Best Museums in Washington

Admit it. You still get excited when opening up the mailbox — except of course if bills are in there. For those who still prefer snail mail to email, make your way to the National Postal Museum. Located in the historic City Post Office Building, the museum features a treasure trove of artifacts including three suspended airmail planes, a Confederate copper printing plate, the rare 'inverted Jenny' postage stamp and a USS Oklahoma handstamp bearing the date before its Pearl Harbor sinking. And those are just a few of the highlights of this impressive collection.

Think no one is watching? Think again. The International Spy Museum pays tribute to the all-but invisible profession that has helped to shape history and impact world events. Opened in 2002, the museum is the only one of its kind in the world and features the largest collection of international espionage artifacts on display. Fans of the James Bond movies will get to see movie props such as the Aston Martin DBS from "Goldfinger" and Jaws' teeth from "Moonraker." Young kids will also have fun by testing their spy skills on several computer games and climb through duct work while on a secret mission. While spies are told to deny everything, you will want to tell others you have been here. Metro: Gallery Place/Chinatown

Known as America's first home, George Washington's Mount Vernon Estate and Gardens, just outside of Washington, D.C., features a mansion, outbuildings, gardens, animals, a distillery and gristmill, and a four-acre farm. What was once an active plantation is now a bustling tourist attraction. Visitors may purchase tickets to one of ten tours offered including a cruise down the Potomac River, a visit to the rarely opened basement and see the first president's garden and landscaping designs for the grounds. Washington took his last breath inside the manor's master bedroom in 1799 and the estate serves as his final resting place. His wife Martha and other relatives are also buried in The Tomb. METRO: Huntington Station

Remember in school when you learned about America's Founding documents — the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution and the Bill of Rights? All of them can be found at the National Archives Museum. (John Hancock's signature really does stand out!) If that's not enough, visitors can also get a look at one of the four original 1297 Magna Carta documents. The William G. McGowan Theater shows a film history of the museum by day but showcases documentary films by night. Go to the website to see if a program will take place during your visit. METRO: National Archives/Navy Memorial/Penn Quarter

The best and most popular exhibit at the National Museum of Natural History is the Fossil Hall. Unfortunately, it is closed for renovations until 2019. (Yikes!) This museum is still a must-visit though thanks to a variety of different artifacts. The gems and minerals exhibit is a favorite and includes the 45.52 carat Hope Diamond and the Dom Pedro Aquamarine, the world's largest aquamarine gem. One of the oldest pieces is a mummified cat in the Ancient Egypt display. When you tire of displays, take a walk to the second floor butterfly pavilion to see a huge variety of live butterflies on display. METRO: Smithsonian

Patrons will witness images of dehumanizing treatment and forced labor inside concentration camps and listen to survivors tell their stories. Established in 1993, the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum is dedicated to inspire citizens and leaders to confront hatred, prevent genocide and promote human dignity. Upon entry, patrons are given identification cards containing the story of a Holocaust survivor or victim. The Hall of Remembrance offers visitors the opportunity to light candles and visit an eternal flame honoring those who died. If you go between peak visiting months, March through August, you must obtain free timed passes to enter the permanent exhibition. METRO: Smithsonian

With 300,000 square-feet of exhibition, programming and public space, the National Museum of American History presents all aspects of the country's back story. There are approximately 3 million objects in its collections with only about 5 to 8 percent on display at any one time. See the actual flag that inspired Francis Scott Key to pen 'The Star Spangled Banner' or gaze at the ruby slippers worn by Judy Garland in "The Wizard of Oz." Meet Jim Henson's Kermit the Frog puppet or take in gowns worn by The First Ladies. Be sure to check out their daily programs to enhance your experience. METRO: Smithsonian

This spot on the list is actually dedicated to two companion museums. The National Air and Space Museum is easily the most popular building along the National Mall and features the 1903 Wright Flyer, Charles Lindbergh's Spirit of St. Louis and a lunar rock that visitors may touch. Many take in shows at the Lockheed Martin IMAX Theater or sight see in the Albert Einstein Planetarium. Take a short drive to Chantilly, Va. to check out the Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center which features two huge hangers and houses the space shuttle Discovery. Many go to the Donald D. Engen Observation Tower to get a 360-degree view of Washington Dulles International Airport. METRO: Smithsonian and Wiehle-Reston East

We have all seen paper copies of fine works of art hanging in homes and businesses. Once, you step inside the National Gallery of Art, you get to see the real pieces for your own eyes. The west building features early European and American works and boasts the only painting by Leonardo Da Vinci in the Americas. Meander over to the east building to take in contemporary art work including Henri Matisse, Jackson Pollock and Pablo Picasso. For those coming here in the winter months, head over to the museum's garden ice rink where you can rent skates and take lessons. METRO: Smithsonian