54 Renwick Gallery

Admission is free. The Renwick Gallery is a beautifully designed and colorful architectural gem located in the heart of downtown DC, just steps from the White House. You can’t miss it—the building truly stands out among its surroundings.

It’s a small, intimate gallery, which makes the experience feel personal and immersive. I was especially captivated by Janet Echelman’s mesmerizing fiber and light installation upstairs. Suspended from the ceiling of the Renwick’s Grand Salon—a vast, open space with only a piano in the room—the artwork fills the room in a way that allows you to fully surrender to the shifting lights and colors.  

53 National Portrait Gallery

Admission is free, as it is part of the Smithsonian Institution. This is one of my all-time favorite places to visit in Washington, D.C., and I love how convenient it is to get there by Metro.  I once attended Christmas party there too!

One of my favorite sections is the portraits of old Hollywood movie stars, capturing a unique glamour and elegance that feels rare in today’s Hollywood. I’ve noticed that this collection is sometimes rotated out, but whenever it’s on view, it’s always the first place I head to.

Another part of the collection I truly enjoy is the gallery of U.S. presidential portraits. The museum holds the only complete collection of presidential portraits outside the White House, which makes it especially meaningful.

The National Portrait Gallery is often not overly crowded, which makes the experience even more pleasant. I also love the Kogod Courtyard between the buildings—it’s an elegant and relaxing space to meet friends or simply take a quiet break during the visit. The colorful Great Hall is another highlight, and it’s a beautiful spot for photos.

Founded by an Act of Congress in 1962 and opened to the public in 1968, the museum tells the story of the United States through portraits of the people who have shaped its history, culture, and identity—from presidents to artists, activists, and scientists.

Star Power- Portraits of Old time Hollywood stars

Portrait of President Abraham Lincoln

Portrait of Yellow Stone Landscape

Kogod Courtyard

Kogod Courtyard during Holiday time

The Great Hall

52 Adams Morgan

Adams Morgan is one of the most vibrant, diverse, and character-filled neighborhoods in Washington, D.C. Known for its international flavor, nightlife, and colorful rowhouses, it feels very different from the formal monuments and marble buildings of downtown D.C.

Walking around browning vintage shops, admiring colorful murals and house and enjoying a coffee or lunch at sidewalk cafes is a pure pleasure. 

51 Meridian Hill Park

Along 16th Street NW between Euclid and W Streets NW in Northwest D.C, Meridian Hill Park is a historic and architecturally distinctive urban park in Washington, D.C., USA. It’s a much-loved public space known for its formal garden design, social gatherings, art, and views over the city.

Admission is free. You can take metro to Adams Morgan and walk to it.  On a nice day, it is especially pleasant to admire the colorful charming Adams Morgan along the way.

Meridian Hill Park history: In 1819 a mansion was built on the site, and President John Quincy Adams lived there after leaving office.

The federal government acquired the land in 1910, and between 1912 and 1936 the current park was constructed. Its design was inspired by European Renaissance and Italian gardens, with terraces, grand stairways, and formal plantings.

The park’s distinctive concrete walls, benches, and fountains were built using a pioneering concrete aggregate technique.

Terraced Garden & Cascading Fountain: The park’s centerpiece is a long, formal cascading water feature flowing down terraces into a reflecting pool (though the fountain has been under rehabilitation as of 2026).  No water when we visited on a fall day.

Statues & Memorials: Including the James Buchanan Memorial, Dante Memorial, Serenity sculpture, Armillary Sphere, and the Joan of Arc Statue — the only equestrian statue of a woman in D.C.

Upper Lawn & Walkways: A broad open lawn and tree-lined paths make the upper part of the park a popular place for picnics, games, and relaxing.

50 Arlington National Cemetery

Walking among the rows of snow-dusted white headstones was a quiet and moving experience—the serene landscape felt especially peaceful after the recent January snowfall. We also visited the gravesite of President John F. Kennedy, where the Eternal Flame burns continuously. Seeing it up close, surrounded by its reflecting pool and carefully tended grounds, made the history and sacrifice of those buried here feel very tangible. Every step through the cemetery—from the gentle hills to the solemn memorials—was a powerful reminder of the courage and dedication of those who served, and it left a lasting impression.

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*Arlington National Cemetery is one of the most famous and solemn memorial sites in the United States. Located in Arlington, Virginia, just across the Potomac River from Washington, DC, it serves as the final resting place for over 400,000 military service members, veterans, and notable American figures.

The cemetery was established during the American Civil War in 1864. It occupies the former estate of Robert E. Lee, called Arlington House (see post # 49), which was confiscated by the U.S. government during the war. Its creation honored Union soldiers, but over time it became a national military cemetery for all branches of the armed forces.

The Visitor Center serves as the main entry point to Arlington National Cemetery and is designed to help visitors orient themselves before entering the cemetery grounds.  There are a lot of information and presentations there. Introductory displays explaining the history of the cemetery.  Very informational and educational. 

John F. Kennedy Eternal Flame with Robert E. Lee Memorial in the background

Visitor Center

49 Arlington House (The Robert E. Lee Memoriala)

The Robert E. Lee House is officially called Arlington House, The Robert E. Lee Memorial. It is a historic mansion situated on a high hill overlooking the Potomac River in Arlington, Virginia, within the grounds of Arlington National Cemetery. The house was built in the 1800s by George Washington Parke Custis, the step-grandson and adopted son of George Washington. It was intended as a tribute to George Washington and served as the family home. 

In 1831, the property passed to Robert E. Lee through marriage to Custis’s daughter, Mary Anna Randolph Custis. Lee lived there until 1861, when he resigned from the U.S. Army to join the Confederacy. During the Civil War, the U.S. government seized the property, and it eventually became part of Arlington National Cemetery. 

The mansion is an example of Greek Revival architecture, with stately columns and sweeping terraces. The grounds offer panoramic views of Washington, DC and the Potomac River. The house is now a National Park Service site and serves as a memorial to Robert E. Lee and the Custis-Lee family.

You can get there by metro or drive.  If you drive, there is a parking lot right next to the Arlington National Cemetery Visitor Center.  Admission is fee.

I was particularly impressed by the enormous columns standing in front of the mansion. The house itself is smaller than I had expected and only the first-floor rooms are open to the public.  It is a very humble house compared to the other house converted museums that I have visited (see my other posts for names).  It didn’t take long  to walk through the first floor.  

View of Washington, DC

Inside the House

The Grounds

48 Dupont Circle

Dupont Circle is one of Washington, DC’s most vibrant and historic neighborhoods, known for its elegant architecture, lively atmosphere, and rich cultural scene. Located just north of downtown, it serves as both a major traffic circle and a popular gathering place for locals and visitors.  You can take metro to Dupont Circle stop that put you right at next to the Dupont circle.

I have been to Dupont Circle many times, but I had never actually visited the circle itself. This was my first time walking up to it and taking pictures. The circle felt especially magical, coming right after the area’s biggest snow in January 2026. Patches of snow still covered the ground, making the scene perfect for photos.

There were a couple of girls there with a lovely dog right in the circle. One of them was holding a banner that read: “Life is hard, but dogs are warm. Come say hi to Otis.” I asked if I could take a picture with Otis. 

(The white marble fountain at the center of Dupont Circle is called the Dupont Circle Fountain, officially known as the Rear Admiral Samuel Francis Du Pont Memorial Fountain.)

Me with Rear Admiral Samuel Francis Du Pont Memorial Fountain

47 Kramer Bookstore Dupon Circle

Address: 1517 Connecticut Ave NW (right on Dupont Circle)

If you are visiting Dupont Circle, this is a great place for a casual lunch.  Great vibes on this V-Day full with young crowd.