Explore Old Town Alexandria

King Street – Walk down this historic street with boutiques, restaurants, and colonial-style buildings.

Torpedo Factory Art Center – Visit this former naval munitions plant, now a hub for art galleries and studios.

Waterfront Park – Enjoy scenic views of the Potomac River and public art installations.

Historical Sites

George Washington’s Mount Vernon – Tour George Washington’s home and estate just south of Alexandria.

Gadsby’s Tavern Museum – Learn about colonial history in this 18th-century tavern and museum.

Carlyle House Historic Park – Visit the 18th-century mansion and learn about Alexandria’s colonial past.

Outdoor Activities

Potomac River Cruise – Take a boat ride to enjoy views of Washington, D.C., and the surrounding area.

The Mount Vernon Trail – Bike or walk along this scenic trail that runs along the Potomac River.

Huntley Meadows Park – Explore this beautiful wetlands park with boardwalk trails and abundant wildlife.

Shopping and Dining

Boutiques on King Street – Shop for unique items, from antiques to modern home decor.

Alexandria Farmers’ Market – Visit one of the oldest farmers' markets in the U.S. on Saturdays at Market Square.

Restaurant Row – Try local favorites like Landini Brothers, Virtue Feed & Grain, The Warehouse, The Wharf, or Kiln in the Heron Hotel.

Unique Experiences

Stabler-Leadbeater Apothecary Museum – Tour this preserved 18th-century apothecary shop.

Alexandria Ghost Tour – Learn about the city’s haunted history on a guided ghost walk.

Spite House – Snap a photo of the narrowest house in the U.S., only 7 feet wide.

Washington, D.C., is packed with history, culture, and iconic landmarks. Here’s a comprehensive list of things to do in the nation’s capital:

Explore National Landmarks and Monuments

National Mall – Stroll along this iconic area with famous monuments and museums.

Lincoln Memorial – Visit the tribute to Abraham Lincoln, especially stunning at night.

Washington Monument – Take an elevator to the top for panoramic city views.

U.S. Capitol – Tour the seat of Congress and marvel at its architecture.

White House – Admire the President’s residence from the outside or book a tour in advance.

Jefferson Memorial – Enjoy beautiful views of the Tidal Basin.

Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial – Reflect at this powerful memorial honoring the civil rights leader.

Vietnam Veterans Memorial – Pay your respects at this poignant memorial wall.

World War II Memorial – Admire this tribute to the Greatest Generation.

Museums (Free Admission at Most)

Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum – Explore aviation and space exploration history.

Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History – Visit the Hope Diamond and dinosaur exhibits.

National Museum of African American History and Culture – Learn about African American history and culture.

National Gallery of Art – Admire a vast collection of artwork spanning centuries.

Smithsonian American History Museum – See the Star-Spangled Banner and other national treasures.

United States Holocaust Memorial Museum – Reflect on the history of the Holocaust through moving exhibits.

Outdoor Activities

Tidal Basin – Rent a paddleboat or enjoy cherry blossoms in the spring.

Rock Creek Park – Hike, bike, or picnic in this expansive urban park.

National Arboretum – Stroll among beautiful gardens and the historic National Capitol Columns.

Georgetown Waterfront – Walk along the Potomac River and enjoy dining or kayaking.

Cultural Experiences

Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts – Attend a concert, ballet, or opera.

Ford’s Theatre – Visit the site of Lincoln’s assassination and the museum.

Library of Congress – Tour this stunning building and explore its exhibits.

National Cathedral – Marvel at the neo-Gothic architecture and gardens.

Neighborhoods to Explore

Georgetown – Wander cobblestone streets, shop at boutiques, and enjoy a meal at waterfront restaurants.

Dupont Circle – Explore trendy shops, art galleries, and restaurants.

Adams Morgan – Discover diverse nightlife, international dining, and murals.

Eastern Market – Browse fresh produce, handmade crafts, and local art.

Unique Attractions

International Spy Museum – Dive into the world of espionage and spy gadgets.

National Zoo – See pandas and other wildlife at this free zoo.

The Wharf – Experience waterfront dining, shopping, and events.

Explore Arlington, VA:

Arlington National Cemetery – Visit the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and President John F. Kennedy’s gravesite.

The Pentagon Memorial – A tribute to the 184 individuals who lost their lives during the 9/11 attack on the Pentagon.

Theodore Roosevelt Island Park – Explore trails and a memorial plaza dedicated to President Theodore Roosevelt.

Gravelly Point Park – A great spot for picnics and plane-watching, with views of planes taking off and landing at Reagan National Airport.

Rosslyn Outdoor Film Festival – Enjoy free outdoor movie screenings during the spring and summer in Gateway Park.

Arlington Restaurant Options

Ambar Clarendon – A Balkan restaurant offering delicious small plates and bottomless brunch.

Pupatella – A local favorite for authentic Neapolitan pizza.

The Liberty Tavern – A great spot for American fare with a cozy atmosphere.

Green Pig Bistro – Known for its creative comfort food and seasonal dishes.