The Capital Wheel

The Capital Wheel, 165 Waterfront St., takes passengers on a 12- to 15-minute ride above the Potomac River where you can see spectacular views of the National Mall, the U.S. Capitol, the Washington Monument, the White House and Arlington National Cemetery as well as parts of Alexandria, Va., and Prince George's County, Md. The massive observation wheel—with 42 gondolas and standing 180 feet tall with a 171-foot diameter—makes 1.5 rotations per minute. Each climate-controlled gondola provides panoramic views from unobstructed glass. There is one four-person VIP gondola that comes with extra perks like a glass floor and leather bucket seats. At night the wheel is illuminated with 1.6 million LED lights.

Food is available.