Washington, D.C., is more than just a political center—it's also one of the most popular tourist destinations in the country. Landmarks like the U.S. Capitol and the White House serve dual purposes: to house the United States government, and to star in millions of visitor photos per year. Others, like the Washington Monument, exist as larger-than-life symbols. The Jefferson Memorial, Lincoln Memorial, and FDR Memorial pay homage to past presidents. Several military memorials are scattered about the city, from the extremely famous Vietnam Veterans War Memorial to the relatively new Air Force Memorial across the Potomac River in Arlington, Virginia.

The must-see D.C. museum is the Smithsonian—or to be more accurate, the various museums in the Smithsonian complex—but other great ones include the International Spy Museum, Newseum, and Holocaust Memorial Museum. Mount Vernon Estate isn't really a museum, but it's a great daytrip, whether for families on the "National Treasure Tour" or adults who want to check out the working whiskey distillery. There are plenty of ways to tour the city's attractions and main neighborhoods—Old Town Trolley Tours is good for self-guided sightseeing because a day pass allows you to get on and off the trolley whenever/wherever you wish. Bikes are another great way to get around this very walkable, bikeable city.