Explore DC

National Museum of African American History and Culture

National Mall

Free timed-entry passes are required and release in advance online. Allow three hours; start on the lowest history level and work up.

Tip: Closest to the Forum-day hotels via the Federal Triangle or Smithsonian Metro stops.

1400 Constitution Ave NW, Washington, DC 20560

African American Civil War Memorial & Museum

U Street

The Wall of Honor lists more than 209,000 United States Colored Troops. The museum across the street tells the fuller story.

1925 Vermont Ave NW, Washington, DC 20001

Frederick Douglass National Historic Site

Anacostia

Cedar Hill, Douglass's home, with ranger-led house tours and a skyline view back over the city.

1411 W St SE, Washington, DC 20020

Howard University & the Yard

Shaw

The Mecca. Walk the Yard, then see the Howard University Gallery of Art if it is open.

2400 6th St NW, Washington, DC 20059

Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial

Tidal Basin

Open around the clock and best at night, when the Stone of Hope is lit and the crowds are gone.

1964 Independence Ave SW, Washington, DC 20024

National Law Enforcement Museum

Judiciary Square

Our Saturday Forum venue. Arrive early and walk the exhibits below ground before the program.

444 E St NW, Washington, DC 20001

National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial

Judiciary Square

Across the plaza from the museum. Names of fallen officers are carved into the blue-gray marble walls.

400 E St NW, Washington, DC 20001

National 9/11 Pentagon Memorial

Arlington, VA

184 illuminated benches, always open. A short Metro ride on the Blue or Yellow line.

1 N Rotary Rd, Arlington, VA 22202

Arlington National Cemetery

Arlington, VA

Changing of the Guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier runs every half hour in September.

1 Memorial Ave, Fort Myer, VA 22211

Lincoln Memorial & Reflecting Pool

West Mall

Stand on the step marked where Dr. King delivered "I Have a Dream."

2 Lincoln Memorial Cir NW, Washington, DC 20037

United States Capitol

Capitol Hill

Tours are free but require a reservation, often through a congressional office.

First St SE, Washington, DC 20004

Washington Monument

National Mall

Timed tickets for the observation level go fast; the grounds themselves are always open.

2 15th St NW, Washington, DC 20024

Tidal Basin Loop

Southwest

A two-mile walk past the MLK, FDR, and Jefferson memorials. Best at sunrise.

Tidal Basin, Washington, DC 20024

Ben's Chili Bowl

U Street

Open since 1958. Half-smoke with chili, cash moves fastest, late hours on weekends.

1213 U St NW, Washington, DC 20009

Oohh's & Aahh's

U Street

Soul food counter — salmon cakes, mac and cheese, collards. Small room, worth the wait.

1005 U St NW, Washington, DC 20001

Busboys and Poets

Shaw / 14th & V

Restaurant, bookstore, and open-mic stage named for Langston Hughes. Good for a working breakfast.

2021 14th St NW, Washington, DC 20009

Florida Avenue Grill

LeDroit Park

The oldest soul food diner in the country. Breakfast before a morning session on the Hill.

1100 Florida Ave NW, Washington, DC 20009

The Park at Fourteenth

Downtown

Home of Arizona Experience After Dark on Saturday night. Four floors, dress sharp.

920 14th St NW, Washington, DC 20005

Metrorail

Citywide

Use a SmarTrip card in Apple or Google Wallet. Trains run late on Friday and Saturday nights and usually beat downtown traffic.

Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority

Capital Bikeshare

Citywide

Fastest way to cover the Mall between monuments. Day passes available in the app.

Docks across DC, Arlington, and Alexandria

Reagan National Airport (DCA)

Arlington, VA

Metro connects DCA to downtown in about 20 minutes — plan an extra hour on Sunday departures.

2401 Smith Blvd, Arlington, VA 22202