Check out our itinerary of famous locations in the District, all of which have been filmed or recreated to memorable effect.
The nation’s capital is rich in history – so much so that major Hollywood productions have used it as a backdrop for some of the most iconic moments in the film.
Day 1
Morning - Forrest Gump locations
Begin your adventure at the Lincoln Memorial, where Forrest Gump delivered a (mostly silent but memorable) speech at an anti-war protest before sprinting to meet his friend, Jenny, in the Reflecting Pool.
Afternoon - Captain America: The Winter Soldier locations
After lunch, make your way toward the marvelous Tidal Basin, where Captain America meets Falcon for the first time in Captain America: The Winter Soldier. Take a moment to admire its beauty and to enjoy a peaceful walk around the reservoir. Then, head to Theodore Roosevelt Bridge, where Marvel positioned Captain America as he battled a gunship above.
Evening - State of Play locations
To close out your first day, see a performance at the magnificent Kennedy Center, where Cal and Senator Fergus have one of their confrontations in the State of Play. Dress up, sit back and enjoy the show!
Day 2
Morning - Wonder Woman: 1984 locations
Start your second day at the National Museum of Natural History, which serves as Diana’s office in Wonder Woman: 1984. While working as a cultural anthropologist and archaeologist, Diana secretly uses her superpowers to activate the Dreamstone that makes wishes come true. While the museum does not currently have wish-granting crystals on display, it does have a large collection of gemstones that date as far back as the 1500s.
Afternoon - All The President’s Men, No Way Out & True Lies locations
After the museum, head over to the place Diana calls home: the Watergate Hotel. Of course, the hotel also happened to be at the center of the greatest political scandal in U.S. history, which is magnificently covered in the legendary film All The President’s Men (the movie features additional DC locations throughout; see if you can spot them). Dig into the hotel’s fascinating and scandalous history, admire its beautiful architecture and check out its lively rooftop bar.
Once you’re ready to continue, walk over to the Shops at Georgetown Park, also known as the Georgetown metro station in No Way Out. Don’t be fooled by the movie -- there is no metro in Georgetown, but the shopping center where the scene was filmed is certainly there, right at the heart of one of DC’s trendiest neighborhoods. Arnold Schwarzenegger’s 1995 smash hit, True Lies, also used Georgetown as a location. Take a peaceful stroll along the waterfront and enjoy an afternoon snack at one of the many cafes and restaurants.
Evening - The Exorcist locations
Running up the Exorcist Stairs in Georgetown - Fitness-related breaks for meetings and conventions in Washington, DC
As the sun goes down, prepare for a dark and spooky evening visiting sites from the ultimate horror flick, The Exorcist. Marvel at the intricate architecture on the Georgetown University campus and spot some of the most iconic buildings, such as the Dahlgren Chapel and Healy Hall. Then, head to the infamous stairs on Prospect Street over which Father Miller tumbles and falls to his death. From the top of the staircase, be sure to spot the original MacNeil house from which he jumps!
Day 3
Morning - Night at the Museum: Battle of the Smithsonian locations
Begin your last day with a visit to the National Air and Space Museum, where some scenes from Night at the Museum: Battle of the Smithsonian were filmed. Follow Larry’s footsteps through his historical journey encountering the Wright Brothers, a group of Tuskegee airmen and Able the space monkey.
Afternoon - Hannibal locations
After learning about the history of flight, make your way to Union Station, DC’s central transportation hub and a shooting location for the hit 2001 film, Hannibal (the sequel of The Silence of the Lambs). In the movie, the Beaux-Arts architecture of the Station makes it look more like a shopping mall than a train station. Don’t be disappointed that there is not a carousel there; although it was central to the scene where Hannibal stalks Clarice Starling, it was likely added in post-production.
Evening - National Treasure locations
Spend your evening discovering National Treasure … shooting locations. First, stop by the Edgar Hoover Building, where Benjamin and Riley determine that the Declaration of Independence is in danger. Then, explore the National Archives Museum. Browse through some of their exciting historical exhibits and visit the Rotunda Room where our nation’s most important documents live … but definitely do not try to steal the Declaration of Independence. Finally, finish your National Treasure tour at the Library of Congress, where Riley tries to prove that the Declaration can’t be stolen. Be sure to check out the spectacular Main Reading Room and enjoy some quiet time to end your DC adventure.