10 Best Attractions & Activities in Washington, DC
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History comes alive in Washington, D.C.'s many museums, landmarks and cultural centers
By Chris Wadsworth, Local Expert, Washington
Washington, D.C. may be the nation's capital, but it's also one of America's leading tourist destination. You could literally spend a year here and still not cover all the things there are to see and do. With that in mind, 10Best has worn the rubber off our sneakers as we explored every nook and cranny of "the district" and the surrounding region. No stone was left unturned as we looked for the most exciting, most interesting and most important sites visitors should add to their itinerary. From the always popular White House and the U.S. Capitol to (slightly) more hidden gems such as the Udvar-Hazy Center and the Botanic... Read more »
1- Type: Great Views, Historic Sites
- Neighborhood: National Mall
A visit to the Lincoln Memorial and the Reflecting Pool beyond is truly a meeting point of true history and... Read more »
2Smithsonian National Air & Space Museum — Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center
- Type: History Museums, IMAX Theaters, Museums, Science Museums, Sightseeing
- Neighborhood: Sterling
Local Expert Tip: "For those who enjoy motion sickness, hop on board one of the many flight simulators available for a small fee."
3White House / White House Visitor Center
- Type: Historic Sites, Sightseeing
- Neighborhood: Downtown
Local Expert Tip: "While taking a tour of the White House is free, it can be tricky. Visitors must submit a request through their member of Congress and schedule their tour weeks or even months in advance. Visitors from other countries should contact their embassy in Washington."
4George Washington's Mount Vernon Estate & Gardens
- Type: Historic Sites
- Neighborhood: Mount Vernon
Local Expert Tip: "Each morning as Mount Vernon opens to the public, there is a flag raising ceremony. Believe it or not, you can be the one to do the honors and hoist Old Glory. Contact the estate ahead of time to arrange this special honor."
5- Type: Architecture, Art Museums, History Museums, Museums, Science Museums
- Neighborhood: National Mall
Local Expert Tip: "Check out the many Smithsonian Gardens that surround the museums along the National Mall. These gardens have been created and cultivated to reflect the museum they border and offer a unique perspective that many visitors overlook."
6- Type: Gardens, Parks
- Neighborhood: National Mall
Local Expert Tip: "A hand-powered water pump is tucked away in a small garden near the front lobby. Let the kids have some fun pumping and splashing the water. If it's a warm day, it will cool them off and, don't worry, they'll dry. "
7- Type: Historic Sites
- Neighborhood: Arlington
Local Expert Tip: "Cars are mostly off limits inside the cemetery, so wear good shoes and be prepared to walk."
8- Type: Family Friendly, Zoos
- Neighborhood: Woodley Park
Local Expert Tip: "If you just can't wait for your visit, check out the National Zoo's website, where there are links to dozens of webcams where you can watch the animals anytime -- day or night."
9- Type: Historic Sites
- Neighborhood: Capitol Hill
Local Expert Tip: "Pay special attention to the "whispering gallery" in Statuary Hall. Unusual acoustics allow your lightest whispers to be heard by a friend across a large, crowded room."
10- Type: History Museums, Museums
- Neighborhood: Downtown
Local Expert Tip: "If you have kids with you, stop at the Newseum's TV studios where children can stand in front of a camera and give their own news, sports or weather report. You can even get a digital copy of you budding newscaster's work, for a fee, of course."
