Pair DC's classic landmarks with less-crowded favorites that bring their stories full circle.
Washington, DC is steeped in history, home to world-renowned monuments, memorials and museums (most free to visit). But the city’s character shines beyond its most famous sights.
To truly uncover the nation’s capital, explore how DC’s attractions complement one another. Some pair beloved sites with local favorites for a laid-back vibe; others link related destinations to curate a richer experience. Each pairing invites visitors to discover new perspectives and support more of the people and places that make DC so unique.
Our list makes it easy to dive in, matching DC’s most popular sights with equally captivating, off-the-beaten-path destinations.
George Washington’s Mount Vernon / Tudor Place
The riverside abode of the first U.S. president (located in Mount Vernon, Va.) is a scenic marvel that also offers immersive historical experiences, four gardens, tours of the expansive mansion and exciting events year-round.
A smaller slice of 19th-century estate life, Tudor Place in DC’s Georgetown neighborhood was home to six generations of Martha Washington’s descendants from 1805 to 1983, providing additional (and fascinating) context to the history of the first First Family of the nation. You can also learn about enslaved workers and families who lived and worked on both properties during your visits, whose stories are essential to understanding the site's history.
The National Museum of American History (NMAH) / The Go-Go Museum
Millions of visitors look forward to colorful exhibits at the NMAH like Entertainment Nation, which highlights the development and unique character of American pop culture through film, TV, music and more, featuring artifacts from Prince's "Yellow Cloud" guitar to the original Muppets.
For a more local beat, cross the river for a visit to the Go-Go Museum & Café, a high-tech, media-rich tribute to DC’s official music genre. The museum features 16 interactive exhibits, AI-powered holograms and a hopping backyard stage, highlighting the city’s deep musical roots and community pride. It’s part of a growing hub of Black-owned businesses celebrating DC’s cultural legacy.
While you're in its namesake neighborhood, stop by the Anacostia Community Museum to dive deeper into African American culture and the region’s ongoing story of creativity and social change.
U.S. Botanic Garden / Kenilworth Park & Aquatic Gardens
While the Tidal Basin is famous for its monumental views and springtime cherry blossoms, DC's botanical beauty doesn't stop there. The U.S. Botanic Garden (the oldest continually operating in the country) is abundant and green any time of the year, from desert flora to orchids galore.
Once you've wrapped up, we recommend venturing to Kenilworth Park & Aquatic Gardens to view landscapes more natural to DC. In the summertime, you may even catch the crop of lotus and water lilies. Check out our full flower calendar to browse more of DC's most beautiful blooms.
National Archives / Planet Word
See how words can shape culture and history, whether by pen and ink in 1776 or by 21st-century LED light projection. At the National Archives, you'll find the founding documents (the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution and the Bill of Rights) alongside exhibits that cover topics essential to American ideals and identity.
Planet Word delves into linguistic history and brings words to life through modern technology. Listen to poetry and song in nearly 400 languages, paint with phrases or dig into the ways advertising, music and literature shape the way we communicate.
Library of Congress / Folger Shakespeare Library
Book lovers and history buffs alike can celebrate literature by pairing a visit to the world's largest Shakespeare collection with an exhibit from the largest library in the world.
The Folger explores literature, theatre and arts through the bard's works and other rare books. The Library of Congress presents the opportunity to explore Thomas Jefferson’s personal book collection and exhibitions that cover centuries' worth of stories.
Check out our book-lover's guide to DC for more inspiration.
Washington National Cathedral / The Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception
Two of Washington, DC’s most breathtaking places of worship showcase awe-inspiring architecture and craftsmanship.
At the Washington National Cathedral, wander through the magnificent nave, admire the intricate carvings of the high altar and explore the crypt-level chapels tucked beneath its Gothic arches. Don’t miss the Space Window, which contains a real moon rock.
In Brookland, the Basilica soars up from the horizon, the largest Roman Catholic church in North America. Book a guided tour to get a glimpse into the crypt and marvel at the basilica’s stunning mosaics, domes and 80-plus chapels dedicated to the Virgin Mary under different cultural titles.
9:30 Club / The Atlantis
One of Washington, DC’s most storied music venues, the 9:30 Club has been a pillar of the city’s live music scene since 1980. Lauded by the likes of Rolling Stone and Billboard, it remains the most attended club of its size in the world and a bucket-list stop for touring artists and fans alike.
Tucked in the same building and marked with its signature awning, The Atlantis opened in 2023, honoring the original club that once stood at 930 F Street NW. The 450-attendee venue – billed as "Where Music Begins" – celebrates emerging musical talent and channeling the spirit that defined DC’s early punk and alternative scenes.
Tidal Basin Boats (Boating in DC) / GoBoat at The Wharf
Get your sea legs (and your heart rate up) with this quintessential DC experience in the Tidal Basin. Here, your paddle boat trip pairs with views of the Jefferson Memorial, the Washington Monument and cherry blossom trees in the springtime.
For a little more horsepower, you can walk 10 minutes down to The Wharf, where GoBoat invites you to captain your own silent, electric-powered picnic boat along the Washington Channel. Cruise by East Potomac Park, Hains Point and hidden highlights like the Titanic Memorial, then dock your boat and enjoy waterfront dining, drinking or a meandering walk along the harbor.
Arlington National Cemetery / Congressional Cemetery
Remembrance is woven into the fabric of the nation’s capital, and there are destinations that provide opportunities to honor the lives of those who have served the nation in different ways. Perhaps the most famous, Arlington National Cemetery is a must-visit, paying tribute to military heroes throughout its sweeping grounds, thoughtful memorials and frequent ceremonies.
Across the river in Capitol Hill, Congressional Cemetery – established in 1790 and predating Arlington by over 50 years – offers a more local reflection of DC's history. It serves as the resting place of over 60,000 Washingtonians, including not only politicians but artists and activists. It's also the only cemetery in the U.S. with a dedicated LGBTQ+ memorial section, furthering its commitment to honoring all who have contributed to Washington, DC and American life.
Tip: Visit in the springtime to walk among some of the city's most beautiful cherry blossoms.
Lincoln Memorial / President Lincoln’s Cottage
It's no wonder the Lincoln Memorial is so popular: its positioning on the Mall, the larger-than-life statue of Abe, some of his most famous words inscribed on the walls and its view of the Reflecting Pool. Learn more with our guide to the monument.
You will then want to visit President Lincoln’s Cottage, a 250-acre campus in Northwest DC, which features a historic site and museum in commemoration of the locale, where Lincoln developed the Emancipation Proclamation. Book a guided tour to enrich the day (and don’t forget to explore Ford’s Theatre as part of your Lincoln-themed itinerary).
The National Mall / U.S. National Arboretum
Most of Washington, DC's most famous monuments and memorials line the two-mile long National Mall. However, the Mall is not the only open-air park of this scale within the city limits.
The District also contains all 451 acres of the U.S. National Arboretum, another beloved green space that is free to enjoy. What you may not know: here you can take in the National Capitol Columns, an installation of 22 Corinthian columns that once supported the east portico of the building. Don't miss the National Bonsai & Penjing Museum, located within the Arboretum.
National Air & Space Museum / Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center
Did you know that you can take your imagination to infinity and beyond at two separate locations in the DC area?
Aside from the National Mall’s museum, which touts a host of new spaces and exhibitions, there’s the Steven. F Udvar-Hazy Center, located just south of Dulles Airport in Chantilly, Va. Both museums are free to visit, but you will need a timed-entry pass for the Air & Space Museum in the District, which ensures the facilitation of crowds. Passes are not required for the Udvar-Hazy Center.
National Museum of African American History & Culture (NMAAHC) / African American Civil War Memorial
Since opening in 2016, NMAAHC has become one of Washington, DC’s most popular attractions thanks to its comprehensive exploration of the Black experience in America, from slavery and the Civil Rights Movement to Black Lives Matter.
Across town, visit the African American Civil War Memorial at the corner of Vermont Avenue, 10th Street and U Street NW. Be sure to explore the surrounding neighborhood, one of DC’s most vibrant and historic areas, once known as “Black Broadway.”
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U.S. Capitol Building / Supreme Court
The world-famous domed building that is home to the U.S. House of Representatives and the Senate can be toured for free; just make sure to reserve a date and time for your excursion and you can enjoy the insights of a professional tour guide as you walk through the Capitol Building.
Add the judiciary branch to your itinerary with a visit to the Supreme Court. The building is open Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., for self-guided visits, however some court proceedings may limit access to the building. Check out Today at the Court's schedule to visit. You might just be able to see the Court Chamber when sessions aren't in progress and view exhibits on Supreme Court history and Justices.
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