History

Capitol Building Observe America's deliberative body at work by observing Congress when in session; tour the magnificent building, inspired by the Roman Pantheon; glimpse the portraits and sculptures of powerful Americans; look up to see the vibrant fresco by Constantino Brumidi that decorates the inside of the Rotunda Dome; stop by the Capitol Visitors Center, on the capitol's east side, full of a slew of amenities including a gallery, theaters, cafeteria, and gift shops. East end of the Mall, Washington, D.C.; +1 202 225 6827.

Franciscan Monastery of the Holy Land Admire the Byzantine architecture of this historic building, take a guided tour of the grottos and catacombs that form a web underneath the structure, enjoy a relaxing stroll in the gardens beneath the blooming cherry blossoms. 1400 Quincy St., NE, Washington, D.C.; +1 202 526 6800.

Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial Walk through four outdoor "rooms" that commemorate periods in FDR's presidency; located on the western edge of the Tidal Basin, the memorial contains statues of the 32nd president in his wheelchair, shown in bronze as he was rarely depicted in life. Ohio Drive between the Tidal Basin and Potomac River, Washington, D.C.; +1 202 426 6841.

Frederick Douglass National Historic Site Uncover the sacrifices made by one of America's great early civil rights leaders at his restored Anacostia home; see Douglass' bedroom just as he left it; visit his library to learn what the great thinker was reading before his death. 1411 W. St., SE, Washington, D.C.; +1 202 426 5961.

Korean War Veterans Memorial Walk around the 19 stainless steel soldiers frozen in battlefield position in the southwest corner of the Mall; notice the sea of faces watching you from the granite wall that flanks the larger-than-life statues; take in the full weight of the memorial's inscription, "Freedom Isn't Free." Independence Ave. at the Lincoln Memorial, Washington, D.C.; +1 202 426 6841.

Lincoln Memorial Take a break in the shade of old Abe, who presides over the west end of the Mall from his stately pillared vantage point; enjoy a spectacular view of the Reflecting Pool, the World War II Memorial, and the Washington Monument from the front steps; meditate on the nation's history under the stern gaze of its 16th president. Independence Ave. and 23rd St., Washington, D.C.; +1 202 426 6841.

National Air and Space Museum Imagine piloting the original Wright flyer as you peer at it high above you; scope out the Space capsules, fighter jets, and high-speed test planes that dot the museum's interior; throw your head back in the massive IMAX theater and experience being behind the controls of a jumbo jet. Independence Ave. & 6th St., SW., Washington, D.C.; +1 202 633 1000.

The National Archives Marvel at the founding documents of America, the Constitution, the Bill of Rights, and the Declaration of Independence; these awe-inspiring pieces of paper float in a bullet-proof case of helium and water vapor below the looming rotunda; visit the Public Vaults section of the Archives to see rotating exhibits from the archive's vast collections, including the first issue of Mad magazine. Constitution Ave., NW, between 7th and 9th Streets, NW, Washington, D.C.; +1 202 501 5000.

National Building Museum Uncover the history behind the federal architecture that decorates the city at the Washington: City and Symbol exhibit; don a hard hat and tool belt while you build a brick wall at the Building Zone or toy with the bulldozers in the Construction Zone. 401 F St., NW, Washington, D.C.; +1 202 272 2448. Fee.

National Postal Museum Peruse rare and misprinted stamps, like the 1918 "Inverted Jenny" biplane at the Philatelic Gallery; see different mail carrying technologies that trace the development of the American Postal System at the Moving the Mail exhibit. 2 Massachusetts Ave., NE, Washington, D.C.; +1 202 633 5555.

Newseum Find out if you have what it takes to be a reporter in the fast-paced news world at the NBC News Interactive Newsroom; explore the unique challenges faced by journalists in the aftermath of September 11th at the Chronicling an Attack on America exhibit; watch movies, read articles, and see displays that trace journalism's contributions to democracy. 555 Pennsylvania Ave., NW, Washington, D.C.; 888 NEWSEUM. Fee.

The Supreme Court Enter the court through the impressive Corinthian pillars that frame the door, tour the lobby where you will see busts of former justices and colorful judicial frescos, sit in on oral arguments with older kids to learn how America's highest judicial body conducts business. 1 1st St., NE, Washington, D.C.; +1 202 479 3211.

Thomas Jefferson Memorial Enjoy the quiet of the Jefferson Memorial, located across the Tidal Basin from the Mall and the rest of its must-see attractions; admire the huge bronze figure of one of our Founding Fathers; read selections from some of his writings that are inscribed on the walls; visit in the spring to admire the surrounding cherry blossom trees in bloom and rent a paddle boat to whiz about the Tidal Basin from spring to fall. Ohio Drive SW & East Basin Drive SW, Washington, D.C.; +1 202 426 6841.

U.S. Bureau of Engraving and Printing Gaze at the printing presses, cutting, and sorting machines that produce the nation's currency; watch as approximately 38 million bank notes are printed each day. 14th & C St. S.W., Washington, D.C.; 866 874 2330.

United States Holocaust Memorial Museum Reflect on one of humanities greatest tragedies at this hauntingly immersive museum, receive an "identification card” on entrance and learn of your fate as you trace the path of real victims, listen to recorded oral histories from survivors and see a real boxcar that moved prisoners to Dachau and other death camps. 100 Raoul Wallenberg Place, SW, Washington, D.C.; +1 202 488 0400.

Vietnam Veterans Memorial Catch your reflection in the Wall, a black granite gash rising out of the ground in the northwest corner of the Mall; run your fingers over the engraved names of almost 60,000 Vietnam casualties and remember their sacrifices without thought to politics, as the memorial's designer Maya Lin intended. 21st St. and Constitution Ave., Washington, D.C.; +1 202 426 6841.

Washington Monument Ride to the top of the Washington Monument, shaped like an Egyptian obelisk, for a commanding view of the District and surrounding areas; circle the base below and strain your neck to take in all 555+ feet of this standout on the D.C. skyline. A visit to the top of the monument is free but requires a ticket, which can be obtained from the kiosk near its base starting at 8:30 A.M. or online. 15th St. and Madison Drive, Washington, D.C.; +1 202 426 6841.

Washington National Cathedral Take a guided tour through this gothic architectural masterpiece; peer up at the flying buttresses, eerie gargoyles, and artistic stained glass windows that decorate the building; climb to the Pilgrim gallery for a panoramic view of the city; take a moment to relax among the tea roses in the Bishop's Garden. Massachusetts and Wisconsin Aves., NW, Washington, D.C.; +1 202 537 6200.

The White House Wander into the threshold of every President since John Adams, see rooms where some of the world's most important decisions were made. Tours are limited in availability and must be requested through one's member of Congress, so plan ahead and register early. 1600 Pennsylvania Ave., NW, Washington, D.C.; +1 202 456 7041.

World War II Memorial Admire the areas on either side of the mammoth memorial that commemorate the Pacific and Atlantic theaters; walk around the outer circle, which contains a metal wreath for each state and U.S. territory; check out the bronze friezes that depict detailed scenes from the home front during the war; watch the water of the fountains play in the sunlight. 17th St. between Constitution Ave. and Independence Ave., Washington, D.C.; +1 202 426 6841.