Join a guided tour departing from the Washington Monument grounds. Tipping $10-20 is standard at the end.

Stroll the grassy stretch between the Lincoln Memorial and the Capitol. Enter the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History (free) on the north side of the Mall for a quick look.

Head to Union Market at 1309 5th St NE, a lively food hall with dozens of vendors. Grab lunch from any stall serving tacos, dumplings, or sandwiches.

Book a free timed tour at visitthecapitol.gov in advance. Enter through the Capitol Visitor Center on the east side.

Walk to the Jefferson Building at 10 1st St SE. Enter through the underground tunnel from the Capitol; the Main Reading Room is visible from the visitors gallery.

Photo: Laszlo Magyar, Pexels

Head to the east side of the National Mall near 12th St NW. Check out the Star-Spangled Banner exhibit and the First Ladies' inaugural gowns on the third floor.

Located at 10th St and Constitution Ave NW. Visit the Hope Diamond in the National Gem Collection and the Hall of Human Origins on the second floor.

On Constitution Ave NW between 3rd and 7th Sts. The West Building has European masters like da Vinci and Rembrandt; the East Building features modern art. Both are free.

At 6th St and Independence Ave SW. See the Wright Brothers' plane and Apollo 11 command module. Go straight to the Boeing Milestones of Flight Hall on the first floor.

At the center of the National Mall at 15th St NW. Timed-entry tickets required to go to the top; book online in advance. The surrounding lawn offers great sunset views of the White House and Capitol.

Walk up the steps for the full view down the Reflecting Pool toward the Washington Monument. Arrive early to avoid crowds.

The black granite wall lists over 58,000 names in chronological order. Find a specific name using the directory book at the entrance.

Locate your home state's pillar among the 56 surrounding the central fountain and Rainbow Pool.

Read the Jefferson quotes carved into the interior walls. The best photos come from the steps overlooking the Tidal Basin.

This 1873 public market on 7th Street SE in Capitol Hill sells fresh produce, crafts, and prepared foods. Visit the South Hall for local artisan vendors.

Walk along the southwest DC waterfront promenade on Maine Avenue SW between 7th and 9th Streets. Check the Transit Pier for boat rentals and seasonal events.

Enter at the Rock Creek Park Nature Center near Military Road NW. Walk the Western Ridge Trail for hillside oak and maple foliage. Check the park website for fall color peak timing.

Enter from the Connecticut Avenue entrance in Woodley Park. See the giant pandas and Asia Trail exhibits. Free entry but book a timed pass online in advance.

Located at 16th Street and Euclid Street NW in Columbia Heights. Follow the cascading fountain terrace and the upper promenade lined with autumn trees. Good spot for a picnic if weather permits.

Located at 100 Maryland Avenue SW near the Capitol. The conservatory has tropical and desert rooms plus a seasonal outdoor garden. Free entry and open until 5 PM.

Search for rooftop bars in the U Street or Shaw neighborhoods with outdoor heaters. Order a local craft beer or apple cider. Go before 7 PM for sunset views over the city.

View the iconic executive mansion from the fence line on Pennsylvania Avenue. Book free public tours through your representative or embassy months in advance if you want to go inside.

Explore powerful exhibits on African American history spanning slavery to the present. Reserve free timed-entry passes online ahead of time as daily slots fill up fast.

Browse the extensive collection of American paintings and folk art in the historic Old Patent Office Building. Head to the third floor for the Luce Foundation Center to see visible storage with thousands of artworks.

Admire the soaring Great Hall with its 75 foot Corinthian columns in this stunning red brick building. Check out the Building Zone exhibit if traveling with kids.

Walk the grounds of this historic 35 acre burial ground near Capitol Hill where many members of Congress and notable figures like J. Edgar Hoover are interred. Pick up a self guided tour map at the entrance gate.

Explore the formal gardens and museum on 32nd Street NW. The autumn foliage in the terraced gardens is especially beautiful in October, and the Byzantine collection is world class.

Located at 3101 Wisconsin Avenue NW, climb the tower for panoramic fall views over the city. Look for the gargoyles and the Space Window stained glass.

National Museum of African American History and Culture on the National Mall. Book a free timed pass in advance online. Start from the bottom floors and work your way up.

Located at 1901 Fort Place SE in the Anacostia neighborhood. Check the current exhibition schedule before visiting as focus rotates regularly. Small and intimate museum.

Head to the main stretch along M Street NW or Wisconsin Avenue NW. Look for a coffee shop with pumpkin or apple cider specials. Order a seasonal latte with a pastry.