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While Washington DC was built to govern, it has well and truly transcended politicking.
Just look at the countless Hollywood films that have been set here, including All the President’s Men, Independence Day, Captain America, Dave, and White House Down. In real life, the US capital has long championed and celebrated the best of all aspects of American society through its remarkable cultural facilities, imposing monuments, and regal parks and gardens — making it a destination of extraordinary depth for travellers.
Here’s a checklist of our top ten things to do in Washington DC on a first visit.
Watch our video of ten top things to do on a USA East Coast road trip:
10 Amazing Things to Do on a USA East Coast Road Trip | New York City to Williamsburg (VA)
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1. Admire the monuments and memorials
DC’s many monuments and memorials resonate deeply with the American people. One of the most visited is the Lincoln Memorial, which sits at the western end of the National Mall and honours the giant of American presidents. The statue of a seated Abraham Lincoln is over six metres high and is surrounded by the enduring words of his Gettysburg Address. Lincoln stares out over the Reflecting Pool (which has been in the news a lot of late) towards the almost 200-metre-high obelisk commemorating George Washington — the first president of the newly united United States. Seeing all three should top your to-do list.
2. Visit Ford’s Theatre
To complete Lincoln’s chapter in history, pay a visit to Ford’s Theatre in Penn Quarter — the site of the president’s fatal final public appearance on 14 April, 1865. The theatre has an onsite museum and continues to perform works examining the political and social issues related to Lincoln’s legacy. You may be able to book tickets to see One Destiny — a 40-minute one-act play about the Lincoln assassination. Check the theatre’s website for details.
3. Choose a museum, any museum
Visiting culture vultures will find their happy place further along the National Mall. Here you’ll find eleven of the twenty Smithsonian museums and galleries, which house millions of priceless objects and artworks representing the past, present, and possible future of mankind. Learn about the history of flight at the flagship National Air and Space Museum. It houses the space shuttle Discovery, a jet-black SR-71 spy-plane, and the Wright brothers’ original aircraft from 1903. The National Museum of American History presents a comprehensive timeline of America’s development, with Old Glory (aka the Star Spangled Banner) proudly flying after a long restoration.
4. Do a tour of the US Capitol
Sitting at the National Mall’s eastern end is one of the most recognisable structures in the world. The Capitol houses the US legislature and has long been a global symbol of democracy. Built from the late 1700s onwards, the dome and north and south wings you see today were added in the second half of the 19th century. The architectural integrity and interior decoration of the Capitol complex are truly astonishing. Pre-book a guided tour of the main public spaces, which will depart from the state-of-the-art Capitol Visitor Centre.
5. Pay your respects at Arlington National Cemetery
Slow the pace of your exploration at Arlington National Cemetery — the final resting place of thousands of American service personnel. Situated in Arlington County on the opposite side of the Potomac River to DC, the cemetery is best reached from the city by taking a Washington Metro Blue Line bus (which costs just a couple of dollars). See the Changing of the Guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and the eternal flame burning over the grave of former US president John F Kennedy.
6. Snap a shot of the White House
Almost everyone who visits Washington DC wants to take home a photo of the White House — the official residence and office of the US President. The public entrance to the complex is known as the North Portico and can be clearly seen from Lafayette Park. This is the best spot to take a photo, although access can be restricted depending on what’s happening on the day. Just off the National Mall, the Eclipse offers a reasonable view of the White House’s southern side, including the South Portico and Truman Balcony. Take your pick, depending on the vantage you want.
7. Shop for souvenirs at White House Gifts
For another fun photo opportunity, head over to White House Gifts — opposite the White House grounds on 15th Street NW. It has a mock Oval Office and Press Podium set up for selfies. Shop for fun souvenirs of your visit to DC — everything from presidential seal pens to dancing Donald Trump bobbleheads.
8. Eat breakfast at Ted’s
Rub shoulders with political staffers over a famous all-day breakfast at Ted’s Bulletin on Capitol Hill. You’ll likely need to queue, but it’s worth the wait for the tucker and classic diner vibe. Menu options include fried eggs, sizzling bacon, hash browns, sausages, pancakes, and biscuits with gravy. Wash it all down with a peanut butter, chocolate, and banana milkshake!
9. Get back to nature
To escape the steamy air of politics, make your way to the National Arboretum — a ten-minute drive north-east of Capitol Hill. The 450-acre grounds are home to a wide variety of plants and trees, including maples, magnolias, roses, and a 390-year-old bonsai tree. The reds, oranges, and yellows of fall (autumn) are particularly striking.
Nature lovers may also be interested in catching a glimpse of some of DC’s resident birdlife, including bald eagles, woodpeckers, robins, and herons. The DC Audubon Society offers a wonderful guide to bird-watching in the region.
10. Stay in a historic hotel
If money is no object and you’re looking for a place to stay that’s part of the fabric of DC, look no further than The Hay-Adams. Located directly opposite the White House, this hotel has played host to the who’s who of American politics — including former president Barack Obama, who spent the night before his inauguration right here. The fully-restored 1920s Italian Renaissance-style building will wow you with its level of period detail. The Premier Rooms offer views of the White House and Lafayette Park.
For more travel inspiration, visit www.washington.org.
Browse our range of Washington DC tours and experiences here.
Do you have any suggestions to add to our list of the top things to do in Washington DC on a first visit? We would love to hear from you. Join the conversation on our Facebook page.
Additional images: Bigstock
About the writer
Barry Johnson is a freelance travel writer living in Sydney, but with previous homes in Europe, North America, Asia, and the Middle East. His love of adventure led to getting lost in a Californian forest a week after The Blair Witch Project went viral, building a giant Buddha on a Cambodian mountain, camel racing in an Egyptian desert, and teaching English to Peruvian children as they taught him Quechuan — the language of the Incas.
About the writer
Adam Ford is editor of Top Oz Tours and Travel Ideas, and a travel TV presenter, writer, blogger, and photographer. He has travelled extensively through Europe, Asia, North America, Africa, and the Middle East. Adam worked as a travel consultant for a number of years with Flight Centre before taking up the opportunity to travel the world himself as host of the TV series Tour the World on Network Ten. He loves to experience everything a new destination has to offer and is equally at home in a five-star Palazzo in Pisa or a home-stay in Hanoi.
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