See representations of battle and bravery at the U.S. Marine Corps Museum in Quantico, Va.

Strong Salute: D.C.'s Military Museums

Where better to see buildings dedicated to those who've given the ultimate sacrifice to freedom than in our nation's capital? Washington has a slew of museum spaces honoring the fallen—and those still serving. Check out our picks for seeing military finery and getting behind-the-scenes views of life in the barracks.

U.S. Navy Museum (805 Kidder Breese St. SE; 202/433-4882). An easy walk from either the Green, Blue or Orange lines, the Navy Museum shows what life is like on and off a boat for these heroes. Come here to see an overview spanning three centuries of U.S. naval history, including scaled models of ships, working periscopes, artifacts recovered from war-ridden boats and Korean and American cold-weather uniforms. Plus, there are (unloaded!) original guns for visitors to touch from eras such as World War II. A can't miss for those entrenched in learning a different perspective of major U.S. wars.

Fort Ward Museum (4301 W. Braddock Rd., Alexandria. Va.; 703/746-4848). You'll find authentic pencil drawings of the iconic war alongside a display of 19th-century century firearms (ever seen a real musket?) and medical supplies used during the war. Don't miss the tribute to a fallen Alexandria solider, Elmer Ellsworth. Step outside and visit the rest of the Fort to check out cannons, the rifle trench and a reconstructed Officers' Hut. Perfect for a history buff's quick trip outside the city, especially during Civil War reenactments.

.The National Museum of the Marine Corps (18900 Jefferson David Highway, Triangle, Va.; 877/635-1775; usmcmuseum.com). Semper Fi. Devil dogs. The few and the proud: Of course, we're talking about the Marines. Come here and pay five bucks to try your hand at a rifle range; learn how a civilian becomes a Marine through vigorous mental and physical training at boot camp; and take a stroll through Legacy Walk, where graphic USMC scenes are played out from eras including the Korean and Vietnam War. By the time you leave, you'll at least begin to understand former first lady Eleanor Roosevelt—"Thank God for the United States Marine Corp!"

African American Civil War Memorial & Museum (1200 U St. NW; 202/667-2667; afroamcivilwar.org). The memorial honoring African Americans in the Civil War is hard to miss, just outside the U Street Metro station. But two blocks away is a hidden gem—its accompanying museum. The two-room space requires calling ahead for tours, but once inside you'll find historical photographs, newspaper articles and replicas of period uniforms. After the lecture, you can choose to watch an award-winning documentary on the soldiers' roles in the abolition of slavery. Stroll into the gift shop to see the Book of Names—a three-volume listing of all the African American soldiers who served in the Civil War, and be sure to listen to curator Hari Jones' tales.

National Museum of American Jewish Military (1811 R St. NW; 202/265-6280; nmajmh.org). Who's who when it comes to famous Jews in the military? The National Museum of American Jewish Military will let you know, and then some. Stop by the Hall of Heroes, featuring the only 15 Jewish-American recipients of the Medal of Honor—the highest military award given. A rotating Hidden Treasures exhibit displays selections from the museum's permanent collection of more than 5,000 artifacts, and among other presentations is one on perspective from Jewish women in the military.