Rebecca & Michael
Things To Do
National Mall
The National Mall is a 2-mile-long public park in Washington, D.C. with the Tidal Basin, a 107 acre man made reservoir as the center. The whole park extends from the Lincoln Memorial to the U.S. Capitol Building. The Mall functions as the nation's primary civic space and contains major American monuments including the Washington Monument, Vietnam Veterans Memorial, and World War II Memorial, while the Jefferson Memorial stands prominently on the south bank of the Tidal Basin surrounded by hundreds of Japanese cherry trees. The Mall is home to eleven Smithsonian museums that are free to the public, including the National Air and Space Museum, National Museum of Natural History, and National Museum of American History. The National Mall is approximately 45 minutes away from Chantilly, Virginia.
National Gallery of Art
This is one of Becca's favorite spots in DC! The National Gallery of Art is a renowned museum featuring a wide range of art, including paintings, drawings, prints, photographs, sculptures, and decorative arts, spanning from the 13th century to the present. The museum offers free admission, public programs, and a variety of exhibits, making it a popular destination for art lovers. The building itself is a classical masterpiece designed by John Russell Pope.
Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History
The Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History houses an impressive collection of specimens and artifacts that showcase Earth's diverse life forms and geological treasures across millions of years. Located on the National Mall in Washington, D.C., it features iconic exhibits including massive dinosaur fossils, ancient mammal skeletons, and comprehensive displays of marine life, insects, and minerals. The museum serves as both a leading scientific research institution and a public education center that welcomes millions of visitors annually.
Smithsonian's National Air and Space Museum
The National Air and Space Museum, part of the Smithsonian Institution, is home to the world's largest collection of historic aircraft and spacecraft. Located on the National Mall in Washington, D.C., with a second facility in Virginia, it showcases humanity's achievements in flight, from the Wright brothers' first airplane to Apollo lunar modules and beyond. The museum attracts millions of visitors annually who come to explore its extensive exhibits on aviation history, space exploration, and the science of flight.
Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center
The Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center is a massive annex of the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum located near Washington Dulles International Airport in Virginia. The facility houses thousands of aviation and space artifacts too large for the main museum, including the Space Shuttle Discovery, the Enola Gay, and the Concorde.
Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception
The Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington, DC is the largest Roman Catholic church in North America and one of the ten largest churches in the world. Dedicated to the Virgin Mary under her title of the Immaculate Conception, this stunning Byzantine-Romanesque structure features over 70 chapels and oratories, numerous mosaics, and a remarkable blue dome that can be seen from many vantage points throughout the city.
Shenandoah National Park
The Shenandoah National Park offers breathtaking hiking trails throughout its Blue Ridge and Appalachian Mountain ranges, with iconic routes like Old Rag Mountain (hiked at sunrise by the Bride and Groom early in their relationship) featuring panoramic vistas. In addition to the extensive trail network within the park boundaries, the surrounding areas offer numerous hiking opportunities on public lands, with varied terrain and difficulty levels. History enthusiasts can explore limestone caverns near the park such as Luray Caverns and Shenandoah Caverns. The park boasts over 500 miles of marked trails, including the famous Appalachian Trail which traverses the park for 101 miles and offers opportunities to witness diverse ecosystems ranging from dense hardwood forests to rocky mountain peaks adorned with wildflowers in spring. The northern end of the Park is approximately 1 hour to 1.5 hours from Chantilly, Virginia.
Arlington National Cemetery
Arlington National Cemetery stands as a solemn tribute to America's fallen heroes across 639 acres of meticulously maintained grounds. Visitors can witness the precise Changing of the Guard ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, which occurs every hour or half-hour depending on the season. The cemetery also houses notable memorials and gravesites, including those of President John F. Kennedy and his eternal flame.
Manassas National Battlefield Park
Manassas National Battlefield Park preserves the historic landscape where two pivotal Civil War battles unfolded, changing the course of American history. Visitors can walk the same fields where the first major land battle of the Civil War took place in July 1861, shocking those who expected a quick conflict. The park's visitor center features exhibits with artifacts, interactive maps, and a film that provides context for understanding the battles' significance.