Explore Things to do in Washington DC
The nation’s capital is home to some of the most important historical buildings in the world. On a trip to Washington D.C. get set to learn a little about the country’s government and a lot about its history. The most popularly visited attractions are located within the National Mall an appropriately named two-mile stretch of land that encompasses some of the most important government buildings, monuments, and memorials.
There are plenty of interesting sites to visit in other parts of Washington D.C. Including the Library of Congress, the infamous Ford’s Theater, and the nearby U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum.
White House
The White House is a landmark that requires no introduction. As the most famous building in the nation and one of the world’s most significant landmarks. With many visitors to one of Washington D.C.’s favorite attractions.
Known as the official residence of the sitting president of the United States and his family. Visitors can arrange a guided tour of the White House where they can view several rooms and halls and learn about the history of this important building.
Lincoln Memorial
This white columned building is a memorial to one of the nation’s greatest presidents, Abraham Lincoln. The monument was built from 1914 to 1922 and has continually been one of D.C.’s top tourist attractions. The Lincoln Memorial also known as the famous site of Martin Luther King’s “I Have a Dream” speech.
At its center is a 19-foot marble statue of a seated and pensive President Abraham Lincoln surrounded by 36 columns. The statue of Lincoln is especially powerful lighted at night inside the darkened interior of the temple and framed by the floodlit white columns.
Washington Monument
The Washington Monument one of D.C.’s most well-known landmarks. The monument is a marble obelisk standing 555 feet tall. It was constructed from 1848 to 1884 in commemoration of President George Washington. The base of the monument is surrounded by a circle of 50 American Flags.
Visitors can ride the elevator to the top the monument is equally impressive from below. The nearby reflecting pool is a favorite site for photographing the monument and other parts of the National Mall. A beautiful sight, especially when mirrored in the long Reflecting Pool at its foot.
National Zoo
One of the United States’ oldest zoos is located in Washington D.C. and is part of the Smithsonian Institution. The National Zoo has two separate campuses. Between the two are more than 2,000 animals representing more than 400 species including more than 50 endangered or threatened species.
Some of the most famous inhabitants are the giant pandas, reptiles, aquatic animals, small mammals, great apes, big cats, amphibians, and Asian elephants. Other zoo highlights are red pandas, Sumatran tigers, western lowland gorillas, white-naped cranes, and North Island brown kiwis.
The U.S. Capitol Building
Just a glimpse of the outside of this famous building is enough to impress anyone. The U.S. Capitol Building is located atop Capitol Hill at the eastern end of the National Mall. The huge dome, based on the dome of St. Peter’s in Rome, stands out above all other Washington buildings.
The interior is stunning with frescoes, reliefs, and paintings, especially the rotunda under the great cast-iron dome with a ceiling painting by Constantino Brumidi. Huge paintings of scenes from American history on the walls. Visitors will enjoy exploring the visitor center.
Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History
Established in 1910 and located on the National Mall, this prestigious museum, part of the Smithsonian Institution, holds the world’s most extensive collection of natural history specimens and human artifacts including the remains of dinosaurs and tools used by early man.
Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History includes art galleries, fossil halls, meteorite collections, butterfly gardens and more. There’s a Hall of Bones, Insect Zoo and the Hope Diamond is here. Children will especially like the dinosaur exhibits and the interactive Discovery Room where they can touch and play with various artifacts.
Library of Congress
This mammoth library is the official of the U.S. Congress and the country’s national. Famously known as the oldest federal cultural institution in America. The Library of Congress has been the site of important events in America.
With more than 167 million items, the Library of Congress is the second-largest library in the world. The library has three buildings in total, and each one showcases breathtaking architecture that’s just as incredible as the materials within.
Jefferson Memorial
A 19-foot bronze statue of perhaps the most esteemed founding father sits beneath a columned rotunda in the style of the Roman Pantheon. Jefferson Memorial its low dome supported by 54 Ionic columns. Inside, appearing in a dramatic silhouette through the columns, is a 19-foot statue of a standing Jefferson, and around are engraved excerpts of the Declaration of Independence and other writings.
The monument stands alone at the far end of the Tidal Pool, which reflects the monument in its surface, and all around the edge of the water are cherry trees.
U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum
The U.S. official memorial to the Holocaust is one of Washington D.C.’s most visited locations. The U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum documents and memorializes the Holocaust and provides a look at how the world has come together to confront hatred and prevent genocide.
The collection contains more than 12,000 artifacts, millions of archival documents and thousands of historical photographs. Visitors can view the names of the 200,000 registered survivors and watch archival footage or listen to audio of survivors.
Ford’s Theater
This historic theater is the famous site of the assassination of President Abraham Lincoln on April 14, 1865. Today the Ford’s Theater is used for stage performances and events, but its unique history as the site of many important events has made it a favorite of tourists in D.C.
Ford’s is the premier destination in the nation’s capital to explore and celebrate the life and legacy of Abraham Lincoln. A daytime visit can include the museum, theatre, Petersen House (the house where Lincoln died) and Aftermath Exhibits at the Center for Education and Leadership.
Things to Do in Washington D.C
A visit to Washington D.C. is all about America. From touring the White House to sitting on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial or visiting one of the many Smithsonian Museums, visiting Washington D.C. is a chance to learn and reflect on the history of the United States.