Curator’s statement
Walking the National Mall surrounded by the monuments inspires me and connects to the history of our country. The world-class museums and historical sites offer a great window into the past and highlight sacrifices made by many. It is a city where the past comes alive in a vibrant, walkable setting.
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Things to do in Washington, DC
Lincoln Memorial at night
The Smithsonian Institution: Provides numerous museums and galleries.
Walk the National Mall: Walking the National Mall is both inspiring and reflective.
Tour the Capitol Building: Visit the inner workings of the Capitol building and see government in action by watching a live session of Congress.
Visit Historic Mt. Vernon: Historic estate of George Washington, located a short distance from Washington, DC. The estate features a restored mansion, gardens, and a museum.
United States National Holocaust Museum: A powerful museum dedicated to documenting and displaying the history of the Holocaust. The museum features exhibits, artifacts, and testimonies that honor the victims and teach about the dangers of hatred.
Take a ride to the top of the Washington Monument: See Washington, DC from above and marvel at the design of the city planned by Pierre Charles L’Enfant.
The Lincoln Memorial Monument: A monument honoring President Abraham Lincoln, featuring a large statue of Lincoln sitting quietly looking out over the reflecting pool. It was also the site of Martin Luther King, Jr’s's “I Have a Dream” speech.
Places to eat & drink in Washington, DC
Grab a cocktail after dinner
Old Ebbitt Grill: Washington’s older saloon located near the White House is a favorite of locals and tourists.
Ben’s Chili Bowl: Famous for chili dogs and half-smokes. Ben’s is a favorite of presidents and celebrities.
The Mirror DC: Hidden underground speakeasy featuring craft cocktails in an elegant low-lit setting.
Founding Farmers: Farm-to-table, scratch-made breakfasts.
Stachowski’s Market: Butcher shop and deli known for mile-high pastrami on rye.
JR.’s Bar and Grill: A long-standing pillar in the LGTBQIA+ community, JR’s Bar and Grill features daily happy hours, show-tune Mondays, and drag shows on Fridayss.
Need to know
Washington, DC is full of free museums, monuments, and attractions
Metro is the local public transit system, consisting of bus and train service to avoid driving and parking.
Washington, DC is a very walkable city, so bring comfortable shoes.
Visit the National Mall at night for a very different look at the monuments.
For more inspiration and insider recommendations, visit our Washington, DC page.
Travel Advisor
Brian Zook
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