Stephanie & Shane

September 18, 2021 • Centreville, VA

Stephanie & Shane

September 18, 2021 • Centreville, VA

Things to Do

Helpful Tip!

Washington, D.C. is built on a quadrant system with every address ending in NE, SE, SW, or NW. That means there may be as many as four locations that have the same address with only the quadrant designation differing! For example, 1600 Pennsylvania Ave NW is the White House; 1600 Pennsylvania Ave SE is an apartment complex. Before going anywhere or entering an address in a ride-sharing app, double check the quadrant of your destination or you might just end up on the wrong side of town!

National Mall

Picture of National Mall

Nearly two miles long, the National Mall stretches from the Lincoln Memorial to the U.S. Capitol. Bordered by many of the Smithsonian museums, the National Mall also offers convenient access to a number of the capital's memorials and monuments, including the Vietnam War Memorial, WWII Memorial, and the Washington Monument.

Website

The Smithsonian Museums and Zoo

Picture of The Smithsonian Museums and Zoo

Comprised of 19 museums and a zoo, the Smithsonian Institution has a little for everyone. Most museums are located along the National Mall or in close proximity. Some may be requiring timed entry passes due to social distancing. Stephanie's and Shane's favorites include the National Portrait Gallery, the National Art Gallery, and the National Air and Space Museum. Did we mention they're free?

United States Capitol

Picture of United States Capitol
First St SE, Washington, DC 20004, USA
(202) 226-8000

First built in 1800, the U.S. Capitol has evolved and grown in size along with the nation. A visit to the Capitol will take you behind the scenes into the Rotunda, Old Supreme Court Chamber, and the previous chambers occupied by the Senate and House of Representatives. Depending on the day, you might even be able to observe House and Senate proceedings from the chamber galleries.

Depending on reopening timelines, tickets may be secured directly from the Capitol Visitor Center or through the offices of your senators or representative, which may offer a smaller, more intimate tour than the Capitol Visitor Center.

The White House

Picture of The White House
1600 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20500, USA
(202) 456-1111

The White House is located just off the National Mall. Tickets for a tour of the ground floor may be secured by contacting your senators or representative and are dependent upon the White House's decision whether to reopen this summer and fall. It's recommended you apply at least 12 weeks in advance as tickets go quickly.

Tidal Basin

Picture of Tidal Basin

Located just south of the National Mall, the Tidal Basin offers visitors a shaded walk under hundreds of cherry trees and access to the Jefferson Memorial, FDR Memorial, and MLK Memorial. Visitors also have the option of renting a paddle boat.

International Spy Museum

Picture of International Spy Museum
700 L'Enfant Plaza SW, Washington, DC 20024, USA
(202) 393-7798

Do you have what it takes to go undercover? Find out at the International Spy Museum, which boasts the largest collection of espionage artifacts. During your visit, you'll uncover the history of espionage, test your mettle as a spy, and learn about the spies who shaped history.

Due to social distancing measures, tickets may be limited, and visitors are encouraged to purchase tickets in advance.