5) Udvar-Hazy Center
If you’re interested in aviation and aircraft, then this Chantilly destination is for you. The center was built to house those artifacts that were too large to be shown at the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum. Once you enter the huge hangars, you will find hundreds and hundreds of items related to air and space travel. You can walk around some of the most memorable space and aircraft of the 20th century, including a Concorde, Lockheed Blackbird and the Discovery space shuttle. The observation tower gives you an unparalleled view of Dulles airport and the adjacent areas, and there is an IMAX theater where you can see mind-blowing 3D films on space and aircraft. There are tours and activities, for children as well as adults; and educational events and lectures are offered throughout the year. With free admission, this is one of the best places to spend an afternoon and learn about the stars.
