Browser Not Supported

You're using a web browser we no longer support. To get the best experience, please make sure your browser is fully updated or try a different browser.

Best Sites to See in Washington, D.C.

Established as a city by the Constitution of the United States, Washington, DC offers an astounding number of museums housing millions of historical artifacts, stunning memorials and monuments, and various sights that outline the history of the United States. Just the tip of the iceberg, below are some of the more interesting sights to visit when in D.C.

Tidal Basin

A 2-mile water reservoir, the Tidal Basin is an ever-active area with plenty to do and see along its coast – including the Thomas Jefferson Memorial, the Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial, the Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial and beautiful cherry blossom trees that bloom each spring. A simple walk around the Tidal Basin pond and you can see what makes D.C. so special.

United States Holocaust Memorial Museum

From antisemitism to genocide, visitors can explore documentation of the Holocaust presented through video, artifacts, and written stories. Each United States Holocaust Memorial Museum exhibit shares various perspectives, from those affected directly to those who witnessed and/or experienced the tragedy.

Smithsonian’s National Museum of African American History and Culture

The National Museum of African American History and Culture tackles everything from the Civil Rights movement, to freedom, African American culture, current affairs, and more! Challenges faced by African Americans have long been part of the U.S. history and visitors can get a first-hand look at the exploration of these challenges then, now, and the future.

Lincoln Memorial

The Lincoln Memorial, on the western end of the Mall, is a staple of Washington, D.C. The massive statue built in 1922 in honor of the U.S. 16th president, Abraham Lincoln, sits next to the beautiful Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool and can be viewed for free, 24/7.

Washington Monument

The Washington Monument is a 555-foot-tall obelisk structure that honors the nation’s first president, George Washington. Completed in 1884, after two construction phases, visitors can purchase a ticket to ride the elevator to the observation deck, which offers stunning views of the city and all it’s historical memorials.

United States Capitol

As the face of Washington, D.C. and American politics, the U.S. Capitol is a top must-see site. With its iconic architecture, including a 150-year-old cast iron dome, Congress debates, and lawmaking, the U.S. Capitol continues to be a historical structure. Guide-led tours include visiting the Crypt, Rotunda, and National Statuary Hall.

The White House

As the home of the President of the United States, The White House, which was officially named by President Theodore Roosevelt in 1901, attracts tourists from all over the world. With the cornerstone laid in 1792, the White House has undergone dozens of renovations and additions over it’s more than 225+ year history. To arrange for a tour, visitors should contact their state’s Member of Congress.

During your time in Washington, D.C., consider booking your travel to and from these sites, your hotel, and the airport with Dav El|BostonCoach for reliable, on-time, point-to-point rides.

Looking for more ideas, check out this full list of places to visit while in D.C.

Share now
Scroll to Top