There is no shortage of sites and attractions in Washington, no matter the season. We have lived in Washington for a combined 16 years, and we still haven't seen or hit them all. Many of our guests have lamented that they've always wanted to visit Washington, but just haven't gotten around to it, and others haven't been to Washington in a very long time. An exhaustive Do list would be overwhelming for even the most seasoned travelers. So, here are some highlights (you might even recognize some from your favorite episodes of Scandal, House of Cards, and The West Wing). Did we mention most of them are FREE?
For the political junkies
The White House - Tours of the White House are available through requests to your Congressman or Embassy. Requests for tours can be made between 6 months and 21 days before the tour date, however it is generally recommended to try to schedule your tour at least 4 months in advance as space is limited. Tours are available from 7:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Tuesday through Thursday, and from 7:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays (excluding federal holidays or unless otherwise noted). For more information, please visit the official White House website at WWW.WHITEHOUSE.GOV and click on "Tours & Events" under the "Participate" menu.
The U.S. Capitol Building - Tours of the U.S. Capitol Building can be booked through the online reservations system. It is recommended to book your tour well in advance of your tour date as space is limited. Tours are available 8:50 a.m. to 3:20 p.m., Monday through Saturday. For more information, please visit the U.S. Capitol Visitor Center website at WWW.VISITTHECAPITOL.GOV.
For the historians
The National Archives - Get up close and personal (through some very thick glass) with the founding documents of United States. See the Declaration of Independence, Constitution of the United States, and Bill of Rights. Open seven days a week from 10:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Last admission is 30 minutes prior to closing.
The Monuments - Few cities commemorate national history quite like Washington. Great presidents, brave soldiers, and impactful leaders are commemorated and celebrated throughout the city, but you don't have to venture too far to see the larger than life monuments and memorials around the National Mall (not a shopping mall).
The U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum - In a city abounding with power, no experience is more powerful than the moving and profound memorial to one of the most grim events in human history. Dedicated to the remembrance of the atrocities of World War II, this museum leaves an indelible impression on all who visit.
For the art lovers
The National Gallery of Art - Not all of the art in the United States is in New York. The Gallery's collection traces the development of Western Art from the Middle Ages to the present, including the only painting by Leonardo da Vinci in the Americas and the largest mobile created by Alexander Calder. Open Monday through Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and Sunday from 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
The Phillips Collection - Billed as America's first museum of modern art, this museum boasts pieces from Renoir, Cezanne, Degas, Picasso, Matisse, O'Keefe, and van Gogh. Want to immerse yourself in color? The Rothko room surrounds you with four pieces by the abstract expressionist, Mark Rothko. The museum itself is housed partially in the Phillips' house, a 1897 Georgian Revival home with a beautiful music room that is home to concerts throughout the year. Open Tuesday through Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 5 p.m. (with extended hours Thursday until 8:00 p.m.) and Sunday from 12:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
The Hirshhorn Museum - The United States' museum of contemporary and modern art focuses its collection and exhibitions mainly on the post-World War II period, with particular emphasis on art made during the last 50 years. Open seven days a week from 10:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
FOR THE NATURALISTS
The Smithsonian National Zoological Park - While some may think that the most famous resident of Washington lives at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, insiders know that the real stars of the city are the three Pandas that sit high atop the hill at the National Zoo. Cold weather loving pandas Mei Xiang, Tian Tian, two-year old Bao Bao, and new addition Bei Bei alone are well worth the journey, but the Zoo also boasts a pride of lions, a herd of elephants, a band of gorillas, pairs of golden lion tamarins, and three colonies of naked mole-rats. What's a naked mole-rat you ask? Check them out at the Zoo's Small Mammal House, where Louisa has been a volunteer for 6 years. Many of the Zoo's exhibits are indoors, so don't let the February chill deter you. Grounds are open seven days a week from 6:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. and exhibit building are open 10:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
The National Museum of Natural History - Is the Hope Diamond really cursed? Find out for yourself at this museum that houses everything from rocks to live butterflies. The Museum of National History also includes exhibits on gems and geology, mammals, ocean life, early humans, and nature photography. Open seven days a week from 10:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
For the (fill in the blank)
The National Air and Space Museum - A long time ago in a galaxy far far away, some men boldly went where no man had gone before (in Washington you have to appeases both sides of the intergalactic aisle). A truly amazing collection of aviation and space exploration history. Open seven days a week from 10:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. If you are a real aviation junkie, you may also want to visit the Udvar-Hazey branch of the museum out by Dulles Airport.
The Newseum - Extra! Extra! Read all about it! You can at the museum all about news. Sound like an odd concept? Don't write-off this museum. Since opening in 2002, the Newseum has become a major attraction in a city of major attractions. Open seven days a week from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
The International Spy Museum - The CIA and NSA won't open their doors for you, but you can learn all about their (declassified) exploits at this museum. If you prefer your martinis shaken, not stirred, the James Bond exhibit is a must see. Open seven days a week from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. (or 18:00).
FOR THE SHOPAHOLIC
Georgetown - Washington's liveliest shopping district is just steps from the Four Seasons and a few blocks from The Melrose. This area has something for everyone. Blue Mercury, Sephora, and M.A.C. cater to the cosmetics obsessed. J.Crew, Brooks Brothers, and Vineyard Vines are there for the prepsters. Rag and Bone, AllSaints, and Cusp will satisfy even the trendiest of dressers.
CityCenterDC - Washington's newest shopping destination includes a number of shops and restaurants. Stores include Vince., Kate Spade, Burberry, Ferragamo, Hermes, Zadig & Voltaire, and many more. Be sure to pop into The Great Republic to see their collection of Americana, antiques, and antique inspired items.
Not enough? Then you can also checkout the other Smithsonian museums, Library of Congress, Supreme Court, Bureau of Engraving and Printing, Ford's Theater, and more.