The pentagon is a very great place and I really enjoyed going on a tour And had a great time.read more

Reservations required Background check mandatory…read moreUtilize the metro Amazing tour No cameras allowed No beverages allowed

A creative and worthwile memorial. Yeah, its just benches, but the design is creative and thought…read moreout. Factoring in age and aircraft passenger and pentagon employee the benches are placed a certain way. Is it worth a special trip? Probably not, but its something that is worth being on your to do list. As a side note, make sure to only take pictures from inside the memorial. They will confiscate your phone if you take pictures outside of it. Even though there are probably hundreds of cats going by every day with dash cams and you can literally go on Google maps and see pictures that would be nearly identical to what you would be taking in nearly the same spots, they don't play around with that. So make sure to keep your camera away until you're in the memorial.

The Memorial is free at the Pentagon, which is just around the corner form the metro entrance/exit…read more You can see the name's of the victims at the memorial. Lots of tours are given here so you may run into groups. Would recommend stopping by if you weren't able to book a Pentagon tour in advance.

I'm an executive branch alum, so I give the EEOB five out of five bald eagles. Sure, the United…read moreStates Capitol houses TWO chambers, and the Supreme Court Building allegedly has a basketball court at the top. But can you bowl a perfect game at the legislature or the judiciary? NOPE. President Truman was a visionary for having this bowling alley installed. Truly ahead of his time, making sure pins could fall while democracy stands strong. Absolutely worth getting a job in the executive branch to sign up for a chance to bowl here. Oh, and there's other stuff in the building too, but bowling in the basement is what really drives good government.

I love visiting this building more than the White House. It has such a history and great people…read morewatching. Try to contact your Congress person to get a tour.

What's prettier than the White House, the Monument, the Lincoln Memorial and the Smithsonian put…read moretogether? Yes, Ariana Grande is a good answer, but I was looking for the Executive Office on 17th St! A long time ago, the love of my life used to say that this building was the highlight of her trips to DC, and I can see why. I remember walking with her in the pouring rain next to it, and taking pictures of her exposing herself in front of it. Times change... But this building never did. It's glorious and resplendent. It reminds me of something in France, but better kept, perhaps. It looks palatial. If the White House is a little underwhelming then this executive office is completely awe-inspiring. It's level with the Capitol as my favourite building in the DC area, and is the easiest 5-star rating I've given since my Cousin Daniel got drunk and showed me the ropes.

Didn't really have a lot of time to roam around Pennsylvania Ave. And my friend and I, being…read moreslightly less than ignorant didn't know that the BACK of the WHITE HOUSE would be on Pennsylvania Ave. ** Not impressed** So our pictures we're not exactly anythng to brag about. So we decided to take pictures in front of the Executive Office of the President where the FRONT of this architecture was much more impressive than the BACK of the White House on Pennsylvania Ave. Still a great experience to roam DC and take in the history and political side of the US. (You don't get much of that or appreciate it as much coming from the west coast. Hence, the ignorance of the FRONT vs the BACK of the WHITE HOUSE. =X)

Beautiful memorial located inside of Arlington Cemetery and wish we could've had enough time to get…read morecloser, but we were on a speedy trip on the tour trolley to see as much as possible for a brief visit in the area. We were also fortunate to see this memorial as our plane departed from DCA at 5 PM and it was thrilling to see it from this vantage point. Love the depiction and homage to the planes in flight and missing man formation.

When my friend and I visited this memorial, we were actually the only ones there. Sadly, I think a…read morelot of people are missing out on this place just because it is located in Arlington instead of Washington DC. On the side, you will see some walls with inscriptions of Air Force veterans who have received the Medal the Honor. But of course, what really stands out are the three metal spires that are each over 200 feet tall. Their shape was actually meant to represent three Thunderbird jets that have separated outwards in a bomb burst maneuver. We were very glad we came to see these beautiful structures in person.

BLUF: The beloved Lincoln Memorial is even more of a show stopper with the addition of exhibits, a…read moregift shop and restrooms in the undercroft. Of all the times I've stood at the base of the Lincoln Memorial, I've never once wondered what lay beneath it. Like everyone else, I was focused on climbing the iconic steps to see President Lincoln. But after more than a century, visitors can now explore what has been hidden below all along. Known as the undercroft, it's essentially the memorial's basement or a massive structural space built to support the monument above. Its 65-foot-tall concrete columns were engineered to keep the memorial standing firm on the soft, swampy ground near the Potomac River. Today, the undercroft features a film, exhibits, restrooms, and a gift shop, but the real showstopper is the opportunity to look through glass panels and see the monument's enormous structural supports up close. It's a fascinating reminder of the hidden infrastructure of DC. The exhibits were neat and included features on what it took to design and build the memorial as well as the various historic events that have taken place there. I also liked the exhibit that debunked myths about the statue of Lincoln. There are only a handful or so of exhibits but they are all well curated. There is also a brief film, currently more of a teaser for a film coming in 2027, about Lincoln and the monument. But still, it is the views into the undercroft that have me in awe. The Lincoln Memorial is probably one of the most visited sites in DC. For a little more peace, consider visiting in the evening or early morning. Popular activities here include sitting on the steps to enjoy the views of the reflecting pool and Washington monument as well as posing for photos with the Washington Monument in the background. There isn't an easy way to get to the Lincoln Memorial. Because parking is limited and the closest metro stop is probably a mile away, it's best reached via walking or as part of a tour that will drop you off at the site. Many people rent scooters and bikes but I am fuzzy on whether or not those are actually allowed on the sidewalks in this part of town and I don't think it's safe to ride in the street. Plus, if there are crowds, you won't be able to ride through them anyway. Definitely no riding anything on wheels within the monument sites.

Happy Juneteenth, 2026!…read more Do you believe that all people should be treated equally? If half of the people who lived in our country believed your perspective was wrong, would you still stand up for what you believe? Would you be willing to put the entirety of your reputation or even your life on the line for something you strongly believe, like the right to freedom or equality? The belief that black people should have these rights too was strongly advocated by Abraham Lincoln, clearly showing his high ethical character. When I was a little boy, I read a small children's book about Abraham Lincoln. This book provided several interesting facts, like that Abraham Lincoln was born in a one-room log cabin in Kentucky (which was actually really small), and that he was self-educated. Information like this really inspired me as a young boy because it showed me that even a man that did not inherit wealth or a prestigious family status, like me, could become a great man if he was self motivated and had a respectable work ethic. This little book also explained how Abraham Lincoln was instrumental in freeing the slaves in America, something I could not really understand as a young boy. Although this country still has a lot to accomplish before attaining complete equality, we certainly would not have made the great strides that we have made without Abraham Lincoln's direction, and Juneteenth would not even exist. It amazes me to think how hard Abraham Lincoln had to work to lead this country toward racial equality. If you would like a great reference on this, please see the movie "Lincoln," made by Steven Spielberg in 2012. One thing that is surprising to me is how long it takes society to embrace a direction that the government leads, like equality. Consider this: Martin Luther King Jr. gave his "I Have A Dream" speech from these very steps, at the Lincoln Memorial, one hundred years after Abraham Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation. Martin Luther King Jr. was clearly addressing the social and legal biases that still existed against black people, over one hundred years later. One of the things I've learned about equality and discrimination is that someone does not truly appreciate equality until they have been treated unequally, and someone does not truly understand discrimination until they have been discriminated against. Most people would look at me, me being a white male, and ask me 'what could you possibly know about experiencing inequality and discrimination?' Unfortunately, a few different types of inequality and discrimination still exist in this country, one of which is focused on parental rights. And, most people would ask me this question because they are oblivious to the discrimination and inequality that most fathers experience after divorce. There is nothing worse than having your own children taken from you when you know that you are a loving parent who is also an intelligent, ethical, honorable, and admirable individual as a role model for your children. Sadly, the U.S. legal system and society as a whole still treat fathers as inferior to mothers, simply because of their gender. That is not only discrimination, but that is also a blatant inequality that STILL exists in this country. It is perplexing to me to think how much this country has strived for equality, and 250 years later, we still have a blatant inequality and discrimination against fathers at a governmental and societal level. (Reference: If you want more information and clarity, watch "The Red Pill," a 2016 documentary.) So, in addition to the ongoing racial inequalities, this is just ONE of the many other inequalities that unfortunately still persists in this country. In conclusion, I'm incredibly happy that the Lincoln Memorial was created, in 1922. I'm also happy that I was finally able to visit this memorial for the first time in my life this year, and show my respects for one of the greatest presidents this country has ever had. The Lincoln Memorial is a wonderful reminder of Abraham Lincoln's strive for racial equality, as well as a beautiful example of the way that the U.S. government and everyone in society should treat ALL PEOPLE -- equally.

The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier was such an amazing experience…read more I thought it was for one person, but it's a beautiful memorial to all of the unnamed soldiers that pass in battle. We were lucky enough to whiteness the changing of the guard. It only lasts a few moments , but it's such an amazing thing to experience.

We were fortunate to arrive at the site of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at noontime in order to…read morebe able to witness the changing of the Honor Guard at the top of the hour. Changing of the guard occurs on the half-hour during the summer months and every hour during the winter. Fantastic ceremony and grateful to witness such dedication to duty, service, and honor. Precision is impressive when viewing the Honor Guard fulfilling their mission.

I come year almost yearly with a student group and always appreciate America's history.read more

It was so beautiful and huge in person. I drew this in my America 250th anniversary artwork…read morecontest. It was amazing to see in real life.

Don't let the long line discourage you; it's absolutely worth the wait. Expect to spend around 20…read moreminutes in line, and keep in mind that part of the wait is usually outside, so it can get pretty hot on warm days. Once inside, the building is stunning. The famous ceiling is every bit as impressive as the photos, and it's worth taking your time to admire the architecture. Be sure to check out the rotating exhibits as well. I thought the two Georges were well done. Also enjoyed seeing actual books from Jefferson's library. The staff are friendly, welcoming, and happy to answer questions. If you're visiting Washington, DC, this is definitely a place I'd recommend, especially if you're already exploring Capitol Hill. It's an easy walk to Navy Yard if you're planning to spend time there afterward.

Live! at the Library is my favorite Happy Hour in DC. For those that don't know, Thursday evenings…read morefrom 5-8pm, the Library of Congress hosts a happy hour where attendees are invited to sip on drinks and enjoy food in their gorgeous space. This is a brilliant date night or a fantastic group activity. You can eat or drink. You can explore a rotating exhibit, the gift shop, and Jefferson's bookshelf. Do know you need to reserve a spot online in advance to get your free tickets, but it's super easy to do on their website. They offer other free events that are worth exploring too!

A free and excellent view of Downtown Washington DC can be viewed from the Old Post Office and…read moreClock Tower, which is the 3rd tallest structure in DC. The building is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and it was completed in 1899. This is attached to the (now) Waldorf Astoria, however the Tower is manned by the National Parks Service. The entrance is in the back of the hotel, and the elevator looks out into the hotel's atrium. When you reach the open air top floor, you'll look out for a 360 degree view. One lonely park ranger is up there, and they are there year-round. When we visited, it was completely empty and we had the space to ourselves (and the ranger).

Actual rating: 3.5/5…read more Ok so in fairness, I have never cared for panoramic views. I came here with my friends on a day trip to DC after seeing a post about this place on social media. The entrance to the this place to see the views is incredibly tricky to access. The Waldorf took over and shut down the way to access through the building so you'll have to walk around and find the nearly completely hidden from street view entrance. For ease, I have linked the approximate location from Apple Maps below. There is a small historic background museum when you enter following the bag search and this is part of the National Parks stamping service so if you collect those speak with the nice ranger on duty. There are two elevators to travel to get to the top, the first takes you up to see views of the Astoria and the second will show you the rooftop from the Old Post Office Tower. This view is obscured by bars that make photography challenging. Would I, who does not like views, come again? No. But!!! If you are into views this is quite nice and free so I would recommend.