Things To Do

Shuttle to and from the Wharf

The Wharf offers a SW Neighborhood Shuttle that is free and open to the public. With daily service and 10-minute headways, it’s easy and convenient to take the shuttle between The Wharf and L’Enfant Plaza Metro and the National Mall. The stop to pick up the shuttle near the Intercontinental is on Maine Ave.

National Mall

The view on the Mall between the Capitol and the Lincoln Memorial is breathtaking. The distances are very deceiving – two miles long. We suggest starting at the Washington Monument and walk west. On the way to the Lincoln Memorial you will see the WW2 memorial, the Reflecting Pool and the Vietnam and Korean War memorials. Just south of the Lincoln is the Jefferson Memorial along the Tidal Basin. There used to be free Ranger tours of the Lincoln and Jefferson Memorials – they are great. Look into these. The Rangers are walking about and may start at pre-determined times. Also in the general area south of the Lincoln are two wonderful memorials, Martin Luther King and FDR.

Georgetown

3-4 miles northwest of the Mall, with the epicenter M street and Wisconsin. Area is lined with nice restaurants and shops; great to walk around on a nice day. Only major site area in DC that is not accessible by the Metro.

U.S. Capitol Visitor Center

In addition to the Capitol itself, there is a spectacular visitors center which is a museum itself. Call you congresspersons and see if you can get a tour of the Capitol. They are special.

National Museum of African American History and Culture

The newest gem is stunning. Since its opening 5 years ago, time slots can be hard to come by and its quite crowded. Make sure to get reserved time passes in advance. Start at the bottom and work your way up to the top!

The White House

United States Holocaust Memorial Museum

Words can’t describe how awesome and sobering this is. Not only the content but the splendor of the museum building itself.

Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center

It’s a schlep to get here, but while the National Air and Space Museum on the National Mall is closed for renovation, this is a spectacular alternative. Miles and miles of airplanes from the dawn of flying to current, all in massive hangars. If you go, get a docent tour – the docents are all retired military people. 45 minute car ride west of DC, at Dulles Airport.

Smithsonian National Museum of American History

One of the most popular Smithsonian museums with boundless exhibits of iconic Americana. Really a fun place. Lauren's favorite exhibits include Julia Child's kitchen, Dorothy's ruby slippers, and the First Ladies dresses.

National Gallery of Art

West wing with traditional art and east wing with modern art. Docent tours are really worthwhile. Don't miss Leonardo Da Vinci's only painting in the U.S. and the Impressionism galleries.

National Portrait Gallery

This museum is also connected to the Smithsonian American Art Museum. A mile north of the Mall in the Chinatown/Gallery Place neighborhood, this museum is lots of fun, even if you aren’t an “art museum person,” with paintings of American Presidents and other famous Americans.

The Phillips Collection

One of our favorites. It's located in the DuPont Circle area and is housed in an old, huge, glorious mansion.

Hirshhorn Museum

Check out the Kusama "Infinity Rooms" (advance passes for that exhibit are required)

Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History

Great landmark for natural history exhibits that are comparable to all the great ones in our country. Must sees: the newly renovated Fossil Hall and the Hope Diamond.

Ford's Theatre

The major Lincoln museum in DC – be sure to get a tour.

International Spy Museum

Close to the Wharf area. The name sounds like a place for kids or a ticky-tacky Madame Tussauds-type place, but this a really fun place for adults as well as kids…unless you hate James Bond and spy movies. Newly renovated; mammoth place.

Supreme Court of the United States

Make sure you do a tour. Really fascinating to learn about how SCOTUS really works. Across the street from the Capitol.

Library of Congress

Arguably the most beautiful building in DC. Strongly recommend their wonderful tour. Don’t miss the magnificent Reading Room, Marc’s office away from home.

Washington Monument

Tickets are required in advance and they are often sold out.

Arlington National Cemetery

A few miles from the Mall across the Potomac. Changing of the guard. Burial of military and other heroes. JFK resting place. Tomb of unknown soldier. Definitely worth seeing if you’ve never seen it, but not a high priority if you have.

Federal Bureau of Investigation Headquarters

Used to be one of the top sites with in-person tours but has been surpassed by so many other top sites. The tour now is self-guided. You need to sign up far in advance.

Washington National Cathedral

Five miles north of the Mall.

Smithsonian National Zoological Park

Don't miss the pandas! Please note that advance timed entry passes are required.

George Washington's Mount Vernon

We were just there in February. A great experience. 13 miles south of the Mall. Have lunch in historic Alexandria before or after.