What to Know Before Visiting: Washington DC Bucket List

Washington DC is home to many national monuments and museums, which attract millions of visitors each year. The city has a rich history and culture, which are reflected in its architecture, food, art, and music. Washington DC is a vibrant and exciting city, with something to offer everyone. Whether you’re interested in politics or history, art or food, there’s something for you in Washington DC. Come and explore the nation’s capital!

National Mall

The National Mall is a national park in Washington, D.C., that encompasses some of the most iconic landmarks in the United States. It is also one of the most popular tourist destinations in the country, with millions of visitors each year. The Mall is home to the Washington Monument, the Lincoln Memorial, and the U.S. Capitol Building, as well as many other historical and cultural attractions.

The National Mall is a great place to visit if you want to experience the history and culture of the United States. There are many different things to see and do at the Mall, so you can easily spend a day or two exploring everything it has to offer.

As with any visit to DC, your trip will like start here. Try to plan each day in one area as the area is huge and will take a lot of walking if you try and crisis cross to different areas in a day.

The White House

The White House is one of the most recognizable buildings in the world and is a symbol of the United States government and the American people. It is open to the public for tours and special events, and it is also the site of many official ceremonies and state functions.

It’s truly a remarkable experience to visit the White House. As you approach, you can’t help but be awestruck by the sight of this grand building. Once inside, you are immediately struck by the sense of history that surrounds you. Every step you take, every room you enter, has been witness to some of the most important moments in our nation’s history.

While limited, you can take a tour of the White House, but you need to plan ahead. Tickets to visit the White House have historically been in short supply.

Lincoln Memorial

The Lincoln Memorial is a national monument in Washington, D.C. that commemorates the life and accomplishments of President Abraham Lincoln. It is located on the National Mall, at the west end of the Reflecting Pool, and features a 19-foot marble statue of Lincoln seated atop a massive block of granite.

The Lincoln Memorial is a popular tourist destination in Washington, D.C., and it is also a significant site for political demonstrations and protests. In 1963, civil rights leader Martin Luther King, Jr. gave his famous “I Have a Dream” speech at the Lincoln Memorial during the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom.

The Lincoln Memorial is one of the most impressive monuments in Washington, D.C. As you approach, you are immediately struck by the size and scale of the memorial. It’s hard to believe that this monument was built over 100 years ago!

Thomas Jefferson Memorial

The Thomas Jefferson Memorial is a monument to American Founding Father, Thomas Jefferson. The neoclassical memorial building is located in Washington, D.C., at the west end of the National Mall, near the Jefferson Pier.

The monument features a 19-foot (5.8 m) tall statue of Jefferson, sculpted by Rudulph Evans and perched atop a Doric-style portico. The portico is supported by four Ionic columns and features inscriptions of some of Jefferson’s most famous quotes.

The Thomas Jefferson Memorial is one of several monuments along the National Mall’s central axis. Other monuments in the vicinity include the Washington Monument, the Lincoln Memorial, and the US Capitol Building.

National Museum of Natural History

The National Museum of Natural History is a great place to learn about the natural world and one of our family’s favorites. The museum has exhibits on evolution, dinosaurs, ecology, and more. The museum also has a library and research center.

The National Museum of Natural History is part of the Smithsonian Institution, the world’s largest museum complex. The Smithsonian also includes the National Zoo, 17 museums and galleries on the National Mall, and six research facilities in the Washington, D.C., area. Together, these institutions receive more than 30 million visitors each year.

As with nearly all the museums in Washington DC, ARRIVE EARLY. The museums fill up fast and before you know it is packed with people from around the world. The National Museum of Natural History is definitely one of the top ones in the area and attracts crowds that can become unbearable a few hours after opening.

United States Capitol

The United States Capitol is the meeting place of the United States Congress, the legislature of the federal government of the United States. Located in Washington, D.C., it sits atop Capitol Hill at the eastern end of the National Mall.

The Capitol has been renovated several times throughout its history, most recently in order to accommodate the increasing number of lawmakers and staff working in the building. These renovations have included the addition of the Capitol Visitor Center, as well as the expansion of office space in the House and Senate wings.

The Capitol building is open to the public for tours year-round, and more than 1.6 million people visit the Capitol each year.

World War II Memorial

The National World War II Memorial is dedicated to Americans who served in the armed forces and as civilians during World War II. The memorial consists of 56 pillars representing the U.S. states and territories at the time of the war, and two arches surrounding a plaza and fountain.

The memorial includes several sculptural groups representing different aspects of the war experience, as well as a Freedom Wall with more than 4,000 gold stars, each representing 100 Americans who died in the conflict.

The Memorial Plaza is located on 17th Street between 15th and 14th Streets NW, just south of the National Mall. The entrance to the Memorial is from the National Mall side; however, there is also an entrance on the Freedom Forum side.

Washington Monument

The Washington Monument is a popular tourist destination in the nation’s capital. Visitors can take an elevator to the top of the monument for sweeping views of the city below. There is also a museum at the base of the monument that chronicles its construction and history.

The monument was built to honor George Washington, the first President of the United States. The exterior is made of marble, granite, and sandstone, while the interior is lined with marble. There are stairs that lead to the top of the monument, where visitors can get an incredible view of the city.

National Air and Space Museum

The National Air and Space Museum is at the top of our list alongside the National Museum of Natural History. Unfortunately during our most recent visit, a lot of the inside was closed off and being refurbished. I suspect by 2023 it will be open. but in the meantime was a bit of a disappointment.

That said, it’s a great place to visit if you are interested in aviation or space exploration. The museum has a wide array of exhibits on both topics, including many interactive displays that make learning about them fun and engaging.

Library of Congress

The Library of Congress is the largest library in the world, with over 160 million items in its collections. It is also one of the most popular tourist destinations in Washington, D.C., with over two million visitors each year.

The Library of Congress is open to the public but requires advanced planning to get a ticket. Keep in mind you do not get to actually enter the library and will only see it through a small window which is a bit disappointing. I can understand they don’t want people walking around inside, but a larger viewing area would have been nice.

National Zoological Park

Topping on the list of the “best” locations our family enjoys the most is The National Zoological Park. It is a great place to visit if you’re looking to see some amazing animals. The park is home to over 2,700 animals from more than 390 different species and has both indoor and outdoor exhibits for visitors to enjoy.

If you’re interested in seeing some of the more exotic animals at the park, be sure to check out the Reptiles House which is home to reptiles, amphibians, and fish from all over the world. The House of Birds is also a must-see, as it is home to more than 170 different species of birds. For something a little different, you can also visit the Insect Zoo, which features live insects from all over the world.

One of the best things about the park is that it is free to enter, so you can spend as much or as little time as you like exploring all it has to offer. I don’t know about you but the zoo near where we live is like $50/pp so we definitely make a point to visit while in DC.

Smithsonian Building

Visitors to the Smithsonian Institution Building can also view the museum’s collection of art, artifacts, and natural history specimens. The building is also home to a cafe and a gift shop.

There isn’t much inside to see, but certainly, stop by to see the building itself.

Albert Einstein Memorial

The Albert Einstein Memorial is a monumental sculpture depicting the world-renowned physicist. It is located near the intersection of Constitution Avenue and 23rd Street NW. The memorial includes a 12-foot (3.7 m) bronze statue of Einstein seated with his arms crossed on his lap, looking out toward the National Mall. The statue is surrounded by a grove of trees and a granite bench, on which visitors can sit and reflect on Einstein’s life and work.

I wouldn’t go out of your way to see it, but if you’re in the area it’s a quick photo stop.

Federal Reserve

While most people won’t have time until their 2nd or third visit to DC, The Federal Reserve building is open to the public. You can take a free tour of the facility, which takes about an hour. The tour includes a visit to the famous Gold Vault, where you can see over $100 million worth of gold bars. For most, the building serves as a quick photo opppontunity.

Cherry Blossoms

The Cherry blossoms in Washington DC are a beautiful sight to behold. Every year, thousands of people come from all over the world to see these flowers in person.

If you’re are able to visit in late March to early April, when they are in full bloom, you will get the chance to see Washington DC unlike any other time of the year. As such this is a busy time between the Cherry Blossom Festival and most spring break school schedules.

As a general rule, our family visits DC during Spring Break. It gives us the opportunity to see some of the blossoms, but not yet in full bloom, but isn’t your typical crazy spring break destination. It tends to be a little more crowded but is a good destination if you’re looking for something that isn’t a crazy spring break scene.

Korean War Veterans Memorial

The Korean War Veterans Memorial honors those who served in the Korean War and is dedicated to all who died during the conflict.

The centerpiece of the memorial is a 19-foot-tall (5.8 m) stainless steel statue of a soldier, representing all branches of the United States military, called “The Response.” The soldier is dressed in full combat gear and is on his way to join his comrades in battle.

Petersen House

The Petersen House is a historic house located at 516 10th Street NW in Washington, D.C. It is best known as the site of Abraham Lincoln’s deathbed, and as the headquarters of the U.S. Secret Service during his presidency. It was originally located at the corner of 10th Street and Pennsylvania Avenue NW, but was moved to its current location in 1901.

The centerpiece is the stack of books about Abraham Lincoln. It’s a quick visit for most people, but maybe something new you have not had on your itinerary compared to all the other large museums.

National Museum of the American Indian

The National Museum of the American Indian (NMAI) is not as flashy as the other museums in DC, but worth visiting at least once.

The National Museum of the American Indian is devoted to the history, culture, and art of Native Americans. The museum has more than 8,000 objects on display, including paintings, sculptures, pottery, jewelry, and clothing. The NMAI also has a library with more than 500,000 books and documents.

Arlington National Cemetery

Arlington National Cemetery is one of the most well-known cemeteries in the United States. Located in Arlington, Virginia, just across the Potomac River from Washington, D.C., the cemetery is the final resting place for many of America’s military heroes, including those who have fought and died in some of the country’s most consequential wars.

While not officially in Washington DC, you can cross over to the Virginia side easily for a visit. Despite attracting tourists, it is still a cemetery. Act accordingly.

In addition to the rows of headstones, you will also find the popular US Marine Corps War Memorial.

Washington Wizards

If you find yourself in need of a break from the history and museums, there are several sports teams that plan in Washington DC. On one of our recent trips we were there during basketball season and took the opportunity to go to a game. We have also been to a baseball game during the summer months, but either way, it was a nice break from the history lesson.

Washington DC Food

Washington, D.C. is home to some of the best food in the country, but for some reason, we always find it difficult to find somewhere to eat. A lot of the restaurants cater to the politicians and tend to be fancier (and more expensive) than your average tourist is looking for.

That said there are still places to be had. Most will find themselves eating in the mall area and the vendors that have set up shop there, while others will need to venture outside of the national mall area to find something worth eating that won’t break the bank.

China Town

China Town is located in the heart of the city, just a short distance from the National Mall and other major attractions. China Town offers a variety of restaurants, shops, and cultural attractions that make it a great place to visit and explore.

If you’re looking for a great place to eat, try China Town. There are plenty of options to choose from. From traditional Chinese cuisine to more Americanized dishes, you’ll be able to find something to suit your taste. There are also a number of shops and businesses in the neighborhood that cater to the needs of the Chinese-American community.

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