A travel guide to the many tourist attractions for visitors of Washington, DC, focusing on historical sites and museums.
Washington D.C. is not only the capital of the United States but a fabulous city filled with dozens of historical sites and truly terrific museums.
Many of Washington D.C.'s best museums and historical sites have two great advantages. First, lots of the city's museums and historical sites are located in a compact district called the National Mall that has many transportation options. Parking is plentiful. You can also use the city subway. The subway is clean, pleasant, and cheap and has lots of stops near the mall. A number of museums are so close together it is entirely possible to walk between them.
The second great advantage many Washington attractions offer is price. Since they are subsidized by the federal government admission is often free.
Any tour of the city will probably revolve around the main function of Washington D.C.: providing a home for the three branches of American government.
Start with one of the most famous of all American buildings: the White House. The White House is the America president's official residence. Parts of the building and the ground are actually open to the public. Free tickets for a unique and terrific guided tour are given out every morning on a first come first serve basis so plan to get on line at the park across the street from the White House as early as possible.
The legislative branch is represented physically by the Congressional building. The vast building is home to the House of Representatives and Senate. Visitors can watch congressional hearings in action and get a detailed tour of the many special features of the building. The structure is noteworthy for the works of art housed there and the beautiful refurbished rotunda that crowns one of the main rooms.
After you've seen Congress and the White House you should stop by the Supreme Court. The Court building has lots of special exhibits about the history of America's much admired judicial system. The Court is in session starting every October. Contact your local representative to find out how you can get a special pass to hear the Justices debate an important issue.
In addition to the buildings housing the three main branches of government, Washington also has several wonderful outdoor historic sites honoring great American past presidents.
The city is named after George Washington, America's first president. His memorial is a lovely pointed tower in the heart of the city. Visitors are whisked to the top of the tower where they can look out and see for miles.
Thomas Jefferson was another early beloved American president. He is remembered in the city with a large marble memorial right next to the Potomac River. The stone is inscribed with his inspiring speeches and has details of his many accomplishments.
Perhaps the most famous of all Washington monuments is the monument to President Abraham Lincoln. The large memorial faces a reflecting pool and has often been the gathering grounds for political protest. Nobel Laureate and civil rights activist Martin Luther King Jr. gave his famous "I have Dream" speech here. The monument features a huge yet poetic and soulful sculpture of a seated Mr. Lincoln. As in the nearby Jefferson memorial visitors can read the text of his many famous speeches including his second inaugural and much admired Gettysburg address.
Adjacent to the Lincoln memorial is another famous memorial: the Vietnam Memorial. This simple yet highly effective monument has the names of all the men who died in the war written on a long polished black slab. The monument was designed by the renowned architect Maya Lin while she was still in her twenties.
In addition to the many outdoor attractions, the city is also home to many terrific indoor ones. By far Washington's most famous museum is the Smithsonian Institution. The establishment of the Smithsonian, often referred to as "America's attic," came about as the result of money bequeathed to the city by James Smithson, an Englishman who never actually set foot in America. The Smithsonian has many branches in Washington D.C.
One of the most unique of all museums in Washington or anywhere else is the Smithsonian's National Air and Space Museum. This museum is dedicated to showcasing human accomplishments in aviation and planetary exploration. Visitors can touch an actual moon rock, see the first plane to cross the Atlantic Ocean or even pretend to be a pilot at the museum's flight stimulators.
Another Smithsonian museum well worth a visit is the National Museum of Natural History. The Museum has many fascinating exhibits including material about dinosaurs, insects and traditional African culture.
The city of Washington D.C. has many fine historical sites and museums. Spent time there for an experience you'll never forget.
