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1. National Museum of American Indian - http://nmai.si.edu/home/
From the outside this museum is spectacular but go inside and it is a treasure trove. The documentaries featured in the auditorium are so inspiring. The walls are chock-full of beautiful tapestries and bead work. I could spend hours in the museum shop. I'm not a fan of the museum restaurant (Mitisam Cafe) but I know I'm in the minority because it gets kudos every year in some travel magazine or the other. To me, this museum is a a must-do.
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2. Monuments by Moonlight Tour
You can kill a lot of birds (and see of lot of my recommended sights) with one stone if you do a Monuments by Moonlight tour. When DH and I did ours we did it with a company called Tourmobile (if I recall) and it was great because we had a fabulous, patient tour guide who really helped to make each site so fascinating. There are a lot more companies now who offer this tour. Make sure to choose one that takes you to the most sights in the greatest amount of time. You need to savor these sights and not rush.
- US AirForce Memorial - http://www.airforcememorial.org/AirForceMemorial/Home/
- Lincoln Memorial
- Korean War Veterans Memorial
You've got to see this monument at night! The image of the soldiers in their long capes heading off to who-knows-where is haunting. The shadows, the shapes, the lighting is just fabulous. As I said, you've got to see it at night. BTW, I'm glad my pics of this monument are crummy because it will force you to go see it yourself!
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3. Mount Vernon
A trip out to Mount Vernon will likely take an entire day. When you're done touring the grounds, you've just got to grab a bite at the Mount Vernon Inn Restaurant. There's also a really cute gift shop on site.
4. Great Falls Park - http://www.nps.gov/grfa/index.htm
This is a park that's a bit outside DC but it is fascinating because it offers a bit of nature to counter balance all the amazing architecture that DC is famous for. Trust me, it's worth the challenge of getting there. If you go, take a picnic and comfortable shoes. Last time I did a hike here it was on a day trip I organized with colleagues. It was on a weekday and so relaxing! Weekends are more busy so keep that in mind.
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5. International Spy Museum - http://www.spymuseum.org/
Everyone will say that you should visit the freebie museums on the National Mall. While they're great, save some time and money to pay for entrance to a couple museums. The Spy Museum is one, and the National Museum of Crime and Punishment is the other. You can sometimes get a combo pass to see both attractions at a lower price.
6. National Museum of Crime and Punishment - http://www.crimemuseum.org/
A museum about crime and criminals, you ask? That you need to pay to visit? Horrors. I have always been fascinated by the world of crime and criminals and I am (ask my DH) an Investigation Discovery Channel junkie, so this museum was heaven-sent. It is so worth the money! It fascinates, it makes you think (see the display on the death penalty and death row) and it's creative (take a picture on the Harley) as all get-out. It's in my humble opinion perfect for one of those overcast, brutally humid or rainy days that Washington is famous for.
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7. Cherry Blossom Cruise
If you're lucky to visit Washington at Cherry Blossom time, viewing the blossoms from the water is a must-do. You board the boats at the Marina in SW DC and it takes about an hour. Unfortunately, the day of our cruise was a bit overcast and hazy but it was a lovely experience anyway.
Not sure what this dude was doing but he was dedicated to doing it!
