These VIBs don’t fit clearly into a “museum” or “monument” category (some are kinda sorta both), but they are some of the area’s most famous landmarks and absolutely worth a visit. You will not find VIBs like these anywhere else. These are what make DC, DC! Some are quite obvious, but hopefully some are a bit off the beaten path (which always makes them more interesting, at least to me!). Note that most of these VIBs are free, but others require an admission fee (military: there is almost always a military discount, so make sure to ask!).
Want more “in the city” ideas? Make sure to check out the Must-See Monuments & Memorials, Underappreciated Monuments & Memorials, Green Areas, City Hot Spots, Smithsonians, and Other Museums! And don’t forget about this handy-dandy map 🙂
Capitol
The Capitol – you can’t get much more VIB than this! The Capitol is a monument, but also a working office building.
For a tour, you’ll need to book online (must create an account first), or go through your senator or representative; same day walk-ups have limited availability. All tours are about an hour long and highlights include the crypt (my favorite part is finding the star on the floor – all of the streets in DC are laid out in a grid from this exact point), the rotunda (famous dome a la Rome’s Pantheon, chock full of famous artwork and statues), and the statuary room (includes a famous statue from each state, which sounds boring but is quite magnificent).
If you don’t have time for an official tour, even just walking the grounds (and taking countless pictures, obviously) is stunning. Make sure to check out both the east and west sides…the view down the mall to the Washington Monument and Lincoln Memorial is pretty iconic.
In winter, I love checking out the Capitol Christmas Tree (doesn’t get as much fame as the White House Christmas Tree, but real tree + less people = mo bettah).
During summer, my favorite events are the Military Bands Capitol Summer Concert Series where a different military band plays each night – bring a lawn chair, a flask (shhhh) and picnic and prepare for a very patriotic sunset with incredible views!
If you are directionly-challenged (like I am!), check out this map to get oriented before visiting the Capitol.
DAR Daughters of the American Revolution Headquarters
Not only is the Daughters of the American Revolution building stunningly beautiful, but here’s another fun fact: it’s one of the largest buildings of its kind in the world (takes up an entire city block!) owned and maintained exclusively by women.
There are two parts to the building. 1) Memorial Continental Hall and 2) Constitution Hall. Memorial Continental Hall was deemed “one of the most elegant buildings in Washington” when it was built (across the street from the White House!) and it has over 30 “period rooms” displaying life in the homes of “average Americans” throughout history from various states. It is open to the public to wander in, and is particularly beautiful around Christmastime. Constitution Hall – stunning, in its own right – is one of the largest “concert halls” in DC. Click here to learn more, see a calendar, or purchase tickets.
Frederick Douglass National Historic Site
One of DC’s most famous residents, Frederick Douglass’s Cedar Hill in Anacostia is now a National Historic Site. (For those who need a refresher on Frederick Douglass and how this famous abolitionist ended up settling in DC, click here.) The Visitor Center was closed when we visited due to COVID (apparently you shouldn’t miss the 19-minute film), but we were able to walk the grounds and check out the awesome view. You can also reserve a guided tour of the historic mansion (FREE!) in case it is busy.
Howard University
A world-renowned HBCU (historically black college & university), Howard University has produced thousands of America’s all-stars in a variety of fields and as much history and importance as beauty! Don’t miss an opportunity to walk around this DC gem.
John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts
Do NOT miss an opportunity to see a show at the Kennedy Center! They have everything from musicals to ballet to opera to classical to hip hop and every sort of performance art in between. Besides hosting top-tier shows that travel around the county, the Kennedy Center is also home to the National Symphony Orchestra and Washington National Opera. Click HERE to see their current schedule or drop in around 6pm for a free mini-show held daily in the atrium.
Another way to visit the Kennedy Center is to take a tour (or a yoga class!). Check back here once COVID restrictions lift for more information. If you ARE able to visit, don’t miss the stepping out onto the River Plaza to grab a pic of beautiful Georgetown along the winding Potomac or the larger-than-life JFK quotes etched into the side of the building. Seeing all the flags lining the Hall of Nations is pretty inspiring too.
Finally, the REACH is a brand-spankin new area of the Kennedy Center that is designed to be more accessible venue for the general public to congregate and interact with the arts (as opposed to needing a ticket to a specific show). The REACH is a venue with untapped potential (since it opened just before COVID made it’s unwelcome appearance), complete with a wine garden and cafe, outdoor concert area, studios, classrooms, event and meeting spaces, a reflecting pool, an outdoor movie showcase, pavillions, grassy areas, and views galore of the Potomac. I look forward to spending more time here – and seeing an indoor show once again!
Library of Congress
I only really discovered the Library of Congress in my recent young adult life. I debated placing this in the “underappreciated list” since people don’t seem to remember the world’s largest library (who knew?), but am on a personal PR campaign to get more people to visit what I think might possibly be the prettiest interior of all DC hot spots!
What to see? Besides just walking around and admiring the beauty of the building and views of the Capitol, check out the Gutenberg Bible (check yourself here), Thomas Jefferson’s personal library, and my favorite, the Great Hall – a Harry-Potter-like library that is so beautiful its hard to believe it’s a place where you can actually study (anyone can view this room, but if you want to study here you must get a library card). There are reading rooms dedicated to nearly every genre and the help desk can provide fantastic info and maps about what to see on a however-long-you-can-stay visit. In the summer, check out the movies on the lawn for an extra special treat.
National Archives
Seeing the actual Declaration of Independence, U.S. Constitution, and Bill of Rights with your own eyes is unreal. And since the National Archives is right on the Mall next to practically everything, it’s also is a nice “see some really cool things really quickly” stop. (In addition, it’s very cold and very dark in the Rotunda, so visiting the National Archives also makes for a sweet reprieve from DC’s suffocating summer humidity!). There are a few other exhibits and displays to peruse, but honestly, you’ll probably just want to see the main event. To note: there’s a strict “no camera” policy.
To visit, usually you can just walk in (there might be a line, but it moves quickly). However, if you are visiting over the summer, it’s advisable to make reservations online. In addition, you can also schedule a one-hour guided tour weekdays at 9:45am. All online reservations are subject to a $1 fee per reservation FYI.
Old Post Office Clock Tower
Located in what is now Trump Tower, the Old Post Office Clock Tower is actually operated by the National park Service and it has one of the best views in all of DC. It’s a bit tricky to get to the elevators and observation deck – click here for more info – but the view and quick stop to see the city is well worth it!
Pentagon
The Pentagon, the world’s largest low-rise office building and headquarters for the US Dept of Defense, is technically located in VA – not literally DC – but this list felt incomplete without it, since’t it’s kinda a big deal.
I have only ever visited the National 9/11 Pentagon Memorial outside the Pentagon grounds, but the actual Pentagon is definitely on my bucket list! Tours are one hour long and you must reserve a ticket online in advance. Tickets can be cancelled at any time due to national security. Click here for more info and check out this brochure for more details about what you’ll be seeing on your tour.
To get to the Pentagon, you can take the Metro or park at the nearby Pentagon City Mall…there is no public parking at the Pentagon. In addition, make sure to arrive in ample time (the website recommends and hour before your tour!), as security is rigorous.
President Lincoln’s Cottage
A historic site and museum, where President Lincoln “vacationed” at his summer home. To visit, you must schedule an hour-long guided tour ($15/adults, $12/military, kids 6 and under are free) or you can take a self-guided grounds tour. Or, visit in June for the annual Bourbon and Bluegrass fundraiser…something I’ve always want to try and never have been able to!
President Wilson House
President Wilson’s house post-Presidency is full restored to it’s 1920s glory, with exhibits and artifacts examining this controversial historical figure. There are one-hour guided tours available, 30 minute express tours, and other specialty tours ($15/adults and $5 military) as well as speaker series and a “vintage” game night that we finally crossed off my bucket list this fall!
Supreme Court of the United States
I am amazed by how some of DC’s most famous buildings in the country (world?!) are free and open to the public. The “highest court in the federal judiciary of the United States of America” is no exception.
Here’s info about how to visit (stolen directly from their website since I’ve only ever walked the grounds): “Although the Supreme Court does not offer guided walking tours, visitors are encouraged to tour public portions of the building on a self-guided basis and take advantage of a variety of educational programs, including Courtroom Lectures, a Visitor Film, and court-related Exhibitions. In addition to the Courtroom, portions of the first and ground floors are open to the public. Highlights include the John Marshall statue, portraits and busts of former Justices, and two self-supporting marble staircases. The Courtroom is located on the first floor. Court sessions, including handing down of opinions are also open to the public. Courtroom seating is on a first-come, first-served basis. Visitors should be aware that the business of the Court may from time to time affect public access to the building or alter programming offered. Please check Today at the Court on the homepage for the Court’s daily calendar.”
The Basilica
Technically called the “Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception” and smetimes just referred to as “The National Shrine”, The Basilica is the largest Roman Catholic Church in North America and one of the ten largest churches in the world. It’s open 365 days a year and FREE! for all visitors (click here for info about tours). It’s kinda a big deal, and has been visited by Pope Francis, Pope Benedict XVI, Saint Pope John Paul II, and Saint Mother Teresa of Calcutta, among others.
Click here for more info about what to see, a history, and current events at the Basilica. However, my favorite thing to do is simply walk around the grounds, particularly in early April when there a hundreds of cherry blossom trees in bloom (this is a fantastic place to cross “cherry-blossoms” off your list without getting into the chaos on the Tidal Basin!)
The White House / Eisenhower Executive Office Building
Ah, The White House! Technically, anyone can see the White House…through a well-secured, heavily armed, and guarded fence) either at Lafayette Square on Pennsylvania Avenue or from the South Lawn at the Ellipse. However, the best way to secure an actual tour of the White House (besides knowing someone) is to schedule a self-guided tour through your congressional representatives.
To note, these open-to-the-public tours are of the East Wing of the White House. You will not be able to tour the West Wing (where the Oval Office is located) and the Eisenhower Executive Office Building (where most of the important big wigs work) unless you have a personal hook-up.
Here are more details from the National Park Service website: The National Park Service does not schedule White House tours or provide tickets to enter the White House. Public tour requests must be submitted through your Member of Congress. These self-guided tours are generally available Friday and Saturday (excluding federal holidays or unless otherwise noted). Tours are scheduled on a first come, first served basis. Requests can be submitted up to three months in advance and no less than 21 days in advance. You are encouraged to submit your request as early as possible as a limited number of spaces are available. The White House tour is free of charge. Please note that White House tours may be subject to last minute cancellation.
There are also options for White House Garden Tours (two weekends in the fall and spring) and the Easter Egg Roll (done via lottery). Or you can choose to visit the White House Visitors Center, which is significantly less cool than visiting the actual White House, but can help check the box. In addition, this website is not affiliated with the White House (even though it looks like it!) but offers some helpful info and maps. And here is the actual White House website, which I assume will re-post tour information once COVID restrictions are lifted.
Union Station
Union Station is simultaneously a museum, shopping mall, holiday decoration destination, eatery, and fully functioning Amtrak station. Click here to learn more about all it offers. A National Historic Landmark located right near the Capitol, Union Station is a beautiful place to wander and explore – or buy a ticket and use it as a gateway for your next train trip!
US Botanic Gardens & Conservatory
Although I guess it’s technically a “plant museum”, I’m going to keep the US Botanic Gardens and Conservatory listed here under VIBs since it’s so iconic. Plus it’s riiight next door to the Capitol, which makes for an easy stop-over.
The Botanic Gardens & Conservatory is a wonderful outing any time of the year – something is always blooming (either indoors or out!) and they always have new exhibits featuring something beautiful. My absolute favorite time to visit is around the holidays when they have concerts and an elaborate display set up with trains running in and through all the plants…it’s magical, just don’t go on a weekend unless you’re prepared to brave the lines.
Fun fact from the website: More than 200 years ago, George Washington had a vision for the capital city of the United States that included a botanic garden that would demonstrate and promote the importance of plants to the young nation. Established by the U.S. Congress in 1820, the U.S. Botanic Garden is the oldest continuously operating botanic garden in the United States.
Pro tip: Bartholdi Park is technically part of the Botanic Gardens and Conservatory but people rarely visit it because it’s located across the street on Independence Avenue. It’s a surprisingly quiet refuge amidst the craziness of the Mall, with great Capitol views. Stop over!
Washington National Cathedral
Washington’s National Cathedral is the 6th largest Gothic cathedral in the world. Besides being an operating Episcopal Church, there are tons to see and do here. Click here for information about exterior features (gargoyles!), indoor highlights (all the stained glass!), and the gorgeous gardens and grounds (including a pretty sweet playground too). The Cathedral offers guided tours, a number of different annual events, and apparently one of the best views in Washington if you are able to do their “stair climb.”
Jelly Side Up 