Washington National Cathedral—With Gothic architecture and soaring, majestic spaces, the Washington National Cathedral is an interesting oasis of calm and tranquility in the midst of a bustling city.

Mount Vernon Estate—Visit the site’s museum for a wealth of information on George Washington, the first U.S. president, stroll through the fully restored 1799 mansion, talk to historical reenactors who will be happy to share their story about “life” on the estate, and visit the gorgeous gardens.

Odyssey Cruise—Why walk around Washington, D.C., when you can glide effortlessly through the waters of the Potomac River, treating yourself to a sumptuous luncheon while passing monuments that mark the parade of American history? An afternoon onboard the Odyssey is a chance to kick back, relax, eat good food, and observe Washington from an aquatic vantage point.

The Newseum—No visit to Washington, D.C., is complete without a visit to this soaring shrine to the U.S. Constitution’s First Amendment. Relive some of the most important days of the 20th and 21st century and learn about famous journalists and infamous stories