If you were to ask 100 US citizens to define American culture, you would get just as many unique answers. We’re defined by our urban experiences—the glitz of Los Angeles, the bustle of New York City, the spectacle of Las Vegas. We’re our local experiences, too—the Weather Capital of the World in Punxsutawney, the warmth of Pie Town, the pioneering spirit of the National Road. Finding a starting point to uncover and discover the United States can be hard to do, and so we offer our home base for consideration: the nation’s capital, Washington, DC.
There’s a good reason why so many people from the US and abroad make Washington, DC their vacation destination each year: it’s a perfect starting point to discover what makes this country unique. Here are 20 of our favorite spots to recommend when crafting a DC itinerary. From famous spots to off-the-beaten-path treasures, there’s a lot to learn and plenty of fun to be had!
The Monuments & Memorials of DC
In a city full of its own history, Washington, DC also houses the history of people and events from sea to shining sea. Here are a few monuments and memorials we love to visit.
► Jefferson Memorial

► Washington Monument
If you were to close your eyes and picture the Washington, DC skyline, the city’s tallest monument pointing like an arrow that could pierce the sky is almost certainly the first image that would come to mind. The Washington Monument is the centerpiece of the National Mall and is practically DC personified. From the ground, you can look up to see it extend more than 555 feet into the sky. You can also reserve a time to take an elevator to the very top, where panoramic views greet you. If you aren’t one of the lucky few to snag a ticket to the top (making reservations online in advance is highly recommended!), one of our favorite history lessons can be learned without anything more than a visit. Standing in front of it, notice the stone color changes about a third of the way up. Construction on the obelisk began in 1848, but funds dried up after a few years; the Civil War extended the construction delay even further. When the project finally ramped up again 20-some years later the marble quarry that supplied the stone at the beginning of the project was no longer in operation. Engineers had to use slightly different stone to finish their work. Over time, the stones have aged in color which created the noticeable stripe you see today.
► World War I Memorial

► Lincoln Memorial
When Martin Luther King, Jr. gave his I Have a Dream speech, he did so under the gaze of the USA’s 16th president. The Lincoln Memorial has witnessed many historic moments, and it pays tribute to a president remembered by history for his work toward healing a wounded nation. Lincoln’s likeness is foreboding, rising almost 100 feet above the heads of visitors, but there’s much more to the monument than meets the eye. It’s constructed of marble from Colorado, Georgia, Tennessee, and Alabama; granite from Massachusetts; and limestone from Indiana. These materials were specifically sourced to represent Lincoln’s unification legacy. Although it’s often crowded, there’s always plenty of open space to enjoy the views from outside, where numerous other attractions on the National Mall can be seen.
► James Buchanan Memorial

► Eisenhower Memorial
One of Washington, DC’s newest monuments remembers Dwight D. Eisenhower, the 34th president. Designed by architect Frank Gehry, the memorial takes a page out of the FDR memorial’s book by using statues to depict key moments in Eisenhower’s life. Even its position in DC is intentional; the memorial is surrounded by several agency buildings connected to his administration, including the Department of Education and the Federal Aviation Administration. Despite the number of memorials in DC, it’s not every day we welcome a new one, so if you have visited DC before this may be a new spot to add to your itinerary.
► FDR Memorial

► A few more…
There are many more monuments and memorials to see in DC, including the Korean War Veterans Memorial, the US Marine Corps War Memorial, the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, Arlington National Cemetery, the United States Air Force Memorial, the Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial, the George Mason Memorial, the World War II Memorial, the Albert Einstein Memorial, and Ford’s Theatre. Check those out while you’re in Washington, DC!
The Great Outdoors
It might be a city, but Washington, DC is full of great spots for experiencing the beauty and wonder of nature. Add a few of these locations to your list without having to leave the District!
► Theodore Roosevelt Island

► US Botanic Garden
A genuine favorite place for those who call DC home, the US Botanic Garden is the oldest continuously operating botanic garden in the United States. Built on land designated for its purposed by President James Madison, there are more than 65,000 plants onsite. It’s a great place to see some endangered and lesser-known plants as well as some beautiful favorites, like orchids and roses. It’s also home to the Bartholdi Fountain, a centerpiece for the gardens and is illuminated on summer evenings. The US Botanic Gardens is a great place to relax in the middle of a busy day and a terrific destination on its own.
► Capitol Columns
Located at the National Arboretum in Northeast Washington, DC, the Capitol Columns are a great location to visit if you’re looking for a peaceful spot to get away from the tourists. Originally built as part of the US Capitol Building, when the dome was constructed in 1866 there was some concern that the columns couldn’t hold the weight of the new structure. Almost 100 years later, the columns were removed and sent to their new home at the National Arboretum. Now, they stand in a quiet park that takes a little sleuthing to find—it’s nowhere near the Mall or most of DC’s other famous landmarks—but it’s a hidden treasure you will be glad you visited.
► Hains Point
If plane spotting sounds like fun, you’ll want to make sure to visit Hains Point. Located near Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport on the southern tip of East Potomac Park, it’s a favorite spot for picnics and to watch as planes take off from and land at the airport. Washington, DC has some of the most restricted air space in the country, and planes follow strict flight paths to comply with regulations. One of those flight paths goes right past Hains Point. If you want to take a picnic and spend a morning or afternoon there, you’ll want to reserve a table online in advance; there are plenty of trails to explore if you’re looking for more movement. Although not in DC, nearby Gravelly Point is just across the Potomac River in Arlington, Virginia; it offers even better plane spotting opportunities as aircraft takes off and lands directly overhead.
Cultural Stops in Washington, DC
Washington, DC is full of unique, only-in-our-city types of destinations. Here are a few of our favorite places to visit that you won’t find anywhere else!
► White House and US Capitol Tour

► Eastern Market
Capitol Hill is home to the city’s huge local marketplace, and Eastern Market is a perfect place to visit if you want to sample local food and make a few purchases from independent craftspeople. Eastern Market opened its doors in 1873, and today you’ll find some of the city’s most interesting people and the goods they create. We have purchased artwork and jewelry from vendors; you can also purchase food made from farm-to-table ingredients and plenty of ingredients to cook your own meals if you have access to a kitchen. Open daily except for Mondays, it’s worth a visit!
► Embassy Row

► Dupont Underground
Head underground to experience some of Washington, DC’s coolest artwork! In an abandoned trolley station that now seeks to showcase the city’s cultural identity, the Dupont Underground offers exhibits that change regularly and incorporate elements of light, sound, and color. It’s especially interesting when thinking about the city’s transformations that provided the space for art to take shape; the tunnels saw trolleys as well as horses and carriages before people were welcomed in for its current iteration. From poetry to photography to performance art, it’s a unique space and a bit unexpected when visiting DC.
The DC Food Scene
Washington, DC’s food scene does not disappoint; from local flavors to international cuisine, you’ll find plenty of delicious options to try!
► Old Ebbitt Grill
Old Ebbitt Grill is the oldest saloon in Washington, DC, and it’s just steps away from the White House. A Washington, DC fixture since 1856, Old Ebbitt Grill is a popular spot for political lobbyists, DC insiders, journalists, and politicians; you never know who you’ll see when you visit! Enjoy cocktails and drinks from one of the four bars (the Old Bar, the Oyster Bar, Grant’s Bar, and the Corner Bar) and be sure to try the oysters. Look for the Walrus head on the wall; it was bagged by none other than Teddy Roosevelt, the 26th president of the United States.
► Ben’s Chili Bowl

► Jumbo Slice
If dinner turns into drinks and drinks turn into more drinks, you may need a DC-famous jumbo slice before catching a ride back to your hotel. The Adams Morgan neighborhood is the best place to find them; nothing more than huge, floppy slices of pizza, they are a great way to stave off hunger or cure a hangover. The original jumbo slice is at Pizza Mart, which is conveniently open until 2 AM—way past our bedtime! Duccini’s is another perennial favorite for locals looking for pizza slices as big as their heads.
► Jaleo
José Andrés has revolutionized the food scene in DC since making nearby Bethesda, Maryland his home, and Jaleo is one of our favorite places for gourmet food at reasonable prices. Featuring Spanish tapas, paella, and Spanish wine, Jaleo helped popularize small, shared plates in a way that eventually spread to some of his other restaurants, like Zaytinya and Oyamel. Visit for happy hour, when some of the most popular tapas are served at special prices, or spend more time and indulge in a full tasting menu experience. Don’t miss the gambas al ajillo, shrimps in garlic sauce, and croquettas de pollo, which are chicken croquettes.
► Ted’s Bulletin
A favorite brunch place with locations throughout the DC area, Ted’s Capitol Hill location is a great breakfast option to fuel your sightseeing plans! The biscuits with sausage gravy are a perfect take on the Southern classic, and the breakfast burrito is huge and filling, but don’t miss the sides: Ted’s Tarts are house made Pop-Tarts that come in seasonal flavors, and on weekends the “cinnamon roll as big as ya head” will feed everyone at your table!
Hotels in Washington, DC
There are plenty of lodging options in and around Washington, DC. Although we typically drive home after a day in the city, we have stayed overnight on a few occasions. We use Booking.com to research and compare hotels; Booking.com makes it easy to filter by amenities you want to have (like parking, free WiFi, or a property in a certain neighborhood). Take a look to see if there is a hotel that meets your needs!
That said, we do have one iconic suggestion:
► The Watergate

Enjoy Washington, DC!
We have been tourists in Washington, DC for years despite the fact we live in the area. We have experienced it through the eyes of friends and family who have visited with us for their first time, and we have discovered new favorite spots on almost every trip into the city.
If you are planning a visit, take a look at our other guides on how to make the most of your experience:
Our Post: The Ultimate Guide to Washington, DC Museums
Our Post: Christmas in Washington, DC: Holiday Traditions and Festivities
Our Post: The National Cherry Blossom Festival in Washington, DC
Our Post: The Around the World Embassy Tour in Washington, DC
Our Post: EU Open House: The European Union Embassy Tour in Washington, DC
If you have never visited DC, the city can be a special and cost-effective place with many museums and experiences offered for free. If you have visited before, we hope you found a few new spots to add to a Washington, DC itinerary in the future! The USA is a remarkably varied and diverse country, and you’ll learn about a new nuance in every big city and small town you see. That’s what we love about Washington, DC: it’s a great place to immerse yourself in the history, food, and stories that have shaped the country since the very beginning.