1. NATIONAL MALL

The first stop that you’ll want to make in Washington, DC is the National Mall

You’ve already seen it depicted in hundreds of films, shows, plays, postcards and art prints, so it’s time to gaze at its majesty in real life.

The long, grassy slopes are home to dozens of iconic U.S. institutions.

The White House is the most famous, but the Washington Monument is the tallest, and the Smithsonian Museums are the largest in terms of square footage.

The domed top of the U.S. Capitol Building can be seen in the hazy distance of the east.

2. WASHINGTON HARBOUR

Shop in the spring. Boat in the summer.

Bike in the fall. Ice skate in the winter. Washington Harbour offers activities for every season, so in addition to being a fun, lively place in general, it’s also a destination that will welcome vacationers at any time of year.

The views of the river are phenomenal, and you can enjoy them in many ways, including a rented canoe or jet ski right there on the water.

If you’d prefer to stay on solid ground, you can take a walking, biking or eating tour of the local hot spots, or you can simply wander on your own until the sizzle of fresh catfish tempts you into a seafood joint. There’s shopping. There’s dining. Hotels are all along the shoreline if you need accommodation.

Theaters, galleries, lounges and performance venues are always close at hand for entertainment. Considered the “premiere waterfront destination of DC,” Washington Harbour is one of the best places to visit for travelers who want a fun and exciting time in the area. Come here after you’ve had your fill of quiet museums and memorials. Let loose and have a blast!