Washington

No trip to D.C. is complete without seeing the iconic White House. You can’t go inside without advance clearance, but the Visitor Center nearby has a virtual tour that gives a good sense of the rooms and history. From the outside, it’s interesting to watch the comings and goings, and the lawn and gardens are worth a stroll if you’re nearby.

The National Mall is the central strip of D.C., where most of the major sights are lined up. You can stroll past the Smithsonian museums — like the National Museum of American History — and pop into the National Gallery and its Sculpture Garden. Monuments and memorials are scattered along the way, from Lincoln and Roosevelt to the Vietnam and Korean War memorials.

The United States Capitol dominates the eastern end of the National Mall on Capitol Hill — its dome, completed during the Civil War, is hard to miss. The Capitol is the seat of the United States Congress, and it has been a center of American politics since 1800. Inside, the Visitor Center walks you through its history, shows off its art collection, and explains how the legislative branch works. Free guided tours are available, but booking ahead is a good idea — lines can get long, especially in peak season.

At the far end of the National Mall, the Lincoln Memorial feels even more striking when you walk up the steps and stand where Martin Luther King Jr. gave his defining “I Have a Dream” speech. Inside, Lincoln’s 19-foot statue looks out over the long Reflecting Pool toward the Washington Monument. Go at sunrise or after dark if you want a quieter moment — the view’s completely different depending on the time of day.

Opened in 1863, Ford’s Theatre is best known as the site of Abraham Lincoln’s assassination. You can tour the theatre, visit the museum, and learn about Lincoln’s life and legacy. The adjacent Petersen House, where Lincoln died, is part of the experience.

Not many cemeteries would be listed among a city’s top 10 sights, but Arlington is an exception. Catch the ceremonial changing of the guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, where soldiers keep a 24-hour watch in honor of the unidentified dead from World War I, World War II, and the Korean War. Beyond the tomb, you can visit the graves of presidents, military leaders, and other notable figures, or take a quiet walk through the grounds.

The National Gallery of Art has a huge collection spanning centuries. The Neo-Classical West Building houses European paintings and sculptures, while the modern East Building focuses on 20th- and 21st-century art. Outside, the Sculpture Garden features large-scale works and is a nice spot to take a break.

The Library of Congress is the largest library in the world, and its three buildings — the Thomas Jefferson, James Madison Memorial, and John Adams — are well worth exploring. Free tours show off the architecture and highlight the rare collections, while exhibitions, gallery talks, concerts, and lectures give visitors plenty to see and do.

A short walk from the Tidal Basin and just a bit farther from the White House, the Jefferson Memorial sits on the water’s edge. White marble steps lead up to the circular temple, and inside, a 19-foot statue of Thomas Jefferson by Rudulph Evans looks out over the basin. The memorial’s walls feature Jefferson’s own words, and the surrounding park is especially nice during cherry blossom season.

At nearly 555 feet, the Washington Monument is the tallest structure in the city and can be seen from all over D.C. You can take an elevator to the observation deck for a panoramic view of the National Mall, the Capitol, and the surrounding city. Tickets are timed, so it’s best to reserve in advance, especially during peak tourist season.

Right next to the Capitol, the Botanic Garden is a quiet spot with both indoor conservatories and outdoor plots. Inside, you can walk through rainforest and desert environments under glass; outside, there are seasonal displays and a rose garden. It’s not huge, so an hour or so is usually enough, but it’s a nice break from the busier sights on the Mall. Entry is free, and there are programs and exhibits for all ages.