Washington DC Must See Sights

To help you further personalize your Washington DC vacation package, you'll have access to a toll-free Service On Call helpline, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, Customer service representatives are on call for anything you need to make your Washington DC vacation worry free.

Meet a Local Host®

After a career in education and graduating from the International Tour Management Institute, Faye is excited about introducing Monograms travelers to one of the most beautiful cities in the world. As a foodie with an interest in pubic memorials, she enjoys sharing her love and experience. In addition to tour directing, Faye writes curriculum for educational tours.

On Your Own Suggestions

• Explore the shadowy world of espionage at the International Spy Museum. Here you can learn about the authentic tradecraft that has been used throughout time, and you can examine over 200 spy gadgets, weapons, bugs, cameras, vehicles, and technologies. Hear spies describe the challenges of the “spy game” and the role spies have played throughout history.
  
  
• Enjoy a walk through Georgetown, the capital’s historic waterfront that bustles with activity. The area is a shopper’s paradise, and the streets are lined with restaurants of every nationality.
  
  
• See the national monuments illuminated at night. It’s beautiful, less crowded, and the parking is easier.
  
  
• Visit the U.S. Supreme Court, in session from October through June. Since seating is limited, if you want to attend a court session, arrive early on the Front Plaza. When the Court is not sitting, lectures are presented in the courtroom every hour on the half-hour. Informative exhibits and movies are also presented throughout the year.
  
  
• Step into a lush paradise at the United States Botanical Gardens. After touring the conservatory, visit Bartholdi Park, where you’ll find fragrant flowers and a historic fountain by Frédéric Auguste Bartholdi, designer of the Statue of Liberty. Check for special events or concerts that may be held throughout the year.
  
  
• Spend time at historic Union Station, a magnificent building that has played host to 17 U.S. Presidents and countless foreign dignitaries. Today it features two levels of specialty boutiques, fashion and gift stores, Washington souvenir shops, and restaurants.
  
  
• Explore historic Ford’s Theatre, where President Abraham Lincoln was assassinated in 1865. It combines a remarkable collection of historic artifacts with background on the Civil War and 1860s Washington.
  
  
• Journey to Old Towne Alexandria, just across the Potomac River and easily accessible by Metro. Here you’ll walk among the cobblestone streets, Colonial houses and churches, museums, shops, and restaurants. Explore on your own or take a guided tour, including cruises on the Potomac River, horse-drawn carriage rides, ghost tours, and historic walking tours.
  
  
• See government in action at the U.S. Capitol (reservations required) or spend the time at the Visitor’s Center and see the many exhibits covering the history of Congress and the Capitol.
  
  
• Spend time at the White House Visitor Center, which features exhibits on White House architecture, furnishings, the First Family, social events, and relations with world leaders. Guided tours of the White House are available but must be made in advance.