Washington D.C.

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The capital of the United States of America, Washington D.C. has many exciting places to visit for those who like history and would like to know more about the founding of the nation. Washington D.C. is home to numerous memorials and monuments to the history of America.

The capital of the United States of America, Washington D.C. has many exciting places to visit for those who like history and would like to know more about the founding of the nation. Washington D.C. is home to numerous memorials and monuments to the history of America. Visit the home of President of the United States of America on a tour. You might not be able to see everything, but you will be able to see some of one of the most important buildings in the United States.
<h2>1. Lincoln Memorial</h2>
One of the most famous buildings in Washington D.C. is the Lincoln Memorial. The larger-than-life statue of Abe Lincoln gets thousands of tourists from around the country and the world. The walls of the building are inscribed with quotes from some of his most famous speeches. The quotes still inspire people to this day. The monument is very popular so get there early or just before sunset to avoid the crowds.

<img class="attachment-large size-large" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2018/08/815411544-1024x692.jpg" alt="815411544" width="1024" height="692" /><span class="image-caption">BackyardProduction / Getty Images</span>
<h2>2. The White House</h2>
The famous home of the United States President while he is in office. Tours are available for American Citizens of sections of the famous home. International visitors need to apply to join a tour. The surroundings lawns are used for events throughout the year such as the Easter Egg Hunt and lighting of a Christmas tree. People often make the observation that the building is smaller than you expect it to be.

<img class="attachment-large size-large" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2018/08/884618936-1024x684.jpg" alt="884618936" width="1024" height="684" /><span class="image-caption">lucky-photographer / Getty Images</span>
<h2>3. World War II Memorial</h2>
This fairly new memorial was dedicated in 2004 to the more than 400,000 American troops that died during World War Two. The circle of 56 pillars represents the 56 states and territories of the USA. The pillars surround the rainbow pool, and at night the illuminated memorial is beautiful and haunting. The monument may be fairly new but is one of the most visited places in the city.

<img class="attachment-large size-large" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2018/08/488540954-1024x683.jpg" alt="488540954" width="1024" height="683" /><span class="image-caption">VickyRu / Getty Images</span>
<h2>4. US Capitol Building</h2>
Considered to be the most beautiful building in Washington D.C. Tourists can see the politics of the USA in action as both houses of Congress debate and create laws. You can visit the main center on any day, but those wanting to see the galleries will need to contact their house representative. International visitors can only visit the main section due to security restrictions.

<img class="attachment-large size-large" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2018/08/836454122-1024x684.jpg" alt="836454122" width="1024" height="684" /><span class="image-caption">lucky-photographer / Getty Images</span>
<h2>5. Vietnam and Korean War Memorial</h2>
The Vietnam War Memorial is one of the most poignant memorials to any war. A basic wall with the names of the 58 000 soldiers who died in Vietnam. The soldiers are listed by the date of their death, and few people can visit the site without crying. The Korean memorial shows 19 figures in states of combat. This privately funded memorial remembers the 1.5 million Americans that served in Korea.

<img class="attachment-large size-large" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2018/08/181481516-1024x683.jpg" alt="181481516" width="1024" height="683" /><span class="image-caption">FrozenShutter / Getty Images</span>
<h2>6. National Gallery of Art</h2>
Spend a day looking at the art of the National Gallery of Art. The building is stunning to look at, and many people visit just to look at the architecture. You will find an east and west wing with one dedicated to modern art and one to older works. In the summertime, the museum hosts free jazz evenings.

<img class="attachment-large size-large" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2018/08/523895293-1024x683.jpg" alt="523895293" width="1024" height="683" /><span class="image-caption">LUke1138 / Getty Images</span>
<h2>7. Smithsonian</h2>
One of the most famous museum collections in the world. The museum is divided into a zoo, air museum, and national collection. You can spend days looking through the whole collection. The most famous section is the Castle, and the building is known around the world. The museum still has thousands of items awaiting collection due to the size of the collection.

<img class="attachment-large size-large" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2018/07/641155242-1024x677.jpg" alt="641155242" width="1024" height="677" /><span class="image-caption">diegograndi / Getty Images</span>
<h2>8. The Tidal Basin</h2>
The Tidal Basin serves as a scenic backdrop to some of the best-loved sites in Washington D.C. The two-mile long pond is a lovely place to take a walk and enjoy the scenery of the city. You will see locals running along the pathways or sitting on a bench taking in the beautiful scenery.

<img class="attachment-large size-large" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2018/08/627202312-1024x683.jpg" alt="627202312" width="1024" height="683" /><span class="image-caption">SeanPavonePhoto / Getty Images</span>
<h2>9. The JFK Center for Performing Arts</h2>
This magnificent building serves as a memorial to the late president and as a place for the performing arts in the city. A summer concert season runs every year with performances by the National Orchestra and choirs from around the country. The building serves as home to the Suzanne Farrell Ballet and the Washington National Opera.

<img class="attachment-large size-large" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2018/08/961058702-1024x684.jpg" alt="961058702" width="1024" height="684" /><span class="image-caption">Kris Connor / Getty Images</span>
<h2>10. Washington National Cathedral</h2>
This is the sixth largest cathedral in the world and construction was started on the building in 1907. The cathedral was only finished in 1990, but it is now considered one of the best examples of Gothic architecture in the world. The Gargoyle tour is done between May and September and includes a Darth Vader Gargoyle that was added in 1980.

<img class="attachment-large size-large" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2018/08/937178294-1024x683.jpg" alt="937178294" width="1024" height="683" /><span class="image-caption">Tasos Katopodis / Getty Images</span>

10 Best Things to Do in Washington D.C.

Awash with culture and history, it's no surprise that the museums in D.C. are the best in the country.

Awash with culture and history, it's no surprise that the museums in D.C. are the best in the country. It is our nation's capital, after all. Few cities have museums so vast that have as much to offer as Washington, D.C. does. The district has dozens of free, fun, and family-friendly museums to visit. From the world-renowned Smithsonian—made up of nineteen museums and galleries—to the National Air &amp; Space Museum, you'll find no shortage of influential and informative exhibits in D.C.
<h2>1. National Air and Space Museum</h2>
One of the most sought-after experiences in D.C., the Air &amp; Space museum tops to-do list year-after-year. Within three skylit galleries is a host of aircraft and spacecraft memorabilia. From Soviet-era missiles and space stations to a sample of moon rock, it has just about everything. You can learn about the history of jet aviation, of space travel, and communications all in one incredible place.

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<h2>2. National Gallery of Art</h2>
Two extensive buildings connect with a moving underground walkway making up the National Gallery of Art. This is a world-class museum has artwork from every corner of the globe. Spanning decades, you'll find everything from 13th Century art to renaissance and Flemish in the West Building. The East Building, on the other hand, caters to modern art including a 32-foot long installation by Alexander Calder. Unconvinced? The National Gallery of Art is also the only place in the Americas where you can see one of Leonardo da Vinci's works.

<img class="attachment-large size-large" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2018/07/641155242-1024x677.jpg" alt="641155242" width="1024" height="677" /><span class="image-caption">diegograndi / Getty Images</span>
<h2>3. The National Portrait Gallery</h2>
Part of the Smithsonian Institution, the National Portrait Gallery features iconic and historical figures who shaped our nation. The National Portrait Gallery is where you'll be able to see Andy Warhol's original Marilyn print. Not only that, portraits of anyone who was anyone, from George Washington to Pocahontas, are on the walls here. It also joins the American Art Museum where you'll find prominent works from American artists like Georgia O'Keefe.

<img class="attachment-large size-large" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2018/07/972307692-1024x683.jpg" alt="972307692" width="1024" height="683" /><span class="image-caption">George Rose / Getty Images</span>
<h2>4. National Museum of African American History and Culture</h2>
The National Mall's newest edition, the Musem of African American History and Culture is already drawing in massive crowds. This is a collection that pays homage to historical figures and events that shape the African American experience. With 85,000 square feet of space and thousands of objects, it'll take a couple of days to see everything. The museum's exhibits are plentiful, and one of its biggest draws is the Musical Crossroads Exhibit. In this exhibit, you'll see Chuck Berry's legendary red Cadillac and Parliament Funkadelic's one-and-only Mothership.

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<h2>5. National Museum of Natural History</h2>
Every important city has its Museum of Natural History. That said, even the domed appearance of D.C.'s makes it one of the best in the world. And, furthermore, this is before we even scratch the surface of the treasures that are inside. Its gem—a state-of-the-art IMAX theater—and an 80,000-square-foot steel and granite Discovery Center are just two of its best features. Inside of the museum, you'll find an eight-ton African elephant. It harks to the museum's 2003 extension: the Hall of Mammals which features almost 300 taxidermied animals. As well as animals, you can take a peek at the iconic Hope Diamond, bought by King Louis XIV of France. He bought it in 1668 and, to this day, it's one of the museum's most visited artifacts.

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<h2>6. United States Holocaust Memorial Museum</h2>
Opening in 1993, the Holocaust Memorial Museum attracts thousands of yearly visitors. Over 900 artifacts occupy the themed exhibits of this three-story museum. These themes include tough, but necessary-to-learn topics like Nazi eugenics and the atrocities unfolded during WWII. Four theaters show archival footage and the testimony of survivors, bringing life to the photographs and items on display. The National Holocaust museum can be upsetting, but it's also an integral part of world history we all need to remember.

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<h2>7. National Museum of American History</h2>
Found on the National Mall, visitors can explore every avenue of American history under a glorious atrium. Entertaining exhibits take visitors through the history of film and the country. From the original star-spangled banner Mary Pickersgill stitched to the ruby slippers Judy Garland wore in The Wizard of Oz, it has it all. Furthermore, the National Museum of American History is one of the most fun museums in the country. As a result, kids love it.

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<h2>8. National Museum of the American Indian</h2>
America's indigenous people have dealt with colonization and abuse, and the National Museum of the American Indian dedicates itself to them. Significant Native American artifacts such as ceremonial garments and headdresses line the walls of the flooring structure. Designed by a Native American team to resemble a wind-carved mesa, these extraordinary walls are a most noteworthy tribute. As a result, the actual building is as much of a message as its exhibitions. With more than 800,000 items, you'll need to take plenty of time out of your day to see it all.

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<h2>9. Hirshhorn Museum &amp; Sculpture Garden</h2>
With its instantly recognizable cylindrical design, the Hirshhorn Museum stands out from other museums on the National Mall. Originally built to house Wall Street millionaire Joseph Hirshhorn's art collection, it now contains an array of artistic media. Works on paper join paintings and digital art to make up one of America's primary contemporary art museums. Works by Picasso, Pollok, and Rothko feature in the collection, and its accompanying sculpture garden features works by Rodin and Koons.

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<h2>10. National Museum of Women in the Arts</h2>
Housing works by over 1000 women, the Museum of Women in the Arts is a unique look at the too-often-ignored. On top of that, it's also the only major museum in the world that exclusively celebrates the artistic achievements of women. Featured works stretch from the 16th century to more contemporary pieces all by a fascinating roster of female artists. Lavinia Fontana's dynamic Renaissance offering, "Holy Family with St. John" joins other iconic pieces like Frida Kahlo's "Between the Curtains" are museum highlights. Other artists also in the collection are Nan Goldin, Joan Snyder, Louise Bourgeois, and Alma Thomas.
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Washington D.C.

United States

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