Night tour of the monuments: The monuments in DC are spectacular and inspiring to look at, but they are much better at night. (The weather is usually cooler as well!) It’s usually best to take a cab to the Jefferson Memorial. From there you can walk across the street to see the George Mason Memorial (you may need to look this up on a map. It is fairly well hidden.) From there, walk along the Tidal Basin and you’ll come across the FDR memorial, then MLK, Jr. From there continue on to the Korean War Memorial, then on to Lincoln. Then down the reflecting pool to the WWII Memorial (the fountains are beautiful). From there you can see the Washington Monument, and walk north to the White House. This walking tour is nearly a 3 mile walk and will likely take you up to 2 hours to complete. Here’s a link with directions and estimated walk time. If you want even more, we suggest taking a cab from the White House to the East front of the US Capitol. There you’ll be able to see the Capitol Building, the Supreme Court, and the Library of Congress.

Arlington National Cemetery – If you’ve never been and you have the time, you should go. It’s a very humbling experience. Be sure to watch the changing of the guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. It is an experience you will never forget.

Capitol Tours – The US Capitol offers public tours frequently throughout the day. These are great and we recommend doing it if you’ve never been. For an added perk, check with your Congressman or Senators’ offices to see if you can get House or Senate gallery passes (the public tours do not enter either chamber). While you’re checking with your Congressman’s office, check to see if a Dome tour is available. While Dome tours seem to be more and more rare, if you’re lucky enough to secure one, you’ll get to climb to the very top of the Capitol Dome and look out over the entirety of Washington, DC. Dome tours are only available through your Congressman’s office. Be aware, there are lots of stairs and in some very tight, steep places – but it is totally worth it if you can make the climb!

Double-Decker Bus Tour – If this is your first time in Washington, DC, consider doing a Double-Decker bus tour. This is a great way to see a lot of Washington, DC, in the least amount of time. You can find information and buses depart from Union Station.

Trump International Hotel and the Old Post Office – The Trump International Hotel was once the Old Post Office. There is a tower with an observation deck that is still open to the public and free of charge. Aside from the Capitol dome or the Speaker’s balcony, this is one of the best views of the city that you’ll find. While you’re there, feel free to hang out in the lobby bar and people-watch. This has become a popular hangout for Trump supporters.

Mount Vernon – If you have a day to spend exploring and want to be inspired, take the half-hour trip from Washington, DC to George Washington’s Mount Vernon. It is an absolutely incredible experience to see the home of our first president. The view of the Potomac is amazing and the history will motivate you to continue fighting for liberty.

Monticello – If you have even more time to spend and the ability to rent a car, making the trek to Charlottesville to visit Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello is another experience of a lifetime. Monticello is a beautiful home atop a small mountain in Charlottesville. The residence is amazing and peering into the life of our third president and author of the Declaration of independence is something you must do at some point in your life!