A popular tourist destination, Washinton D.C., the nation's capital, is rich in history and culture. The city receives almost 20 million tourists per year, according to the Washington D.C. Chamber of Commerce.
Tour the White House or see the House of Representatives or Senate in session at the Capitol by making arrangements in advance with your senator or congressperson. Submit requests one to six months in advance of your trip. The Capitol Visitor's Center offers a limited number of same-day tickets or you can reserve them online.
Visit 10 of the museums of the Smithsonian, starting at the Smithsonian Information Center in the National Mall. See the original Declaration of Independence, Constitution and Bill of Rights at the National Archives Experience. Learn about the covert history of espionage at the International Spy Museum or the history of the free press at the Newseum.
For tourism attractions open later, Washington D.C. offers many famous outdoor memorials including the Lincoln, Jefferson and FDR memorials, all of which are open and illuminated at night. When touring D.C., make use of the public transportation, the Metrorail and Metrobus, as parking is restricted in the city, especially during rush hour.
