The International Spy Museum is a must-see for all who find the spy business intriguing. It is the only museum of its kind in America. It may also be one of the most fun museums in Washington. When entering the museum, guests are asked to assume an identity and enter the spy game.

In the museum are exhibits on tiny buttonhole cameras, microdots, bugs and disguises. Stories about famous and not so famous spies – even a nod to Julia Child – are all part of the intrigue. Civil War spies and Cold War spies, the exhibits will open up some of the most interesting secrets. Along the way, guests will learn how to keep their cover and work with the tools of spycraft. New gadgets are also discovered in the modern spy game, the Cyberspies.

In addition to the exhibits, there are some spy experiences. No, not really going on a mission, but it almost feels that real. For an extra fee, there are four experiences that a budding spy can participate in. These adventures take from one to two hours and some can be purchased without purchasing a museum ticket. There will be a time on the ticket as to when the experience starts; do not show up late, or the ticket will be forfeited.

There are some rules to visit the museum – no strollers; no photography or videography; no food, drink, gum, or smoking; no use of phones of any kind. There is also an entrance charge for this museum; even so, tickets are assigned an entry time because the crowds can be large. Plan to be there early to get a ticket with a good time.

The Library of Congress was founded in 1800 during President John Adams' administration with the primary purpose of providing Congress with the necessary books for their legislative duties. Thomas Jefferson played a significant role in emphasizing the importance of the library, and in 1802, he signed a law that outlined its structure and permitted the President and Vice-President to borrow books from it. Unfortunately, during the War of 1812, the Library of Congress was destroyed when British troops burned down the Capitol in 1814.

In response to this loss, President Jefferson generously offered his personal collection of 6,487 books to replace those lost in the fire. Congress accepted his offer in 1815, compensating him approximately $24,000 for his library. Regrettably, another fire occurred in 1851, destroying roughly 4,000 books from President Jefferson's donation along with an additional 31,000 volumes. Following some debates about its management, the Smithsonian Institution transferred approximately 40,000 volumes to the Library in 1866.

Subsequently, the Library of Congress underwent substantial expansion, amassing 840,000 volumes by 1897. During this period, there was a growing sentiment that the Library should serve as a national resource. Programs were initiated to make the collection accessible to individuals with physical disabilities. In addition to books, the Library houses an extensive collection of manuscripts, sheet music, maps, sound recordings, and films, making it an extraordinary repository of knowledge.

Today, the Library of Congress boasts the world's largest collection of books and manuscripts. While it is a public resource, only members of Congress, high-ranking officials, and Supreme Court Justices have the privilege to check out books. Nevertheless, anyone is welcome to utilize the books stored in three separate buildings on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C. These libraries are interconnected by tunnels, streamlining the security process for visitors.

Why You Should Visit:
A world treasure that has one of the most beautiful building interiors in Washington, D.C. and worldwide!
There are permanent exhibits (first printed book – Gutenberg Bible from 1455) as well as temporary ones at any times.

Tip:
Definitely go online beforehand and register for your reader card; then, when you get there, just show your ID and the world of learning is open to you.
Tours are free and about an hour long. While you can see all the areas on the tour on your own, they are explained nicely by the tour guide.
There is a tunnel that connects the LoC and the US Capitol so you can view both without going outside.
If coming from the Capitol Building, you don't have to pass through the security check again (but if planning on visiting the Capitol Building from here, you will need to go through the security check, even if you came from this building before).

The United States Capitol stands at the opposite end of the National Mall from the Washington Monument. This huge building holds the House of Representatives in the south wing, and the Senate in the north wing. There are 540 rooms, five floors and the beautiful Capitol Rotunda which additionally houses art and sculptures. The artwork depicts events and figures from American history.

After much wrangling about the design, the Capitol cornerstone was laid by President Washington, who was dressed for the occasion in full Mason attire, on September 18, 1793. The north wing was completed in 1800. For several decades, beginning when the federal government moved to Washington in the fall of 1800, the Capitol building was used for Sunday religious services as well as for governmental functions.

Soon after the building was fully completed in 1811, the Capitol was partially damaged in August 1814 during the burning of Washington in the course of the War of 1812. The burnt down portions were rebuilt and the Rotunda was added in 1826. In the 1850s the Capitol was expanded further with a new cast-iron dome added to replace the wooden Rotunda, following which several more renovations and expansions have been made. Among them is The Apotheosis of Washington fresco painted on the inside of the dome, visible through the oculus from the Rotunda floor.

The Capitol is open to visitors and offers free tour. Tickets are available at the Capitol Visitor Center on the first come-first served basis. This center is new, having opened in 2008. There is a 15-minute orientation film about the Capitol that is well worth viewing.

Visitors to the Capitol can watch Congress in action from designated galleries. Passes are available from the offices of Senators and Representatives. If visiting when Congress is in session, be sure to contact your local official and see government in action. Overseas visitors can apply for the passes at the Senate Appointment Desk and the House Appointment Desk inside the Capitol Building.

Tip:
First off, book your 45-min tour early to avoid missing out and to give yourself a bigger range of time slots.
You'll still have to go to the desk to pick up your ticket by showing the online receipt on your phone.
Get there 30-45 mins before your tour due to security checks before entry (food & drinks are prohibited).
When you've finished your visit, use the tunnel just before the exit to go directly to the Library of Congress (no additional security check).
Interestingly, both the east side and the west side of the Capitol can be designated as the front, so just be aware that “front” is not the best descriptive designation here.

What to buy here: White House Christmas Ornament.

In 1981, the first official White House ornament was sold and since then they have become a popular collector’s item. A new design is offered each year. Some honor past presidents including Thomas Jefferson and Woodrow Wilson; some depict famous scenes such as Washington crossing the Delaware; and others highlight historical buildings like the Capitol. An additional ornament was created in 2006 to commemorate the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001. Many past ornaments are available. Prices start at $16.00 and up depending on availability. The 2011 ornament featured President Theodore Roosevelt and the 2012 ornament will honor President William Howard Taft. Ornaments are also available for charitable groups for fundraising. They are available at the White House Visitor Center and at many gift shops throughout the city and suburbs.

The White House address on Pennsylvania Avenue, Washington, D.C. is both home and office of the American President, much as the symbol of the United States. While this is not the first home of American presidents, it has been the home of every American President since John Adams moved in here during his presidency in 1800. The design was made by James Hoban and the construction started with the laying of the cornerstone in 1792. Each president ever since has added their own touch to the people’s house, some big and some small.

The original White House was burned, almost to the ground, by British troops in 1814 during the War of 1812. Rebuilding soon began and was finished by 1817. The South Portico was added in 1824 and the North Portico followed in 1830. The West Wing came during an addition in 1901 and then later the Oval Office was added. A fire of 1929 damaged the West Wing but the damage was repaired, and in the 1930s, a second story and basement were added, upon which the Oval Office was moved to its present location.

By 1948 the building was in need of a serious repair prompted by numerous additions made over the years. Load bearing beams were installed and a complete dismantling of the interior was undertaken. Sadly, most of the glorious handcrafted work was lost during that process. In the 1960s Jacqueline Kennedy oversaw another extensive redecoration of the White House whereby some of the artifacts, previously lost, were brought back and the building returned to its grander days.

Today, the White House has six stories, 132 rooms and various amenities including a tennis court, swimming pool, bowling alley and, of course, the First Garden. Following the attacks of 9/11, the White House is no longer open for tours, except on a very limited basis. All those wanting a tour must ask their Congressional representatives to put them on a list and have background checks completed prior to the visit.

Tip:
The entire tour is self-paced, so you might want to brush up on your White House history (War of 1812, etc) ahead of time, so as to maximize the experience. You will only be visiting the East Wing, so that will limit how much you need to research.
If you're you don't get a tour time, don't be heartbroken. Stand in front of the White House and take a group photo, then head over to the Visitor Center and use the interactive displays where you can see the same rooms.

The World War II Memorial has a grand design that reflects the vastness of a war that spanned the entire globe. Two arches at either end of the memorial are symbolic of the Pacific and Atlantic areas of fighting. 56 pillars are arranged in two semicircles around both arches that represent the 48 states at the time of the war and the District of Columbia, plus the territories of Alaska, Hawaii, Puerto Rico, Guam, U.S. Virgin Islands, American Samoa, and the Philippines.

The walls between the arches and in front of the pillars depict scenes that were typical of the Pacific and European theaters of the war. These are depicted in bas relief. An engraving of the ubiquitous “Kilroy Was Here” is also present. "Kilroy Was Here" is a meme that became popular during World War II, typically seen in graffiti. Its origin is debated, but the phrase and the distinctive accompanying doodle became associated with GIs in the 1940s.

On the west side sits the Freedom Wall that contains 4,048 gold stars each one representing 100 American soldiers who died or remain missing during WWII. Behind the Freedom Wall is the Reflecting Pool on the Mall. In front of the wall is the World War II Memorial Rainbow Pool and the stars reflect in the water. It makes for a very moving scene.

Almost 2/3 of the site is water or landscaping so the components of the memorial really stand out. The site is available for visiting 24 hours a day except around Memorial Day activities. Rangers are on hand to answer questions from around 10am to 11pm.

Why You Should Visit:
One of the more formal-style memorials, it carries a certain gravity, conveys a somber nature, and provides lots of space to reflect on the drama of WWII.
The small bronze relief panels on the walls show scenes of different wartime activities that give you a bit more insight into the lives of people during the war.
The entire site sits on a little over seven acres, so wear comfortable walking shoes.

Tip:
Entry is free but do it on a clear day if you can. On a wet day, there is nowhere much to shelter. If you join a guided tour, it's recommended to get some explanation of all the symbolism and pageantry.

The Lincoln Memorial is one of the most famous monuments and historical places in the United States. It is a nationally recognized location that was built in honor of Abraham Lincoln, who was the 16th President of the United States during the bloody years of the Civil War. The monument is a fine example of a classic Greek Doric temple. Even the sculpture of the President is done in Olympic Godlike fashion. Two well-known speeches of the former President are also engraved there: the Gettysburg Address and Lincoln’s Second Inaugural Address.

The Lincoln Monument Association was formed two years after the death of the President. Planning for the memorial, though, stretched out until 1901. The Lincoln Memorial Bill was signed by President Taft in 1911. Interestingly, the entire monument was built for just $2 million. Today, the site is famous as the location for many historic speeches, like the “I have a dream” speech by the Rev. Martin Luther King. It has also been the site for many famous protests. The Monument is cared for by the National Park Service and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The monument is open 24 hours a day.

Why You Should Visit:
The most visited memorial in the National Mall for a reason; it is beautiful and offers a fantastic view of the reflecting pool and the Washington Monument.

Tip:
Go first thing in the morning (probably before 9am) or later in the evening (when the lights are on) to avoid the crowds.
Right on the steps, look down on the floor for the "I have a dream" block. It's where MLK, Jr. stood when he gave his most famous speech.
Pack your food and water (in the summer) because the food at the refreshment stands is not very good and somewhat overpriced.

The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, also known as the Tomb of the Unknowns, serves as a memorial to American military personnel who bravely fought and lost their lives in World Wars I and II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War. These individuals remain unidentified.

Constructed in 1921, this tomb is a prominent monument situated on a hill overlooking Washington, D.C. It comprises a large white sarcophagus containing the remains of these unidentified soldiers. Notably, the "Unknown" from World War I was honored with the Medal of Honor, the Victoria Cross, and various other prestigious foreign service awards. Similarly, the American "Unknowns" interred here were posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor, presented by U.S. Presidents who attended their funerals.

The tomb is under constant vigilance, with Tomb Guard sentinels from the distinguished 3rd U.S. Infantry Regiment standing watch 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. The Changing of the Guard ceremony is a solemn and intricate ritual. During this ceremony, a sentinel seamlessly takes over guard duty from their predecessor, involving a special march and salute. This ceremony occurs hourly from October to March and every half-hour from April to September.

The John F. Kennedy Eternal Flame is a memorial dedicated to the memory of the slain United States President John F. Kennedy. It's located at his gravesite at Arlington National Cemetery in Virginia. This memorial, which stands as a permanent tribute, replaced a temporary grave and an everlasting flame that were used during Kennedy's state funeral on November 25, 1963, just three days after his tragic assassination.

The design of this site was crafted by the architect John Carl Warnecke, who was a close friend of Kennedy. The official consecration of the permanent John F. Kennedy Eternal Flame gravesite took place on March 15, 1967, when it was opened to the public.

The construction involved using twenty tons of steel for the terrace and pouring 280 tons of concrete to create the grave vaults and the site for the eternal flame. The inscriptions on the wall, chosen by Jacqueline Kennedy with the assistance of Kennedy's speechwriter Ted Sorensen, were selected by November 1965. These inscriptions were taken from Kennedy's inaugural address in 1961. The quotations were engraved onto seven granite blocks using Roman majuscule lettering.

Immediately following Kennedy's burial, the gravesite and the Eternal Flame became a place of pilgrimage, drawing approximately 50,000 visitors per day. In its first three years, more than 16 million people paid their respects at this sacred site.

Kennedy’s two sons, John F. Kennedy Jr. and Patrick Bouvier Kennedy, as well as Jacqueline herself, are also buried in the same plot alongside the president.

The Korean War Veterans Memorial stands in West Potomac Park within Washington, D.C. Its purpose is to pay tribute to all those who served during the Korean conflict. The United States provided assistance to South Korea when it was invaded by North Korea at the behest of the United Nations. The U.S. had divided opinions about the conflict, often referring to it as a "conflict" rather than a full-fledged war. The Korean War was a grueling battle that took place in extremely harsh conditions, with temperatures dropping to as low as -40°F during the Chosin Reservoir battle.

The memorial is designed in the shape of a triangle and is constructed using juniper and strips of concrete to mimic the rugged terrain of the battlefield. This triangular shape symbolizes the Field of Service. Within this landscape, you'll find 19 statues of soldiers dressed in military attire, their clothing appearing to be windblown, evoking memories of the brutal weather conditions endured. These soldier statues are crafted from stainless steel. On the south side of the memorial, there's a black granite wall that reflects the statues in such a way that it creates the illusion of a total of 38 soldiers, paying homage to the 38th parallel, which separates North Korea from South Korea.

At the end of the Field of Service, there's a triangular reflecting pool. Along the northern side, there's a low granite wall bearing the names of the 22 United Nations member countries that participated in the Korean War. The memorial is open for visitors around the clock, and park rangers are on hand from 8 a.m. to 12 a.m. daily, except for major holidays.

Why You Should Visit:
The company of soldiers depicted as moving through hostile terrain is a bit eerie and very lifelike, making this one of the most remarkable war memorials you'll ever see.

Tip:
Truly better to visit after dark; the lighting is so very dramatic, you can almost hear the soldiers' boots sloshing through the mud.
Additionally, use your phone flashlight to look carefully at the black wall that has images of soldiers laser-etched onto the black surface.