Washington DC Best Attractions

By Jamie Grotter


With such a lot to do and see, it's critical to have a plan when visiting the nation's capital. A holiday can be built on any mixture of art, architecture, politics or history. An outstanding public transportation network will take you within a few minutes walk of destinations, and good eats can be discovered on nearly every street. And, better yet almost all of the attractions in Washington DC are free to the general public.

National Mall

The surprising size of the U.S. Capitol and the quiet elegance of the Lincoln Memorial bookend one of the most famous public green spaces on the planet. The National Mall is ringed by central authority buildings, Smithsonian studios and the National Archives, which displays the original Declaration of Independence and Constitution. No trip to Washington is really complete without seeing the commemoratives to the fallen heroes of World War Ii and Vietnam. The Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial embodies the strength shown by the civil rights leader.

White House

Every step through the Executive Mansion will be both familiar and new, as television images can only relay such a lot of what is on view apropos art, furniture and decorations. From the East Colonnade to the State Dining Room, a visit to the White House deserves the top spot on a listing of things worth doing in Washington DC. Tours must be arranged in advance through an affiliate of Congress.

Arlington National Cemetery

Rolling acres of white markers remind visitors of the sacrifices made by great US people. The changing of the guard at the Tomb of the Unknowns occurs with solemnity, and the Kennedy graves offer a place a quiet reflection and an amazing view of the Mall.

National Zoo

Bears, elephants, gorillas and a pride of lions are on show at this Smithsonian park, and folks get to experience first hand the environmental requirements of animals by walking through a rain forest and bird sanctuary. Of course, the famous giant pandas are the zoo's featured guest. Folks will find this one of the most family-friendly things to do in Washington DC.

National Cathedral

While not one of the more talked about attractions in Washington DC, the Cathedral has hosted countless state funerals, spiritual dignitaries and inaugural events under its impressive limestone towers. Visitors are asked to contribute to the Cathedral, especially crucial given the structural damage sustained during a 2011 tremor. Worship services are open to the general public.

International Spy Museum

One of the most recent, privately operated museums is this homage to people who wish not to be known. The Spy Museum follows espionage from its raw beginnings to the highly advanced technology used during the War on Terror. GPS-aided tasks also permit newbies to check their spying capabilities on the highways of DC. Paid admission is needed.

Ford's Theater

Just days following the surrender of the South to finish the Civil War, President Abraham Lincoln was executed while attending a play just a few blocks from the White House. A museum dedicated to the tragic event is found in the lower level, and the Petersen House over the road where Lincoln died illustrates how Washingtonians lived during that era. While sightseers can visit absolutely free patrons desiring to attend a performance should be expecting to pay for tickets.




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