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.

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;

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

Optional add-on: Continue around the Tidal Basin to visit the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial, centered around the monumental Stone of Hope sculpture, and the Thomas Jefferson Memorial, a domed neoclassical monument dedicated to one of the nation's Founding Fathers.

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.

Optional add-on: Stroll through the National Gallery of Art - Sculpture Garden, where contemporary sculptures, landscaped gardens, and fountains create a peaceful setting in the heart of the city.

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.

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.

Spend the afternoon at the National Museum of American History, whose exhibits explore everything from presidential history and transportation to popular culture and scientific innovation.

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

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

Optional add-on: Return to the National Mall after dark along well-traveled paths, when the illuminated monuments create one of Washington's memorable evening experiences. Avoid isolated areas between monuments.

Spend the morning at Arlington National Cemetery, the nation's most prominent military cemetery. Visit The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, honoring unidentified American service members who made the ultimate sacrifice, and, if timing allows, witness the ceremonial Changing of the Guard.

Continue to the President John F. Kennedy Memorial, where an eternal flame marks the gravesite of the 35th President of the United States.

Visit the National Museum of African American History and Culture, where exhibits chronicle centuries of history, achievement, and resilience. Timed-entry passes are generally required, with exceptions for military and first responders. Check availability and reserve in advance.

Optional add-on: Browse the National Portrait Gallery, where portraits of presidents, artists, innovators, and other influential Americans trace the nation's history through its people.

Explore the National Museum of Natural History, home to world-renowned collections of fossils, gemstones, wildlife, and cultural artifacts.

Optional add-on: Browse the National Portrait Gallery, where portraits of presidents, artists, innovators, and other influential Americans trace the nation's history through its people.

Spend the evening in Dupont Circle, a vibrant neighborhood known for its historic architecture, cafés, bookstores, and excellent dining options.

Optional add-on: Enjoy a scenic bicycle ride from Old Town Alexandria along the Mount Vernon Trail to Mount Vernon, for a mostly wooded bicycle ride along the Potomac, with river views opening up as you approach the estate.

Travel to George Washington's Mount Vernon, where preserved buildings, formal gardens, a working farm, and riverside grounds offer an in-depth look at the life and legacy of the nation's first president.

Spend the evening exploring Old Town Alexandria, where brick sidewalks, colonial-era buildings, independent boutiques, and waterfront restaurants create a relaxed atmosphere.