Places to Visit in the Washington, District of Columbia
When you visit Washington, DC, you should make sure to take some time to explore the city. Visit the National Postal Museum, the National Museum of American History, the Smithsonian Institution Building, and East Potomac Park. There are many other amazing places to visit in the Washington District of Columbia that are not mentioned in this article. The list is long, so it is best to have a day to explore everything!
National Postal Museum
The National Postal Museum is located opposite Union Station in Washington, D.C. It was opened in 1993 through a joint venture between the Smithsonian Institution and the United States Postal Service. The museum displays an extensive collection of mail, postcards, and other postal products. For an unforgettable experience, you should visit the museum at least once during your stay in Washington. Its main exhibit features the history of mail delivery and the evolution of postal services.
The Postmasters Gallery is a beautiful, six-sided room reserved for special exhibitions. The current exhibition, Trailblazing: 100 Years of America’s National Parks, celebrates the centennial of the Park Service. This exhibit includes mail tales and relevant stamps. There is also a large, illuminated artwork wall, which features 54 historic U.S. stamps and replicas. This room is well worth a visit, and the Postal Museum offers many opportunities to purchase rare stamps.
The Smithsonian National Postal Museum is located in historic D.C. City Post Office. It showcases the largest stamp collection in the world as well as other postal history material that predates stamps. Visitors can browse a period-appropriate post office and walk down a Colonial post road. They can even pick up free stamps to begin their own collection. While there, you can also buy commemorative stamps and collectibles.
A trip to the National Postal Museum in Washington, DC is not complete without a visit to the Smithsonian. This historic building opened in 1914 as the city’s post office. It now houses a 35,000-square-foot public museum, a 6,000-square-foot research library, and a museum shop. The museum is part of the Smithsonian Institute, a collection of 19 museums. The National Postal Museum is an excellent place to hold any event – big or small.
If you’re looking for something to do with the kids while visiting the National Postal Museum, the nearest pay parking garage is located at Union Station. The museum is also easily accessible with a ramp at the North Capitol Street entrance. In addition to exhibits, you can also participate in free docent-led tours. On the lobby level of the museum, the William H. Gross Stamp Gallery features some of the most famous stamp printing errors in history, including the iconic Penny Black. During your visit, you can even create a virtual stamp collection.
National Museum of American History
When you visit Washington DC, you may want to check out the National Museum of American History, located in the Kenneth E. Behring Center. The museum preserves and collects artifacts from the American past, and features exhibitions on American social, political, cultural, and scientific history. This museum even features the original Star Spangled Banner. It is definitely worth a visit!
The museum is easiest to get to via public transportation, so it is a good idea to plan your trip accordingly. If you plan to take the Metro to the museum, you can use the Smithsonian (Mall exit) station. Parking at the museum is not free, and the closest garages are located at the International Trade Center and the Ronald Reagan Building. Regardless of the mode of transportation you choose, you will want to arrive at least 30 minutes before the museum opens.
Visitors may also want to check out the “Star Wars” exhibit, which features the original Star-Spangled Banner. Other highlights of the museum include the lunch counter from Greensboro’s famous sit-in during the Civil Rights movement, the original Star-Spangled Banner, and Dorothy’s ruby slippers. Depending on your interests, you can also check out the museum’s kitchen and the dress that Julia Child wore for her inauguration.
The National Museum of American History, places to visit to see the collection of artifacts is another great choice for a day out in Washington, DC. Located in the National Mall, the museum houses over 12,000 square feet of shelving and offers a wealth of history. In addition to artifacts, the Archives Center has exhibits on technology, invention, advertising, marketing, American music, and oral histories.
The Star Spangled Banner Museum has three exhibition floors. Each wing houses a landmark artifact from its pre-existing exhibits. These include the 1865 Vassar Telescope, the George Washington Statue, the Red Cross ambulance, and a car from the famous Dumbo Flying Elephant ride. All three floors are worth a visit. When visiting the museum, remember to bring your camera!
Smithsonian Institution Building
Near the National Mall in Washington, D.C., you will find the Smithsonian Institution Building. Located behind the Sackler Gallery and National Museum of African Art, this building houses the administrative offices for the Smithsonian Institution. The building also has an information center. You can get more information about the institution at the Smithsonian’s website. Visiting the building is free and open to the public.
The building was designed by James Renwick, Jr., a prominent New York architect. The building was built between 1847 and 1855 for the Smithsonian Institution, which was founded by an act of Congress in 1846. Smithson was an English scientist who was an illegitimate son of the Duke of North Cumberland. He intended to use his money for scientific research and education.
While the Smithsonian building is a stunning structure, the story of its construction is tragic. During the era of the building’s construction, slavery was still active in Washington. In addition to the building itself, two slave pens were located on the grounds. These pens were infamous for holding people of color in horrendous conditions. This building also housed a slave residence, the Williams House, across from the Hirshhorn Museum.
The building’s interior is also notable. The lower main hall is known as the Great Hall, and has stencil works on the ceiling. The building’s architect, Adolf Cluss, completed the renovations and added a decorative element. Despite its beautiful interior, the building still has many problems and serves administrative needs. This building also features a number of offices for the Smithsonian Institution.
Another prominent landmark in the National Mall is the Smithsonian Institution Building. The red sandstone building resembles a 12th-century French fortress. Its unique shape has earned it the nickname “The Castle.” The first building constructed by the Smithsonian, The Institution Building was completed in 1855 by the same architect as St. Patrick’s Cathedral in New York City. Today, the building still houses the main administrative offices of the Smithsonian.
East Potomac Park
Located between the Washington Channel and Potomac River, East Panomac Park is a man-made island in the Potomac River. It is near the Jefferson Memorial, the 14th Street Bridge, and the National Mall. For the best view of the Washington Monument, you must visit the park and take a stroll along the riverfront. There are also numerous places to eat and drink in the area.
Located south of the Jefferson Memorial, East Potomac Park is a man-made island between the Potomac River and the Washington Channel. It is a popular spot for running and biking and features Washington’s famous cherry trees. A public aquatic center is also located here. Visitors can enjoy the riverfront views and the water sports while taking in the sights and sounds of the city.
Another highlight of East Potomac Park is the cherry blossom season. The park has 1,681 cherry trees. The Kanzan variety blooms two weeks later than the Yoshino variety, but if you want to see cherry blossoms in Washington DC, East Potomac Park is one of the best spots. Take a cherry blossom cruise to see the blossoms in full bloom and make sure to check out the famous cherry trees while you are here.
A renowned spot for fishing, picnicking, and other activities, East Potomac Park is a great place for a family day trip. The park is also home to three golf courses. Kids can even play mini-golf here! The park is located just a short drive from the Washington Channel and is perfect for families. The area also has a variety of recreational facilities.
Golf enthusiasts will be glad to learn that the East Potomac Park golf course is part of the National Park Service’s network of courses. The park has a driving range, three regular courses, and a restaurant called the Potomac Grille. Unfortunately, there are no putting competitions, and wagering is prohibited. There are no facilities for competitive games, but the course itself is fun for everyone.
Best Sightseeing in Washington, DC
If you’re on a budget, your best sightseeing options in Washington, DC are the National Mall, the White House, and the Smithsonian Institution building. Of course, if you want to go all out, don’t miss Arlington National Cemetery, the largest memorial cemetery in the United States. These are just a few of the many things to see and do in DC. For more suggestions, check out our guide to sightseeing in DC.
Smithsonian Institution building
The Smithsonian Institution Building is one of the coolest buildings in the District of Columbia. It is a medieval-style building with curving windows and turrets and features galleries, libraries, and chapels. It contains the tomb of James Smithson, who donated everything he had to the Smithsonian Institution after his death. If you haven’t been inside before, now is the time to do so.
Located on the National Mall, the Smithsonian Institution Building is easily recognized. Its structure and red sandstone exterior approximate a 12th-century French fortress, earning it the nickname “The Castle.” The building was completed in 1855 and is home to the main offices of the Smithsonian Institution. There are also other museums and special events held at the institution.
There are dozens of other museums and galleries in the District of Columbia, including the world’s largest museum, the Smithsonian Institution. There are two Smithsonians in New York City, but there are several within walking distance of the National Mall in Washington D.C. This area is renowned for its rich American history. Visitors staying in the D.C. area can explore the museums and visit the National Zoo.
Among the other important museums in the District of Columbia, you should visit the National Archives Building. This building houses one of the world’s largest collections of stamps. You can also see historic mailboxes and vehicles used for mail delivery. Another great museum is the National Gallery of Art. Its marble neoclassical architecture and dome are designed by the same architect who designed the Jefferson Memorial.
National Mall
The National Mall is a grassy expanse that’s filled with iconic monuments like the U.S. Capitol, Lincoln Memorial, and Washington Monument. Smithsonian museums surround the National Mall and often fill up with school groups. In spring, you can visit the Tidal Basin to see the cherry trees bloom. For those who love cherry trees, don’t miss the Lincoln Memorial in bloom.
The Washington Monument is one of the best places to see cherry blossoms, and you can paddleboat on the Tidal Basin if you’re in the mood for a leisurely walk. Other attractions on the National Mall include the rotunda and the Washington Monument. Most museums close at night, but monuments and memorials are even more beautiful at night. If you’re visiting Washington, be sure to plan your trip around cherry blossom season, when thousands of pink cherry trees bloom.
The Smithsonian Institution has many museums and galleries throughout Washington, DC. Its two-mile-long National Mall is a great place to bike and explore. The National Mall is home to many Smithsonian museums, including the National Air and Space Museum and the National Museum of American History. And don’t forget to visit the National Air and Space Museum, which tells the story of the development of aircraft and space travel.
There are plenty of monuments to visit on the National Mall. Among the most popular ones is the Lincoln Memorial, which is dedicated to the third president of the United States. You can see the names of fallen soldiers on the monument’s black granite walls, as well as the Women’s Memorial and the Three Servicemen bronze sculpture. The Korean War Veterans Memorial also features a peaceful pool of remembrance.
White House
The official residence of the president of the United States is the White House. Located at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue NW in Washington, D.C., this iconic building has been home to every U.S. president since 1800. There are many things to see and learn inside the historic house. Here are a few tips to help you plan a tour of the White House. Read on to learn more. And don’t forget to take a photo!
To get a White House tour, you can contact your member of Congress or contact the embassy of your country in Washington, DC. Requests for tours can be made up to three months in advance and are best made at least 21 days prior to your visit. Although tours are free and open to the public, they do tend to fill up fast and are often canceled last minute. To avoid disappointment, always plan ahead and make sure you can visit during the non-peak tourist seasons.
When you visit the White House, make sure to bring a photo ID and a valid passport. You will also need to pass security checks. For security reasons, you should arrive at least 30 minutes before the tour begins. You can also bring your camera or smartphone, but be sure to check that it is small and lightweight. If you plan on taking photos or videos, you should check with your hotel’s concierge to see if they can store your bag for you.
If you have limited time, consider visiting the Visitor Center. This museum has exhibits and informative displays about the White House and its presidents. There’s also a virtual tour of the White House on the White House website. The Visitor Center also offers a tour of the exterior garden. The Visitor Center is open Wednesday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. You can also visit the White House Historical Association retail store to purchase souvenirs.
Arlington National Cemetery
If you want to visit the United States capital, you should consider visiting the Arlington National Cemetery. This United States military cemetery is located in Arlington County, Virginia, across the Potomac River from the heart of Washington, D.C. With its six-hundred acres, it has been the resting place of the nation’s war dead since the Civil War and is also a reburial ground for the dead from earlier wars.
Visiting Arlington National Cemetery is free, but it requires a lot of time. It takes approximately 35 minutes to ride the Metrorail to the cemetery from central D.C. It is a museum and military cemetery, so you will not find any food or beverage offerings here. In addition, you will not be able to consume alcohol or eat in the cemetery, which makes it the best sightseeing in the District of Columbia.
Another must-see when visiting Arlington National Cemetery is the Changing of the Guard ceremony. Every hour from October 1 to March 31 and half an hour from April 1 to September 30, this ceremony honors our nation’s fallen heroes. Visitors are expected to stand or remain silent for this momentous occasion. The ceremony takes about fifteen minutes to complete. You can also catch the live broadcast of the Changing of the Guard from the Visitor Center.
The National Cemetery is a must-see on any visit to Washington, D.C. tour. This tour takes you through all the monuments, museums, memorials, and other important sites in the area. The trip takes approximately six hours and features stops at numerous historic landmarks. You can also visit the Arlington National Cemetery, which is two miles from the city. You will be left feeling inspired and reflective.
Ford’s Theatre
Ford’s Theater is located on 10th Street NW, between E and F Streets. If you’re looking for a place to go and see something fun, this is the place for you. The theater is within walking distance of the National Portrait Gallery, Smithsonian American Art Museum, and Madame Tussaud’s. If you want to learn more about the theatre’s history, take an audio tour. You can hear the voices of the characters and even hear the sound effects of the shooting scenes and the historic photos.
If you love history, you must visit Ford’s Theater. It was the scene of Abraham Lincoln’s assassination, and it is a gold star destination. Located in the center of downtown Washington D.C., the theatre has been renovated in recent years. New exhibits are featured, and the theater is equipped with the latest technology. You should take a family with school-aged kids to this historical site, but even younger children can enjoy the museum.
The Ford Theatre is located near the Gallery Pl-Chinatown Metro station, and admission is free. Tours are guided and are about half an hour long. The Ford’s Theatre Museum is open from nine am to five pm daily, except on Christmas Day. You can also walk over there and see a play if you’d like. The museum is free to enter, but admission is not guaranteed.
The White House is another place worth a visit when in the District of Columbia. It is reminiscent of a Greek temple and is open to the public Monday through Friday from 9 AM to 4:30 PM. There are some days and hours when the building is closed to the public, but if you’d like to experience the White House from up close, then this is the place for you.
Things to Do in the Washington, District of Columbia
When visiting the Washington, District of Columbia, don’t miss the National Gallery of Art. There are also many attractions in the area, such as the National Zoo and the National Museum of Health and Medicine. If you’re looking for something different to do, you might want to consider renting a bicycle and exploring the city on foot. But if you don’t have much time, you should visit the nearby National Zoo, or go to Ford’s Theatre to see a Broadway production.
National Gallery of Art
The National Gallery of Art is a national art museum in Washington, D.C. It is located on the National Mall between Constitution Avenue NW and 3rd Street. Visitors are invited to explore the museum’s permanent collections as well as those of visiting galleries worldwide. The National Gallery is open every day from 10 am to 5 pm and admission is free. The museum is located between 3rd and 9th Streets, and admission is free.
The National Gallery of Art is known for its world-class collection, which includes artworks by the great painters of the past. Among them are the masterpieces by Leonardo da Vinci, Titian, and Raphael. Also on display are the works of Pablo Picasso, Marc Chagall, and Joan Miro. If you’re interested in American art, this museum is worth a visit.
Visitors can explore the collection of paintings at the museum’s west building. The museum was founded by Andrew Mellon, a rich financier and Secretary of the Treasury. Andrew Mellon wanted to create a world-class collection for the American people, and he did just that. Today, the National Gallery of Art is home to the largest collection of art in the world. The collection includes European and American art, from the 13th century to the present day. It also contains one of the most important collections of Leonardo da Vinci’s paintings in the Americas.
National Zoo
The National Zoological Park, also known as the National Zoo, is one of the oldest zoos in the United States. As a part of the Smithsonian Institution, the National Zoo does not charge admission. This attraction is a must-see for anyone living in or visiting the District of Columbia. You can enjoy animals in a variety of habitats and learn about the history of many of the species that live there.
The National Zoological Park, located in the wooded valley of Rock Creek, is one of Washington, D.C.’s most popular attractions. The park is home to more than 2,000 animals representing 400 distinct species, and it also serves as a veterinary hospital and conservation center. Getting to the National Zoo is free and you can even bring the whole family for an afternoon of fun and education. However, it’s important to note that the National Zoo does receive funding from the Smithsonian Institute, which funds research, conservation, and education outreach activities.
The National Zoo has an excellent collection of animals from all over the world. The animal population is diverse and the exhibits are interactive and educational. It is also possible to see live feeding demonstrations and train the animals. Whether you’re interested in seeing orangutans, otters, giant pandas, or even king cobras, the National Zoo will be sure to impress. Moreover, the National Zoo is free to visit and is the best place in the District of Columbia to get acquainted with exotic animals.
National Museum of Health and Medicine
If you’re interested in science and medicine, you should visit the National Museum of Health and Medicine in Washington, DC. The museum was founded by U.S. Army Surgeon General William A. Hammond in 1862 and was originally located near the Army’s Forest Glen Annex. In 1989, it moved to Silver Spring, Maryland. It is currently housed in a former medical building.
The original idea was to move the museum to a more convenient location, and the National Museum of Health and Medicine Foundation was commissioned by the government in 1989. The organization sought to revitalize the museum and found a new site adjacent to the Humphrey Building. Senator Edward Kennedy proposed a $21.8 million project for the museum. But the National Museum was unable to secure funding for the move. Now, it is located east of the Humphrey Building in Silver Spring.
The first exhibits are related to the Civil War and human anatomy and pathology. The museum also includes the bullet, bones, and hair from Lincoln’s skull. Another popular exhibit is the Robert Hooke exhibit. Visitors can examine the first book of observations made with a microscope. There are also exhibits on the history of medicine, including the crucifix and amputation. The Health and Medicine exhibit contains real body parts, so visitors can learn more about how human bodies function normally and when they are injured. The museum also has artworks influenced by war and disease, like the limb donated by General Daniel E. Sickles.
Ford’s Theatre
If you’re looking for a unique experience in Washington, D.C., look no further than Ford’s Theatre. The Ford’s Theatre building was originally a church that served as a meeting house for the First Baptist Church of Washington. Its pastor was Obadiah Bruen Brown, and the church relocated to a larger building in 1861. In 1861, John T. Ford bought the church building and renovated it into a theater. It opened its doors in 1863.
After President Lincoln’s assassination, Ford’s Theatre closed. It was then turned into a War Department office and used for a variety of government functions. In 1893, the theater collapsed, killing 22 of its employees. The theater was subsequently abandoned and used for government offices and other purposes until the 1960s when it was acquired by the National Park Service. The theater was restored to its 1865 appearance in 1967 and continues to house a museum dedicated to Lincoln’s assassination.
The restoration of Ford’s Theatre was largely funded by an initiative of two politicians. Milton Young, a Republican North Dakota Representative, and Melvin D. Hildreth, a Democratic National Committeeman, proposed the idea in 1945 and it was approved by Congress in 1955. Work on the restoration began in 1964 and was completed in 1968. Today, Ford’s Theatre is a National Historic Site, and the Petersen House is also a contributing building.
Haunted Halcyon House
The Federal-style Halcyon House in Washington, D.C., is the perfect place for a Halloween-themed night out. Built in 1787 by Benjamin Stoddert, this house is reportedly haunted by ghosts. During its infamous past, the Halcyon House has been the scene of several hauntings. In 2016, a local tour company conducted a ghost hunt at the house, and more than a dozen visitors have reported seeing apparitions.
There have been many hauntings at the house, including a specter of the deceased Evalyn Walsh, the widow of Ned McLean. She died in the mansion in 1947, several decades after she bought the allegedly cursed Hope Diamond. Today, it is home to the Indonesian Embassy. During the haunting, a naked woman’s ghost has been seen in the mansion. Meanwhile, the neighboring Halcyon House, a stately mansion in the District of Columbia, has a storied history. The mansion was built in 1787 by Benjamin Stoddert, the first Secretary of the Navy and pallbearer of George Washington’s funeral. Over the past 230 years, it has had many owners and accumulated a variety of spirits and ghostly entities.
The Haunted Halcyon House in DC is located near the Key Bridge. The area is accessible by public transportation or private vehicle. It is also near the Exorcist Stairs, which are located just two blocks west. If you’re looking for a unique and spooky experience, the Haunted Halcyon House is the perfect place for you. Its haunted history is worth taking the time to visit.
Tidal Basin
In Washington, D.C., the man-made reservoir, Tidal Basin, is located between the Potomac River and the Washington Channel. Part of West Potomac Park, it is located near the National Mall and is the center of the National Cherry Blossom Festival each spring. In addition to the cherry blossoms, other events that take place in the area include a tulip festival, a water ski competition, and the prestigious National Cherry Blossom Festival.
Originally, the Tidal Basin was intended to be a visual centerpiece and to flush the Washington Channel, which is separated from the Potomac River by fill lands. It was designed by Peter Conover Hains, a U.S. Army engineer who later became the first Engineer Commissioner of Washington DC. Hains was responsible for naming Twining Lake after William Johnson Twining, the first Engineer Commissioner of Washington DC.
The Washington, DC, National Mall Tidal Basin is home to some of our nation’s most prized monuments and traditions. Yet the land underneath the Tidal Basin is unstable and threatens the sustainability of the park and the enjoyment of its visitors. The Potomac Flats are also unstable, posing a risk to the region’s historic resources and valuable visitor experiences. Fortunately, a recent initiative sponsored by American Express is helping preserve the area.
Washington Harbour
There are 1371 places within 100 km of Washington Harbour, DC. Georgetown, Virginia is the closest one. The places closest to Washington Harbour are listed below. The distances from Washington Harbour are listed in both kilometers and miles, and a link to a travel sheet is provided for each. You can get more information about these places by visiting the official websites. The following information about nearby locations may help you plan your visit.
The first phase of the Washington Harbour development consisted of two curved towers and five buildings connected to them. By the time the project was completed, seventy percent of the office space was already leased or sold. The first phase of the development also included a $2 million water dance fountain. In addition to the fountain, the upscale restaurant will have a name: Potomac. The entire complex is designed to be walkable and includes ample parking.
When planning the waterfront development, the city decided to consider using the waterfront as parkland. However, the waterfront area was the subject of a seven-year zoning and legal battle. Ultimately, a new national park was established in the area. Washington Harbour was built in the early 1980s, but construction was delayed for two years. Despite mixed reviews, the public embraced the development quickly. After all, the waterfront is in the heart of Washington, DC, so it only makes sense to make it as accessible as possible.
