10 Must-See Washington D.C. Destinations

Your guide to getting the most out of your next trip to Washington D.C.

Washington D.C. is a rite of passage for many students, and we know all the right places that will keep your tour group informed and entertained. From touristy spots to hidden gems, D.C. has something special to offer each student that visits our nation's capital- and we have to admit that even after countless trips, there is always something new to discover.

US Capitol Building

Where better to begin your Washington D.C. journey than the US Capitol Building? The seat of the US congress and the birthplace of countless historic decisions, the Capitol building serves as a powerful symbol of American democracy, and is especially meaningful for students learning about our nations political foundations.

Outside of the building, you can admire the massive white dome that was erected hundreds of years ago; Underneath it is the Capitol rotunda, where students can tour during their visit to the Capitol. Tours might also include the Governors Office, and the Senate and House chambers.

Inside, the Exhibition Hall features detailed architectural models that showcase how the Capitol has evolved over time, and the Emancipation Hall honors the enslaved people who played a major part in building the structure.

People’s House

Many students remember the moment they first step off the bus to catch their very first glimpse of the White House- that iconic mansion we piece together in our minds from endless references in textbooks, movies and other media- but most people never get a chance to step into the oval office, sit in the president's chair, or listen in on a cabinet meeting.

At the People’s House, you can do all of those things and more.  

This immersive White House experience features a 1:5 replica of the mansion's exterior, an exact replica of the oval office, and modern interactive exhibits that will transport you into the world of government. The experience highlights important historical moments and influential figures of the president's palace, from George Washington to the working staff, including Dale Haney, white house gardener since 1972. The 33,000-square-foot museum is only a block away from the real thing. 

Arlington National Cemetery

You might learn about Arlington in school, but you can’t fully comprehend the magnitude of the cemetery until you’re physically there, staring at over 400,000 headstones, precisely and delicately lined up- like soldiers marching into battle.

Each year, more than 4 million people visit Arlington Cemetery, where up to 30 funerals take place every day. The cemetery features several special memorials, including the Shuttle Challenger Memorial, the Military Women’s Memorial, and the headstones of former presidents William Howard Taft and John F. Kennedy.

One thing you won't want to miss at Arlington is the changing of the guards at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldiers; The tomb contains the remains of veterans from both World Wars and is guarded 24 hours a day, with guards currently changing every half hour.

The National Mall: Gardens, Monuments, and More

If it’s your first time visiting D.C., taking a stroll through the national mall is a must. This renowned stretch of parkland in the heart of downtown D.C. is home to some of the nation’s most revered landmarks. On your walk, you'll see the iconic Lincoln Memorial, the towering obelisk of the Washington monument, the World War II memorial, and more.

When exploring the mall, you might find yourself in the beautiful Botanic Garden, which homes thousands of diverse plants from around the world- many of them endangered. The crown jewel of the gardens is the conservatory: a 93-foot glass dome that encases a tropical rainforest exhibit and a garden with prehistoric plants.

The National Mall is also conveniently located nearby the Smithsonian museums, making it the perfect stop on a day of D.C. exploration.

The Holocaust Memorial Museum

A trip to the Holocaust museum is emotional and gut-wrenching, but it’s also one of the most powerful educational stops in D.C., and many students continue to reflect on its history and message long after leaving the museum. 

The memorial features heartbreaking stories from witnesses who lived through the Nazi regime, including an exhibition taking us through the life of Daniel, a young Jewish boy whose world changed during the holocaust. 

The exhibit displays Daniel’s personal diary entries, helping young minds to start to understand the impact of the holocaust on a more personal level. Students are invited to write down their thoughts or feelings after getting to know Daniel’s journey. 

Since 1980, the memorial has informed over 11 million students about the horrors of the holocaust, leaving many with a more deeper understanding of the massive genocide and a desire to take action in order to prevent similar atrocities from happening today.  

The Smithsonian Museum of Natural History

The Smithsonian Museum of Natural History is one of the most popular museums in the entire world- and it’s one that you can’t miss on your next trip to D.C.! 

See the fascinating process of mummification in the Ancient Egypt exhibit, or maybe you prefer the beauty of the Butterfly pavilion; Whatever your interests, the museum has something that will speak to every student. Some of our favorite highlights include an array of magnificent gems and minerals, and the Bone Hall, where you can see skeletons ranging from a gigantic sea cow to a pocket mouse.

If you’re feeling hungry after your day at the museum, grab a bite beneath something that might’ve once taken a bite out of you- a massive megalodon shark suspended from the atrium watches over the dining area. 

The National Museum of African American History and Culture

An important stop for any visit to D.C., the National Museum of African American History and Culture offers a profound exploration of Black history in America. 

The museum honors the lives and legacies of influential Black figures, such as Harriet Tubman, Nat Turner and Emmet Till- shedding light on their stories, struggles, courage, and lasting influence.

Visitors at the museum are taken on a journey through centuries of resilience, from harrowing exhibits detailing the origins of slavery to the inspiring, powerful work of the civil rights movement. The museum also celebrates the contributions of African Americans in all fields, including music, art literature, politics, sports, and beyond.

Fords Theatre

Infamous site of the Abraham Lincoln assassination, Ford’s Theatre sees over half a million tourists annually. You can experience a live performance in the intimate space; Though it’s hard not to feel the weight of history when you see the empty Presidential Box, where Lincoln sat on the night of April 14th, 1865. It’s easy to imagine him there, just before John Wilkes Booth fired the shot that changed American history. 

After seeing the theatre, head across the street to the Peterson house, the spot where Lincoln was taken after the fatal shooting. The 16th president passed away in a small bedroom in the modest boarding house.

National Air and Space Museum

We’ve got the perfect D.C. destination in mind for your STEM students: the Air and Space Museum is an educational hub for those with an interest in aviation and space exploration. 

Featuring hundreds of historical aircrafts, the museum takes visitors on a journey through space travel and the history of flight. Museum highlights include the real 1903 Wright Flyer (the first successful powered airplane), and the Apollo 11, which contained the first astronauts to land on the moon.

Be sure to check out the museum's spectacular planetarium, where visitors can marvel at immersive simulations of the night sky, constellations, planets and more. 

The International Spy Museum

Looking for a little bit of fun? The International Spy Museum might be the perfect addition to mix things up on your next trip to D.C.

This unique interactive museum educates students about the history of espionage while making them a part of the mission. Upon arriving, "spies" receive an undercover identity and a special badge at the briefing center. Throughout the exhibits, you'll encounter interactive stations where you can test your spy skills- like code-breaking and gadget-making.

The museum also homes a fascinating display of historic spy memorabilia, including secret compartments, pigeon cameras, and a pistol disguised as a tube of lipstick, among many other hidden weapons.

Making the most of your next trip to Washington D.C.

Our nation's capitol has so much to offer, and it can often be overwhelming to try to experience it all. At Corporate Travel, we'll simplify your journey to D.C. and make it one to remember. Educational tours make learning fun- and we think you'll have fun, too.