Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center in Chantilly

Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center in Chantilly is a must-visit landmark for space and aviation enthusiasts. This museum is a branch of the National Air and Space Museum in Washington, DC, and is located about 28 miles west of the capital. It was established in 2003 and named after Steven F. Udvar-Hazy, a pioneer in the aircraft leasing industry who donated $65 million to the Smithsonian institution to build the museum.

The museum boasts a vast array of aircraft and spacecraft collections, including the famous Enola Gay, the B-29 bomber that launched the first atomic bomb on Hiroshima, Japan during World War II. Other notable collections include the Boeing 367-80 (Dash 80), a prototype for Boeing 707, and the Space Shuttle Discovery.

Visitors can explore the museum's exhibits chronologically, starting with ballooning, aviation, and space exploration from the 18th century to the present day. There are over 60 aircraft on display, including military fighter jets, reconnaissance planes, and experimental aircraft.

The museum also features several educational programs and interactive exhibits, including a virtual reality flight simulator that mimics the experience of flying an aircraft, and displays featuring the principles of flight and the history of space exploration.