20 Best Washington, DC Landmarks You Must Visit

The United States Capitol, found in Washington, DC, is a proud symbol of the American government and people. It is the official meeting place of the United States legislature and Congress. The U.S. The Capitol has become a popular tourist attraction for those eager to learn about democracy and history, but it is still a functioning office building. It's free to admire from the outside but the building also offers tours of the inside so visitors can learn as much as possible.

No, this sadly isn't the type of mall for shopping. However, it's a spot that's rich in history as it's filled with iconic memorials and monuments. The National Mall is a park nestled in the heart of Washington, where visitors can go to pay tribute to some of America's most treasured heroes. Inside the park, you'll find the Jefferson Memorial, the World War II Memorial, the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial, and more. And the best thing is: visiting The National Mall won't cost you a penny.

This stunning tribute honors one of America's greatest presidents, Abraham Lincoln. This breathtaking structure features an impressively large statue of Lincoln, surrounded by inscriptions of quotes from his most notable speeches. Visiting this memorial is a moving experience, and will remind you of the sacrifices made to preserve America's quality and freedom.

For more than two centuries, the White House has been considered home to the presidents and their families. It's arguably the most recognized building in Washington, DC, and is open to the public, even though it's the President's private residence. At the White House, you'll have the opportunity to see where some of the world's greatest leaders have made important decisions that influenced history. It's truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

While this landmark does cost money for admission, it's certainly worth it. The Smithsonian Institution is a network of research centers and museums, unlike any other in the world. Curious visitors can explore exhibits covering topics like history, art, and science while browsing exclusive artifacts. The Smithsonian is home to the Wright Brothers' plane, as well as the Hope Diamond. There's an exhibit that will spark inspiration and learning within everyone, no matter their age or interests.

Here's another iconic Washington, DC, monument that's waiting for you to visit. The Washington Monument is dedicated to George Washington, the first President of the United States. The symbol honors his vision for the country, determination, and leadership. For an extra special experience, sightseers can ride an elevator to the very top of the monument for expansive views of the city.

What many travelers don't know is that Washington, DC, is home to a world-renowned museum that deserves a spot on every art lover's itinerary. At the National Gallery of Art, you'll find works from some of the most memorable artists in history like Vincent van Gogh, Pablo Picasso, and Leonardo da Vinci. The collections extend far beyond classical art and the building's gorgeous architecture creates an incomparable ambiance. Tickets are required for entry, and we recommend visiting on weekdays to avoid large crowds.

Martin Luther King, Jr. was a civil rights leader in the 50s and 60s, who is best remembered for his "I Have a Dream" speech that he shared at the Lincoln Memorial. The monument, honoring one of America's most iconic leaders, is found on the National Mall and is hard to miss as it's a 30-foot statue of the man himself. The statue of Martin Luther King Jr. was carved from granite and is positioned in front of cascading waterfalls. The memorial will spark unity and hope, along with reminding visitors of his commitment to equality.

Some people just adore documents that share information about history, and for those people, a trip to the National Archives is a must. At this treasure trove of documents, visitors can learn about some of the country's most important artifacts, including original copies of the Bill of Rights and Declaration of Independence. Entry to the National Archives is free, so you won't have to spend a penny to enjoy the photographs, recordings, and documents that provide a window into America's past.

Who was Thomas Jefferson? He was one of the most renowned founding fathers of the United States and served as the third president from 1801 to 1809. In addition to being a president, Jefferson was also a lawyer, philosopher, and architect. The 19-foot statue of Thomas Jefferson can be found on the banks of the picturesque Potomac River. Sculpted from bronze and situated against striking white marble, visitors can read powerful quotes once said by Jefferson while wandering the marble halls. The experience will leave you with a sense of splendor and glory as the memorial is a testament to Jefferson's profound influence on history and his intelligence.

This isn't just any old theatre -- Ford's Theatre is linked to President Abraham Lincoln's assassination that occurred on April 14, 1865. The theatre was once used for concerts and performances, but after the assassination, it was seized by the U.S. government for investigation purposes. Ford's Theatre was shut down for an entire century but then reopened in 1968. Today, people can visit the theatre for performances (like the Little Shop of Horrors) or for a tour to learn more about its rich history.

It's one of Washington's most popular tourist destinations for good reason! The Smithsonian National Zoological Park is home to more than 2,200 animals, many of which are rare or endangered species. Admission to the zoo is free, and it's easy to spend around two to three hours exploring all of the exhibits. This family-friendly attraction doesn't cost a penny but entry passes are required so that the National Zoo can monitor the flow of visitors. Be prepared to encounter animals like the African pancake tortoise, American alligator, black-and-white ruffed lemur, California sea lion, cheetah, emperor newt, fennec fox, Hartmann's mountain zebra, Norway rat, orangutan, tiger, southern tamandua, and more. To avoid pushing through crowds of school-aged children, try to visit the zoo on a weekday.

This memorial honors those who fought in the Vietnam War. On the monument that was designed by Maya Lin, you can browse the names of 58,000 women and men who gave their lives to service during the Vietnam conflict from 1955 to 1975. It's free to visit the Vietnam Veterans Memorial and it is open 24 hours a day, located close to the Lincoln Memorial near the intersection of 22nd St NW and Constitution Ave NW. The surrounding park grounds are very tranquil, serving as the perfect spot for contemplation and reflection.

The Supreme Court is the permanent home of the Court and was constructed in 1935. The building is open to the public from Monday to Friday but is closed on weekends and holidays, so plan accordingly! Aside from serving as the highest Court and stand-alone branch of government, the building is a must-visit landmark because it's an incredibly large architectural marvel.

Ending this list is another haven for history enthusiasts: the Library of Congress. Here, you'll find millions of photographs, books, manuscripts, maps, and other documents that will offer you a look into American history, science, art, and culture. It's easy to spend hours browsing the library's many galleries and rooms, and the collections span from unbelievably old books to innovative digital displays. The library's ornate architecture, high ceilings, columns, and arches will also give you something to talk about. All of the buildings found within the Library of Congress are available for entry free of charge.

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