Things To Do
National Mall
This is the famous spot home to many of Washington’s most iconic landmarks, including the Lincoln Memorial, Washington Monument, World War II Memorial, and Vietnam Veterans Memorial. The area is safe, easily walkable, and accessible by Metro.
Smithsonian Museums
The Smithsonian is the world’s largest museum complex, including the National Zoo. Eleven museums are located along the National Mall in Washington, DC, six others and the Smithsonian’s National Zoo are nearby.
US Capitol Building
Visit the US Capitol Visitors Center museum. The grounds are beautiful for photos! Schedule a guided tour of the US Capitol to view the Rotunda, Statuary Hall and the Crypt. For a behind the scenes tour that may also include the House and Senate Galleries and the private subway system, contact your Member of Congress (House and two Senate members) at https://www.congress.gov/members . These tours are led by staff interns – Robbie Hecht did this Summer of 2013!
Supreme Court of the United States
Across the street from the US Capitol Building is the Supreme Court. Courtroom Lectures (offered on the half hour) led by docents and interns take place entirely inside the Courtroom. Other than attending a Court session, Courtroom Lectures are the only way visitors may enter the Courtroom.
Library of Congress Thomas Jefferson Building
Located next to the Supreme Court. Secure free timed-entry tickets online before your visit to the Library. The grand Main Reading room, usually reserved for credentialed researchers , welcomes visitors to join short, 5-minute walk throughs around the center desk, Tuesday-Friday, 10:30–11:30am and 2–3pm. This special access offers visitors a glimpse inside one of Washington’s most beautiful spaces.
National Archives
The permanent home of the Declaration of Independence, Constitution of the United States, and Bill of Rights. The exhibit is free of charge, but timed entry tickets are now available for $1/each and recommended as it allows visitors to skip the line.
National Gallery of Art
Across the street from the National Archives. The National Gallery of Art features a world-class collection highlighted by Leonardo da Vinci’s Ginevra de' Benci (the only da Vinci in the Americas) and Vermeer’s Girl with the Red Hat. But also including works by Van Gogh, Cassett, Degas, Monet, Picasso, Matisse, Jackson Pollock and Andy Warhol.
The White House
Tours can be requested via your Member of Congress (U.S. Representative or U.S. Senator) and are scheduled on a first come, first served basis. Requests can be submitted up to three months in advance. You may reach your Member of Congress through the United States Capitol Switchboard at 202-224-3121, or online at congress.gov/members. Tours are generally 7:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Tuesday through Thursday and include the public rooms on the State Floor, which include the Blue Room, Red Room, Green Room, State Dining Room, Cross Hall, and Entrance Hall. Secret Service Officers are stationed along the tour route and are available to answer questions about each room’s history, art, furnishings, current uses, and beyond.
White House Visitor Center
Exhibit areas feature approximately 100 historical artifacts from the White House collection, interpretive panels and archival footage.
Arlington National Cemetery
A beautiful and powerful cemetery featuring the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, JFK's gravesite, the changing of the guard ceremony, and the resting place of Holly's MieMie & Pop.
Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center
This Smithsonian museum houses the Space Shuttle Discovery, the SR-71 Blackbird, the Enola Gay, Concorde aircraft, and many other attractions for aviation fanatics. Our personal favorite museum in the whole area DC area!
Old Town Alexandria
A charming, historic waterfront area featuring cobblestone streets, boutique shopping, waterfront dining, and beautiful views of the Potomac River. Alexandria is directly across the Potomac from MGM National Harbor Casino.
Tysons Corner Center
One of the largest shopping destinations in the region with hundreds of stores, dining options, and seasonal events. Plus it's one metro stop from the hotels! Across the street is Tysons Galleria shopping center.