Bureau of Engraving and Printing
301 14th St SW, United States Treasury Dept, Washington, DC 20228 202-874-2330

Description: NATIONAL MALL. This is among Washington's most popular tours. It begins with a documentary, then allows visitors to witness each phase of production and printing. Around-the-clock production generates more than $450 million daily, along with other items such as White House invitations and postage stamps. Exhibits feature bills no longer in use, counterfeit money, and a $100,000 bill. The Visitors Center offers informative exhibits, videos, a display of one million $1 bills, and a gift shop. The tour is free, but during the peak summer months, same day timed-entry tickets are required and are available on a first-come-first-served basis. The ticket booth opens at 8am, and closes when all the day's tickets are gone (usually about 9am). Get in line early! METRO: Smithsonian
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Decatur House
748 Jackson Pl, Washington, DC 20006 202-842-0920

Description: DOWNTOWN. The Decatur House, designed by Benjamin Latrobe in the early 17th century, also served as the residence of Stephen Decatur, a hero of the War of 1812. Today, it houses a museum that displays artifacts from the era and showcases an exhibit with details of Latrobe's original design. METRO: Farragut West
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Department of State
2201 C St NW, Washington, DC 20520 202-647-3241

Description: FOGGY BOTTOM. At this site, American foreign policy is crafted. Tours focus on the Diplomatic Reception Rooms, which are lavishly furnished with 18th century American furniture, paintings and decorative arts. The place is brimming with fascinating historical items, including the desk on which the Treaty of Paris was signed and a bowl that belonged to Paul Revere. Reservations are required for visits, and summer reservations must be made at least three months in advance. Not recommended for children under 12. Strollers are not permitted. METRO: Foggy Bottom
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Department of the Treasury
1500 Pennsylvania Ave NW, Washington, DC 20004 202-622-2000

Description: DOWNTOWN. Built in 1836, this lovely building is a National Historic Landmark. Treasures inside include the elegant suite used by Lincoln's treasury secretary, the marble Cash Room used for Grant's inaugural gala (noted for its 1,500-pound chandelier), and an 1864 burglar-proof vault. METRO: Metro Center
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Eisenhower Executive Office Building
17th St and Pennsylvania Ave NW, Washington, DC 20501 202-208-1631

Description: DOWNTOWN. (No tours at this time) Established in 1888 as an office building for the State, War and Navy Departments, this National Historic Landmark now provides office space for nearly 4,000 White House staff members, including the Vice President. Its majestic architecture provides a vivid backdrop for many important press conferences, visits by international dignitaries, and declarations of both war and peace. Metro: Farragut North or Farragut West
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Ford's Theatre
511 10th St NW, Washington, DC 20004 202-426-6924

Description: DOWNTOWN. [Closed for renovations until Feb 2009]. The tragic, nation-shaking assassination that occurred here on April 14, 1865, cemented this theater's historical status. Interested visitors can take a self-guided tour and follow the course John Wilkes Booth took to assassinate President Abraham Lincoln. Downstairs in the museum are the Derringer pistol that Booth used and the clothes that President Lincoln was wearing during the performance of "Our American Cousin."
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Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial
1850 W Basin Dr SW, West Potomac Park, Washington, DC 20003 202-619-7222

Description: TIDAL BASIN. The Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial is the newest presidential memorial to be added to the National Mall. It boasts four different galleries, each representing a term of Roosevelt's presidency. The memorial is full of statues depicting the president and his wife, and the walls are adorned with famous Roosevelt quotes. This is the city's first wheelchair accessible monument. METRO: Smithsonian
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Jefferson Memorial
15th St SW, Washington, DC 20024 202-426-6841

Description: TIDAL BASIN. The marble rotunda houses a 19-foot statue of the third president of the United States. Read passages from the Declaration of Independence and other famous Jefferson writings. Ranger on duty 9am to 11pm. Located at the south bank of the Tidal Basin, south end of 15th Street SW. METRO: Smithsonian
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Korean War Veteran's Memorial
Independence Ave at French Dr SW, West Potomac Park, Washington, DC 20242 202-634-1568

Description: NATIONAL MALL. This memorial was established in honor of the nearly two million Americans who served in the Korean War. People from each branch of the service are depicted by 19 statues facing a black granite wall etched with images of US soldiers. The Pool of Remembrance invites reflection and prayers for the men and women who were killed or wounded while serving. METRO: Foggy Bottom
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Lincoln Memorial
900 Ohio Dr SW, 23rd St and Independence Ave, Washington, DC 20566 202-426-6895

Description: NATIONAL MALL. This well-known DC landmark overlooks the Reflecting Pool, with the Washington Monument and the US Capitol looming in the distance. Anyone visiting DC for the first time should take the scenic walk by the pool, up the long marble staircase to the19-foot high statue of the 16th president. Inscriptions of his Second Inaugural Address and the famous Gettysburg Address are on the walls. METRO: Foggy Bottom
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St. John's Church
1525 H St NW, Lafayette Square, Washington, DC 20005 202-347-8766

Description: DOWNTOWN. This stately church was built in 1816 and designed by Benjamin Latrobe, who also helped design the White House. Every president since James Madison has worshiped at this National Historic Landmark, named for one of Jesus' twelve apostles and the author of the fourth gospel. Located across Lafayette Square from the White House. METRO: McPherson Square
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Supreme Court of the United States
1 1st St NE, Washington, DC 20002 202-479-3211

Description: CAPITOL HILL. Home to one of America's most vital institutions, this impressive structure is characterized by its exceptional Neoclassical architecture. While the court term generally runs from October through June, informative exhibits, lectures, and movies are presented throughout the year. Since seating is limited, visitors wanting to attend a court session should arrive early on the Front Plaza. When the Court is not sitting, lectures are presented in the courtroom every hour on the half-hour. METRO: Union Station or Capitol South
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The House of the Temple
1733 16th St NW, Washington, DC 20009 202-232-3579

Description: DUPONT CIRCLE. Completed in 1915, this imposing structure loosely replicates the Mausoleum of Halicarnassus. It was built by the Scottish Rite of Freemasonry and includes meeting space, a library and historic archives. Among its most dramatic features are the sphinxes flanking the front door (representing Wisdom and Power) and the inside atrium, which welcomes guests with classical detailing and marble columns. Throughout the space, grand design, beautiful materials and rich furnishings transfix awed spectators. A must for architecture aficionados. METRO: Dupont Circle
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The Monuments & Memorials
17th St to West Potomac Park, Washington, DC

Description: NATIONAL MALL. From the 555-foot obelisk dedicated to George Washington to the Jefferson Memorial serenely situated on the Tidal Basin's south shore, monuments and memorials have long made Washington one of the world's most attractive capitals. Today, these and the hallowed Lincoln Memorial share space with sites offering more modern perspectives of sacrifice and honor: the Vietnam Veterans, Korean War Veterans, the National World War II, and the Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorials. Devote the better part of a day to exploring the area from 17th Street to West Potomac Park, but also plan to visit the monuments and memorials at night, when they are most breathtaking. METRO: Smithsonian
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United States Capitol
E Capitol and 1st St, Washington, DC 20510 202-225-6827

Description: CAPITOL HILL. The White House notwithstanding, this domed icon of democracy is the capital city's most significant and, perhaps, most impressive building. Its majestic architecture is a signature aspect of the Washington landscape, and the view from the front steps is unparalleled. Guided tours cover the highlights of the Capitol complex's history and architecture. Tickets are distributed on a first-come, first-served basis at the Guide Service kiosk on the southwest side of the Capitol. As you might expect, the lines tend to be long, so arrive early. METRO: Capitol South
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Vietnam Veterans Memorial
23rd St and Constitution Ave NW, Washington, DC 20001 202-426-6841

Description: NATIONAL MALL. Inscribed on the black granite walls are names of the 58,209 Americans missing or killed in the Vietnam conflict. The innovative, V-shaped memorial designed by Maya Lin is breathtaking and sobering, drawing crowds who look for the names of relatives or who simply take in the enormity of the war and its aftermath. Also see Frederick Hart's "Three Soldiers," a life-sized bronze sculpture of three young servicemen.
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Washington Monument
15th St & Constitution Ave NW, Washington, DC 20242 202-426-6841

Description: NATIONAL MALL. Located at the western end of the Mall, the 555-foot Washington Monument is one of the tallest masonry structures in the world. Dedicated in 1885 to America's first President, the obelisk provides a dramatic focal point on the Mall's skyline between the Lincoln Memorial and the Capitol. A free elevator ride takes you to the top floor for an amazing view. NB The Washington Monument is free, but does require a ticket. The ticket kiosk for the monument, located at the base of the monument on 15th street opens at 8:30 am to distribute free tickets on a first come first serve basis. METRO: Smithsonian
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White House / White House Visitor Center
1600 Pennsylvania Ave NW, Washington, DC 20500 202-456-7041

Description: DOWNTOWN. No trip to DC would be complete without paying a visit to the stately home of every US President (except George Washington). Tours are available on a first-come, first-served basis for groups of 10 or more. To arrange a tour, contact your Member of Congress two to six months in advance; the exact tour time is then scheduled one month prior to the date requested. If you're unable to secure reservations, check out the White House Visitor Center at the corner of 15th and E Streets (in the Department of Commerce Building). Here, via an informative documentary video, you can tour the White House virtually and view exhibits focusing on the residences of former presidents. METRO: Federal Triangle, Metro Center, McPherson Square
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White House Visitors Center
1450 Pennsylvania Ave NW, Department of Commerce Building, Washington, DC 20001 202-208-1631

Description: DOWNTOWN. Ideally, any visitor to the US capital would have made prior arrangements for a tour of the White House. Modern life being what it is, hectic and unpredictable, you may not have planned far enough ahead to secure those reservations. Never fear, the White House Visitors Center is here! Via an intriguing and informative documentary video, you can tour the White House virtually, and the exhibits display some amazing and beautiful items from the residencies of former presidents. Situated in the Department of Commerce Building, the Visitors Center is a short walk from the White House itself, and provides an experience that's worthwhile in and of itself. METRO: Federal Triangle, Metro Center, McPherson Square
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Woodrow Wilson House
2340 S St NW, Washington, DC 20008 202-387-4062

Description: DUPONT CIRCLE. The only presidential museum in Washington, this charming townhouse is full of information about our 28th president, who led the US through World War I. Guided tours take guests through this home, where Wilson lived after the presidency, and also delve into his life as an educator and statesman. Look for information about the League of Nations, which Wilson founded, as well as items from the White House, and personal effects that are indicative of the Roaring 20s, including clothing, silent movies, and furnishings. METRO: Dupont Circle
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