The White House
Public tours of the White House are available. Requests must be submitted through one's Member of Congress. Tours are scheduled on a first come, first served basis. Requests can be submitted up to three months in advance and no less than 21 days in advance. You are encouraged to submit your request as early as possible as a limited number of spaces are available. All White House tours are free of charge. If you wish to visit the White House and are a citizen of a foreign country, please contact your embassy in Washington, DC for assistance in submitting a tour request. https://www.whitehouse.gov/about-the-white-house/tours-events/
The National Mall
The National Mall is the premiere civic and symbolic space in our nation. National Mall and Memorial Parks protects the National Mall and its iconic monuments and memorials and over 1,000 acres of greenspace in Washington, D.C. National Mall and Memorial Parks is open 24 hours a day. The early evening and morning hours are beautiful and tranquil times to visit. Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial Korean War Veterans Memorial Lincoln Memorial Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial Thomas Jefferson Memorial Vietnam Veterans Memorial Washington Monument World War II Memorial https://www.nps.gov/nama/planyourvisit/index.htm
THE UNITED STATES CAPITOL
Overlooking the Mall, the Capitol building features a colossal cast-iron dome atop an impressive rotunda filled with frescoes and sculptures. Outside, visitors stroll through manicured grounds designed by Frederick Law Olmsted, the American landscape architect behind New York's Central Park. The grounds include a reflecting pool, monuments honoring Ulysses Grant and James Garfield, the Peace monument and thousands of seasonal flowers. https://www.visitthecapitol.gov/
THE SMITHSONIAN
The Smithsonian Institution is a repository of American culture, history and art and is the world's largest museum, education, and research complex. Founded in 1846 with funds from British scientist James Smithson, it contains 138 million pieces across 19 museums and nine research facilities. Lindbergh's Spirit of Saint Louis and the Apollo 11 command module at the Air and Space Museum and the Hope Diamond at the Natural History Museum are the institution's most-viewed pieces. It also includes the National Zoo, just north of the White House. https://www.si.edu/museums
Library of Congress
The Library of Congress is the world's largest library with almost 119 million items in three buildings. The Thomas Jefferson Building houses one of the world's three perfect vellum copies of the Gutenberg Bible and changing exhibitions. On permanent display is American Treasures of the Library of Congress, a rotating exhibition of rare and unique items. Hours of Operation: Monday to Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. (Closed on all federal holidays) Admission: Free https://www.loc.gov/visit/
United States Holocaust Memorial Museum
Located between 14th St. and Raoul Wallenberg Place., SW (formerly 15th St.), this internationally acclaimed museum tells the story of the Holocaust through artifacts, films, photos, and oral histories. For more information, call (202) 488-0400, or visit their website. Hours of Operation: Open daily from 10:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Admission: Free https://www.ushmm.org/information/visit-the-museum/plan-your-visit
NATIONAL GALLERY OF ART
The National Gallery of Art was established in 1937 as a gift from Secretary of the Treasury Andrew Mellon. Today, it houses some of the world's most renowned works of art, including paintings by Leonardo, Rembrandt and Vermeer, as well as several Impressionist masterworks. The West Wing features a striking rotunda and is connected via underground passageway to the East Wing designed by I. M. Pei. The Sculpture Garden is across the street. https://www.nga.gov/visit.html
THE JOHN F. KENNEDY CENTER
Opened in 1971, the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts houses the Washington National Opera, the National Symphony Orchestra and the Suzanne Farrell Ballet. Here, you can catch a Broadway show, take a free tour and so much more when you visit Washington, DC's legendary performing arts venue honoring President John F. Kennedy. You can also eat and drink at the Kennedy Center, a particularly good idea before a show. Venues include the informal KC Café and the fancier Roof Terrace Restaurant and Bar, for spins on classic American fare with terrific river vistas. Also on site: two gift shops loaded with art- and Kennedy-themed souvenirs. http://www.kennedy-center.org/pages/visitor/tours
Arlington National Cemetary
Arlington National Cemetery is America's largest national burial ground with more than 600 acres of landscaped hills. Among the thousands of white headstones are the graves of President John F. Kennedy, Supreme Court Justice Thurgood Marshall, world champion boxer Joe Louis and the Tomb of the Unknowns. Hours of Operation: October to March - open daily from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Admission: Free https://www.arlingtoncemetery.mil/#/
Georgetown Shopping & Exploring
For shopping, strolling, and exploring, Georgetown has a lot of charm with its cobblestone streets and waterfront dining options. Doug and I love to spend our weekends walking through Georgetown! After visiting a few stores and enjoying the beautiful architecture of the homes and storefronts, fuel up with a sweet treat. Skip Georgetown Cupcake (although a well-known place, it is not the best for sweet treats surprisingly!), and visit Baked & Wired (a local fave) or Sprinkles to satisfy that sweet tooth. Also, for a nice glass of wine and a cheese plate, visit ENO Wine Bar (an extension of the Four Seasons Hotel). This is the perfect spot for mid-day wine tasting. https://washington.org/dc-neighborhoods/georgetown
The Ritz-Carlton, Washington DC Quadrant Bar
Enjoy a pre-dinner cocktail or a nightcap at The Ritz-Carlton, Washington DC Quadrant Bar (bar is within walking distance of our wedding venue). If you’re a bourbon fan, be sure to try Doug’s favorite drink, the Smoked Old-Fashioned. http://www.ritzcarlton.com/en/hotels/washington-dc/dc/dining#QUADRANT
Off The Record Bar, Hay Adams Hotel(across from White House)
Take a stroll around the most iconic landmarks of the nation’s capital, being sure not to miss the grounds of the White House, and end your walk with a visit to the Off The Record Bar at the Hay Adams Hotel (directly across from the White House). As one of the "World's Best Hotel Bars," it is known as downtown Washington, D.C.'s best "place to be seen and not heard." Surrounded by caricatures of the city's political elite both past and present, Off the Record is a popular undercover hot spot for both Washingtonians and “in-the-know” tourists. Danielle recommends you order the Pear Martini and the Artisanal Cheese Plate. You will not be disappointed! https://www.hayadams.com/dining/off-the-record
The Wharf
When the weather is nice, Doug and I head to The Wharf—a waterfront city and destination right in Washington D.C.. This remarkable, mile-long stretch along the Potomac River comes to life with restaurants, retailers, residences, and businesses—all complemented by monumental views and a vibrant culture. You will hardly believe you are still in D.C. once you get to this waterfront spot, which is similar to a Boardwalk-style destination. Our favorite spots on The Wharf include: -The Fish Market - fresh seafood! -Mi Vida Restaurant—great cocktails, Mexican food (Guac!), and waterfront views. -Whiskey Charlie – rooftop bar and lounge specializing in whiskey drinks. -Lupo Marino—rustic Southern Italian "street food" for a casual meal by the water. https://www.wharfdc.com/
Shop and Eat at CityCenterDC
Do some high-end shopping and grab a bite in D.C. downtown’s signature neighborhood, CityCenterDC. Retail options include Hermes, Dior, Gucci, Louis Vuitton (Danielle’s personal fave), Salvatore Ferragamo, Vince, Allen Edmonds, Kate Spade New York, David Yurman, and Caudalie. And after dropping a few thousand dollars in those stores, satisfy your appetite (and definitely grab a drink!) at Del Frisco’s, Fig & Olive, DBGB Kitchen & Bar, or any one of many trendy eateries in the area. The location is especially magical at night, as string lights illuminate the alleyway as you stroll along and experience all that the area has to offer. http://citycenterdc.com/
Old Town Alexandria
Enjoy the day exploring Old Town Alexandria, a nationally designated historic district founded in 1749 that George Washington called home. The area hums with more than 200 independent restaurants and boutiques alongside historic museums and new happenings at the waterfront. - For great brunch, try Virtue Feed & Grain or Columbia Firehouse. - For an awesome Instagram shot, go see the Tiny Spite House, the Skinniest Historic House in America. - Enjoy housemade pasta at Mia’s Italian Kitchen. - Update your preppy wardrobe at The Lucky Knot boutique. - Do a tasting of Virginia Wines at Sonoma Cellar. To get here, take the Metro from the Foggy Bottom stop at 24th and “I” Streets to Old Town Alexandria, exiting at the King Street station on the Blue Line. https://blog.visitalexandriava.com/
The National Cathedral
Visit the National Cathedral and prepare to be in awe of this gothic architectural masterpiece. Daily, the Cathedral offers programs on spirituality, special exhibits, specialty tours, lectures, monthly labyrinth, organ demonstrations, and musical events. Highlights tours are offered daily, and groups must have reservations. On the Cathedral Grounds is The Bishop's Garden, a medieval-styled walled garden with ancient boxwood's, herbs, and a rose garden. We took our engagement photos here, and we highly recommend visiting this beautiful spot if the weather permits. For more information: www.cathedral.org