An overview of tourist information on Washington DC: transportation, shopping, dining, and sightseeing.
Washington D.C., our nation's capital, is a vibrant, multi-cultural city. With an abundance of free attractions, interesting restaurants, and more history than can be absorbed in one visit, Washington is a magnet for visitors.
Climate:
The best time to visit Washington D.C. is in the spring or the fall. The summers there can be humid, hot, and filled with tour busses. Winters are chilly and damp, but with only occasional snowfall.
Attractions:
The Museums of the Smithsonian Institute are fascinating and overwhelming. No fewer than sixteen museums, most of them along the Mall, make up The Smithsonian. Most are open to visitors without an admission charge. Particularly noteworthy are the Air and Space Museum which houses Lindbergh's "Spirit of St. Louis" airplane and the Apollo space capsule; The American History Museum, home to the first ladies' inaugural gowns and the Hope diamond; and the National Art Gallery with its large European and Medieval art collections. The newest addition is the American Indian Museum, opened in November 2004. This massive building made of Indiana limestone holds exhibits about different Indian cultures in the United States. An impressive sculpture collection is also featured.
The White House. Home to the president of the United States, it is worth a visit despite the long lines and stringent security. Currently, The White House is open only via tours for groups of 10 or more (bring your friends). Apply to your member of Congress to get tickets. The tour is free and, unfortunately, subject to last minute cancellation. There is a visitor center located on the grounds open seven days a week to all visitors.
The Capitol Building. Home to the U S Senate and House of Representatives, the Capitol Building is open to visitors via guided tours only. Passes for tours can be obtained on the day of the tour at the Capitol kiosk located at the intersection of Independence Avenue and First Street.
The Monuments. The Washington, Jefferson, and Lincoln Memorials are symbols of Washington D.C. They are also interesting to visit. The view from the Washington Monument is sweeping, but plan ahead. Tickets are limited and security can be tight. The Lincoln Memorial and Jefferson Memorial can be walked through on your own. Stand at the top of the Lincoln Memorial steps where Dr. Martin Luther King gave his "I have a dream" speech. Also worth a visit is the Vietnam Memorial. This black granite wall carved with the names of the men and women who died during the Vietnam conflict is very moving.
Georgetown. Washington's oldest neighborhood, Georgetown is a great place to explore on foot. Stroll along the cobblestone streets and take in the Federalist and Georgian townhouses. The "Old Stone House" is the oldest intact house in Georgetown and is open to visitors daily. A quiet neighborhood, despite its nearness to the Capitol, Georgetown is home to a myriad of high-end antique shops, most along Wisconsin Avenue (perfect for window shopping), small art galleries, and new and used book stores. Georgetown is also home to the C and O Canal Park, an 18-mile strip with a bike path and hiking trails along the Potomac River.
Just outside of town:
Alexandria Virginia. Just across the Potomac River from Washington D.C. lies Alexandria. This compact town, founded in 1749, is filled with charm and history. Visit the city's old town, filled with taverns, antique shops, and restored 18th and 19th townhomes. You can visit Robert E Lee's boyhood home and Christ Church, George Washington's and Mr. Lee's parish.
Mt Vernon. George Washington's home, just a short drive along the Potomac River from Washington, provides a fascinating look back into history. The two-story house backing up to the Potomac, the out buildings, servants' quarters, livery, the well-manicured flower garden, vegetable garden, and orchard, the burial site where George and Martha Washington are buried, are all open to the public.
Arlington Cemetery. Formerly, the estate of Robert E. Lee, Arlington cemetery is The United States' National cemetery. Over 250,000 Americans are interred here including past presidents (William Taft and John F Kennedy), veterans (Admiral Robert E. Peary and Admiral John Pershing), and other notables (boxer, Joe Lewis and actor, Lee Marvin). The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and the Iwo Jima Memorial are also worth a visit.
Getting there:
Washington DC is served by two airports, Reagan International, near the Capital, and Dulles International, southeast of the capital in Virginia.
Trains from Union Station, Washington's main train terminal, depart for all parts of the east coast, great lakes, and the south.
Once in Washington, it is very easy to get around town on the Metro (subway) system. It runs from Reagan airport into the center of town and to Alexandria as well as from Arlington across the mall.
Culture:
Washington is home to many colleges and universities including Georgetown University, George Washington University, and American University. The world's ambassadors and their staffs are housed in the embassies mostly in the Northwest quadrant of the district, giving the town a very international flavor.
The Kennedy Center for the performing arts and Wolf Trap, outside of town, host a continuous schedule of music, dance, and theater events.
Restaurants:
Dining is an art in Washington. From a power breakfast at the tony Hay Adams Hotel to a traditional, charming lunch at the Inn at Mt Vernon, near George Washington's home, Washington offers all types of cuisine. The Foggy Bottom neighborhood is known for its ethnic restaurants and Georgetown has historic taverns serving fare from the 1800s.
Shopping:
Washington D.C. has a wide variety of shopping options. Near the mall is The Old Post Office building, a restored building housing thirteen shops, many restaurants, and offices. Union Station, not fare from the Capitol, has over 130 shops and restaurants. Unique shops and galleries can be found along Wisconsin in Georgetown and along King St. in Alexandria, Virginia.
Festivals:
The cherry blossom festival in April brings visitors from all over the world to view the magnificent, flowering trees that surround the tidal basin in Washington.
George Washington's birthday is celebrated in Alexandria each February with events including an annual parade and a revolutionary war reenactment.
Independence Day (July 4th) is a big event in Washington. Thousands of visitors flock to the mall to see the spectacular fireworks display and enjoy the outdoor concert.
