Things To Do

Lincoln Memorial

Library of Congress

Explore the largest library in the world with millions of books, recordings, photographs, newspapers, maps and manuscripts in its collections.

National Portrait Gallery

Check out Marilyn's favorite Smithsonian Museum. No tickets necessary.

National Museum of African American History and Culture

Check out the newest Smithsonian in DC! Tickets must be reserved in advance.

National Archives Building

Catch a glimpse of the Declaration of Independence. No tickets necessary.

The White House

Make sure to request tickets from your Member of Congress 2-3 months in advance. Walking distance from the Washington Metro Center area.

United States Capitol

Call your congresswoman (or man) or Senator's office before you come to Washington and ask for special US Capital guest passes. It will get you into some areas that the general public will not see. Also ask how you can get a flag that has flown over the Capital.

Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum

No tickets necessary.

Supreme Court of the United States

Make sure to schedule a tour in advance.

National Mall

Sit down and take in the sites of the National Mall. Including but not limited to: Albert Einstein Memorial Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial George Washington Masonic National Memorial Lincoln Memorial Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial Thomas Jefferson Memorial Vietnam Veterans Memorial World War II Memorial

John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts

Catch a show at the Kennedy Center.

Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception

Visit the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception, the largest Roman Catholic church in the United States and North America, and one of the ten largest churches in the world.

Washington National Cathedral

The National Cathedral sits on the highest point of Washington D.C. Take in the beautiful architecture and spiritual paintings.

Arlington National Cemetery

It's a one mile up hill walk (or tour bus ride) to the Changing of the Guard but this bucket list place is well worth the walk. Then walk over to Robert E. Lee and his wife, Martha Custis's home to see one of the best views of Washington. When you leave the cemetery, Cross the beautiful Arlington Memorial Bridge and see the Lincoln memorial at the other side.

The Pentagon

Tickets must be reserved in advance.

George Washington's Mount Vernon

The approach to this great home has great river views along the George Washington Memorial Parkway about 20 minutes drive to the South of Alexandria. It's a nice three-hour day trip.

MGM National Harbor Resort & Casino

A cab ride from Washington, D.C. This is the only casino near the Washington D.C. area It opened in May 2017. You can take a water taxi from the riverfront in Old Town, Alexandria to the Washington National Harbor.

Ben's Chili Bowl

Order a half smoke and try to sit in Obama's seat!

Shake Shack

See if you agree with those who think Shake Shack is better than In-N-Out.

Hank's Oyster Bar

For all things oysters, head to Hanks!

Old Town Alexandria

Marilyn & David's favorite town. The Washington Metro Center area is only 8 stops way from the King Street Metro (Subway) station. It is 16 blocks from the Potomac River water front. There are about 40 great restaurants and many shops along the street. You can take a free bus that runs between the Metro and the river or its a nice walk. There is lots of nightlife down near the river.

Georgetown

Great food, drink and shopping options.

The District Wharf

Opened in 2017. Great food, drink and shopping options.

National Harbor

One of Marilyn & David’s favorite hang out spots. Great food, drink and shopping options.

Eastern Market Station

Great food, drink and shopping options.

Pentagon City Mall

Closest shopping mall to the city.