Unsurprisingly, many of Washington, D.C.’s most popular attractions are related to its primary industry: politics. These include, of course, the White House and the U.S. Capitol, as well as monuments and historic locations honoring notable figures who had a significant impact on the nation’s history. From George Washington and Abraham Lincoln to abolitionist Frederick Douglass and civil rights activist Martin Luther King Jr. Many of the most-loved and most-visited destinations in the mid-Atlantic city are located in or around the National Mall, although Arlington National Cemetery, one of the area’s must-see destinations, is located across the Potomac River in Virginia.

The capital is also popular with museumgoers. The Smithsonian Institute operates over twenty institutions, such as the National Museum of African American History and Culture, the National Air and Space Museum and its affiliated Udvar-Hazy Center, and the National Museum of American History. It also operates the National Zoo & Conservation Biology Institute, a family-friendly institution. The National Museum of Natural History offers a variety of hands-on activities and is another option for families. The Heurich House Museum, the Planet Word Museum, and the International Spy Museum are examples of museums outside the Smithsonian network. Numerous museums provide both self-guided and guided trips.

Beyond these traditional attractions, there are numerous non-touristy activities to enjoy. You can spend the morning perusing the city’s collection of farmer’s markets and the afternoon taking in the sights from the National Mall before attending a performance at The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. The city also has a vibrant nightlife scene; for example, the 9:30 Club. (In fact, the city’s live music culture spawned its own genre, go-go.) If you plan to visit Washington, D.C. at the end of March or the beginning of April, don’t neglect to stroll along the Tidal Basin, where you’ll find thousands of pink cherry blossoms, as well as ideal weather for exploring the city’s neighborhoods. Other outdoor attractions include the picturesque Rock Creek Park and numerous war memorials.

Consider one of Washington, D.C.’s numerous bus excursions, some of which are hop-on, hop-off (and use double-decker vehicles with open-top upper decks) for an efficient way to see the city’s attractions. The duration of tours ranges from 90 minutes to an entire day.

Here are the top things to do in Washington, D.C:

1- The Tidal Basin

This is the Tidal Basin. If you’ve never been to Washington, D.C. before, you should plan to spend some time at the Tidal Basin, a 107-acre reservoir surrounded by a 2.1-mile loop trail. Built to utilize the powerful tides of the Potomac River to remove silt from the Washington Channel and sustain steady water levels in the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pools, it now functions as a backdrop to some of Washington, D.C.’s most popular attractions. The city of Tokyo bestowed the Tidal Basin with cherry blossom trees, which bloom into cotton candy-colored tufts every spring and attract throngs of visitors. You can circumnavigate the basin via the path, but recent visitors recommend testing the water in a paddleboat. Four-passenger paddleboats are available for rental from spring to autumn for $32 per hour. Every day at 10 a.m., paddle boats can be rented from the boat pier near Maine Avenue. Depending on the season, business hours conclude between 5 p.m. and 7 p.m.

[read more]Even if you miss the cherry blossom season, you won’t want to miss the three main memorials that line the Tidal Basin: the Thomas Jefferson Memorial, the Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial, and the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial. A memorial to George Mason, author of the Virginia Declaration of Rights, also stands nearby.

The easiest way to reach the Tidal Basin via public transportation is via the Metro; the closest terminals are Smithsonian (on the Blue, Silver, and Orange lines) and L’Enfant Plaza (accessible via the Blue, Silver, Orange, Yellow, and Green lines). You can also reach the area via the National Mall bus line of the DC Circulator. Capital Bikeshare, which has several charging stations nearby, is accessible to cyclists. Prepare for the city’s oppressive summer heat by drinking plenty of water if you’re planning a summer visit. Visit the official Tidal Basin page of the National Park Service for more information.[/read]

2- The White House and the Washington Monument

The White House and the Washington Monument are two famous landmarks in Washington D.C.
If you’re visiting D.C. for the first time, you should definitely see the Washington Monument and the White House, even if you’re only there for a short time. They are important symbols of the United States and are made of marble.

[read more]The Washington Monument is really tall, about 555 feet, and it was the tallest building in the world when it was finished in 1884. Today, you can take a glass elevator to the top of the monument and see the whole city from a 360-degree view. It always impresses visitors. You can visit the attraction outside any time for free, but if you have questions, National Park Service rangers are only there from 9:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. You can visit the monument every day from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. You can reserve free tickets for a specific time slot up to 30 days ahead of time on Recreation.gov. Each ticket has a $1 service charge that cannot be refunded. You can get same-day tickets by arriving early and waiting in line. The ticket window opens at 8:45 in the morning. You might have to wait in line. The monument is closest to the Smithsonian Metro stop. Go to the National Park Service’s website to learn more about the Washington Monument.

The White House is the most famous home in America. Every U.S. president has lived there since 1800, starting with John Adams. If you choose to visit the building, you can see the State Floor. This includes the East Room, the Green Room, and the Blue Room. The building may be smaller than you think, so keep that in mind. To join a tour, contact your senator or representative’s office between 21 and 90 days before the tour date to make sure you can get in. If approved, you will be given a particular time to come. Tours for the public happen on Tuesdays through Saturdays from 8 in the morning until 12:30 in the afternoon. Remember that tours may be canceled at the last minute. To avoid waiting in long security lines, it’s suggested to arrive 15 minutes early, especially during the summer months. Remember to bring an ID issued by the government. You can easily get to the White House by walking from McPherson Square, Metro Center, or Federal Triangle Metro stops on the Blue, Silver, and Orange lines. You can also take the Red Line to Metro Center. To plan your visit, check the White House’s website.[/read]

3- Lincoln Memorial

Although the Lincoln Memorial is just one of the District’s many monuments, travelers also enjoy the larger-than-life Honest Abe. Lincoln’s two renowned speeches, the Second Inaugural Address and the Gettysburg Address are inscribed on the memorial’s north and south walls, respectively, and may be of interest to history enthusiasts. Art history and architecture buffs will appreciate the building’s remarkable design by Henry Bacon, which includes 38 Doric columns, 36 of which represent the states in the Union at the time of Lincoln’s death.

[read more]After sunset, when the attraction is illuminated and less crowded, is deemed by many recent visitors to be the most alluring time to visit. Additionally, evening temperatures will make summertime visits more pleasant. There are 87 (or four scores and seven) steps from the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool to the chamber where the statue resides in order to reach the statue. There are also elevators available for those who cannot ascend the stairs.

The Lincoln Memorial is free and accessible 24 hours a day, but bear in mind that National Parks Service officers are only present from 9:30 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. The memorial is located at the western extremity of the National Mall, which can be accessed on foot from the Foggy Bottom-GWU Metro station or via the National Mall route of the DC Circulator. The shopping center is also accessible via Metrobus routes 32, 34, and 36. Bicycling and driving are additional choices. The Lincoln Memorial is a popular stop on many of the finest bus excursions in the city. Consult the Lincoln Memorial page maintained by the National Park Service for additional information.[/read]

4- World War II Memorial

World War II Memorial In 2004, the World War II Memorial was dedicated to the 16 million Americans who served in the military during World War II, including the thousands who lost their lives in the conflict. A circle of 56 columns, representing the states and territories of the United States at the time, overlooks the Rainbow Pool. This memorial can be quite ethereal at night when lit by illumination. Additionally, the structure contains a wall of over 4,000 gold stars – one for every 100 Americans who perished in the conflict.

[read more]Visitors to the World War II Memorial have expressed feelings of inspiration and gratitude. Although you will rub shoulders with other tourists in the spring and summer, previous visitors recommend visiting the memorial during one of these seasons to appreciate its water features.

The World War II Memorial is situated on the primary thoroughfare of the National Mall, between the Washington Monument and the Lincoln Memorial, and is accessible via the DC Circulator’s National Mall shuttle or the Blue, Silver, or Orange line to Smithsonian station. It is also a stop for many of the finest bus excursions in the city. The site is open to explore 24 hours a day, but National Park Service personnel are only present from 9:30 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. daily. Consult the National Park Service’s official World War II Memorial page for additional information.[/read]

5- Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum

Amelia Earhart’s Lockheed Vega 5B, the Apollo 11 Command Module, Charles Lindbergh’s Spirit of St. Louis, and Wilbur and Orville Wright’s 1903 Wright Flyer, among others, are on display at the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum, which attracts millions of visitors annually. There are flight simulators, an IMAX theater, and the Einstein Planetarium among the exhibits. And parents, be warned: The gift shop is enormous, so be prepared for your children to beg.

Additionally, the museum has a branch in Chantilly, Virginia, known as the Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center. It includes two hangars containing artifacts such as a Concorde supersonic airliner and the space shuttle Discovery, in addition to an IMAX theater. According to visitors, there is a great deal to see here, making the journey outside of D.C. properly worthwhile.

[read more]Prior visitors to the primary D.C. location are advised to arrive in the morning to avoid the heaviest throngs, which are certain to arrive once summer arrives. Families and aviation enthusiasts are urged by museumgoers to visit this location.

The Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum is free to visit, but you must reserve a free timed-entry permit in advance. The IMAX Theater and Planetarium do charge admission for their performances. The museum is open daily from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., excluding Christmas Day, and is located at the eastern end of the National Mall. The nearest Metro station is Smithsonian, which is serviced by the Blue, Silver, and Orange lines. The National Mall bus route for the DC Circulator also stops by the museum. The Udvar-Hazy Center is open to investigating, but parking costs $15 per day. Furthermore, it is open from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. The center is approximately 50 kilometers west of the metropolis.[/read]

6- National Gallery of Art

If you consider yourself an art connoisseur, you should visit the National Gallery of Art. This museum has enough to occupy an entire afternoon, with the East Building housing the gallery’s more contemporary works (think Henri Matisse and Mark Rothko) and the West Building housing the collection’s earlier works (think Sandro Botticelli and Claude Monet). Visitors frequently comment on the museum’s expansive dimensions and collection. Pace yourself and perhaps purchase a coffee, gelato, or lunch at one of the gallery’s five bars and cafés.

[read more]If you are traveling during the summer on a Friday evening, previous guests recommend attending the Sculpture Garden’s annual Jazz in the Garden concert series. From the end of May to the end of July, performances begin at 6 p.m. Or, attend one of the free Sunday afternoon concerts held throughout the year in the West Building.

The museum is open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is free and no credentials are necessary. There are numerous free self-guided, audio, and guided tours available. The National Gallery of Art can be reached by taking the Yellow or Green lines to the Archives-Navy Memorial-Penn Quarter station. The National Mall bus of the DC Circulator stops nearby, and Capital Bikeshare has a station adjacent to the East Building. Consult the website of the National Gallery of Art for more details.[/read]

7- Rock Creek Park

Rock Creek Park, a large municipal park extending from the border between Washington, D.C. and Maryland to the Potomac River, is a destination for a vast array of outdoor activities. It has over 32 miles of hiking trails and 13 miles of equestrian riding trails, as well as paved trails and roads for cyclists. The property features a nine-hole golf course and tennis facilities. Fishing and paddle boating are additional activities available on the Potomac River. The park also features numerous man-made attractions, such as picturesque bridges, fountains, and monuments.

[read more]In addition to its more than 1,750 acres of green space, the park contains numerous notable structures. The Nature Center features a children’s Discovery Room filled with books and games, displays of live tortoises and snakes, and an observation deck. It provides information on hiking and functions as the beginning of the 0.5-mile Woodland Trail. From 1829 to 1897, the Peirce Mill served as a grist mill, making it the last mill of its kind in the region. The Old Stone House, built around 1766, is the earliest structure in Washington, D.C., still standing on its original foundation. Its former kitchen is now home to historical displays.

Rock Creek Park generally provides parkgoers with a tranquil escape from the bustle of the city. They frequently characterize it as an ideal location for hiking and one of the best places in the city for cycling (though some cyclists warn of widely traveled roads). Some recommend visiting in the fall to witness the changing hues of the foliage.

Rock Creek Park is free to enter and open daily from sunrise to sunset. The hours of its three visitor centers vary as follows: The Nature Center is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday; Friday through Monday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. at the Old Stone House; and Friday, Saturday, and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Peirce Mill. The Nature Center is closest to the Friendship Heights Metro station, while Peirce Mill is closest to the Cleveland Park and Van Ness-UDC stations. Additionally, there is a bus stop nearby. Visit the Rock Creek Park website of the National Park Service for more information.[/read]

8- U.S. National Arboretum and the National Bonsai & Penjing Museum

The United States National Arboretum, located northeast of downtown Washington, D.C., offers visitors stunning outdoor spaces. The outdoor collections of the arboretum include dogwoods, azaleas, and magnolias, but none of the plants are the area’s main attraction. Instead, the majority of visitors are drawn to the National Capitol Columns and bonsai collection. The National Capitol Columns were constructed in 1828, adorned the Capitol until 1958, and were relocated to the arboretum in the 1980s. Now, the columns are an ideal spot for taking photographs or having a picnic. The area’s bonsai trees are housed in the National Bonsai & Penjing Museum, which features 300 miniature trees that are rotated among the museum’s three pavilions and special exhibits gallery.

[read more]Previous visitors to the U.S. National Arboretum enjoyed the bonsai collection and Capitol Columns. Visitors recommend donning a pair of comfortable sneakers and visiting in the spring or summer to make the most of the arboretum’s winding walking trails and to see its various gardens at their optimum blossom.

The United States National Arboretum is open every day of the year from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., while the National Bonsai & Penjing Museum is open daily from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The museum is open to the public for free. The entrances to the arboretum are located on R Street Northeast and New York Avenue Northeast, and the grounds are accessible by bicycle, vehicle, or the B2 bus route. However, the R Street entrance is closed to automobiles after 2:00 pm Monday through Thursday and all day Friday through Sunday. It is then accessible to pedestrians and cyclists. Visit its website for more information about the U.S. National Arboretum.[/read]

9- U.S. Capitol and the Library of Congress

The United States Capitol, arguably the most opulent structure in Washington, is where tourists go to observe politics in action. Inside, members of both houses of Congress debate and construct national policy and law, while visitors investigate the building’s north and south wings, as well as the Rotunda, its circular centerpiece. This iconic hall contains paintings, frescoes, and sculptures depicting renowned incidents from American history, in addition to an iconic cast-iron dome added in 1868.

It is free to tour the Capitol, but you must make a reservation well in advance to guarantee a tour period (you cannot visit the Capitol without a reservation). The U.S. Capitol Visitor Center is open from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., Monday through Friday (except on Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, New Year’s Day, and Inauguration Day). The tour does not include the galleries of the Senate and House of Representatives. Although some travelers are divided as to whether the U.S. Capitol is worth the time and effort required to visit (reservations and the actual tour), the majority concur that the site is well worth a visit.

[read more]If you’re not particularly interested in investigating the building’s interior, consider taking a meander outside. It is located near the U.S. Botanic Garden and the National Air and Space Museum on the National Mall. The most convenient method to reach the Capitol is by taking the Metro to the Capitol South or Federal Center SW stops (both on the Blue, Silver, and Orange lines) or the Union Station stop (on the Red Line). Moreover, there are bike docks outside the Capital Visitor Center and adjacent Capital Bikeshare stations. Check out the official U.S. Capitol Visitor Center website for more information.

After admiring the Capitol, proceed to the Library of Congress via East Capitol Street. The Library of Congress comprises three buildings and contains more than 164 million books, manuscripts, sound recordings, fragments of sheet music, maps, and photographs, according to Guinness World Records. The Thomas Jefferson Building, which was constructed in 1897, is the most notable of the three structures. Here you will find an assortment of fascinating objects, such as the Gutenberg Bible, as well as a series of events and exhibitions that change frequently. You should also take a meander through the Main Reading Room of the Thomas Jefferson Building, which features a stately dome ceiling, mahogany desks, and diligent researchers poring over catalogs and periodicals. Visitors generally find the location to be extremely remarkable.

The James Madison Memorial Building and the John Adams Building are primarily used for scholarly research, whereas the Thomas Jefferson Building is open to the public from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Tuesday through Saturday. This attraction is free to enter, but timed entry tickets must be reserved in advance. Events and exhibitions hosted by the Library of Congress are also free to the public. To learn more about the Library of Congress, please consult its website.[/read]

10- Planet Word

Planet Word, the world’s first voice-activated museum, aims to provide an immersive language experience through its interactive exhibits and galleries. Its three-story word-centric exhibits explore topics such as how people learn to speak, the origins of words, the diversity of the world’s languages, famous speeches (which visitors can recreate using teleprompters), songs (which you can sing karaoke-style), jokes, and how advertising uses language to persuade consumers. Additionally, there is a library and recording studios for listening to others contemplate on the power of words and for preserving your own story. Its Lexicon Lane contains a number of “puzzle cases” containing themed word puzzles that can be solved using the various hints scattered throughout the room. The museum, which debuted in 2020, also features a gift shop and a restaurant.

[read more]Planet Word is located in the renovated historic Franklin School building adjacent to Franklin Park in downtown Washington, D.C., and is accessible via the Blue, Orange, and Silver Metro lines to the McPherson Square station or the Red line to the Metro Center station. Additionally, there are a number of bus stops and bike facilities in the area. Planet Word is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Sunday through Friday. The restaurant has its own hours of operation. The museum’s timed entrance permits must be reserved online in advance; they are free (though a donation of $15 is suggested). Lexicon Lane costs $20 per case and must also be reserved in advance online. For additional details, please consult the Planet Word website.[/read]

11- Arlington National Cemetery

Arlington National Cemetery is located in Arlington, Virginia, on the opposite side of the Potomac River from Washington, D.C. Approximately 1 square mile in size, the cemetery is the final resting place for more than 400,000 service members, veterans, and their families. The Memorial Amphitheater, the John F. Kennedy Gravesite, and the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier should all be visited by tourists. According to visitors, discovering the grave of a notable veteran, family member, or acquaintance is a profound experience. Additionally, the cemetery offers a downloadable app that pinpoints the location of a grave.

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Previous visitors enjoy the trolley tour offered by Arlington National Cemetery Tours, but they caution that the excursion is a bit expensive at $19.50 for adults, $10.75 for children ages 4 to 12, and $15 for seniors over 65. (Service members, veterans, and their dependents are eligible for a price discount.)

Prepare yourself for a humbling encounter during your visit. Be respectful and remember to keep your voice down: this is a working cemetery where people may be saying their final goodbyes. (Generally, services are conducted from 9 a.m. to 1:30 or 2:30 p.m., Monday through Saturday.)

The Arlington National Cemetery is open daily from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Daily narrated tram excursions occur every half hour from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. There are also excursions that focus on specific branches of the military. Arlington Cemetery Station, located on the Blue Line, serves the cemetery. Additionally, the cemetery offers automated $3 per-hour parking across from Memorial Avenue. On the Arlington National Cemetery website, you can find maps of the cemetery, as well as additional information on notable grave locations and information on The Changing of the Guard.[/read]

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