Washington DC Travel Guide: Discovering the Best of the Nation’s Capital

Washington DC, the capital of the United States, is a city that has something for everyone. From museums and monuments to food and entertainment, Washington DC is a destination that should be on every traveler’s list. In this travel guide, we’ll explore some of the best things to see and do in Washington DC, as well as provide some tips for planning your trip.

Getting to Washington DC

Washington DC is easily accessible by plane, train, or car. The city has three airports: Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA), Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD), and Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI). Each airport offers a range of transportation options to get you to and from the city, including taxi, Uber/Lyft, shuttle buses, and public transportation.

We drove from New York City to Washington DC and it took us under 4 hours with one stop!

If you prefer to take the train, Amtrak and regional rail services offer frequent service to Washington DC’s Union Station. If you’re driving, be aware that traffic in and around the city can be heavy, especially during rush hour. If possible, consider using public transportation instead.

Exploring the Monuments and Memorials in Washington DC (and the best photo spots)

One of the most iconic features of Washington DC is its monuments and memorials. From the Lincoln Memorial to the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, these landmarks are a tribute to the country’s history and culture.

The National Mall is a park in the heart of Washington DC that is home to many of the city’s monuments and memorials.

Lincoln Memorial:

Address: 2 Lincoln Memorial Circle NW, Washington, DC 20037

This iconic landmark features a larger-than-life statue of President Abraham Lincoln and is surrounded by beautiful columns and reflecting pools.

From the stairs of the Lincoln Memorial you can look out towards the Washington Monument and the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool. The World War II monument is right at the other end of the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool. This is where I took this photo!

Washington Monument:

Address: 2 15th St NW, Washington, DC 20006

Standing 555 feet tall, this obelisk-shaped monument honors the first President of the United States.

The Washington Monument is the tallest building in Washington DC and there’s tons of places to take photos of it from! You can take a photo right next to the monument, catch a picture from it from on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial, or get a photo of it from the Tidal Basin.

Some of the other must-see monuments and memorials include:

• Vietnam Veterans Memorial: This somber memorial is a tribute to the soldiers who fought and died in the Vietnam War.
• Korean War Veterans Memorial: This unique memorial features a wall of faces etched into stainless steel and 19 larger-than-life figures representing soldiers on patrol.
• Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial: This memorial pays tribute to civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr. with a 30-foot statue of him surrounded by quotes from his speeches.

Other notable monuments and memorials include the Franklin D. Roosevelt Memorial, Thomas Jefferson Memorial, and World War II Memorial.

Visiting the Museums

Washington DC is also known for its museums, which cover a wide range of topics from art and history to science and technology. Many of these museums are free to visit and offer a wealth of knowledge and inspiration.

Some of the top museums to visit in Washington DC include:

• Smithsonian National Museum of American History: This museum features exhibits on American history, including the Star-Spangled Banner and the First Ladies’ Inaugural Gowns.
• National Air and Space Museum: This museum showcases the history of flight and space exploration, including exhibits on the Wright Brothers and the Apollo Moon landing.
• National Museum of Natural History: This museum is home to the world’s largest collection of natural history specimens, including dinosaur bones and the Hope Diamond.
• Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden: This museum focuses on contemporary art and features works by some of the world’s leading artists.
• United States Holocaust Memorial Museum: This museum is dedicated to honoring the victims of the Holocaust and educating visitors about the dangers of genocide and intolerance.

Other museums worth visiting include the National Gallery of Art, Smithsonian American Art Museum, and National Portrait Gallery.

The White House

Address: 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, Washington, DC 20037

If you’re standing with your back against the Washington Monument and the Lincoln Memorial to your left, The White House will be in the distance in front of you.

If you want to get a picture of it- your best bet is to go across Constitution Avenue and then cross over to The Ellipse lawn. From there, you’ll be able to see the White House more closely through the barriers (and maybe sneak your camera in). Honestly, although it’s the most famous- it’s not really the most photographic place in Washington due to all the barriers and security. 

Planning Your Trip

When planning your trip to Washington DC, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, the city can get crowded, especially during peak tourist season in the summer. Consider visiting in the spring or fall for fewer crowds and more pleasant weather.

Another thing to keep in mind is that many of the city’s attractions require tickets or reservations in advance. If there’s a specific museum or monument you want to visit, be sure to book tickets ahead of time to avoid disappointment.

Finally, when packing for your trip, be sure to bring comfortable walking shoes and clothing appropriate for the season. Washington DC is a walkable city, and you’ll likely be doing a lot of walking as you explore. In conclusion, Washington DC is a destination that has something for everyone, whether you’re interested in history, culture, food, or nightlife. By following our travel guide and planning ahead, you’ll be able to make the most of your trip to this vibrant city.

Here’s a photo of Ryan getting the directions ready to our next step, just for fun.

Our next stop was Shenendoah National Park!