To start your visit to Washington DC visit the Washington, DC Convention and Tourism Corporation online at www.washington.org for a full schedule of current and attractions to enjoy. This is also a great place to check for packages and plan your trip as well. Be sure to check for any admission charges and schedule times, which may have changed.
Here is a list of the Top 20 Destinations to explore while in Washington DC:Lincoln Memorial – Includes the famous steps where Martin Luther King delivered his “I have a dream” speech.
Lincoln Park – Located just east of the capitol, this park exemplifies 19th century design and also celebrates emancipation from slavery.
Among one of the sites to add to your list is a visit to the National Museum of African American History and Culture, which recently celebrated Black Women during Women’s History Month.
African American Civil War Memorial – located on the historic U Street corridor, which was once referred to as “Black Broadway.”
Smithsonian Institution Museums – There are 14 Smithsonian Museums in Washington, DC. They are: Anacostia Museum for African American History, Arthur M. Sackler Gallery, Freer Gallery of Art, Hirshhorn Museum & Sculpture Garden, National Air & Space Museum, National Museum of African Art, National Museum of American History, National Museum of Natural History, National Postal Museum, National Zoological Park, and the Renwick Gallery. The National Portrait Gallery, Smithsonian American Art Museum, and Arts & Industries Building are currently closed for renovation. Near Dulles Airport, the Stephen Udvar-Hazy Center of the National Air & Space Museum houses some of the system’s largest artifacts.
National Cherry Blossom Festival – The National Cherry Blossom Festival Parade and Sakura Matsuri in Early April 4, 2004, but the festivities stretch from Late March through Mid April.
National Arboretum – Now an expansive nature wonderland it was originally a munitions depot.
Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens – Abundant water flora with peak blooms from May through early fall.
Folger Shakespeare Library – Features one of the world’s premier collections of Shakespearean materials.
Franciscan Monastery – Founded to educate Franciscan missionaries to the Holy Land.
Library of Congress – The magnificent Jefferson Building houses the great Reading Room where scholars come to conduct research.
Navy Museum – Housed in the old Naval Gun Factory, featuring an assortment of naval memorabilia.
National Gallery of Art – The nation’s permanent collection of American and European painting and sculpture.
National Geographic Society – Features the Explorers’ Hall and exhibits about Earth’s ecosystems.
Rock Creek Park – 1,754 acres of rustic woodlands featuring trails, picnic areas, an amphitheater and a golf course.
Screen on the Green – A free weekly, screening of classic movies on the National Mall near the Washington Monument during the summer.
U.S. Botanic Garden – On the grounds of the Mall it contains an array of flowers with exceptional views of the monuments and the Capitol.
Washington Design Center – 70 showrooms of America’s finest home furnishings.
Washington Monument – At 555 feet it is the tallest structure in the area with breathtaking views.
Washington National Cathedral – The 6th largest cathedral in the world and the last purely Gothic building constructed this non-denominational temple has spectacular architecture and even more spectacular views of the city.
White House Visitors Center – Offers a 30-minute orientation film about the White House, which is recommended before a tour of the facilities.
Plan Your Trip To Washington DC:
To explore attractions, events, and plan your trip visit the Washington, DC Convention and Tourism Corporation at www.washington.org.
