10 Movie Locations in Washington DC

The White House is a popular stop for most visitors in Washington DC as it has been the official residence of every president of the USA since 1800. While it's usually depicted in action, sci-fi and political drama films, the landmark itself has never actually been used as a filming location.

In Independence Day (1996), alien forces famously destroyed this iconic building using a laser beam but, in reality, filmmakers detonated a miniature replica using over 30 explosive charges. During your stay in Washington DC, you can explore the White House by arranging for a guided tour through your home country’s embassy, or by checking out the interactive virtual tour at the visitor centre.

You may recognise Lincoln Memorial’s Reflecting Pool from the heart-warming film Forrest Gump (1994). In the film, the titular character gave a powerful anti-Vietnam War speech at the memorial before noticing his love interest, Jenny, crossing the Reflecting Pool. The landmark is also featured in Captain America: The Winter Soldier (2014), with Steve Rogers and Sam Wilson jogging around the Reflecting Pool in front of the Lincoln Memorial.

Gaze at its reflective surface to see both the Lincoln Memorial and the Lincoln Monument mirrored back at you. It’s an incredible view, and we recommend visiting the spot at sunset if you want to take some stunning photos.

Mr. Smith Goes to Washington (1939) is an award-winning political drama featuring exterior shots of numerous landmarks, including the US Capitol Building. The building’s most impressive feature is a 177-foot-tall white dome with revolutionary period scenes, relief sculptures and busts of former presidents. White House Down (2013) depicts this iconic dome in flames after a terrorist attack.

With over 600 rooms and miles of vaulted corridors built in a 19th-century neoclassical style, a guided tour of this iconic movie location in Washington DC can give you the chance to try finding some familiar scenes from the film.

Many claim that the number of visits to the National Archives Building dramatically increased following the release of National Treasure back in 2004. The adventure film follows the exploits of cryptologist Ben Gates, played by Nicholas Cage, who stole the Declaration of Independence to find a hidden treasure map.

Visit the National Archives Museum to see important documents of US history, such as the Declaration of Independence, but please don’t try stealing it like Ben. You’ll also see the Bill of Rights and the Constitution of the United States. Feel free to take as many pictures as you like, but please no flash photography.

The Watergate Hotel is one of many Washington DC landmarks you can spot while watching the 1970s classic, All the President’s Men. The film is based on the real-life Watergate scandal, a political exposé by Washington Post reporters Bob Woodward and Carl Bernstein.

Today, the Watergate complex is where you can visit The Scandal Suite, formerly Room 214, which has commemorative pictures, news articles and quotes from key players, including former US President Richard Nixon. Why not extend your visit to the Watergate Hotel and stay the night in this infamous room?

The grand interiors of Georgetown University are often depicted in Hollywood films and TV shows, particularly its 19th-century Healy Hall. In The Exorcist (1973), you get to see Father Damien Karras walking past the Victorian Gothic building, and if you’re a fan of the The West Wing TV series, several scenes were filmed just in front of Healy Hall. Many claim that the imposing structure is haunted by a young Jesuit, who died while working at the clock tower.

Take a self-guided tour around campus, which boasts brilliant architecture and history. The White-Gravenor Hall has some wonderful stone carvings, while the Dahlgren Chapel of the Sacred Heart has a serene beauty to it.

Union Station DC has been featured in several Hollywood films, including Head of State (2003), Collateral Damage (2002), and Hannibal (2001). While the 2001 thriller was mostly filmed in Italy, this bustling station is where Hannibal Lecter lured FBI agent Clarice Starling for a meeting. Don’t be surprised if you’re unable to find the beautiful carousel from the movie at Union Station DC, though, as it was unfortunately just a temporary prop.

What you can find, however, is 3 floors of shopping and dining, as well as a huge transport hub and amazing historical features. While a guided tour isn’t yet available, you can find a self-guided one on their official app.

The Exorcist (1973) was filmed in several locations in the Georgetown neighbourhood, but the stairway on Prospect Street is perhaps the film’s most iconic location. Fans may recognise it from the pivotal scene when Father Karras sacrificed his own life after being possessed by the demon Pazuzu. Labelled an official landmark in 2015, the 75-step staircase is a popular spot for film enthusiasts looking to reimagine scenes from the horror classic.

Park at the lot on M Street and you’ll be right at the bottom of the stairs. At the top you’ll see the house that featured in the film, too. It’s private property, but the owners are usually happy to let you snap a pic.

The luxurious Willard InterContinental Washington has hosted many US presidents, historical figures and foreign ambassadors since its opening in 1968. Its elegant and distinctive Beaux-Arts design made it the perfect location for Steven Spielberg’s futuristic blockbuster, Minority Report (2002), which starred Tom Cruise and Max von Sydow. Shooting took place at the hotel kitchen, the Peacock Alley retail outlets and the gorgeous, oak-panelled Willard Room.

There are numerous events held at the Willard InterContinental Washington throughout the year, so you could get a chance to attend a glitzy gala like that in the film’s finale. The hotel is easy to get to, with many bus routes stopping just outside.

The Smithsonian museums, with their extensive collection of artefacts from all over the world, are often featured in a variety of films, including comedy, sci-fi, romance and historical fiction. Night at the Museum II: Battle of the Smithsonian (2009) was filmed at several of the institution’s buildings, including the National Museum of Natural History, Smithsonian Castle and the National Air and Space Museum. 

Families get to spend the night at these popular film locations in Washington DC by purchasing tickets to the Smithsonian Sleepovers, which includes interactive tours, hands-on games and the chance to sleep among the historical artefacts featured in the film. Check each location for individual addresses and opening times.