Our amazing DC historical readers retreat in September got me thinking about my top historical sites in DC, especially those that may fall under the radar. The city has so much for history lovers that it’s hard to choose!
Favorite DC Historical Sites
Favorite Smithsonian: National Museum of American History
Of course, I’d pick the history museum as my favorite! My absolute top must-see exhibit is the First Ladies exhibit. You could spend days here but use my guide to hit the highlights!
Favorite Art Museum: National Portrait Gallery
I love wandering the beautiful fall of the National Portrait Gallery where you can come face to face with presidents, first ladies, and other well-known historical figures. During our retreat, we took a guided tour which was so interesting!
Favorite Presidential Museum: The People’s House
This is a must-see museum on any trip to DC! Highly interactive and immersive, it’s the next best thing to actually visiting the White House. Kids will like it even more than the real deal with all of the hands-on fun!
Favorite Presidential Home: Mount Vernon
There is nothing like sitting on the porch of Mount Vernon and watching the Potomac roll by just like George did 250 years ago!
Favorite Government Building: US Capitol
The historic US Capitol holds a special place in my heart as it’s where I used to work! I gave tours and loved accessing all of the historical nooks and crannies of this magnificent building!
Favorite Memorial on the National Mall: Korean War Veterans Memorial
This is the most haunting and memorable memorial to me, especially at night. The agony on the soldiers’ faces leaves you feeling just how difficult this often-forgotten war was for our men in uniform.
Favorite Memorial off the National Mall: World War I Memorial
This large bronze frieze is so moving and depicts the horrors of WWI to everyone who spends time with it.
Favorite Military Museum or Site: National Museum of the US Army
Just outside of DC is this amazing new museum that highlights military history from the American Revolution to the War on Terror. It’s well worth the trip!
Favorite Women’s History Site: Lucy Burns Museum
Located in the former prison that held the suffragists, this museum is very moving. Don’t miss the tour of the actual cells!
Favorite Book-related Site: Hillwood Estate and Gardens
Read The Magnificent Lives of Marjorie Post by Allison Pataki and then tour the Post estate where she displayed all of her treasures. It is so beautiful! Review coming soon!
Favorite Library: Library of Congress
Visit the main Jefferson building to see his original books that started the Library after the British burned the originals!
Favorite Hidden Gem: President Lincoln’s Cottage
I love telling people about this cottage tucked far away from the main tourist areas. It’s such a special place!
Books set in DC
DC is a main character in some of my favorite historical fiction! Here are my favorites but check out my bigger list on my DC travel guide. And don’t miss my literary tour of Washington, DC here.
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