• Explore the Smithsonian National Zoological Park, commonly known as the National Zoo, a 163-acre zoo that is free and open to the public 364 days a year. The zoo boasts more than 2,000 individual animals representing nearly 400 distinct species. Visitors can see animals, learn about the wildlife and conservation, and enjoy the gorgeous gardens. The zoo also serves as a veterinary hospital as well as a research, conservation, and education center for endangered species.

• Visit the White House, the people’s house and the official residence and workplace of the president of the United States, which is located at the most iconic address in the city, 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue. Admire the Neoclassical architecture.

• Travel to the National Mall, designed by Pierre Charles L’Enfant, and explore the memorials to presidents and other influential Americans, as well as wars fought in defense of the country’s ideals. Some of the memorials to visit include the Lincoln Memorial and the Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial, as well as the World War II Memorial and the Vietnam Veterans Memorial.