If you enjoy more modern architecture be sure to stop at the newly created Silver line stops. The stops are a perfect place to use a slow shutter speed to capture the motion of the metro cars. I don’t recommend using a tripod in the Metro stations but if you get caught acting like a clueless tourist should get you out of any trouble. Chinatown Metro on Google Maps Just outside of DC is the stunning Air Force Memorial next to the Pentagon. There is a little parking lot here and I’ve never had trouble parking here at sunset. It offers great views of the city if you have a zoom lens plus photos of the memorial itself are fantastic if you have a wide lens. Air Force Memorial on Google Maps From the steps of the memorial you can also get fantastic photos of the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool. I love going down to the water and photographing the Washington Monument with epic reflections right against the water. Sunset at the Reflecting Pool facing the Lincoln Memorial Lincoln Memorial at Night Inside the Lincoln Memorial Lincoln Memorial on Google Maps All over Capitol Hill you’ll find beautiful row homes and cute parks. You’ll find plenty to see on East Capitol St NE and around Lincoln Park. Snowy DC row houses in Capitol Hill The grounds of National Cathedral are fun to explore for all kinds of photography. Especially when the gardens are blooming in spring. There are plenty of stunning spots around the Cathedral to take portraits or just to photograph the greenery. You can also go into the Cathedral and explore the halls and architecture.

One of the best views of DC’s skyline is from The Netherlands Carillon in Arlington, Virginia. It’s a classic view of the skyline with views of the US Capitol, Washington Monument, and Lincoln Memorial, plus it’s a perfect spot for sunrise. Located south of the Washington Monument on the Potomac River is The Wharf. It has become quite the tourist attraction with plenty of restaurants, waterfront views, and nightlight. For photographers there are plenty of opportunities to photograph the area at nigh or sunset. The Wharf on Google Maps The Mount Vernon Trail stretches from the birthplace of George Washington to Theodore Roosevelt Island. The easy-to-navigate, paved paths are a favorite amongst cyclists and offer spectacular views of the DC skyline and Potomac River.There is a parking lot at the Marine Corps War Memorial (Iwo Jima) but if that is closed you can typically find street parking for this location on N Meade Street. Netherlands Carillon on Google Maps One important thing to know is that the parking lot at the Air Force Memorial isn’t open at sunrise so you’ll need to park in the nearby neighborhood. You typically can find a parking spot on S Oak St. It’s about a 5 minute walk with a sidewalk from S Oak St to the Memorial. Air Force Memorial on Google Maps The original city typographic neighborhood map designer, Ork Posters™ offers a neighborhood map of Washington. D.C. that brings you through the city in his signature style. We suggest taking Scott’s Run Outer Loop instead. On this, you’ll cross over two creeks with stepping stone bridges before arriving at the Scott’s Run Waterfall. 7. Maryland Heights Trail, Potomac River One for the history buffs! Celebrate spring and all of the things you love about Washington, D.C. cherry blossoms with this beautiful giclee print. Each leaf and bloom was hand drawn, bringing a more artistic feel to the piece than you would get from clip art.

If you arrive at the Capitol for sunrise I highly recommend setting up at the Capitol Reflecting Pool which will give you a great reflection of the sky and Capitol dome. For sunrise I typically park on Madison Dr NW which has paid parking starting at 6am.A 200mm lens will get you great photos of the Capitol, but I also enjoy shooting on a wide-angle lens (16mm) right on the water. Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool on Google Maps

The White House Front of the White House photographed with a 500mm lens from the Washington Monument grounds. This strenuous waterfall hike delivers gorgeous views of the Shenandoah Valley and is one of the most popular trails in Shenandoah National Park. The only thing devilish about this 5-6 hour hike, in fact, is its 1,500ft of descent! You can also take a photo of the Friendship Arch from above at the Crimson View bar in the Pod hotel. Most of the Tidal Basin is beautiful during sunrise. I especially love being at the MLK Memorial since you can see the sunrise over the water, plus see the Jefferson Memorial in the distance.Shenandoah National Park is located less than 2 hours from DC and features heavily on our list thanks to its scenic overlooks, picturesque forest trails, and abundant waterfalls. Situated in the rolling hills of Virginia, just west of Washington DC, the park includes part of the Blue Ridge Mountains and even part of the famous Appalachian Trail. Military families will love this style too, as the artist offers multiple locations to build your own “we lived here” wall.

The Vietnam War Memorial is also unique in that it is interactive, allowing visitors to leave flowers, letters, and other mementos in honor of those who died. This creates a sense of community and connection among visitors, even those who may have never met the individuals whose names are listed on the wall. Despite that, I couldn’t quite rise above the experience of passing through the Smithsonian facility on a busy, rainy day. Access to seating is very limited given the size of the crowd; it was very difficult to get overpriced food and a struggle to find the space to eat it (I gave up). The museum store/shop is very large but very expensive.I started at the top floor and worked my way down. The architect designed the building so that each floor has a core in which the exhibits are housed, leaving the outside passageways open to the large windows and natural light. This is a thoughtful, modern design allowing for abundant natural light and great views. One of my favorite times to visit the Friendship Arch is at night to capture light streaks passing in front of the arch. When you’re in Chinatown you can also take a short walk to CityCenterDC and take a photo of the metro station. Friendship Arch on Google Maps Those looking for a natural refuge in the DC metro area will find it at Prince William Forest Park. It’s hard to believe that such captivating woodland trails, streams, and cascades are hiding right in the center of the city! About 8 rooms, four of these are above-average quality of content but the space related rooms and Moon exploration are quite simply extraordinary. The objects are wonderfully exhibited and you often sense that you are in a world-class, premiere museum. Make sure to let us know in the comments below all about your favorite trails near DC (or any cool historic landmarks we missed, we love those!). And if you have any questions, ask away!