Description
The capital city of the United States of America, Washington D.C. boasts such iconic buildings and monuments as the White House, Washington Monument, Lincoln Memorial and the United States Capitol building. Amongst fantastic attractions are over a hundred free things to do, including major museums events, and to finish off a busy day of sighting, visitors can choose from over 2,100 restaurants offering a range of delectable cuisines.
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Things to do
Lincoln Memorial, Reflecting Pool and Washington Monument
Surrounded by other monuments and memorials such as the Thomas Jefferson and Martin Luther King memorials, the Washington monument’s obelisk to the iconic Lincoln Memorial is one of the most famous spots in the whole USA.
The White House
Official residence and offices of the president of the United States of America’s administration since 1800, The White House is one of the most famous buildings in the world. Designed by James Hoban, the West Wing, Oval Office and north and south facades are iconic and steeped in history.
National Museum of African American History and Culture
Just across from the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial, this museum tells the story of the African American people’s history during the rise of the United States to the present, complete with artefacts and exhibits dedicated to memorable people and movements.
National War Memorials
Lying around the reflecting pool, you will find a memorial to those who fell in battle with the WWII memorial at the foot of the Washington Monument, the Korean War Memorial to the south of the reflecting pool, and the Vietnam Memorial to the north either side of the Lincoln Memorial.
International Spy Museum
This eye-opening museum deals with all things super spy and espionage, from the beginnings of intelligence through to the heights of the Cold War to the modern day. Boasting the largest collection of spy artefacts in the worlds, the international spy museum is one of Washington DC’s best-kept secrets.
National Museum of the American Indian
This fascinating museum and cultural centre tells the stories of America’s indigenous peoples of the past. Here, you’ll get to see wonderful exhibitions covering such proud histories and cultures such as the Incas, Algonquians, Hawaiians, Cherokees and Navajo.
United States Capitol
As the building of governance where the United States Congress is held, the capitol building offers fantastic tours covering the country’s iconic timeline. Steeped in history and built in 1800, the United States Capitol building is a grand sight even if you don’t go inside.
Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History
With free admission and opening throughout the year, this natural history museum is a delight for families and evolution enthusiasts alike with an amazing variety of exhibits on display, from giant dinosaur skeletons to ‘Henry’ the elephant and suspended whales.
Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum
Free admission means you have to go to this out-of-this-world museum even if it’s just to pop in and see the highlights, such as the Spirit of St. Louis, discovery spacecraft, aerobatic biplanes, Concord, stealth plane and the 1909 Wright Military Flyer.
Puget Sound
Located along the north-western coast of Washington, Puget Sound is the second biggest estuary in the US with an abundance of fascinating marine and wildlife. The sound provides a strong economy for the surrounding regions thanks to its high production of natural resources.