Washington DC
Smithsonian National Museum of African American History & Culture
The National Museum of African American History and Culture is devoted exclusively to the documentation of African American life, history, and culture. It's enlightening and definitely worth visiting. In September, walk-up entry begins at 10 am, Monday through Friday. On weekends a timed entry pass is required for admission. Same-day timed entry passes (free of charge) are available online beginning at 6:30 a.m. EDT, and again at 9:30 a.m. and every half hour after that until they run out. Go to: https://event.etix.com/ticket/e/1004039/timed-entry-pass-washington-national-museum-of-african-american-history-and-culture?
Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History
A new home for the nation's dinosaurs! It's just been re-opened after a 5 year renovation. See a recent article in the Post. https://www.washingtonpost.com/graphics/2019/national/nmnh-fossil-hall/?utm_term=.5ffadc9e5df0
Smithsonian National Gallery of Art
In celebration of the 50th anniversary of the Apollo 11 moon landing on July 20, 1969, the Gallery will have an exhibition of lunar photographs from the unmanned Ranger, Surveyor, and Lunar Orbiter missions that led up to Apollo 11, glass stereographs, taken on the moon by Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin, showing close-up views of three-inch-square areas of the lunar surface, as well as iconic NASA and press photographs of the astronauts and a survey of lunar photographs from the 19th and early 20th centuries.
Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum's Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center
This Air and Space Museum annex offers a stunning array of aircraft including the space shuttle, the Concorde, a replica of the Kitty Hawk and many other craft that made aviation history, The center is near Dulles Airport. The National Air and Space Museum's building on the Mall is unfortunately currently closed for renovations
Washington National Cathedral
The Cathedral Church of Saint Peter and Saint Paul in the City and Diocese of Washington, commonly known as Washington National Cathedral, is an American cathedral of the Episcopal Church. It is both the second-largest church building in the United States, and the fourth-tallest structure in Washington, D.C.
Library of Congress
The largest library in the world by number of items (166 million+). The reading room is stunning. Public tours of the Thomas Jefferson Building (located on First Street SE, between Independence Avenue and East Capitol Street) are available on a first-come, first-served basis without prior reservations.
Newseum
Dedicated to the first amendment of the US constitution, this private museum displays the various ways in which news and information are spread (or suppressed) and provides a thought-provoking perspective on the importance of the freedom of the press.
United States National Arboretum
The Arboretum is administered by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Agricultural Research Service. It covers almost 500 acres with 10 miles of winding roadways and is home to a extensive range of flora, including several bonsai trees that are over 300 years old.
Mount Vernon
The historic home of George and Martha Washington. Once a vibrant plantation in the 18th century, Mount Vernon estate is now one of the nation’s most visited historic sites.
Smithsonian National Zoological Park
The National Zoological Park, commonly known as the National Zoo, is one of the oldest zoos in the United States. It is part of the Smithsonian Institution and does not charge for admission. It is the home of Tai Shan, Bei Bei, Tian Tian and Mei Xiang (the Giant Pandas).
International Spy Museum
A private non-profit museum dedicated to the tradecraft, history and contemporary role of espionage, featuring the largest collection of international espionage artifacts currently on public display.
Folger Shakespeare Library
An independent research library on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C. It has the world's largest collection of the printed works of William Shakespeare, and is a primary repository for rare materials from the early modern period (1500–1750). The library also has a theater which will be presenting Henry IV from September 3 to October 13.
Union Market
Union Market was formally known as Union Terminal Market when it started in 1931 as a replacement market center for the old Center Market that had been located near the mall. It became an important part of the Washington food infrastructure to feed a growing city population. It featured retail and wholesales stores as well as a Farmers' market, which was rebuilt in 1967, and is today the food hall carrying the name "Union Market". The area is being revived as a hip destination for restaurant and night life near NoMa and H Street. While for many it is a specific building containing the gourmet food hall, it is in fact an area that today features restaurants, a small movie theater, an ice cream factory and new luxury apartment buildings in Northeast Washington, D.C. off of Florida Avenue NE.
Old Ebbitt Grill
Washington's oldest bar and restaurant, Close to the wedding location.
Clyde's of Georgetown
The Georgetown location has been the iconic place for Sunday brunch in Washington for 50+ years. A stroll through Georgetown makes it worthwhile to visit the original location for Clyde's.
National Mall
If you need to get some exercise and/or enjoy a scenic ambulation through the Nation's Capital, you can walk some or all of the National Mall. The National Mall extends 2.3 miles from the base of the Capitol building to the Lincoln Memorial; jump in anywhere and do as much or as little as you wish.