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With monuments, memorials, and striking government buildings, Washington DC is a place like no other. The capital city boasts some of the most popular sights in the world ─ the Lincoln Memorial, Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial, Washington Monument, The White House, and the Washington National Cathedral. Additionally, a number of museums have quite impressive collections. Have a look at the best things to do in Washington DC!
The majestic National Mall is home to the country's most important monuments and memorials. They honor the courage and sacrifices of those who've served their country. Visit the Washington Monument, World War II Memorial, the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, the Korean War Veterans Memorial, the F.D.R. Memorial, the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial, and the Thomas Jefferson Memorial and take a walk around the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool.
Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History
This national museum features collections that tell the history of the planet. Learn about the ecology of African elephants, examine the diversity and global influence of Africa's communities, see the skeletons of different animals, explore plants and butterflies, discover the world of ancient Egypt, and encounter a 52-foot-long model of a female mega-toothed shark.
Another beautiful Smithsonian museum in DC boasts one of the largest collections of American art. Admire art pieces made by Winslow Homer, Georgia O’Keeffe, John Singleton Copley, and other talents. Some of the highlights include Early American Art, Contemporary Art, Modern Folk and Self-Taught Art, African-American Art, Latino Art, and more.
The Museum Of African American History
The Museum Of African-American History is the only national museum dedicated to the documentation of African-American history and culture. View the nurse's uniform worn by Pauline Brown Payne, a photograph of the crowd wading in the Reflection Pool, a jacket donated by Soul Train dancer Thomas "Tom Tom" Evans, a digital image of marchers at the Women's March, and other items.
SPY is an independent nonprofit museum with a collection of espionage artifacts. Some of the collection highlights are the George Washington spy letter, a shoe with a heel transmitter, a pigeon camera, a camera concealed in a cigarette lighter, and a tree stump listening device. Visitors can also go on an undercover mission and test their spy skills with digital interactives.
Washington National Cathedral
Also known as The Cathedral Church of Saint Peter and Saint Paul, the Washington National Cathedral is an American Cathedral of the Episcopal Church. You can take one of the available tours: Thematic Tour (Stained Glass Windows), Insider Access Tour (Behind the Scenes), or General Sightseeing. There are multiple ways to explore the Cathedral! Moreover, you can roam around the gardens and climb the tower.
Capitol Hill
Capitol Hill consists of the United States Capitol, Senate, and House buildings, the Library of Congress, the Marine Barracks, the Supreme Court building, the Washington Navy Yard, and the Congressional Cemetery.
Tourists can visit the Crypt, the Rotunda, and the National Statuary Hall but not the Senate and House Galleries. All tours are led by professional guides and visitors need to go through security screenings. Check out a list of prohibited items before you go!
The White House tours are free of charge but they are scheduled on a first-come, first-served basis. They also have to be submitted through a Member of Congress and their Congressional Tour Coordinator. Moreover, if you are a citizen of a foreign country contact your embassy in Washington DC. The public tour includes the Blue Room, Red Room, Green Room, China Room, the State Dining Room, and you can view the White House Rose Garden.
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