Washington, D.C.

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.

Head out after dark to see the iconic monuments of Washington D.C. all lit up and crowd-free on this guided sightseeing night tour. Hop aboard an open-air trolley and enjoy fun anecdotes and historical information about the United States capital while traveling past each point of interest. See the Lincoln Memorial, the Washington Monument, the White House, and many other landmarks.

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.

The Supreme Court building, completed in 1935, is open to the public for self-guided visits. On the ground floor, you’ll find exhibitions about the Court’s history and role in government, and on the first floor, you can see the courtroom where cases are heard. There’s also a short educational film, and at certain times, you can attend lectures or oral arguments if the Court is in session.

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.

Not far from the Lincoln Memorial, the Kennedy Center is D.C.’s main stage for live performance. The calendar is packed year-round with everything from ballet and opera to jazz, theatre, and touring shows. The rooftop terrace is open to the public and gives a wide view of the Potomac River.

The United States Holocaust Memorial Museum is a powerful and in-depth memorial and education center. Using artifacts, survivor testimonies, and films, the Permanent Exhibition traces events from the rise of the Nazis to the aftermath of the Holocaust. It’s a sobering experience that most visitors spend two to three hours exploring.

Rock Creek Park has been a green space in D.C. since 1890. It’s a good spot to escape the city, walk or bike along trails, and enjoy nature without leaving the urban area. Keep an eye out for squirrels, birds, and other wildlife as you wander through the woods or along the creek.

At the National Air and Space Museum, you can see historic aircraft, from Amelia Earhart’s Lockheed to World War II fighters, as well as spacecraft and moon landing exhibits. There’s also a planetarium, IMAX theatre, and flight simulators, plus workshops and demonstrations that make the science behind aviation and space exploration come alive.