As the well-known capital of the United States, Washington, D.C. offers plenty of attractions to explore. Whether you’re visiting Washington, D.C. on a solo trip or as part of a package tour, I’ll introduce you to the highlights of these popular tourist spots from different perspectives, ensuring that you can fully enjoy the charm of this city.
By reading this article, I guarantee that you’ll be able to make the most of your trip to D.C.
Individual Trip or Package Tour? Enjoy Your Travel with the Right Plan
While we generally recommend visiting Washington, D.C. through individual arrangements, there are situations where you might want to consider a package tour, such as if you want to see other cities on the East Coast or prefer a leisurely bus tour.
When you think of a package tour, you may assume that it comes with various limitations that prevent you from fully enjoying your trip. However, even with a package tour, you still have some freedom to explore within a certain timeframe and at your own pace.
Moreover, there are different types of package tours, ranging from those with tour guides to small-group free plans. Surprisingly, even free plans that allow for almost complete freedom of movement at the destination are considered as part of package tours.
In this article, I will introduce six must-visit classic tourist spots in Washington, D.C. and provide tips on how to enjoy them to the fullest based on your type of travel.
Immerse yourself in the joy of Washington, D.C. to your heart
6 Must-Visit Tourist Spots in Washington, D.C.
Lincoln Memorial and Reflecting Pool
The Lincoln Memorial is an iconic and must-visit spot in Washington, D.C. It is a magnificent Greek-style monument dedicated to the 16th President of the United States, Abraham Lincoln.
If you’re on an individual trip or a free plan, I highly recommend going inside the memorial. Inside, you’ll find a towering statue of President Lincoln, silently gazing towards the Washington Monument to the east and the United States Capitol beyond.
On the adjacent wall, you’ll find inscriptions of Lincoln’s famous Gettysburg Address and his second inaugural address, commemorating his speeches during the Civil War and second term as president.
Just down the staircase from the entrance, you’ll also find a plaque commemorating Martin Luther King Jr.’s sermon delivered during the civil rights movement in the 1960s. Take a moment to appreciate it as well.
If you’re on a package tour, you might not have enough time to go inside the memorial. In that case, after viewing the Lincoln Memorial from the outside, turn around and take in the view. You’ll see a vast pool that, on calm days, reflects the Washington Monument and the changing seasons of trees planted to the south and north, known as the Reflecting Pool.
"the Government of the People, by the People, for the People." ...
Jefferson Memorial and Cherry Blossom Trees
The Jefferson Memorial, reminiscent of the ancient Roman Pantheon, was built in honor of the 3rd President of the United States, Thomas Jefferson. Inside the memorial, you’ll find a bronze statue of President Jefferson, gazing towards the Washington Monument to the north and the White House beyond.
If you’re on a package tour, this spot is usually seen from the bus, but if possible, try to visit during the cherry blossom season in spring. As the bus drives along 14th Street heading south, you’ll pass by the Jefferson Memorial on your right while circling around to reach the Arlington Bridge. If you have the opportunity, sit on the right side of the bus.
If you’re on an individual trip or a free plan, I recommend purchasing a hop-on-hop-off bus ticket separately, as the memorial is a bit away from other tourist sites. You can walk, but the National Mall spans approximately 3 kilometers east-west and about 500 meters north-south, and the Jefferson Memorial is located at the southern end of the mall, beyond the Tidal Basin. So, if you walk from Constitution Avenue at the northern end of the National Mall, you’ll need to cover a distance of about 2 kilometers, taking into account the detour around the pond. To save valuable time on transportation, the hop-on-hop-off bus is the ideal mode of transportation. These buses provide audio guides in multiple languages, making it a great option for first-time visitors to Washington, D.C.
When thinking of iconic monuments in Washington, D.C., many people m...
The "Tidal Basin" is a semi-artificial inlet located in the southern a...
White House Complex
When you think of Washington, D.C., the White House is a must-see. However, as the official residence and workplace of the President, its security measures are among the highest in the country. Before the September 11 attacks in 2001, anyone could visit the interior without prior reservation. However, now you can only enter with a pass obtained through a member of the United States Congress after passing the security screening.
The White House, the official residence of the President of the Unit...
If you’re on an individual trip or a free plan, after viewing the exterior of the White House, I recommend visiting the White House Visitor Center located on the east side. Here, you can see various presidential memorabilia that were actually used in the White House up close. The attached shop also offers official White House merchandise for purchase.
Located on the east side of the White House, at the intersection of ...
If you have more time, visit the Eisenhower Executive Office Building to the west of the White House, the Department of the Treasury Building to the east, and St. John’s Episcopal Church to the north of Lafayette Square. St. John’s Episcopal Church is often referred to as the “Church of the Presidents” because many presidents have attended services there. You can freely enter the church when there is no worship service, allowing you to take photos inside. Feel free to stop by and visit.
One of the attractions in Washington, D.C., is the Eisenhower Executiv...
In the United States, where a significant proportion of the populati...
If you’re on a package tour, you’ll likely have a brief photo opportunity from the south balcony and then move on. If you’ve booked a tour of Washington, D.C., I recommend bringing a camera with a telephoto lens to zoom in and capture the White House. When you visit Washington, D.C. for the first time and see the White House in person, many people are surprised by its relatively small size. However, the building is adorned with intricate details, making it visually impressive.
Pennsylvania Avenue
Pennsylvania Avenue is the prominent street in Washington, D.C. and is famous for hosting parades that take place after presidential inaugurations. The section between the U.S. Capitol and the White House is particularly well-known and often seen on television. The surrounding area includes notable buildings such as the FBI headquarters, the Old Post Office Building, and Freedom Plaza, making it a perfect place for strolling.
If you’re on a package tour, you’ll have a sightseeing drive by bus, but regardless of which side you’re seated on, you’ll enjoy the splendid view of numerous impressive buildings. Take your time and enjoy the sights while moving.
If you’re on an individual trip or a free plan, I recommend walking and exploring this area. Occasionally, venture off the main street and explore side streets to discover hidden gems such as the Ford’s Theatre and the National Portrait Gallery, which may not be included in regular tours.
In Washington, D.C., there are several prominent avenues, and one of...
Capitol Hill
Capitol Hill refers to the area on the east side of the National Mall, where the United States Capitol stands as the centerpiece. Surrounding the Capitol, you’ll find the Senate and House office buildings to the north and south, respectively, the Supreme Court building to the east, and the Library of Congress. Additionally, the U.S. Botanic Garden is located to the southwest of the Capitol.
The United States Capitol is picturesque from both the east and west, so if you’re on a package tour, be sure to appreciate the exterior from all angles.
If you’re on an individual trip or a free plan, make sure to visit the Visitor Center, located underground on the east front of the Capitol. There, you’ll find exhibits related to the Capitol and deepen your knowledge of Washington, D.C.’s history.
If you have time, you can even make a reservation in advance to tour the interior of the Capitol. The Rotunda and the Statuary Hall, where statues of notable figures are displayed, are particularly impressive. It’s a sight to behold.
Made of marble, the Capitol Building follows the architectural style...
Exploring Washington, D.C.’s History at the Capitol Visitor Center, Visualizing the City’s Formation
Washington, D.C. is a city designated as a federal district, not bel...
Museums Scattered Along the National Mall
The National Mall is home to various museums and galleries affiliated with the Smithsonian, including the National Air and Space Museum and the National Gallery of Art.
Two highly recommended museums are the National Air and Space Museum, where you can explore the history of aviation and space development, and the National Gallery of Art, which houses an impressive collection of paintings and sculptures from around the world. The best part is, admission to these museums is free.
If you’re on a package tour, you’ll likely visit either the National Air and Space Museum or the National Gallery of Art, or sometimes both if you’re on a deluxe tour. If you’re on an individual trip, you have the flexibility to spend as much time as you want at these museums. It’s a great opportunity to appreciate art and valuable exhibits at your own pace, which is one of the highlights of independent travel.
The Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum in Washington D.C. is ...
Located to the northeast of the National Archives on the National Ma...
The Smithsonian National Museum of American History in Washington D....
Free Admission! Introduction to the highlights of the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History
When it comes to tourist attractions in the capital of the United Stat...
Washington, D.C. Offers Abundant Attractions
How was that? Washington, D.C. is a city of politics, but it has become a major tourist destination where people and cultures from all over the world converge, resulting in numerous attractions.
The city itself is relatively small compared to other American cities, allowing for easy exploration. To make your transportation more efficient, you can consider joining local tours or even opting for a package tour from the beginning.
