Washington DC ?????

Question

what are the best places to visit at Washington DC??

Answer 1

Best Answer - Chosen by Voters

There are a huge number of things that you can do in Washington, but they basically fit in about five categories.

1. Monuments and memorials - Monuments to presidents, memorials of wars, various services, statues of people who served in Congress, who were great leaders, scientists (Einstein) etc. Many of them are, in addition to being importan memorials, architecturally or artistically, or historically very interesting (The FDR memorial is almost an art gallery - the Lincoln Memorial has become an historical site and a symbol of freedom to everyone.)

2. The halls of government - all of the federal government is centered here, and you can tour the Capitol and it's associated buidings like the Library of Congress and the Botanical Gardens, you can tour the Supreme Court, and the White house under limited circumstances. The National Archives, which stores the documents of our democracy. Also some federal agencies have tours of their buildings, or part of their buildings.

3. The Smithsonian Institution. One of the greatest museum organizations in the world, the Smithsonian offers about 16 museums in Washington DC on every possible subject from history to science, to art. Most of them are on the mall, but some interesting ones are off the mall. A number of them have great opportunities for kids. Remember that the National Zoo is a part of the Smithsonian.

4. Neighborhoods - I always include this when I am talking about DC - DC is not just a tourist destination, it is a city where people come to work each day, with it's own vivid culture, history and neighborhoods. Duke Ellington grew up in the Shaw Neighborhood, Adams-Morgan was founded during school desegregation with a mission to make this change in the way Americans live a success, and they've remained the most integrated, multi-cultural area in Washington. Georgetown has a history back to Colonial times, and incredible architecture to boot. Chinatown saw waves of immigrants, first German, and later Chinese, and provides wonderful inexpensive meals to the folks who are visiting the nearby Penn Quarter theatre district.

5. Everything else - gardens, historic houses, non-smithsonian musuems, the Bureau of Engraving and Printing, Parks, cruises on the potomac, the list goes on and on and on. Does that help?

Source(s):

Lived here more than 25 years and do a travel podcast on the city:

Http://www.washingtontravelcast.com

Answer 2

dang theres so many
go to tha lincoln memorial
and ask a local theyll tell u everything
its rele overwhelming

Answer 3

the common known places

Answer 4

My school went earlier this year, and I liked the World War II Memorial, the Washington Monument, and the Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial

Answer 5

If you are a walker, I suggest taking a solid day (or two) to "do the mall" Air & Space / Smithsonian / Archives / Museum of Nat History / Library of Congress / Memorials / Congress / White House.... All within a daily walking-spree. But, please do not forget to look into the other things that DC has to offer: Restaurants, Shops, Theatres, Art, etc.... For food and pubs, always head NW from the mall, but don't go more than 5 to 10 blocks from the mall if you don't know the city.

Things people miss: The National Building Museum, near the Law Enforcement Memorial, The Corcoran Gallery, Ford's Theater, The Einstien memorial (Near the Vietnam Vet memorial), National Botanical Garden (a ways from the mall, but worth the visit)

Source(s):

I grew up in DC and I survived.

Answer 6

It all depends on what you want and what interests you. I've heard the spy museum (http://www.spymuseum.org/) is supposed to be really good. I haven't been there yet but next time I'm in D.C., I will definitely check that out. Maybe when I pass through there on my way to N.C. for Thanksgiving. There's also the National Archives if seeing the original documents that built this country interests you. The Smithsonian is always a great place to go. Personally, I'd skip the White House tour. It was freezing cold when I went, stood on a long line, and just wasn't all that impressed with what I saw. The Washington Monument has a nice view from the top. The Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center (http://www.nasm.si.edu/udvarhazy/) located outside of D.C. (near Dulles) is pretty good. Lots of aircraft inside including an SR-71 Blackbird, Concorde, and a Space Shuttle (although it is not one that went into space, it is actual size and quite impressive to stand next to). Some of the war memorials are also impressive to visit (Vietnam Memorial, WWII memorial, and Arlington National Cemetery, including the tomb of the unknown soldier). Here's another good webiste to find things to do down there (www.washington.org/).