Nestled along the tidal basin, the FDR memorial is one of our favorite (shaded) places in DC. Best during the morning hours, as the sun rises over the city, we highly recommend strolling along this beautiful, waterfall-filled landmark. It is conveniently located near the Thomas Jefferson Memorial, another must-see!
For those attending with kiddos (or just nature-loving adults), the Museum of Natural History is a must! Everything from dinosaurs to whales to elephants can be found here, and admission is always free. There are several other free-admission Smithsonian museums along the mall too, such as the American History Museum, American Indian Museum, and National Portrait Gallery.
The World War II Memorial recognizes the ways Americans served, honors those who fell, and recognizes the victory they achieved to restore freedom around the globe. There are several other war memorials on the mall to explore, such as the Vietnam and Korean War Memorials. We recommend visiting as many as you can while in town.