How to Tackle Washington DC as a First Timer

From larger-than-life monuments to world-class museums, there’s a lot to experience in Washington DC, and it can be hard for a newcomer to know where to start. To get the most out of your visit, here are our top picks for a first-time visit to America’s capital city.
See Politics at Work
Visit Capitol Hill, where the United States Senate, the House of Representatives, and the Supreme Court are practically neighbors. Go inside for a glimpse of DC power brokers (and some of the city’s finest art and architecture).
Go Museum Hopping
Free admission at the Smithsonian Museums makes it easy to sample a little of everything, and guided tours help find the gems in the collections. The International Spy Museum, the National Gallery of Art, and the National Museum of African American History and Culture also invite exploring.
Meet the Monuments
Some of America’s greatest leaders and most tragic wars are honored in DC monuments, which you can explore by hop-on hop-off bus, bicycle, Segway, trolley, or tour vehicle. For extra drama, take an after-dark tour and see the monuments illuminated.
Cruise the Potomac River
Hitting the water means big views of DC’s many riverside landmarks. Choose between a lunch or dinner cruise on the Potomac, or opt for an amphibious tour that covers the city by both land and water.
Visit Arlington National Cemetery
Gravestones in this United States military cemetery date back to the Civil War, with moving memorials to soldiers, presidents, and astronauts. Options for exploring include hop-on hop-off tours, walking tours, and more.
Explore Mount Vernon
President George Washington lived, farmed, and worked from this Virginia plantation, which is easy day-tripping distance away from DC. Since it’s close to Arlington National Cemetery, consider making a day of it by combining the two popular destinations.
21 Tours and Activities | All Washington DC Tours

Best of DC Tour - With Access to US Capitol & National Archives Buildings

Washington DC Sightseeing Trolley Tour with 1 Stop

Washington DC Monuments by Moonlight Tour by Trolley

Capitol Hill and DC Monuments Tour by Electric Cart

Washington DC Odyssey Dinner Cruise

Half Day Tour to Mount Vernon from Washington DC

Washington DC Capital Sites Bike Tour

Washington DC Monuments Bike Tour

Washington DC Sites at Night Bike Tour

Guided Gettysburg Day-Trip from Washington DC with Lunch & Transportation

Private Tour of Washington DC Stopping at 11 Iconic Sites

Washington DC City Day Tour with Stops at Top Attractions

Washington DC Night-Time City Tour with Stops at Top Attractions

Private Washington DC Day or Night Tour up to 11 Guests

The Smithsonian National Air Space Museum Private Guided Tour

Arlington National Cemetery Guided Walking Tour

Washington DC Monuments by Moonlight Electric Cart Tour

Washington DC "See the City" Guided Sightseeing Segway Tour

Washington DC in One Day: Guided Sightseeing Tour

Moonlit Tour of the National Mall with Pick-Up

3-Hour Washington DC "Morning Monuments" Guided Sightseeing Walking & Bus Tour
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