The 10 Best Sights & Landmarks in Washington DC, District of Columbia (DC)

April 12, 2022 Jacquiline Darosa

Washington DC is a hub for American politics and history. Attracting as many school field trips as it does travelers the district offers a peek into the country’s democratic origin. There are plenty of free museums to take advantage of but the real draw here is the memorials and monuments dedicated to great American leaders. Spend some contemplative time at the Reflecting Pool within the National Mall, among the most patriotic places in the country.
Restaurants in Washington DC

1. Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception

400 Michigan Ave NE, Washington DC, DC 20017-1566 +1 202-526-8300 [email protected] http://www.nationalshrine.com
Excellent
83%
Good
14%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 1,893 reviews

Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception

Reviewed By MargaretMary_Z - Washington DC, United States

You will want to spend your time in place, you might even feel compelled to sit and wonder, pondering the great and powerful love of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Oh, yeah, and you'll see every icon of every title you've ever heard of the Holy Blessed Mother of God. Mass at the Crypt church is extraordinary, Mass at the Upper Church will expand your Spirit, reconciliation will reunite you to God and you might even be blessed enough to get some spiritual direction! You will see nuns, monks, students, teachers and seekers,. You will feel the breath of God, and you will hear Angels sing!

2. Hillwood Estate, Museum & Gardens

4155 Linnean Ave NW, Washington DC, DC 20008-3806 +1 202-686-5807 [email protected] http://www.hillwoodmuseum.org
Excellent
82%
Good
15%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 1,251 reviews

Hillwood Estate, Museum & Gardens

Hillwood, the grand estate of Post Cereal heiress Marjorie Merriweather Post, sits on 25 acres overlooking Rock Creek Park in northwest Washington DC. Along with a world renowned collection of Russian and French decorative arts, Hillwood also features extensive gardens and special exhibitions.

Reviewed By wbee2016 - Lincoln, United States

Ms. Post amassed a huge and varied collection of Russian artifacts from the days of Imperial family rule, including Fabrege eggs, jewelry, porcelain, and religious icons. Arrive early to see the gardens and grounds when not crowded. When standing on the steps looking toward the putting green across the lunar lawn, spot the Washington monument in the distance. Take the docent led mansion tour. Not on the guided tour but not to be missed is the icon room. There is a cafe on the grounds with delicious lunch fare and attentive service. This is a quiet jewel in a bustling tourist town. Go when you need to refresh.

3. Supreme Court

First Street NE, Washington DC, DC 20003 +1 202-479-3211 http://www.supremecourtus.gov
Excellent
63%
Good
28%
Satisfactory
8%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 1,480 reviews

Supreme Court

A Corinthian-style building where the final guardians of the Constitution deliberate.

Reviewed By cordyroy - Naples, United States

Walking around this beautiful building you are constantly reminded the history is being made with every decision passed down from the Supreme Court of the United States. The introductory film was very interesting and the lecture given in the courtroom was very informative. Both spoke to the process by which a case is presented to and decided upon by the court.

4. Jefferson Memorial

701 E Basin Dr SW At the south shore of the Tidal Basin, Washington DC, DC 20242 +1 202-426-6841 http://www.nps.gov/thje/index.htm
Excellent
69%
Good
27%
Satisfactory
4%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 6,414 reviews

Jefferson Memorial

A 19-foot bronze statue of perhaps the most esteemed founding father sits beneath a columned rotunda in the style of the Roman Pantheon.

Reviewed By sergeyb324

Having been to Jefferson Memorial before I still couldn’t miss a chance to visit it again as my stay in DC provided me with some free time. Notwithstanding the fact that they are doing restoration work on the cupola and the roof and the outside of the building is covered in scaffolding and the outside doesn’t look as magnificent as usually, the place is full of the feeling of grandeur and awe. The inside is as impressive as ever and the presence of the great man is almost palpable. This being off season, I happened to be entirely alone there and it was such a great feeling as if I was listening to Jefferson reading out his words that are captured there on the panels. This memorial appears to me to be a deserving tribute to one of the greatest minds not only of his time but rather of all times.

5. Library of Congress

101 Independence Ave SE, Washington DC, DC 20540 +1 202-707-5000 http://www.loc.gov
Excellent
78%
Good
17%
Satisfactory
4%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 9,003 reviews

Library of Congress

Though the Library of Congress doesn't own every book ever published, it sure has most of them, with 532 miles of shelves and 115 million items, with 7,000 added each working day.

Reviewed By MrsBear49 - Poole, United Kingdom

As part of our visit to the Capitol building we saw there were tunnels leading to the Library of Congress so decided to explore. It is a beautiful building and it is important to remember to look up at the ceilings which are very decorative. The library offers lots of wonderful photo opportunities and also houses the books of Thomas Jefferson along with a number of other interesting exhibitions including a beautifully preserved Gutenberg Bible. The actual library is not accessible but can be seen from the viewing gallery. The amazing thing is that all this is free.

6. Ford's Theatre

511 10th St NW, Washington DC, DC 20004-1499 +1 202-347-4833 [email protected] http://www.fords.org
Excellent
67%
Good
25%
Satisfactory
6%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 4,278 reviews

Ford's Theatre

The site of the April 14, 1865, assassination of President Abraham Lincoln, Ford's Theatre is a working theatre, historical monument, world-class museum and learning center. The theatre produces musicals and plays reflecting the unique, diverse character of American life. With its inspiring theatrical productions, live historic interpretation, and rich collection of artifacts, Ford’s is the premier destination in the nation’s capital to explore and celebrate the life and legacy of Abraham Lincoln. A daytime visit can include the museum, theatre, Petersen House (the house where Lincoln died) and Aftermath Exhibits at the Center for Education and Leadership. Advance tickets are required (convenience fee). From September to May, Ford’s presents evening and matinee productions of renowned plays, vibrant musicals, and newly commissioned works that captivate and entertain while examining political and social issues related to Lincoln’s life and legacy.

Reviewed By V3583ELjennifers

I have been to DC many times but not taken the opportunity to visit Ford's Theater before now. The museum and park sevice tours are open to the public, tickets based on donations (at the visitors choice), and provide a combination of self guided museum tour and a ranger talk about the last day of Lincoln's life. The tour includes a visit to the house where Lincoln died, and a center for education exhibit on Lincoln's legacy. Take the time to see this site.

7. Vietnam Veterans Memorial

5 Henry Bacon Dr NW, Washington DC, DC 20002 +1 202-426-6841 http://www.nps.gov/vive/index.htm
Excellent
77%
Good
19%
Satisfactory
4%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 11,849 reviews

Vietnam Veterans Memorial

Emotionally stirring memorial pays tribute to the men and women who served in one of America's most controversial wars.

Reviewed By SimbaFamily

It was very nicely done and just beautiful lots of staff around to help you find names etc. everyone there was proud of their job and helpful to people trying to find loved ones names.

8. Washington Monument

2 15th St. NW Near 15th St. & Madison Dr. NW, Washington DC, DC 20560 +1 202-426-6841 http://www.nps.gov/wamo/index.htm
Excellent
60%
Good
29%
Satisfactory
9%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 9,309 reviews

Washington Monument

The Washington Monument elevator is closed until spring 2019.

Reviewed By DCN2012 - New York City, United States

As a native Washingtonian, I've had the privilege of seeing this iconic monument stand tall throughout my life and so many historic events. Even during the much needed year plus renovation (several years ago), gave it a 'must see - can't wait' allure. The Washington Monument has a presence of its own; pristine, regal, official and inviting. For a unique, one of a kind adventure, walk up and see the Nation's Capital from an unparalleled perspective. Of course, there are many people and activity inside and out but that's all a part of what enhances the overall experience. Grab the fam, the crew or just you, it takes you up and that's a good thing.

9. Smithsonian Institution Building

1000 Jefferson Dr SW, Washington DC, DC 20560-0008 +1 202-633-1000 [email protected] http://www.si.edu/Museums/smithsonian-institution-building
Excellent
68%
Good
22%
Satisfactory
8%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 3,538 reviews

Smithsonian Institution Building

The world's largest museum and research complex is actually comprised of 19 museums and the National Zoo, with subjects that vary from African Art to the postal service, sculpture to space exploration.

Reviewed By 877jacquif

The Castle, site of the Smithsonian Museums’ Visitor Centre, is like a heavenly haven in the heat of a mid-summer visit to the National Mall. Located near the middle of the south side of the Mall, it’s perfectly placed either to get your bearings at the start of a visit to the Smithsonian Museums, or to take a break out of the sun in summer (or the cold in winter presumably). There is handy info there on all the other museums and a shop selling souvenirs from across the museum estate. There’s also a small café serving beverages and cakes and crisps and so on. Don’t expect to get a big nutritious meal there, but you will find snacks which will keep body and soul together until your next meal. The loos are also a bonus. There wasn’t a lot of info there about the building itself, which was (just so you know) designed by James Renwick Jr, who’s also responsible for a lot of the churches in Manhattan, and completed in 1855. Parts of it later burned down in 1865; the blaze taking with it all of Smithson’s letters. But it opened again in about 1867 and is now a great place to stop off on the National Mall.

10. National Mall

Constitution Ave NW, Washington DC, DC 20565 +1 202-426-6841 http://www.nps.gov/nama/index.htm
Excellent
73%
Good
21%
Satisfactory
5%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 8,259 reviews

National Mall

Open area of gardens, fountains, trees and monuments stretching nearly two miles between the Capitol and the Lincoln Memorial.

Reviewed By gvr001 - Laurel, United States

Despite living in Maryland, it has been a few years since we had visited the Mall. It was a cool, sunny, 60 degree day, and the Cherry Blossoms had not yet bloomed. Despite all the Smithsonian museums being closed, we thought this would be a fun outing, and we were not disappointed. We arrived at the Lincoln Memorial around 10:30, and parked on 17th street. We had 2 hours of parking. We walked to the Lincoln Memorial, and then walked down to the Korean memorial, Martin Luther King, and then FDR. Each one is peaceful, beautiful, and powerful in its own way. We then walked around the tidal basin to the Jefferson Memorial, which was under construction. Bathrooms were open at MLK and Jefferson. We walked quickly back and retraced our steps before our parking expired. We then drove to 21st street (around F street) and parked again. We had lunch at one of the food trucks across from the Washington Monument. We walked to the Washington Monument, then WWII, and then walked back to our car (2:45). The total distance walked was around 6.5 miles, and it was a wonderful visit of almost all the monuments (we missed Vietnam). Our children (11&13) were old enough to appreciate the powerful history of these monuments, and had the energy for the walking. A great way to spend a day outside.

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