1. National Mall
9.4
Constitution & Independence Ave (btwn 1st & 17th St), Washington, D.C.
Plaza · Northwest Washington · 269 tips and reviews
Andrea Moore: Museums are close by and its great because there free of course. When there are events it's somewhat crowded but well worth going. I can't wait to go back
Washington Post: The Mall is the site of nearly 3,000 public events annually: marches and rallies, protests and parades, America’s collective comment box to which hundreds of thousands of citizens trek each year. Read more.
USA TODAY: A 1.5-mile stroll spans 200 years of human rights struggles, starting with Thomas Jefferson and ending with King's 'I Have a Dream' speech at the Lincoln Memorial" on Aug. 28, 1963. Read more.
Merrie D.: Go to one of their free tours! You get to see all three historical theatres, the president's boxes and the incredible pieces of art all around. Fun & knowledgeable tour guides.
The White House: President Obama and the First Lady celebrated the 2012 Kennedy Center Honorees, including Buddy Guy, Dustin Hoffman, David Letterman, Natalia Makarova, and Led Zeppelin. Read more.
C-SPAN: The Kennedy Center, which first opened in 1971, has 9 stages, 2 of which are Millennium Stages located in the Great Foyer that house free performances every day of the year. Watch video for more info. Read more.
3. Newseum
555 Pennsylvania Ave NW (at 6th St NW), Washington, D.C.
Museum · Downtown-Penn Quarter-Chinatown · 307 tips and reviews
Tony Lee: You can literally spend an entire day here! As a journalist, I've always wanted to come here -- and Newseum didn't disappoint. Definitely visit the 9/11 exhibit! Highly recommend, despite entry fee.
Michelin Travel & Lifestyle: See the door that led to Nixon's resignation at the Newseum and visit the exclusive Watergate complex of shops and condominiums in Foggy Bottom. -- Green Guide Editor
M Squared Real Estate: One of the top destinations in DC. Plan on spending the day, if you get tired, here are numerous small theaters showing films where you can rest your weary feet.
AanuOluwapo Oye: It's not open today but the park across is beautiful... Just chill, read a book or buy some snacks from the food truck...
The Onion: When on a guided tour of a history museum, at every civilization, ask whether the men of that era ever had an overpowering urge to dress as a woman and be caressed by a big, strong man.
TLC: Recently renovated and FREE (like all Smithsonian museums), our favorite stops are the World War II exhibit and Julia Child's kitchen and...
5. National Gallery of Art
9.5
6th St and Constitution Ave NW (at Constitution Ave NW), Washington, D.C.
Art Museum · Northwest Washington · 155 tips and reviews
Peter Durben: Has a really nice waiting room with free Wifi just right after you enter.
HISTORY: Opened in 1941, this museum, founded by financier Andrew Mellon, has some 116,000 works of Western art dating from the Middle Ages to the modern era.
Zara Khan: Absolutely fantastic!
Shayna Hernandez: This place is great! Casual but romantic all at the same time, not to mention they have THE best hot chocolate in their cafe! :)
Michelin Travel & Lifestyle: The garden displays 17 major works from the National Gallery's collection of 20th century sculpture amid a landscaped park of trees, flowerbeds, and winding paths-- Green Guide Editor
Michelin Travel & Lifestyle: Need more activities? The wknd section in the Fri edition of the Washington Post lists entertainment & special events for children. -- Green Guide Editor
Shannon: The gems & minerals section is awesome (the Hope Diamond is currently on display)! Allow yourself at least two hours to explore. You could easily spend a half day wandering around!
Danielle Furman: Go to the dinosaurs
HISTORY: The Smithsonian Institution was founded for the "increase and diffusion" of knowledge from a bequest to the United States by the British scientist James Smithson, who had never visited the US himself.
jana: Check out the free concerts and lectures - some of them worth making weekly trips to the gallery. And , of course, the museum store. ...
Zu AlFaqih: Salvador Dali's "Last Supper" with a blonde semi-transparent Jesus-- a rare work, even for the NGA. Read more.
Daimon: Find the East Tower room and sit in front of Rothko's black paintings.
10. Baked & Wired
9.1
1052 Thomas Jefferson St NW (at K St NW), Washington, D.C.
Bakery · Georgetown · 462 tips and reviews
Ellen Galit: Love this place! They have delicious pastries like cupcakes:) and this thing called a BEESTING. it's a must have:)
Windy Silver: Don't bother waiting in line at Georgetown Cupcake, the locals know that B&W serves the best cupcakes in town! Try the Texas Sheetcake, Red Velvet or Smurfette!
Bloomingdale's: The name says it all. On the baked side: vegan pies, cookies and fruit-filled cupcakes in easy-to-peel-back wax paper. On the wired side: coffee from quality brands like Stumptown and Counter Culture.
11. Zaytinya
9.0
701 9th St NW (at G St. NW), Washington, D.C.
Mediterranean Restaurant · Downtown-Penn Quarter-Chinatown · 412 tips and reviews
Jimmy Kastner: Wow! The food here is awesome! This Greek food is the real deal and everything was enjoyable. Hope you like yogurt.
Kara Allan: Shrimp with Dill, Escargot, Crab Cakes and Scallops are the best!
Washingtonian Magazine: A mezzanine dining area puts you above the crowds, but sometimes it’s more fun to mix it up below, particularly at the long communal table.
Ray Lin: Fun game to play in the presidential exhibit is doppleganger naming. Also, the courtyard is amazing. Walk on the water.
January Layman-Wood: check out the actual photo of Abraham Lincoln in the presidents gallery.
DC Preservation League: Patent Office Building was built between 1836-1867. It served as a temporary barracks and hospital during the Civil War and was the site of Lincoln’s 2nd inaugural ball.