George Washington Masonic Memorial, Alexandria

George Washington's affiliation with the Masons is remembered at this fascinating museum that features artifacts such as a Washington family Bible, the clock a doctor stopped when Washington died and a splendid Persian rug valued at over a million dollars. But the primary draw is the trip up the iconic 333-foot (101-meter) granite tower, which is modeled after an ancient lighthouse in Alexandria, Egypt. The view of the surrounding Virginia and Washington skylines rivals the more famous vistas tourists regularly enjoy from the Washington Monument and the Old Post Office . Tours begin every 45 minutes.