Completed in 1800, The White House is the oldest public building in Washington, DC and has been the home of every president except George Washington.
Always take Metro. Parking is a bear. Make sure you leave plenty of time to see the entire museum. One could spend at least 5 hours there.
The museum first opened in 1964, and among the items on display are the original Star-Spangled Banner and Dorothy's ruby slippers from The Wizard of Oz.
The spot where Martin Luther King, Jr. stood to give his "I Have A Dream" speech is engraved on the landing eighteen steps below Lincoln's statue. Check out this video for more history on the Lincoln Read more.
The Washington Monument was formally dedicated on February 22, 1885, and at the time of its construction, it was the tallest building in the world; it remains the tallest stone structure in the world.
President Obama, First Lady Michelle Obama, Vice President Joe Biden and Dr. Jill Biden linked arms and sang "We Shall Overcome" during the dedication ceremony. Read more.
This memorial, dedicated in 2004, honors the 16 million Americans who served in the armed forces during World War II (1939-45).
Created in 1800 the library is the nation's oldest federal cultural institution & the largest library in the world. In 1815 Thomas Jefferson sold his entire personal collection of books to the library
Walk to all the museums via the Mall or just stroll from the Capitol to Lincoln Memorial - its the quintessential walk in DC (WH,Cap,Smithsonian,Wash Mem,Lincoln Mem,WW2 Mem,Vietnam Mem,Korea Mem,etc)
Originally called the National Air Museum when it was formed on August 12, 1946 by an act of Congress, some pieces in the National Air and Space Museum collection date back to 1876.
Opened in 1993, this museum is devoted to the history of the Holocaust, the state-sponsored murder of 6 million Jews in Nazi Germany from 1933 to 1945.
Designed by Maya Lin and completed in 1982, the two black granite walls are 246’9’’ long. Names on the walls are of servicemen KIA or MIA listed in chronological order. See video for more info. Read more.
Dedicated in 1995, this memorial honors the U.S. military members who served in the Korean War (1950-53). More than 54,000 Americans were killed, while more than 100,000 others were wounded.
See the door that led to Nixon's resignation at the Newseum and visit the exclusive Watergate complex of shops and condominiums in Foggy Bottom. -- Green Guide Editor
The most beautiful and serene of the monuments. Go during off peak hours to fully take in the wonder of this great man. His words echo through time.
check out the actual photo of Abraham Lincoln in the presidents gallery.
It took 83 years to construct the National Cathedral (began in 1907). It has 231 stained glass windows, 112 gargoyles & a Darth Vader sculpture in the west tower. Watch this video for more history. Read more.
Gorgeous and relaxing (when it's not terribly busy) urban refuge. Highly recommended spot.
On the 1st floor, find "The Throne of the Third Heaven of the Nations' Millennium General Assembly" and be awestruck Read more.
The Capitol is among the most architecturally impressive and symbolically important buildings in the world. Begun in 1793, the Capitol has been built, burnt, rebuilt, extended, and restored.
If there is no shutdown, go inside for a tour or watch a session. If you're lucky, you might see a famous face. Also, if you bike or run, the Capitol Hill is accommodating. Come in spring and summer.
Springtime in DC and the annual Cherry Blossom festival, well, blossoms. Music, dance and parades are laid on to commemorate a 1912 gift to the city of 3,000 Japanese cherry trees from Tokyo.
It's safe to say we never realized how important the Postal Service was until we learned of its extensive history here. Great exhibits and tons of knowledge. Read more.
Be on the lookout for Black Squirrels. The animals were introduced by the Smithsonian National Zoological Park and can be a common sight in the city.
stand in the middle of the circle directly in front of Einstein and speak to one of the open sides. there is an acoustic effect that echoes your voice as if you were speaking into a microphone.
Investigate over 200 spy gadgets: bugs, invisible-ink writing kits, camera-carrying pigeons, pistols disguised as lipstick holders, shoe phones and poison-tipped umbrellas. Read more.
Arlington National Cemetery, once the home of General Robert E. Lee, is the country’s largest military cemetery. Tours are available for a small fee or you can walk the grounds yourself.
Check out a free performance at the Millennium Stage, 6 p.m., 365 days a year
Located on the National Mall, The National Gallery is one of the finest art collections in the world. Its works include painting, sculpture, and graphic arts from the Middle Ages to the present.
17 miles of amazing running. best spots are just north of mt. vernon and between the key and memorial bridges. watch out for aggressive bikers, stupid bikers, and kids watching airplanes land.
#CherryBlossoms: Enjoy a day of live music, boat-making, nautical demonstrations, food and drink at the Southwest Waterfront's Fireworks Festival, April 2 from 1 to 9 p.m. Read more.
Every April 15th, a group of Titanic enthusiasts gathers at the memorial to remember those who perished.
If you are in the DC/N.VA area, you like the outdoors and haven't been before, you are missing out! Don't forget to see the memorial on the inside of the island!
Go to Church Key early and enjoy before it gets so packed you can't stand without someone in a polo knocking you over.
An iconic Washington establishment, Ben's Chili Bowl is well-suited for late-night half-smoke cravings. [Eater 38 Member] Read more.
One on DC's best Breakfast/Brunch Spots.. their open kitchen makes for unique indoor decor and ambiance... Amazing Eggs Florentine,the yummiest sticky bun 😍 complemented by a good cup of coffee ☕..
President Obama had lunch with staff members who worked on debt ceiling negotiations. Read more.
Ethiopic, named after an ancient East African language, serves up an array of fiery wots, meaty tibs & rich & raw kitfos, all spread out on those spongy masses of injera flatbread. Read more.
The Smithsonian Institution was founded for the "increase and diffusion" of knowledge from a bequest to the United States by the British scientist James Smithson, who had never visited the US himself.
