Washington, D.C. brings together monumental landmarks, historic neighborhoods, and some of the country’s most extensive museum collections. The National Mall forms the heart of the capital, stretching between the U.S. Capitol and the Lincoln Memorial with the Washington Monument, Vietnam Veterans Memorial, and Smithsonian museums along the way. Beyond the major sights, Georgetown’s cobblestone streets, Dupont Circle’s leafy avenues, and the restaurants and music venues of U Street offer very different perspectives on the city. The Potomac waterfront and Tidal Basin add open spaces for walking, particularly when the cherry trees bloom in spring.

A car is useful for exploring areas beyond central D.C. and the wider capital region. Arlington National Cemetery and Alexandria’s Old Town are just across the Potomac, while Great Falls Park provides a dramatic change of scenery along the river. Longer drives can lead into Maryland’s countryside, the Shenandoah Valley, or the wineries and historic towns of Northern Virginia. Reagan National Airport is located just across the river in Arlington and provides direct access to downtown Washington, making it a practical starting point for exploring the city and surrounding Mid-Atlantic region.