Quintessential DC exploration means visiting the various monuments and memorials including the Washington Monument, Jefferson Memorial, National WWII Memorial, Lincoln Memorial, and the MLK Jr Memorial.
We love the National Gallery of Art, Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History, National Museum of African American History and Culture, The Renwick Gallery, The Phillips Collection, National Portrait Gallery, and National Air and Space Museum.
King Street in Old Town Alexandria has great coffee shops, cafes, and boutiques. We love Old Town Books and The Antique Guild.