed President Abraham Lincoln on that fateful night of April 14, 1865. Lincoln had been there to see a production of Our American Cousin with his wife, and since that night, Ford’s Theatre has been one of Washington D.C.'s most important historical attractions.

Immediately after being shot, President Lincoln was moved across the street to the Petersen House, where he ultimately died. Nearly 70 years later in 1932, both buildings were designated national historical sites, and today, Ford’s Theatre is overseen by the National Park Service.

The highest court in the country, the Supreme Court of the United States convenes in an imposing 1935 all-marble building. The stately Corinthian marble palace was designed by Cass Gilbert, best known for his skyscrapers including New York's Woolworth Building.

The seated figures in front of the building represent the female Contemplation of Justice and the male Guardian of Law; panels on the bronze front doors depict the history of jurisprudence. Downstairs is an exhibit on the history of the court and a striking statue of John Marshall, fourth Chief Justice. When court is in session, try to hear an oral argument. On days when court's not in session, you can hear lectures about the Supreme Court in the courtroom (and check out its lofty architecture). Justices hear arguments at 10am Monday to Wednesday for two weeks every month from October to April. The release of orders and opinions, open to the public, takes place in May and June.