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What do you think of when you imagine Washington DC? Smart-suited politicos going about the people’s business? Legions of lobbyists wielding their influence?
Chances are good you’ll see a few of each, but Washington DC is so much more than just the nation’s political capital—it’s a vibrant city, rich in history, with amazing architecture, magnificent monuments and museums, and gorgeous green spaces perfect for kite-flying or an afternoon picnic.
It’s a city with an incredible food culture—you can find any ethnic specialty you like in swanky Adams Morgan, and the Ethiopian restaurants in Shaw are delightful and exotic. Love trendy shops and a thriving nightlife? You can live like a Kennedy for a day in posh Georgetown.
And all around you are the signs and symbols of America’s rich history, calling your inner patriot.
If you’ve got 24 hours in Washington DC, here are the things you really shouldn’t miss.
Get your political fix with a glimpse of the White House and a tour of the Capitol Building. Admit it: you’re dying to see the nation’s most famous address, and 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue doesn’t disappoint. Home to America’s First Families since John Adams moved in in 1800, the White House is a symbol of national pride. You can take a self-guided tour if you contact your local senator or representative at least three weeks in advance.
International visitors should contact their embassies to seek access to the White House several months in advance. If you aren’t able to go inside, fear not! The new and nearby The People’s House has some wonderful replica rooms of the White House, shown in a fun, cozy yet high-tech way. It’s just across the street from the White House at 17th Street and Pennsylvania Avenue, NW
If you’re a history buff and know your presidential trivia, you’ll definitely want to tour the U.S. Capitol Building and see the Statuary Hall. Don’t miss the slice of the Berlin Wall in the pedestal beneath the statue of Ronald Reagan! You may even be able to sneak a peek at the House and Senate galleries if you make arrangements in advance.
Take the Best of DC — VIP Bus Tour by USA Guided Tours – a truly comprehensive Washington DC day bus tour that also includes reserved access to the National Archives Building and the U.S. Capitol Building!
The National Mall is one of the most iconic sights in DC, especially if you loved the scene where Forrest and Jenny reunited after he returned from the Vietnam War.
This lovely stretch of green is punctuated by the Washington Monument, the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, and other commemorative monuments before culminating in the majestic Lincoln Memorial, nearly two miles from the steps of the Capitol.
Bookworms rejoice! You can visit the U.S. Library of congress for free! If you’ve ever wanted to see the largest library in the world, you’re in luck when you visit DC! With over 161 million items, including almost 24 million books, this massive collection of words is spread out over three buildings near Capitol Hill. Best of all, admission and guided tours won’t cost you a thing. The library is open Tuesdays through Saturdays.
And if that’s not enough prose for you, the Folger Shakespeare Library, just a few short blocks away, holds the world’s largest collection of writings by the Bard himself.
You can’t come to Washington without having an authentic Maryland crab cake, so why not enjoy one for lunch at one of the most scenic places in DC? Washington Harbour offers amazing views of the mighty Potomac—you can see the Key Bridge and the Kennedy Center while you stroll the boardwalk.
Washington Harbour is right next to the Georgetown Waterfront Park, a charming place to take an after-lunch walk or enjoy a scrumptious cupcake dessert from Georgetown Cupcake. Yes, the lines may be long, but trust us, the confection is most definitely worth it.
You might be surprised to know that the zoo is actually part of the Smithsonian Institution. The zoo was originally part of the Smithsonian’s program. Today, however, it’s a gorgeous 162-acre park designed by Frederick Law Olmsted (also designed Central Park in NYC), home to some 300 different animals.
Its most famous residents, however, are the giant pandas, Bao Li and Qing Bao, who arrived from China in late 2024 but only “went public” on January 24, 2025! Can you believe they generate over 1.6 million visitors per year? You don’t have to say goodbye when your visit ends—you can watch them from home on the zoo’s Panda Cam.
Not to be confused with the Washington Harbour in Georgetown, the National Harbour, on the other side of the Potomac, is made for fun.
Completed in 2008, this lovely waterfront development has “chi-chi” restaurants, upscale shops, a piano bar, and many interesting events—outdoor concerts and movies, farmers markets, and even kayak and paddleboard rentals. And if the weather’s warm and you time your visit right, you can even take an open-water swim.
Every December, the USA Guided Tours Holiday Lights Tour makes a stop in National Harbor so our guests can see the holiday light show at the Gaylord Resort and some of the beautifully lit trees in the neighborhood.
Our nation’s most hallowed ground, Arlington National Cemetery, is the final resting spot for over 14,000 veterans, including those who lost their lives in the Civil War. Visiting JFK’s gravesite and the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, and witnessing the changing of the guard are experiences that will change your life. After you visit the cemetery, you should visit the Iwo Jima Memorial in nearby Arlington Ridge Park.
Take the DC Highlights and Arlington Cemetery Bus Tour by USA Guided Tours to take it all in!
If you don’t have time to take a self-guided tour or a more formal visit, you can experience the scale and somber grandeur of the cemetery by driving along Memorial Avenue, which connects the cemetery to the Memorial Bridge.
Massachusetts Avenue, or as locals refer to it as “Mass Ave” is one of the toniest addresses in DC; the elaborate mansions that sprung up there earned it the nickname “Millionaire’s Row.” During the Great Depression, however, the owners were unable to maintain these large houses, so embassies took advantage of paying rock-bottom prices to purchase and restore these grand old homes, and Embassy Row was born.
Now you can see some of the 175 different embassies and missions along the two-mile stretch running from Scott Circle to the Naval Observatory, currently home to Vice President and Mrs. Pence.
The spectacular and moving World War II memorial was completed in 2004 and is one of the most popular and beautiful of the capital’s military monuments; walk through the 56 stone pilings representing all the 50 states and 4 territories (Guam, American Samoa, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands), Washington DC, and, also, you may notice that the 56th piling represents the Philippines, who were a territory of the US through World War II and until July 4, 1946. You can also gaze at the beautiful Rainbow Pool while there.
Be sure to wander the length of “The Wall,” the long, black expanse of the Vietnam War Memorial commemorating the 58,000 Americans who lost their lives during the war. Notice items left by family members and loved ones. Stop to see the powerful Vietnam Women’s Memorial, sculpted by the late mother-in-law of Harry Connick Jr. – Glenna Goodacre. You can also see the Three Soldiers’ statue by Frederick Hart. Then make your way to the eastern side of the Mall and see the haunting steel statues of soldiers in combat, honoring the 1.7 million who served in America’s “Forgotten War” in Korea.
Appropriately located along the Tidal Basin, perhaps the most tranquil and lovely place in DC, a 30-foot granite sculpture of Martin Luther King Jr towers over the western side of the National Mall. The sculpture shows King emerging from the “Mountain of Despair,” and reflects his incredible contribution to American culture. Even the statue’s address, 1964 Independence Ave., contributes to the monument’s powerful symbolism since the Civil Rights Act was passed that year. Also, that same year, Dr. King received the Nobel Peace Prize.
Completed in 2011, it’s a new monument, and the only one on the Mall dedicated to an African American. Make sure to take our fully guided African American History and Culture Tour, which includes access to the National Museum of African American History and Culture!
Old Town Alexandria is not too far from Mount Vernon, the home of George Washington. Washington made many innovations in Alexandria, including creating the first volunteer fire department. Its lovely cobblestone streets and red brick sidewalks never fail to delight visitors from all over the world. King Street, nationally recognized as one of America’s “Great Streets,” is a mile-long stretch of restaurants, museums, boutiques, and galleries.
End your visit to Old Town with a visit to the waterfront; grab drinks or dinner and enjoy the stunning views of the DC monuments across the Potomac. There’s no better place to people- and pet-watch in Washington DC.
Take the Old Town Alexandria and Mount Vernon Bus Tour with USA Guided Tours – a sensational five-hour experience from the capital!
Pro Tip: Check out this insightful guide for exploring DC’s trendy neighborhoods.
You can’t leave DC without doing a little shopping, and Union Station is the perfect place to browse for something special and grab a bite to eat. Completed in 1907 as one of the nation’s foremost railroad terminals, Union Station hit its heyday in the 1940s, when some 40,000 passengers passed through its walls each day.
Today, this beautifully preserved structure still serves as a transportation hub, but it’s so much more than that. It’s a gorgeous space filled with shops and restaurants and cozy spaces to sip a cup of coffee and jot a postcard to family or friends back home.
If you’ve never been to DC, this year’s a perfect time to visit! Explore the capital with USA Guided Tour!
Terry Cordaro, Washington DC Tour Guide in Collaboration With USA Guided Tours Blogging Team
