The capital of the United States, Washington DC abounds with history, culture and sights. From the museums of the Smithsonian to the historical monuments--such as the Jefferson, Lincoln and Washington--and of course, the White House, there are so many things to see and do when visiting the city.
With 19 museums, the Smithsonian Institute is the largest museum complex in the world. The Institute was founded by James Smithson with the hope of increasing the knowledge of the citizens of the United States. View bones of dinosaurs, watch paleontologists at work and see the 45.52 carat Hope Diamond at the Museum of Natural History. Learn about the Wright Brother's first flight, see images from space or touch a moon rock at the Air and Space Museum. Gain an appreciation for American artists, such as Norman Rockwell, Georgia O'Keefe and John Singer Sargent at the American Art Museum. The National Zoo is also part of the Smithsonian Institute, where 400 animals--pandas, elephants, tigers and giraffes, just to name a few--are housed in a 163-acre park.
Smithsonian Institute
301 7th St.
Washington D.C. 20407
202-633-1000
si.edu
This Egyptian Obelisk is the tallest structure in the city and the tallest stone structure in the world, standing at 555 feet. The structure was built to honor the first president of the United States, George Washington. The monument was commissioned by the citizens of the country and was designed by Robert Mills. Construction began in 1848 and was not complete until 1884. The monument was opened to the public in 1888 and remains open to visitors today. You can climb the 897 steps or ride an elevator to the top of the monument and take in the sweeping views that span over 30 miles.
Washington Monument
Madison Dr, NW & 15th St., NW
Washington, DC 20001
202-426-6841
nps.gov
The United State Capitol building has been used by the Senate and the House of Representatives to discuss matters pertaining to the nation for over two centuries. Construction began on the building in 1793 and since its completion in 1811, it has been burnt, rebuilt, reconstructed and expanded into the structure that it is today--two wings with a dome and rotunda in the center. The interior of the building is filled with several pieces of art, including The Apotheosis of Washington, which is painted on the interior of the dome. On the floor of the rotunda sit six figures that represent war, science, commerce, agriculture, marine and mechanics. Tour the Capitol and see where the most important decisions concerning the United States are made.
U.S. Capitol
East Capitol Street and 1st Street NE
Washington, DC 20002
202-226-8000
visitthecapitol.gov
