Washington, D.C.

If America is one big melting pot, DC is the broth that holds it all together. From the nation’s largest Archway in Chinatown to Ethiopian fare or a Ben’s Chili Dog on U St, DC’s vibrant culture is a reflection of the nation’s diversity. Be sure to pack a comfortable pair of walking shoes and a bike helmet when you visit DC, one of the most walkable and bikeable cities in the nation.

There truly is something for everyone in DC. From Smithsonian museums to monuments to theater, a trip to DC will be filled with endless activities for people of all ages. Overlook the National Mall and imagine the electricity of Martin Luther King Jr.’s “I Have a Dream Speech” from the steps of the Capitol and then take a walk to visit MLK’s monument. Escape into the animal kingdom at the National Zoo to visit the pandas, big cats and monkeys and then take in international architecture as you make your way through Embassy Row.

There are a ton of monuments in DC but a visit would not be complete without walking around the Tidal Basin to the Lincoln Memorial at sunset, flying a kite at high noon by the Washington Monument, and experiencing the somberness of the Vietnam War Memorial. Kids and adults alike will enjoy adopting aliases at the National Spy Museum and learning about the nation’s espionage history.