Washington DC Museums & Monument Attractions

International Spy Museum.

Learn about the history, craft and role of world espionage at the International Spy Museum. The Spy Museum's exhibitions present the art of espionage through tales of spies, secret missions, tools and techniques. See the largest collection of international espionage artifacts, historic photographs, audio/visual presentations, interactive displays and high-tech special effects that uncover the strategies behind the most covert espionage missions. Visit www.spymuseum.org.

Madame Tussauds Wax Museum.

See your favorite celebrity wax figures at Madame Tussauds in Washington, DC. Enjoy an interactive, sensory experience as you discover significant historical events and famous people who impacted our world. Travel back in time and meet Abraham Lincoln. See Duke Ellington play during the “heyday” of jazz. Swing into action with PGA phenom Tiger Woods. See hundreds of extremely lifelike wax figures of cultural icons, famous personalities, Hollywood celebrities and sports stars like George Washington, John F. Kennedy, Martin Luther King Jr., Ronald Reagan, Barrack Obama, Babe Ruth, and Madonna. Visit www.madametussauds.com/Washington/. [Top]

National Museum of Crime & Punishment.

The notorious history of crime, crime fighting, and punishment - from medieval knights to computer hackers – comes to life at the National Museum of Crime & Punishment. Crack a safe, hack into a computer, test your Wild West shooting skills, see a life-size model police station, learn about heroes of law enforcement, scope out a crime scene with fresh evidence, and walk onto the actual TV set of America’s Most Wanted. Meet the colorful characters of America’s history of crime at Washington, DC’s most criminal museum. Visit www.crimemuseum.org/.

National Aquarium.

Explore the magic and mystery beneath our deep waters. The National Aquarium displays more than 1,500 specimens and 250 species of freshwater and marine animals. Encounter alligators, piranha, shark, eel and Japanese carp. The National Aquarium’s “America’s Aquatic Treasures” highlights the animals, habitats and ecosystems of the US and key conservation spots through the National Marine Sanctuaries Program. Visit www.nationalaquarium.com. [Top]

Library of Congress.

The nation's oldest cultural institution and largest library in the world, the Library of Congress has 130 million items on 530 miles of bookshelves. Collections include over 29 million books and printed materials, 2.7 million recordings, 12 million photographs, 4.8 million maps, and 58 million manuscripts. The research agency of the legislative branch of the U.S. government, the Library preserves a universal collection of knowledge and creativity in three buildings on Capitol Hill - Thomas Jefferson Building (1897), John Adams Building and James Madison Memorial Building. The Library includes the U.S. Copyright Office and Law Library of Congress. Visit www.loc.gov.

RFK Stadium.

One of Washington, DC’s leading sports and entertainment venues since 1961, Robert F. Kennedy Memorial Stadium is the historic home of Major League Soccer’s DC United. The famous 56,000-seat stadium is a favorite facility for concerts, sports, events and festivals. One of the top soccer venues in the country, RFK Stadium has hosted two MLS Cups, including the 1997 match that saw DC United capture its second consecutive championship, the 2002 MLS All-Star match and 1996 Olympic soccer matches. Visit www.rfkstadium.com. [Top]

FedEx Field.

The largest stadium in the National Football League, seating 91,704 sports fans, FedEx Field is home to the NFL’s Washington Redskins football team. Located in Landover, Maryland, this benchmark NFL facility hosts hosted several college football games, including the annual Prince George's Classic college game, entertainment, concerts and special events. Redskin fans can enjoy the Redskins Hall of Fame, which traces the legendary history of the Redskins from 1937. Visit http://fedex.com/us/sports/fedexfield/.

Washington Nationals Stadium.

Washington Nationals Stadium is the new home of Major League Baseball’s Washington Nationals. Cornerstone of the Capitol Riverfront in Southeast Washington, the cutting-edge 41,888-seat stadium sports an innovative design of steel, glass and concrete that reflects the architecture of Washington, DC. Fans enjoy panoramic views of the riverfront, Navy Yard, the city landmarks such as the Capitol and Washington Monument. In addition to Washington Nationals home games, the ballpark feature entertainment, concerts and interactive fan experiences. Visit http://nationals.mlb.com/was/ballpark/index.jsp. [Top]

Arlington National Cemetery.

A chronicle of American history Arlington National Cemetery is the sacred burial ground for over 300,000 honored dead Americans. Among thousands of white headstones of soldiers and war heroes – from the American Revolution to the Iraq War - are the graves of our country’s most celebrated leaders and cultural icons. Remember, respect and say farewell to famous Americans such as President John F. Kennedy, President William Taft, Supreme Court Justice Thurgood Marshall, Glenn Miller, and Joe Louis. Visit the Tomb of the Unknowns – the official burial place of unidentified American soldiers from WW I to Vietnam. The Visitors Center has maps, guides, graves, exhibits, and a bookstore. Visit www.arlingtoncemetery.org.

U.S. Botanic Gardens.

The oldest botanic garden in the country, the U.S. Botanic Garden is a beautiful living plant museum. Located on the National Mall at the foot of the U.S. Capitol, the USBG features the U.S. Botanic Garden conservatory, National Garden, Bartholdi Park and an outdoor amphitheater. Centered around Bartholdi Fountain, a magnificent landscape of classical and demonstration gardens, changing plant and flower exhibits and greenhouses reflect modern trends in horticulture, and plant exhibits that include 4,000 living specimens. The National Garden features the Rose Garden, Butterfly Garden, Lawn Terrace, First Ladies' Water Garden, and Regional Garden. Visit www.usbg.org. [Top]

National Geographic Museum.

Explore the world at the museum at the National Geographic headquarters in Washington, DC. The Museum brings to life past and current expeditions, adventures, and scientific research. The National Geographic Museum at Explorers Hall presents a variety of changing and permanent exhibitions, interactive displays, archeological treasures, brilliant photographs, concerts, lectures, and film screenings that reflect the richness and diversity of our world. The National Geographic Store sells unique products and gifts. Visit www.nationalgeographic.com/museum/

Georgetown.

One of Washington, DC’s most historic and dynamic neighborhoods, Georgetown oozes culture and history. This hip, energetic oasis is DC’s most popular shopping, dining and entertainment area, lined with unique boutiques, top retailers, antique shops, over 100 restaurants, spas and salons, gourmet bakeries and cafes, specialty markets, and historic attractions. This exciting nightlife scene sizzles with hip hangouts, upscale lounges, vibrant bars, and swanky jazz clubs. Stroll past 200-year old mansions and building as you enjoy street festivals, including April’s French Market and October’s Taste of Georgetown. Explore century-old homes, beautiful gardens, paths and waterways that highlight our history. With its trendy, but charming attitude, Georgetown is a fun destination for shopping, dining and playing in the heart of DC. Visit www.georgetowndc.com. [Top]

National Cherry Blossom Festival.

The Cherry Blossom Festival celebrates the 1912 gift of 3,000 flowering Japanese cherry trees to Washington, DC. Enjoy the spirit of the spring and festivities at this annual event. The city’s most cherished tradition, the spectacular Parade of the National Cherry Blossom Festival along Constitution Avenue features marching bands, dance and drum teams, choirs, horses, antique cars, mascots, clowns, and the cherry blossom queen. Enjoy a festive mix of American and Japanese performing arts on the steps of the Jefferson Memorial. From sumo to sake, the annual Japanese Street Festival on Pennsylvania Ave. presents Japanese arts, crafts, dance, music and a Taste of Japan. Visit www.nationalcherryblossomfestival.org.

Mount Vernon Estate.

Overlooking the Potomac River, the 500-acre estate, gardens and farm of Mount Vernon is America’s most legendary estate. Tour the historic home and beautiful gardens of our nation’s first president. Visit 20 historic structures and 50 acres of gardens as they existed in 1799. See the Mansion House Farm where George Washington and his family lived and George Washington’s surroundings over 200 years ago. Explore the landscape of magnificent gardens, meadows, serpentine walkways, and flowering cherry trees. Visit the tombs of George and Martha Washington, a museum, Washington's greenhouse, a memorial to18th-century slaves, and a collection of decorative and domestic artifacts. Visit www.mountvernon.org. [Top]