Washington, D.C. 

Watch History Come to Life in the Nation’s Capital

As the nation’s capital, Washington, D.C. is the ultimate destination to explore America’s story past and present. Explore the National Mall, home to iconic monuments like the Washington Monument, Vietnam Veterans Memorial, and Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial. Discover the world-renowned Smithsonian museums – including the National Air and Space Museum, the National Museum of American History and the National Museum of African American History and Culture, all with free admission. 

Beyond history, D.C. offers vibrant cultural experiences and entertainment. Catch a performance at the Kennedy Center or enjoy a student-friendly concert or theater production. Explore neighborhoods like Georgetown for historic charm and great shopping or the Wharf for waterfront dining and views. Sports fans can cheer on a professional game, and student performers have the chance to showcase their talents at incredible venues throughout the city. Ask about Colonial Williamsburg (VA) and neighboring Virginia attractions. Washington, D.C. is a destination that leaves students truly inspired and engaged long after they return home. 

Sample Itineraries

Day 1

  • Arrival and group orientation 
  • Sightseeing Tour: Vietnam Veteran’s Memorial, Lincoln Memorial, Korean War Memorial, World War II Memorial, Franklin Roosevelt Memorial 
  • Smithsonian museums at the south side of the National Mall: Smithsonian Air and Space Museum, Smithsonian National Museum of the American Indian, Smithsonian Hirshorn Museum and Sculpture Garden, Smithsonian African Art Museum 
  • Dinner at Washington D.C venue 

Day 2

  • Breakfast at hotel 
  • Arlington National Cemetery 
  • Ford’s Theatre 
  • Smithsonian Museums at the north side of the National Mall: Smithsonian National Museum of American History, Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Smithsonian National Museum of National History and Culture, Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History 
  • Dinner, followed by illuminated tour of the Nation’s Capital: Jefferson Memorial, Iwo Jima Memorial, the Washington Monument and White House 

Day 3

  • Breakfast at hotel 
  • Mount Vernon with lunch meal voucher 
  • Newseum 
  • International Spy Museum; hands-on and high intrigue for older students 
  • Dinner at Hard Rock Cafe

More to Explore

Attractions/Theme Parks 
  • Smithsonian National Zoo – Free admission and perfect for a relaxed afternoon outdoors 
  • Monticello – Thomas Jefferson’s historic hilltop estate with gardens and guided tours 
  • Busch Gardens Williamsburg (VA) – Thrilling coasters and European village-themed 
  • MLB: Washington Nationals – Catch a game at Nationals Park, just minutes from the National Mall 
  • NHL: Washington Capitals – Watch high-energy hockey action at Capital One Arena 
  • MLS: D.C. United – Soccer fans can enjoy the game at Audi Field 
  • NBA: Washington Wizards – See top NBA talent in action in the heart of D.C. 
  • Jamestown & Colonial Williamsburg (VA) – Step into living history with costumed interpreters and hands-on colonial activities 
  • American Revolution Museum at Yorktown (VA) – Immersive exhibits and interactive galleries bring the Revolution to life 
  • Six Flags America – Roller coasters, water rides and other attractions just outside D.C. 
  • Madame Tussauds Washington, D.C. – Snap photos with lifelike wax figures of presidents and celebrities 
  • National Aquarium (Baltimore) – Stunning marine life exhibits, including sharks, jellyfish and rainforest habitats 
  • Water Country USA (VA) – Ideal for cooling off with slides and wave pools
Museums and Historical Sites 
  • U.S. Capitol Building – Iconic domed structure with guided tours showcasing the heart of American democracy 
  • Supreme Court – View the majestic courtroom and exhibits on landmark decisions (when court isn’t in session) 
  • The Library of Congress – One of the largest libraries in the world, with stunning architecture and historical exhibitions 
  • The White House Visitor’s Center – Interactive exhibits and presidential history near the most famous address in the U.S. 
  • National Archives – See the original Declaration of Independence, Constitution and Bill of Rights 
  • The National Museum of Art – A world-class collection of European and American masterpieces, from Da Vinci to Rothko 
  • Smithsonian National Portrait Gallery – Faces of American history, from presidents to pop culture icons 
  • Kennedy Center – A living memorial to JFK and hub for performing arts 
  • Holocaust Memorial Museum – A powerful and educational experience; best for mature students and adult groups 
  • The Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial – Striking monument on the Tidal Basin commemorating Dr. King’s legacy 
  • United States Botanic Garden – Gorgeous conservatory with rare plants and educational displays steps from the Capitol 
  • Smithsonian National Postal Museum – Surprisingly fun exhibits on mail, stamps and communication innovations 
  • Old Post Office Bell Tower – Climb for panoramic views of the city 
  • President Lincoln’s Cottage –  An insightful look at Lincoln’s leadership during the Civil War from his seasonal retreat 
  • The Pentagon 9/11 Memorial (VA) – Outdoor tribute honoring lives lost in the 2001 attack 
  • The United States Air Force Memorial – Sleek spires soaring skyward in tribute to airmen past and present 
  • The United States Army Memorial – Honoring Army history with striking design and symbolic elements 
  • The Phillips Collection – America’s first modern art museum, in historic Dupont Circle 
  • Woodrow Wilson House – Explore the only presidential museum in D.C. in the home where Wilson spent his final years 
  • The Einstein Memorial – A giant bronze sculpture near the National Academy of Sciences, perfect for a group photo 
Group Dining 
  • Carmine’s D.C. – Giant family-style Italian dishes and a private room 
  • Buca di Beppo (Dupont Circle) – Italian family-style dining with whimsical décor  
  • Busboys and Poets – Restaurant meets bookstore and art space 
  • Union Station Food Court – Quick, casual options for groups on the go 
  • Armand’s Pizza – A local favorite for deep-dish pizza 
  • Ben’s Chili Bowl – Legendary D.C. eatery serving chili dogs and half-smokes  
  • Entertainment Cruises – Dine on the Potomac with skyline views, DJ or narrated tours 
  • FoBoGro Bag Lunches & Catering – Gourmet bag lunches for group tours 
  • Fuel Pizza – Pizza with group-friendly pricing and locations 
  • Hill Country BBQ – Texas-style smoked meats in a laid-back space 
  • Joe Theismann’s Restaurant – Sports-themed American restaurant in Alexandria 
  • Joe’s Crab Shack – Seafood with a fun, casual twist – plenty of space for groups 
  • Magill’s Famous Pizza & Buffet – Affordable buffet dining in Annandale, VA 
  • Medieval Times Dinner & Tournament – Dine like royalty while watching knights joust  
  • Mystery Dinner Playhouse (Arlington) – Solve a hilarious “whodunit”  
  • National Harbor Restaurants – Waterfront options from quick bites to full-service meals  
  • Lunch at the Old Post Office Pavilion – Casual food court dining in a historic landmark  
  • Lunch at Ronald Reagan Building – Spacious food court with diverse options 
Shopping
  • Union Station – Historic train station turned retail hub, with souvenir shops  
  • Pentagon City Mall (VA) – Four levels of brand-name stores and a food court 
  • Georgetown – Upscale boutiques and quirky shops 
  • Metro Center – Central location with department stores, fashion, and souvenir stops 
  • Eastern Market – A local gem with handmade crafts, art and food vendors 
  • Friendship Heights – Outdoor/indoor retail area  
  • National Harbor – Waterfront shopping and entertainment district 
  • Old Town Alexandria Shopping District – Cobblestone streets with local boutiques 
  • Leesburg Premium Outlets – Top brands at discount prices with food options 
  • Premium Outlets Williamsburg – Great stop for outlet shopping during Williamsburg-area excursions 
  • Riverwalk Landing – Yorktown waterfront with colonial-style shops and  cafés 
  • Williamsburg Outlet Mall – A quieter, budget-friendly alternative to the Premium Outlets in the area 
Guided Tours 
  • Arlington National Cemetery – Witness the “Changing of the Guard” at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier 
  • Ford’s Theatre & Petersen House Tour – Learn about Lincoln’s final moments at the historic theater 
  • Georgetown Tour – Walk cobblestone streets lined with historic homes and tales of D.C.’s oldest neighborhood 
  • Ghost Tour of Alexandria or Washington, D.C. – Lantern-lit tours with spooky stories 
  • Guided Bus/Walking Tour of Washington’s Monuments/Memorials – See the Lincoln Memorial, WWII Memorial and more with expert narration 
  • Historical Walking Tour of Alexandria – Discover Revolutionary-era sites and charming colonial architecture in Old Town 
  • John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts Tour – Explore behind-the-scenes of this cultural landmark 
  • Library of Congress Tour – Learn how the world’s largest library preserves priceless texts 
  • Old Town Trolley Tour – Hop-on/hop-off flexibility with engaging stories and a fun trolley vibe 
  • Riverboat Cruise – Float along the Potomac with views of the monuments 
  • Supreme Court Tour – Discover the history and unique role in upholding the Constitution 
  • The National Archives Tour – Dive deeper into founding documents and lesser-known treasures 
  • The White House Tour – Walk the public rooms of the president’s home (advance request through your Member of Congress may be required) 
  • Union Station Tour – Explore the shops and history of D.C.’s grand transportation hub 
  • United States Bureau of Printing & Engraving Tour – See real money being printed 
  • United States Capitol Tour – Led by professional guides, featuring the Rotunda, Statuary Hall, and Capitol dome views 
  • Washington National Cathedral Tour – Gothic architecture and sweeping city views from the tower 
  • Colonial Connections Ghost Tours – Williamsburg’s spooky side comes alive with costumed guides and candlelit tales 
  • Colonial Williamsburg Guided Tours & Educational Programs – Immersive experiences in a living 18th-century town with reenactors and interactive learning 
  • Jamestown Settlement Group Tours & Educational Programs – Hands-on exhibits and re-created ships give students a vivid sense of colonial life 
Performance & Workshop Opportunities 
  • Armed Forces Retirement Home 
  • Jefferson Memorial 
  • National Mall 
  • Six Flags America 
  • The African American Civil War Memorial 
  • The Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial 
  • The Millennium Stage at the Kennedy Center (by invitation only) 
  • Washington Harbor 
  • Busch Gardens Williamsburg 
  • Colonial Williamsburg 
  • Ft. Monroe 
  • Hampton University 
  • Sandy Bottom Park 

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