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Georgetown University from across the Potomac River

Pictured: Georgetown University

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Historic Places & Districts

Washington, DC is a living history book. Trace the history of the nation’s capital with a tour of DC’s historic places and districts, all coming together to collectively tell the story of our nation.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT
The seated Abraham Lincoln at the Lincoln Memorial is 19 feet high and weighs 175 tons.
DC Itinerary: 3 Days in Abraham Lincoln's Footsteps
Spend three days in DC discovering historic sites from the time of the 16th president of the United States, like Ford's Theatre and the Willard InterContinental.
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While Georgetown is thoroughly modern, the historic homes that line the neigbhorhood's C&O canal add a turn-of-last-century quality to the swanky area.
Focus On: Georgetown Attractions
This historic Washington, DC neighborhood is where you'll find Tudor Place and Dumbarton Oaks, among others.
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A detail of the Spirit of Freedom sculpture, part of the African American Civil War Museum in Shaw honoring the 209,000 soldiers and sailors who fought for the Union between 1861-1865.
African American History & Heritage
DC has a strong African American heritage. See the sites which are part of its history, including the Howard Theatre and Cedar Hill.
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DC Travel Inspiration

Trip Ideas

DC's southwest quadrant is home to a marina for private boaters as well as tours from Spirit and Odyssey Cruises. In addition, the area features great seafood restaurants, a fish market and Arena Stage.
Southwest Waterfront
Explore the historic fish market, river cruise options and the performing arts in this neighborhood.
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While visitors may not enter the friary, they are welcome to stroll the cloisters, and visit replicas of Holy Land shrines and gorgeous domed Blessed Sacrament chapel. All are welcome; there is no charge for admission.
Brookland Attractions
Devout practitioners and religious history buffs will enjoy touring Brookland's impressive churches.
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The Capitol Visitor’s Center is located underneath the plaza on building’s Eastern side. U.S. Capitol tour passes should be reserved in advance through the Visitor’s Center website or through your state's member of Congress.
Capitol Hill Attractions
Soak up the nation's history at two crucial libraries, a historic train station and the U.S. Capitol itself.
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The U.S. Capitol isn't just for politicians. The public is welcome on the grounds for performances and other events.
Capitol Hill
Get to know the vibrant neighborhood that thrives in the shadow of the Capitol dome.
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Logan Circle
Explore DC's only all-residential circle filled with row houses, boutiques and foodie favorites.
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The familiar gold dome of Riggs Bank (now PNC) stands as a landmark in Georgetown at M Street and Wisconsin. The bank was founded in 1814 by a group of businessmen who included George Washington's nephew.
Georgetown
Located next to the water, Georgetown is where to find quaint row houses, shops and restaurants.
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The Duke Ellington Mural on the historic True Reformer Building in the U Street neighborhood pays tribute to the city's contributions to the jazz age and in particular U Street's - once known as 'Black Broadways' - contributions.
Arts District / U Street / Shaw
Once known as "Black Broadway," this soulful neighborhood thrives with music, arts and culture.
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Known for its sweeping views of the Potomac River, Watergate and National Mall, the Kennedy Center's stern exterior belies a lively performance center boasting free daily concerts on the Millennium Stage at 6 p.m.
Foggy Bottom Attractions
Arts, education and diplomacy merge to create engaging attractions and cultural events here.
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Georgetown University from across the Potomac River
Georgetown Attractions
Whether an adventurer or historian, you'll find both outdoor activities and private, world-class museums in Georgetown.
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President Lincoln's Washington
A powerful president at a turbulent time, Abraham Lincoln remains a powerful presence in Washington.
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Arlington National Cemetery
Arlington National Cemetery
Arlington National Cemetery is the final resting place of more than 400,000 fallen American heroes.
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DC's oldest continually operating fresh food market, Eastern Market attracts vendors and visitors on weekends. Find fresh flowers, used books, baked goods, preserves and other tasteful (and tasty!) souvenirs.
Eastern Market
Washington, DC’s oldest continually operated fresh food public market, located on Capitol Hill.
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2,000 acres of parkland make up Rock Creek Park in Washington, DC and is home to the National Zoo, a planetarium, outdoor concert venue, golf course, trails and many quiet, reflective spots like this.
Rock Creek Park
Explore the rustic expanse of Rock Creek Park, one of America’s largest and oldest city parks.
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Miles of trails, pedestrian-friendly sidewalks and fun bike and Segway tours invite travelers to explore as they exercise. DC's Cultural Tourism sponsors free, guided Walkington and Bikington tours in the spring and fall.
African American Heritage Tours
Explore Washington DC's rich African American heritage with these educational tours.
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Settled largely after the American Civil War, Dupont Circle is known for grand, multi-story row houses. Grand mansions where built around the circle in accordance to Pierre L'Enfant's plan for the city of Washington, of which only two remain.
Dupont Circle Attractions
Art and architecture lovers should follow their bliss beyond the National Mall to this culturally historic neighborhood.
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Hillwood Estate, Museum & Gardens, formerly the home of Marjorie Merriweather Post, is set on 25 manicured acres which include a Japanese-style garden.
Upper Northwest Attractions
This quiet, less trodden section of the District is home to attractions like Marjorie Merriweather Post's estate, a woodsy amphitheater and renowned tennis facility.
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Washington is home to more than 160 embassies and consulates. More than 50 dot Embassy Row near Dupont Circle. Most of these open their doors to visitors every May during dedicated "Passport DC" weekends.
Foggy Bottom
Foggy Bottom welcomes outdoor enthusiasts as well as diplomats, dignitaries and celebrities alike.
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The Franciscan Monastery of the Holy Land, officially known as Mount St. Sepulchre, draws visitors to its gardens that are studded with replicas of shrines from the Holy Land.
Brookland
Brookland is home to Civil War-era landmarks, quiet residential streets and picturesque places.
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Civil War to Civil Rights: Off-the-Beaten-Path Attractions
Explore these lesser-known Civil War attractions and historical locations.
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Civil War to Civil Rights: Historical Figures
From imposing monuments to Metro stops, Civil War history is everywhere in Washington, DC.
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Civil War to Civil Rights: Literary Locations
Trace DC's greatest writings and speeches from the Civil War through the civil rights era.
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Civil War to Civil Rights: Music
Washington, DC has some of its deepest roots in music. Explore these top 10 music makers.
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Civil War to Civil Rights: Martin Luther King, Jr. Historical Sites
The civil rights leader made history all across the city.
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The U.S. Capitol grounds are nearly 60 acres, and thousands of flowers are planted seasonally to spruce up the landscape.
Washington, DC History
Learn how the nation's capital has grown and changed since its founding.
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The African American Civil War Museum in Shaw honors the 209,000 soldiers and sailors who fought for the Union between 1861-1865.
African American History & Heritage
The culture of Washington, DC, is infused with African American history.
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Food & Drink from the Civil War to the Civil Rights Era
Eat and drink your way through locations in DC that played a part in the Civil War or civil rights.
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Family-Friendly Attractions from the Civil War to the Civil Rights Era
Help your kids discover the city's history in two history-altering eras.
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A statue of Frederick Douglass graces Cedar Hill, his former home in the Anacostia neighborhood. Born into slavery in 1818, Douglass was renowned for his orations on universal equality of all races, nationalities and genders.
DC Itinerary: Frederick Douglass' Washington in 1 Day
Follow this one-day Washington, DC itinerary through the eyes of abolitionist Frederick Douglass.
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The seated Abraham Lincoln at the Lincoln Memorial is 19 feet high and weighs 175 tons.
DC Itinerary: 3 Days in Abraham Lincoln's Footsteps
Follow in the footsteps of Abraham Lincoln through these Civil War to Civil Rights experiences.
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Two icons of DC come together, with the late father of Go-Go music Chuck Brown performing atop Anacostia's "Big Chair," constructed in 1959 as a quirky advertisement for Bassett Furniture.
Anacostia
Learn about DC’s first planned suburb where abolitionist Frederick Douglass made his home.
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The Reflecting Pool in front of the Lincoln Memorial on the National Mall provides a doubling vista, and a cooling station for geese.
DC Itinerary: Major Civil Rights Sites in 1 Day
Discover some of Washington, DC's significant civil rights attractions in this one-day itinerary.
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The lesser known of Lincoln's official presidential residences is open to visitors following a $10-million renovation.
Civil War to Civil Rights: A Spy's-Eye View
Check out these Top 10 recommendations from a DC insider.
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Fort Stevens, located at 13th and Quackenbos St. NW, was one of many forts built to fortify DC during the Civil War. In 1864, it was the site of a battle where President Lincoln briefly came under fire.
Civil War Forts, Circles & Squares
Discover historic sites that help explain Washington, DC's role in the Civil War.
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Fort Stevens, located at 13th and Quackenbos St. NW, was one of many forts built to fortify DC during the Civil War. In 1864, it was the site of a battle where President Lincoln briefly came under fire.
Civil War Battlefields & Battle Sites
The Washington area played a major role in the Civil War. Explore these historic battle sites.
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Only-in-DC African American Experiences
From the newest national memorial to U Street, DC is infused with African American history.
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Want more inspiration? Visit these pages.