8) George Washington Masonic Memorial Temple
The George Washington Masonic National Memorial is a Masonic temple in Alexandria, Virginia, dedicated to the memory of George Washington, the first president of the United States and a freemason. The tower is an architectural feat of magnificence, modeled after the lighthouse of Alexandria in Egypt. The memorial features a gift shop, frequently hosts events, and makes for a great place to learn about one of our most significant Founding Fathers. This memorial is family-friendly, featuring children’s tours and a large lawn that makes for a great place to picnic afterwards. Although the memorial was designed with families in mind, it has been riddled with criminal activity since its conception. Much of the controversy lies in George Washington’s ownership of slaves, which has caused frequent protests. Despite this, the memorial is a safe, educational place to spend the day with family.