The Best Things to Do in Washington, DC
Washington, DC, is a city shaped by history, culture, and moments of quiet discovery. From world-renowned landmarks to institutions that define the nation’s identity, explore the essential experiences that define a visit to the capital.
Iconic Landmarks & Monuments
No visit to Washington, DC feels complete without time spent among its most iconic landmarks. From the White House to the open expanse of the National Mall, these destinations offer a powerful introduction to the city’s history and grandeur.
The White House
1600 Pennsylvania Avenue Northwest, Washington, DC, USA
The White House is the official residence and workplace of the President of the United States. It is located at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue NW in Washington, D.C. and has been the residence of every U.S. President since John Adams in 1800.
Washington Monument
2 15th Street Northwest, Washington, DC, USA
The Washington Monument is an obelisk on the National Mall in Washington, D.C., built to commemorate George Washington, once commander-in-chief of the Continental Army and the first President of the United States.
Lincoln Memorial
2 Lincoln Memorial Circle Northwest, Washington, DC, USA
The Lincoln Memorial is an American national memorial built to honor the 16th President of the United States, Abraham LincolnMuseums & Cultural Experiences
Washington, DC, is home to some of the most celebrated museums in the world, many just moments from The Jefferson, DC. From art and history to science and culture, these spaces offer a deeper way to experience the city, whether for a quiet afternoon or a full day of exploration.
Smithsonian
F St NW, Washington, DC, USA
Your guide to the Smithsonian's 19 museums and the National Zoo.
The National Portrait Gallery
8th St NW &, F St NW, Washington DC
The National Portrait Gallery is a historic art museum located between 7th, 9th, F, and G Streets NW in Washington, D.C.
Hirshhorn Museum
Independence Ave SW &, 7th St SW, Washington DC
The Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden is an art museum beside the National Mall, in Washington, D.C., the United States.
The National Museum of African American History and Culture
1400 Constitution Avenue Northwest, Washington, DC, USA
The National Museum of African American History and Culture is a place where all Americans can learn about the richness and diversity of the African American experience, what it means to their lives, and how it helped us shape this nation.
National Geographic Museum
1600 M St NW, Washington, DC 20036
The National Geographic Museum of Exploration is a next-generation attraction where cutting-edge technology meets the spirit of adventure. The new 100,000 square-foot space features curated exhibitions, immersive learning experiences, photography galleries, and more. Designed with accessibility at its core, the Museum of Exploration is a modern hub for discovery that seeks to spark curiosity and inspire every visitor to embrace their inner Explorer. Opening June 26,2026.
International Spy Museum
700 L'Enfant Plaza Southwest, Washington, DC 20024, USA
The story of spies, intelligence operations and deceptions that changed the course of history.
Ford’s Theatre
511 10th St NW, Washington, DC 20004, USA
Ford's Theatre is a theater located in Washington, D.C., which opened in August 1863. It is famous for being the site of the assassination of U.S. President Abraham Lincoln on April 14, 1865.
John F. Kennedy Center
2700 F St NW, Washington, DC 20566, USA
The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts is the United States National Cultural Center, located on the Potomac River, adjacent to the Watergate complex in Washington, D.C.
National Zoo
3001 Connecticut Avenue Northwest, Washington, DC, USA
The National Zoological Park, commonly known as the National Zoo, is one of the oldest zoos in the United States.Neighborhoods to Explore
Beyond its landmarks, Washington, DC, reveals itself through its neighborhoods. Each offers a distinct rhythm, from historic streets to lively cafés and galleries, all within easy reach of The Jefferson, DC.
Dupont Circle
1 Dupont Circle Northwest, Washington, DC, USA
Dupont Circle is a popular residential neighborhood with lively dining and nightlife. Eclectic eateries, coffee shops, bookstores, dive bars and dance clubs
Georgetown
Georgetown, Washington, DC, USA
Georgetown is a charming area with Federal-style architecture, cobblestone streets and fashion and design shops. The dining scene is defined by upmarket restaurants and waterfront seafood spots, while nightlife spans boisterous college bars, traditional taverns and intimate live music lounges.
The Wharf
101 District Square SW, Washington, DC 20024, United States
Washington's waterfront neighborhood has become one of the city's most exciting destinations. Restaurants, live music, and a stretch of the Potomac that makes you forget you're in a landlocked capital.Shopping & Local Finds
Washington, DC, offers a thoughtful mix of shopping experiences, from refined retail destinations to independent boutiques that reflect the character of the city. Whether browsing or searching for something specific, each area invites discovery at its own pace.
CityCenterDC
825 10th St NW, Washington, DC, USA
Located within walking distance to The Jefferson, DC, CityCenterDC offers visitors more than 40 retailers and restaurants, ideal for luxury shopping and world class dining.
Georgetown Boutiques
When to Visit Washington, DC
Washington, DC, changes with the seasons, each offering a different perspective on the city. From spring’s iconic blooms to quieter winter moments, timing your visit shapes the experience in subtle and meaningful ways.
Spring
Washington, DC in spring is something people come back for year after year. The cherry blossoms around the Tidal Basin are as beautiful as advertised, but it’s the overall feeling of the city at this time of year that stays with you. Mild temperatures, long afternoons, and a sense that everyone is happy to be outside.
Summer
The city is at its most alive in summer. Long days, a packed cultural calendar, and an energy that builds toward the Fourth of July, one of the most extraordinary ways to experience this holiday anywhere in the country. Celebrated on the National Mall with fireworks, music, and a crowd that genuinely means it, it’s the kind of evening that reminds you why this city exists.
Fall
Many people who know Washington well consider fall the finest season here. The heat lifts, the light turns golden, and the city settles into a quieter, more comfortable rhythm. It’s a good time for long walks through Georgetown, unhurried afternoons in the museums, and dinners that stretch well into the evening.
Winter
Winter in Washington, DC, is underrated. The crowds thin out, the museums breathe, and the city takes on a more personal quality. The cultural calendar stays strong through the season, and The Jefferson’s DC hot cocoa trolley, which became something of a beloved ritual for guests and locals alike, is reason enough to time a visit for the colder months.
Curated Itineraries by The Jefferson, DC
Experience Washington, DC through a more considered lens with thoughtfully designed itineraries that bring together culture, history, and moments of discovery. Each path is shaped to balance iconic highlights with quieter, more personal experiences.
Explore Washington, DC, Through Our Local Guide
Washington, DC, is always moving. Our Local Guide keeps you close to the best of it. Seasonal highlights, emerging exhibitions, and cultural moments worth knowing, updated throughout the year. And if you want to go deeper, Susan, our onsite historian, is always happy to point you in the right direction
Discover What’s Nearby
Perfectly positioned in the heart of the city, The Jefferson, Washington, DC, places Washington’s most iconic landmarks, cultural destinations, and neighborhood experiences within easy reach, all just moments from your door.
Frequently Asked Questions
Planning a visit to Washington, DC, often begins with a few simple questions. From what to see and when to visit, to how to experience the city with ease, these answers are designed to help you make the most of your time in the capital.
Exploring the National Mall, visiting Smithsonian museums, discovering Georgetown, and experiencing the city’s dining scene are among the most popular activities.
The White House, Lincoln Memorial, Washington Monument, and major museums along the National Mall are among the city’s most visited landmarks.
Spring and fall are often considered the best times to visit, offering mild weather and a vibrant atmosphere.
A three-day stay allows time to experience the city’s key landmarks, museums, and neighborhoods at a comfortable pace.
Located just two blocks from the White House, The Jefferson places you at the heart of Washington’s most iconic experiences. Step outside and you’re within easy walking distance of Lafayette Square, the National Mall, and the Smithsonian museums. Explore world-class dining and boutique shopping along 16th Street and beyond, or take a short stroll to cultural landmarks like the Kennedy Center, the National Portrait Gallery, and Embassy Row. Whether you’re here for history, cuisine, or the energy of the nation’s capital, everything is right at your doorstep.
Yes, Washington, DC is one of America’s great walking cities, designed with grand boulevards and open spaces that invite exploration on foot. From The Jefferson, the White House, Lafayette Square, and the National Mall are all a leisurely stroll away. Tree-lined streets connect historic neighborhoods, world-class museums, and celebrated restaurants, making every walk through the city a discovery in itself.