The National Portrait Gallery is a historic art museum in Washington, D.C., United States. Founded in 1962 and opened in 1968, it is part of the Smithsonian Institution. Its collections focus on images of famous Americans. Along with the Smithsonian American Art Museum, the museum is housed in the historic Old Patent Office Building.
The National Museum of Women in the Arts, located in Washington, D.C., is "the first museum in the world solely dedicated" to championing women through the arts. NMWA was incorporated in 1981 by Wallace and Wilhelmina Holladay. Since opening in 1987, the museum has acquired a collection of more than 6,000 works by more than 1,000 artists, ranging from the 16th century to today. The collection includes works by Mary Cassatt, Alma Woodsey Thomas, Élisabeth Louise Vigée-LeBrun, and Amy Sherald.
The National Air and Space Museum on the National Mall sits right in the heart of Washington, D.C., offering visitors an unforgettable journey through aviation and space exploration. This flagship building houses legendary milestones of aviation history, including the original 1903 Wright Flyer and the Apollo 11 Command Module Columbia.
The National Museum of American History sits directly on the National Mall in Washington, D.C., offering visitors an unforgettable journey through the scientific, cultural, and political development of the United States. This flagship building houses millions of legendary milestones of the American experience, including the original Star-Spangled Banner flag and Abraham Lincoln's top hat.
The Smithsonian's National Zoo is a 163-acre wildlife park home to over 2,200 animals. Its most famous residents are the giant pandas, Bao Li and Qing Bao, who live in a newly renovated habitat on the Asia Trail. General admission is free, though you must reserve a free entry pass online in advance.
Founded in 1856 by innkeeper William E. Ebbitt, the Old Ebbitt Grill is Washington, D.C.’s oldest saloon. Originally part of a boarding house that evolved into the Ebbitt House Hotel, it has hosted numerous U.S. presidents, politicians, and historical figures, moving locations a few times before settling at its current 15th Street NW site.
Martin’s Tavern is DC’s oldest family-owned restaurant, established in 1933 immediately following the repeal of Prohibition. It’s a popular institution for classic pub fare and drinks. Each booth is named after a historical figure who was once a regular there! The “Proposal Booth” is where then-Senator John F. Kennedy proposed to Jacqueline Bouvier in 1953.
The Hamilton is a premier restaurant and live music venue in the historic Penn Quarter neighborhood. It is situated in the Hamilton Square building, which was formerly home to the Garfinckel’s department store, originally constructed in 1929.
The Occidental is a historic, newly revived American fine-dining landmark. Originally opened in 1906, it has long served as a power-dining hub for presidents, diplomats, and journalists. Reopened by restaurateur Stephen Starr, the glamorous venue features mid-century retro elegance, tuxedoed waitstaff, and old-school tableside traditions.
The historic Round Robin Bar inside the Willard InterContinental is nicknamed the "Oval Office of Bars". Established in 1847, this iconic circular mahogany bar has hosted U.S. presidents, poets, and politicians for over 175 years and is famous for introducing the Mint Julep to Washington.
VUE Rooftop sits on the 11th floor of the historic Hotel Washington. Opened in 1918, the hotel has spent over a century hosting politicians and stars. Formerly known as POV, the rooftop lounge offers iconic, direct views of the White House and National Mall.
Located inside the Waldorf Astoria, it features a 270-foot observation deck with panoramic views of the city, Maryland, and Virginia. The Tower houses the Official Bells of Congress. Enter via the rear at the 12th Street NW entrance. The Tower is open Wednesday - Saturday from 9:00am - noon. Admission is free. No advance tickets are required.