Our U.S. Capitol, Washington, the District of Columbia
Majestic monuments, grand museums, iconic buildings and many of them, high-end restaurants and neighborhood nostalgic pubs, jazz clubs, theaters and markets/eateries for foodies. The surrounding suburbs are beautiful and lush; both states of Virginia and Maryland are close by. Washington is a city of trees, universities, history, patriotic parks and culture. The neighborhoods are varied, namely Georgetown, Chinatown, Dupont Circle, Capitol Hill, to name a few.
Washington, D.C. became the capital of the United States in 1790. The name gives recognition to George Washington, our 1st President and Christopher Columbus, the discoverer of America. Known for its cherry blossoms, DC has over 3,000 trees imported from Japan which bloom the last week of March through the first week of April. They can be mostly found at the Tidal Basin, near the Jefferson Memorial, FDR Memorial and MLK Memorial. There are small clusters of trees along the National Mall, around the Washington Monument, and Northwest to the Lincoln Memorial.
There is so much to see, so much to experience in our Nation’s Capital. My recommendation is to do a ½ day tour, tripadvisor.com and get an orientation to many of the key monuments and sites. These tours make several stops for photo opportunities and to visit some key monuments up close. The Metrorail system covers 117 miles, has 91 stations and includes 6 lines. It is a very efficient way to get around the city from one site, and one neighborhood to another.
The White House:
1600 Pennsylvania Ave., NW – 55,000 sq. ft.
The executive branch of our government, it’s the official residence and workplace of the President of the U.S.; every President since John Adams in 1800. During the War of 1812, the British Army set ablaze the mansion destroying the interior and charring much of the exterior.
The Capitol:
The legislative branch of our government, the Senate and the House of Representatives meet at the Capitol.
The Supreme Court of the U.S.
The judiciary branch of our government, is open to the public Mon-Fri from 9A-4:30P. Court sessions are open to the public.
The National Mall:
A beautiful green park area extending from the U.S. Capitol to the Lincoln Memorial, and is lined with several museums. The neighboring parks and the Lincoln Memorial and the Jefferson Memorial are all close by.
Washington Monument:
The world’s tallest obelisk, built to commemorate George Washington, commander-in-chief of the Continental Army in the American Revolutionary War and 1st President of the U.S. It has 3 floors, constructed of marble & granite and is 554 ft. high. There is an elevator to take visitors to the top to enjoy a panoramic view of Washington D.C. It sits east of the reflecting pool and the Lincoln Memorial, within the National Mall.
Lincoln Memorial:
This grand monument overlooks the Reflecting Pool, the Washington Monument and the U.S. Capitol. Take the elevator up or walk the steps to get close to Lincoln, feel his power and significance in our American history.
Jefferson Memorial:
Thomas Jefferson was the 3rd President of the U.S. and the writer of the Declaration of Independence. Visit this 19 ft. statue surrounded by passages from Jefferson writings.
Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial:
Located adjacent to the FDR Memorial, this memorial serves as a lasting tribute to all that MLK achieved.
Vietnam Veterans Memorial:
Located within the National Mall, this black granite wall is a moving memorial inscribed with more than 58,209 Americans missing or killed in the Vietnam War.
National WWII Memorial:
Located between the Washington Monument and Lincoln Memorial, it honors the 16 million who served during WWII.
Korean War Memorial:
Features a sculptured column of soldiers and a 164 ft. mural inscribed with the works “Freedom is Not Free.”
Smithsonian Museums:
National Museum of Natural History:
The world’s largest natural history museum with highlights including live butterflies, The Hope Diamond, Human Origins, the Ocean Hall, Dinosaurs and exhibitions on various topics of interest, i.e. infectious diseases and pandemics, genomics
Love Washington DC