Washington, D.C. Our Nation's Capital

Pay tribute to the millions of brave individuals who served and over 400,000 who made the ultimate sacrifice during one of the most significant conflicts in world history. Situated on the National Mall, this memorial features two impressive arches representing the Atlantic and Pacific, 56 granite pillars soaring 17 feet high, and a central pool.

Nestled along the serene banks of the Potomac River, this well-preserved estate offers a chance to step back in time and explore the life and legacy of one of our nation’s founding fathers, George Washington. As we enter the sprawling 500-acre estate, admire English boxwoods that Washington himself planted in 1786. The Palladian-style mansion, where George and Martha Washington once resided, has bordering detached wings that create a Court of Honor. See the furnished rooms inside, then take a stroll through beautifully landscaped gardens that have been restored to their 18th-century grandeur.

As you approach the stark black granite wall, see over 58,000 names of Americans who gave their lives in the war. Take the opportunity to rub a wax crayon or pencil on a piece of paper over a loved one’s name for a special memento. Facing the Wall of the Fallen is The Three Soldiers Statue, a striking tribute to the diversity of America’s forces in Vietnam. The nearby Women’s Memorial reflects the impactful contributions of more than 265,000 women who served. The Vietnam Memorial is a place that honors not only the fallen and those who served, but also the enduring spirit of a nation, leaving you with a profound sense of gratitude, sorrow, and unity.

Take in the grandeur of this Greek Doric temple and its massive marble columns surrounding the 19-foot-tall seated statue of Abraham Lincoln. See the Gettysburg Address to the left, the Second Inaugural Address to the right, and an inscription on the step where Martin Luther King, Jr. gave his famous speech. Then, admire the Reflecting Pool that has been the site of many significant moments in American history.

At the Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center, explore hangers that feature Lockheed SR-71 Blackbird, the fastest jet ever flown, and the Boeing B-29 Superfortress Enola Gay, which dropped the first atomic bomb during World War II. It also houses the Space Shuttle Discovery, space suits, and more. The Museum of American History showcases our nation’s political, social, scientific, cultural, and military past, while the National Museum of Natural History boasts an expansive exhibit called Deep Time with a Tyrannosaurus rex, Diplodocus, and wooly mammoth.