Happy Independence Day, America!!
Everyone must make a trip to explore Washington DC at least once, especially if you are American! Growing up in the midwest, most people never had the opportunity to explore the Capitol of the USA. Now that we live so close to DC, it seems crazy that some people have never been there! For those of you who are making your first time trip, we have put together a list of the top sights to make sure you don’t miss a thing!
Let’s Explore Washington DC!
1) The Capitol
You can do a guided tour of the Capitol (only way to go inside to see everything) that walks you through all the different rooms and explains the history. We learned a lot on this tour! For instance, every state has a statue that they pick to be placed inside the Capitol. You can learn more about the tours here.
2) Supreme Court
The Supreme Court has limited access based on when you come to visit. If Court is in session, you will not be able to go very far up the steps. We suggest possibly going back at night when it is less crowded and you can walk all the way up to the doors. It is quite beautiful. But no matter what time of day you go, be sure to walk by and get a picture.
3) Library of Congress
The Library of Congress is never talked about as much as the Supreme Court and the Capitol, but it should be! This is one of my favorite buildings – the inside is immaculate! You do not have to stay long – truly a ten minute walk through is all you need. But be sure you do it – walk up the steps to look through the glass into the actual library!
Side note: The Supreme Court, Capitol, and Library of Congress are all in very close proximity and a great lunch spot on Capitol Hill is Good Stuff Eatery.
4) National Mall and all of the many museums
As you walk from Capitol Hill down the National Mall, you will go by all of the many museums DC has to offer. You would have to stay quite a long time to see them all – so pick your favorites! Here is a great post about some of the best museums to check out. Here is more information on the national mall and monuments in the area, as well.
5) Lincoln Memorial & Washington Monument
As you continue down the national mall, you will approach the Washington Monument and at the very end of your journey, the Lincoln Memorial. The famous reflecting pool is between the two. This is where the 4th of July fireworks celebration happens each year! Our first year living in the area, we went to check it out! Also – my friends from back home (Missouri) came out to experience their first time in DC for my bachelorette weekend! They are featured in a few pictures, as well! 🙂
6) White House & Eisenhower Building
Of course you have to walk by and take a picture in front of the gate, in front of the White House! Be sure to walk around the side by the Eisenhower Building – we think the architecture is quite spectacular!
7) Jefferson Memorial & Tidal Basin
The Jefferson Memorial is a little off the main path, but very worth seeing. It is next to the Tidal Basin where you can rent paddle boats! This is also where all the gorgeous Cherry Blossoms are if you happen to make a visit in March/April. Check out the details of the Cherry Blossoms season here.
9) Arlington Cemetery
Something that you must see your first time in DC. We don’t have any pictures of the Cemetery, but it needs to be on the list. The cemetery is 624 acres and the Tomb of the Unknowns have been guarded since July of 1937! You can get more information here.
10) National Cathedral
The National Cathedral is not a place we visited our first time in DC. However, now that we have visited it – we highly recommend it! It is a little out from the main capitol area, but it is incredible! Be sure to walk up the steps and see the views from the windows up top!
11) Georgetown
After a day sightseeing – Georgetown is a great neighborhood to go explore, grab a bite to eat, and do some shopping. We enjoyed gorgeous sunset views from the rooftop bars!
12) Mount Vernon
Mount Vernon is the home of George Washington! It is not actually in DC, it is in the nearby town of Alexandria. After exploring Mount Vernon, we highly recommend grabbing lunch/dinner in Old Town Alexandria and walking down King Street. Book your tour of Mount Vernon here.
Get a hold of us if you want more insight or tips for exploring DC! It is an awesome city full of so much history and so much to see.
Happy Fourth of July!!!
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~Brooke Hartman
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