Area Attractions

Visit the nation’s oldest federal cultural institution and the largest library in the world, housing more than 168 million items. The Library provides access to millions of books, photographs, and newspapers, and is also home to the U.S. Copyright Office.

No trip to Washington, D.C., would be complete without a trip to see the White House. Stop by for a photo op, and make sure to request a tour of the most visited house in America well in advance.

Discover a symbol of the American government and the meeting place of our nation’s legislature, which serves as both a working office building and a tourist attraction.

Marvel at this iconic monument built to commemorate George Washington. Stop in front for a picture or ride an elevator to the top of the world’s tallest stone structure.

Explore this Smithsonian Museum that takes you on a journey through African American history. The museum encompasses more than 85,000 square feet and includes more than 37,000 historical objects.

With more than 125 million unique artifacts and specimens on display, as well as the recently opened David H. Koch Hall of Fossils, the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History is the world’s most visited museum. Drawing 8 million tourists each year, this kid-friendly attraction is a can’t-miss while in D.C.

Experience what it is like to be in law enforcement and test your decision-making skills at this interactive and informative museum. Discover untold stories that impacted our nation and learn about the history of law enforcement.

Founded in 1974 as the Capital Children’s Museum, National Children’s Museum, has served as the home of early childhood learning and development. After relocating in 2020, National Children’s Museum re-opened to the public on Pennsylvania Ave NW. The Dream Machine, located within the museum, is three stories tall!

Re-opening October 14, 2022, National Air and Space Museum is one of the most visited museums in the world. Featuring eight new galleries, visitors will be transcended into air and space. Please note, the whole museum will not officially open until 2025.

At National Building Museum immerse yourself in the history of Washington, D.C. Constructed between 1882 and 1887, National Building Museum has been the venue for many of Washington’s social and political functions, including nineteen inaugural balls.

Become a spy and uncover a secret mission at International Spy Museum. This interactive museum is home to the most extensive collection of international espionage artifacts available for public viewing.

An innovative leader in the field of digital and experiential art, ARTECHOUSE expands the possibilities of art and how we experience it through cutting-edge technology-driven exhibitions and experiences. ARTECHOUSE connects progressive ideas, artists and audiences to stimulate innovation and creativity at the intersection of art, science and technology. What started as the nation's first digital art space is now a home, online and off, for technology-driven art innovation, with a mission to empower and fund the creation of new, experiential and exploratory art forms that make an impact.

There’s plenty of activity to hold your interest at this waterside national park, including trails, picnic sites, golf, fishing, and even a roller-skating rink.

This urban park includes hiking trails, tennis courts, a golf course, wildlife programs led by park rangers, and an amphitheater that hosts an array of presentations.

Despite the name, this famed D.C. destination isn’t a shopping center, but an impressive assemblage of memorials honoring Abraham Lincoln, Franklin Delano Roosevelt, Martin Luther King Jr., and veterans, with each of the tall structures lined along a grassy space.

Marvel at both native and exotic plants on the sprawling grounds of this garden, including a gallery of rare flora and a butterfly garden.