Because of its close proximity to the White House, St John's has become known as the "Church of the Presidents." In fact, since its establishment in 1815, every chief executive has attended services here; some on a regular basis. Pew 54 has been designated the "Presidents Pew." It was designed by Henry LaTrobe, who also did the restoration of the U.S. Capitol and White House after the War of 1812. In the 1870s, the plain glass windows were gradually replaced with exquisitely crafted stained glass depicting presidents and other notable parishioners.

The monumental cornerstone of the United States presidency, the White House, is the formal abode and headquarters of the President of the United States. Located at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, this gleaming neoclassical structure was originally referred to as the Presidential Mansion before Theodore Roosevelt lovingly bestowed upon it the moniker of 'White House'—a name that would go on to signify not only the physical structure but the entire collective unit that comprised the President and his advisers. While John Adams was the first incumbent of this official home, several leaders that followed added their own elements to its interiors, the most noteworthy being the comprehensive redecoration carried out by former First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy, wife of erstwhile President John F. Kennedy. Today, the central building of the White House comprises the Executive Residence, while the rest of this colossal structure consists of a total of 132 rooms, a tennis court, a putting green, 35 bathrooms, a cinema, and a bowling alley named after Harry S. Truman.

Ford's Theatre, an iconic theater, is recognized as the place where President Abraham Lincoln was assassinated on April 14th, 1865. A century later, in January 1968, the theater was reopened again for a performance after being under the management of numerous government organizations, including the United States Department of War and the National Park Service. Also found within Ford's Theatre is a Lincoln Museum that displays artifacts from the assassination, including the gun Lincoln was shot with. Mementos from Lincoln's life are also on display.

The symbol of the city of Washington, DC, this 555-foot (169-meter) marble obelisk on the National Mall honors the nation's first president, George Washington. The cornerstone of the Washington Monument was laid in 1848, but it was fully constructed only in 1884. One can witness a visible change about one-third of the way up the obelisk marble—evidence of the onset of the Civil War. Construction was stalled during the war, and when the builders returned to the same quarry to complete the project afterward, enough time had passed to cause a significant change in the color. It is an emblem of the United States and an icon of the nation; the Washington Monument is a moving sight, its elegant form mirrored in the Reflecting Pool of the Lincoln Monument nearby.

The Vietnam Veterans Memorial, unveiled in 1982, stands as a tribute to the over 58,281 Americans who died or remain missing in action during the Vietnam War. Maya Lin, a 22-year-old undergraduate student at Yale University, designed this iconic black granite wall, forever etching her work in the memories of countless visitors. As they walk along the wall, the names seem to recede into the earth, serving as a powerful reminder of the sacrifices made during this turbulent period in American history.

Part of the original design for the federal city, this massive park stretches from the US Capitol to the Lincoln Memorial and around the Tidal Basin to the Jefferson Memorial. It has played host to many momentous, world-changing events throughout history including the 1963 March on Washington, the Million Man March and several presidential inaugurations. Today, the National Mall serves as a place for reflection, a memorial to American heroes, a symbol of freedom and a forum for the exercise of democracy. The Smithsonian museums, the Vietnam Memorial, the Reflecting Pool and the iconic Washington Monument are some of the most well-known of the National Mall's many iconic sites. Certainly, any visit to Washington DC should start with a tour of the United States National Mall, aptly named "America's front yard."

Located at the west end of the National Mall, the Lincoln Memorial is one of the principal landmarks of Washington, DC. Its stately form overlooks the Reflecting Pool, a gleaming stretch of water that lies sprawled before its base. Daniel Chester French's 19-foot (5.7-meter) statue of Lincoln, seated and deep in thought, watches over the nation he helped create, alongside the carved text of the Gettysburg Address, providing a glimpse into a weighty period of American history. The memorial itself draws inspiration from the Greek architectural style; its 36 doric columns represent the number of states in the Union at the time of Lincoln's death. Surrounded by greenery on the banks of the Potomac River, the Lincoln Memorial makes for a soul-stirring, picturesque sight, a fitting ode to one of the nation's most revered presidents.

This historic neighborhood is lined with trendy boutiques and fine restaurants. Stop by and find yourself some unique apparel and trinkets to take back home. The abundant nightlife in Georgetown draws both locals and visitors. Just wander down busy M Street and Wisconsin Avenue and explore the eclectic shops, or step in for a pint at one of the numerous pubs overflowing with college kids. You can also stroll off the main strip onto the tree-shaded streets filled with Georgian and Victorian townhouses that are home to many politicians and celebrities. This charming neighborhood is a must-visit when you find yourself in Washington DC.

Built in 1932, The Arlington Memorial Bridge is part of the National Register of Historic Places and is used to connect two historic sites; The Lincoln Memorial and Columbia Island. Crossing over the Potomac River, the bridge is a gateway to the Arlington National Cemetery and it is told that former President Warren G. Harding expanded the construction after sitting in a three-hour traffic jam on a visit to the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. The architecture is grand and features multiple designs and horse sculptures by renowned artists Leo Friedlander and Carl Paul Jennewein. The view from the bridge is worth a stop, catch it on your way to the cemetery or the Lincoln Memorial.

The pristine facade, elegant dome, and porticoes of the Capitol Building are a symbol of the principles held dear by the nation's founding fathers and an emblem of representative democracy. Home to the Legislative Branch of the United States Federal Government, the Senate, and the House of Representatives, this iconic neoclassical building attracts many curious tourists from all over the world. Guided tours of the Capitol offer a glimpse into the everyday workings of government officials and the intricacies of its rich interiors. Offering a lesson about the nation's history and its electoral procedures, this monument continues to inspire awe and wonder.

Originally intended as a small reference library, the Library of Congress is now home to the second-largest collection of books and reading materials in the world, second only to the British Library. The collection comprises close to 100 million items, including rare documents such as the Gutenberg Bible, early drafts of the Declaration of Independence, and Lincoln's Gettysburg Address. The splendor of the magnificent Main Reading Room is just one of the attractions worth a visit at the Library of Congress. Browse through the many excellent exhibits on display in the library's three buildings, participate in a guided tour, or attend any of the concerts, lectures, and other events hosted here. The library's collection is open to all who hold a valid Reader Identification Card; however, materials cannot be taken outside the library premises. Other than the mind-blowing collection on display, the interiors of this centuries-old building are equally mesmerizing. Huge, vaulted ceilings with classic frescoes and designs, ivory pillars of Greek design, and the irreplaceable heritage surrounding the place make it one of the most iconic locations in the country.

Arlington National Cemetery is the final resting place of the soldiers who gave their lives in service to the country. Two of America's former presidents, John F. Kennedy and William Howard Taft, are buried here. The crew of the Challenger space shuttle, civil rights leader Medgar Evers, and film star Audie Murphy are among the many honored here. The Tomb of the Unknown Soldiers, containing the remains of unidentified soldiers from World Wars I, II, and the Korean War,is protected by the 3rd U.S. Infantry Regiment, or the Old Guard, 24 hours a day. The changing of the guard ceremony is a moving tribute to them.