Begin your day with a walk past The White House, the official residence and workplace of the President of the United States. Continue along the National Mall to the soaring Washington Monument, one of the city's defining landmarks.

Optional add-on for older kids: From there, visit the memorials that honor those who served in America's major conflicts.

• Reflect at the World War II Memorial, with its fountains and pillars representing the states and territories;
• Walk through the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, where the names of more than 58,000 fallen service members are engraved in polished black granite;
• Visit the Korean War Veterans Memorial, featuring lifelike statues of soldiers on patrol

Optional add-on for young kids: Take a stroll through Constitution Gardens, a peaceful landscaped park featuring tree-lined pathways, a small lake, and Signers’ Memorial, a tribute to the 56 Signers of the Declaration of Independence.

And finish at the Lincoln Memorial, where the towering seated statue of Abraham Lincoln overlooks the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool and the National Mall.

Spend the afternoon at the National Air and Space Museum, home to one of the world's finest collections of aviation and space exploration artifacts, including historic aircraft, spacecraft, and interactive exhibits.

Admire the impressive exterior of the United States Capitol and its surrounding grounds, which offer sweeping views back across the National Mall.

Head to historic Georgetown, where cobblestone streets, waterfront views, and a wide selection of restaurants make it one of Washington's most enjoyable dining neighborhoods. Before or after dinner, enjoy a stroll through Georgetown Waterfront Park along the Potomac River.

Optional add-on: End the evening with a concert, theatre performance, or symphony at The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts.

Begin with a guided tour of the United States Capitol, where you'll learn about the architecture, history, and operation of the legislative branch. Advance reservations are strongly recommended as guided tours often reach capacity.

Optional add-on: Visit the Library of Congress, renowned for its stunning architecture, historic reading rooms, and extensive collections.

Continue to the National Archives Museum, where the original Declaration of Independence, Constitution, and Bill of Rights are displayed in the Rotunda for the Charters of Freedom.

Visit the United States Botanic Garden, where tropical plants, desert landscapes, and seasonal displays provide an indoor nature experience.

Then enjoy a performance or educational program at the Discovery Theater, which offers family-friendly productions focused on science, history, nature, and culture. Check schedules in advance.

Walk past the distinctive Smithsonian Castle, the original Smithsonian Institution building and the symbolic heart of the museum complex.

Spend the afternoon at the National Museum of Natural History, home to world-renowned collections of fossils, gemstones, wildlife, and cultural artifacts. consider including a visit to the O. Orkin Insect Zoo and, when operating, the seasonal Butterfly Pavilion, where live butterflies flutter freely among tropical plants.

Optional add-on: Visit the National Gallery of Art, home to collections of European and American masterpieces spanning centuries.

Optional add-on for young kids: Let children cool off and play in the fountains at The Yards Park, a popular waterfront green space along the Anacostia River.

Enjoy dinner and a stroll at The Wharf DC, a lively waterfront district featuring restaurants, public spaces, and views along the Potomac River.

Spend the morning at the Smithsonian National Zoo, home to more than 2,000 animals representing hundreds of species from around the world. Highlights include Asian elephants, great apes, lions, reptiles, and engaging conservation-focused exhibits spread across a walkable park setting.

Optional add-on: Travel between Washington and Old Town Alexandria aboard a seasonal water taxi, or choose a sightseeing cruise from Old Town Alexandria along the Potomac River for views of Washington D.C.'s monuments and waterfront from the water.

Spend some time exploring Old Town Alexandria, where brick sidewalks, historic buildings, waterfront parks, and independent shops create a relaxed atmosphere. Enjoy dinner at one of the neighborhood's many restaurants before finishing with ice cream as you stroll along the riverfront.