traveling with my bwuhs

As the nation’s capital, Washington, DC is a vibrant city that offers a rich tapestry of history, culture, and fun that’s perfect for the whole family. Whether you’re strolling past the iconic monuments, exploring world-class museums, or diving into the city’s diverse neighborhoods, there’s something for everyone in this dynamic city.

For an insider’s guide to must-see attractions and hidden gems, look no further than the excellent resources provided by Washington DC tourism websites and the ever-curious Atlas Obscura. These platforms are brimming with expert tips and off-the-beaten-path suggestions that will help you create a memorable experience. From the grandeur of the National Mall to charming local spots, Washington, DC is sure to captivate and inspire, making it a fantastic destination for your family adventure.

We are fortunate enough to have family in and near the nation’s capital, so we’ll be able to tackle this extensive list over several visits. We’re planning to do our first leg over spring break in March and hopefully catch the iconic cherry blossoms. Here’s what I came up with for our family’s bucket list for Washington, DC.

• See the cherry blossoms
• Visit the Lincoln Memorial (December 2025)
• Visit the National 9/11 Pentagon Memorial
• See Arlington National Cemetery
• Visit the National Museum of the Marine Corps
• Visit the International Spy Museum
• Visit the Whiskey Rebellion Trail
• Visit the Jefferson Memorial
• Visit the Pentagon
• Visit the White House
• Visit the Washington Monument (December 2025)
• Visit the Vietnam War Memorial (December 2025)
• Visit The Smithsonian’s National Air and Space Museum
• Visit the National Museum of American History
• See Cher Ami
• Go to the National Postal Museum
• Go to Planet Word Museum
• Visit the National Museum of Women in the Arts
• Visit the National Children’s Museum
• Go to the Woodrow Wilson House
• Visit the National Museum of the American Indian
• Visit the National Museum of African American History & Culture (December 2025)
• Visit The National Museum of the United States Army
• See the Old Stone House
• Visit the DAR Museum
• Visit Union Station
• Visit the Capital Jewish Museum
• Visit the United States Botanic Garden
• Visit The National Building Museum
• Visit the Dwight D. Eisenhower Memorial
• Visit the Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial
• Visit the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum
• Visit The Korean War Veterans Memorial (December 2025)
• Visit The National Museum of Asian Art
• Visit the African American Civil War Memorial
• Visit the National Zoo (December 2025)
• Take a picture with Uncle Beazley the Triceratops at the National Zoo
• Picnic at Lafayette Square
• Visit Ford’s Theatre
• See the Lincoln Book Tower at Ford’s Theater
• Visit President Lincoln’s Cottage
• Visit Dumbarton House
• Visit the Rubell Museum
• Eat at Ben’s Chili Bowl
• Tour the U.S. Capitol
• Visit The Supreme Court
• Visit The Library of Congress
• Visit the World War II Memorial (December 2025)
• See the Reflection Pool (December 2025)
• Visit the Martin Luther King Memorial
• See the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier
• See the Changing of the Guard
• Visit the Smithsonian American Art Museum
• See The Preamble in License Plates at the Smithsonian American Art Museum
• Visit the National Portrait Gallery
• Climb “The Exorcist” steps in Georgetown
• See the Old Post Office Pavilion’s clock tower
• Snap a selfie with Transformers
• Visit Washington National Cathedral
• Explore the Tidal Basin by peddle boat
• Tour Embassy Row
• Hike in Rock Creek Park
• Explore D.C.’s murals
• See the National Capitol Columns
• Visit the National Bonsai Museum
• See The Brewmaster’s Castle
• See the Washington Mini Monument
• Go to the Riggs Library
• See the FBI Spy House
• See the Zero Milestone
• Visit The Old Patent Model Museum
• See the Foundry Branch Trolley Trestle Ruins
• See Mount Zion Cemetery’s Underground Railroad Shelter
• See the Barbie Pond on Q Street
• See the Albert Einstein Bronze Statue
• See the Titanic Memorial
• Visit The Mutilated Currency Division
• See Frederick Douglass’s House in Cedar Hill
• See The Big Chair
• Eat at Annie’s Paramount Steakhouse
• See The Mary Surratt Boarding House
• See The Adams Memorial
• Visit the USNO Master Clock
• Sit on the steps of the Watergate
• See The Portrait Monument
• See The National Gallery’s Art Materials Collection
• Visit Sweet Home Cafe
• See NIST Newton Apple Tree
• Visit Mary’s Garden
• Ride the Carousel on the National Mall
• See the Navy Yard Railroad Gun
• See the Gun Barrel Fence
• Visit Sonny Bono Memorial Park
• See the Washington Aqueduct Castle Gatehouse
• Visit Churchill and Mandela Call and Response
• Visit the Clara Barton Missing Soldiers Office Museum
• See the Civil War Nurses Memorial
• See the D.C. War Memorial
• Visit the National Public Radio’s Honey Bee Hives
• Hear a joke on the Jokes Phone

What’s on your DC bucket list—have you checked any of these off yet, or is there one I should add?

❤ Jen