It would be ideal if every American could visit Washington, D.C. at least once in their lives. For those fortunate enough to make a trip to our nation’s capital, there are certain must-see attractions, most of which can be visited in a couple of days, but it would take weeks to take advantage of all that Washington has to offer. There are some wonderful bus tours that take visitors to many of the sites listed here, but they are a bit pricey. Whether you decide to take a tour or not, the following is a suggested list of attractions for the visitor who has only a few days to visit the capital city.
Policies and decisions made in Washington affect all Americans, as well as many nations around the world, so let’s first check out the government buildings. Construction on this spectacular, domed building began in 1793 and wasn’t complete until 1865. It is in this building that the United States Senate and the House of Representatives meet to make laws and debate issues. This is one of the most photographed buildings in the world. Not far from the Capitol is the impressive, white-columned Supreme Court building. It is here in which nine appointed justices preside over the highest court in the nation. You also can’t miss the White House, known across the globe as the home of the President of the United States. A tour of this stately building is essential for any visit to D.C. It is full of famous ballrooms, dining rooms, and rooms reminiscent of past presidents and first ladies.
After touring the centers of our nation’s government, it is time to make our way to the National Mall where an entire day can be spent visiting museums, monuments, and memorials. Towering 555 feet over the center of the Mall is the majestic Washington monument. Although it boasts 897 steps to the top, there is an elevator for visitors to use. From the top, there is a spectacular view of the next stops on our tour.
The Mall is set up in a sort of diamond shape with the major memorials and buildings at each point and the Washington Monument in the middle. Facing south from the Washington Monument, the Jefferson Memorial and Franklin D. Roosevelt Memorial are just across the tidal basin, while off to our right, looking west, we see the Lincoln Memorial with the Vietnam Veteran’s Memorial and WWII Memorial in the foreground. Looking back, the White House is behind us to the north, and the Capitol building is off to our left. Each of the stunning presidential memorials gives regal tribute to the memories of Jefferson, Roosevelt, and Lincoln. The war memorials are solemn reminders of lives that were lost in the name of keeping our freedoms.
After visiting all the memorials and monuments, we’ll conveniently find hot dogs, ice cream and other food stands on most street corners. If we once again use the Washington Monument as our starting point, we’ll next want to head east, back toward the Capitol building.
On either side of the tree-lined Mall stand many tall buildings, which, from a distance, may look relatively unimpressive, though they are filled with treasures beyond compare. These are the buildings of the Smithsonian Institution. Admission to all of the Smithsonian museums is free. Starting on the left side of the mall, heading in the direction of the Capitol, we’ll find the Museum of American History, the Museum of Natural History, and finally, the National Gallery of Art. Before heading to the other side of the mall to visit the other Smithsonian museums, walk across Constitution Avenue to find the National Archives, home of the original copies of the Declaration of Independence, the U.S. Bill of Rights, and the Constitution.
Let’s cross over and head back in the direction of the Washington Monument. On our left will be the National Air and Space Museum, the Hirshhorn Museum, and finally the old Smithsonian Institution castle. If we go just a bit farther back down the street toward the Jefferson Memorial, we’ll see the Bureau of Engraving and Printing and the Holocaust Memorial Museum.
If you’ve made it this far, you’ve taken a big bite out of Washington’s finest attractions. If there is still time, plan on touring the National Cathedral. Take in a play or concert at the Kennedy Center, take a boat ride on the Potomac, or ride a bicycle down the historic C&O Canal towing path. The highlight of any visit is a 20-minute drive into Virginia, through quaint Old Town Alexandria, to Mount Vernon. This beautiful, 500-acre riverside mansion was the home of George and Martha Washington. Hourly tours are through the house, the grounds, the stables, and the slave quarters are available.
To reserve a place on special tours of the Capitol, White House, and other government agencies, contact your senator or representative well in advance. They also might be able to direct you to lesser-known attractions and even send brochures. For more ideas on what to do, how to get there, and how to reserve spots on tours, etc., contact the Washington Convention and Visitors Association or the Visitor Information Center. Have a great trip!
