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Washington Attractions & Activities
Best Attractions & Activities

 

The Monuments & Memorials

Address: 17th St to West Potomac Park, Washington, DC

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From the 555-foot obelisk dedicated to George Washington to the Jefferson Memorial serenely situated on the Tidal Basin's south shore, monuments and memorials have long made Washington one of the world's most attractive capitals. Today, these and the hallowed Lincoln Memorial share space with sites offering more...

The Smithsonian Institution

Address: 1000 Jefferson Dr, Washington, DC 20560

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The Smithsonian – for many, the image of the 19th-century sandstone "Castle" immediately springs to mind. The Institution itself is larger than most realize (19 museums and the National Zoo in DC alone) and granting only one day to "do the Smithsonian" is a mistake. Always-popular stops are the National Air & Space...

National Gallery of Art

Address: 4th St and Constitution Ave NW, Washington, DC 20565

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One of the world's most prominent and admired museums, the National Gallery delights visitors with exhibits spanning the art of the Middle Ages to the art of today. The West Building covers the 13th through 19th centuries, while the sleek East Building (designed by I.M. Pei) is devoted to modern and contemporary...

United States Capitol

Address: East Capitol and First St, Washington, DC 20510

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DC Monuments and Capitol at Night The White House notwithstanding, this domed icon of democracy is the capital city's most significant and, perhaps, most impressive building. Its majestic architecture is a signature aspect of the Washington landscape, and the view from the front steps is unparalleled. Guided tours cover the highlights of the Capitol...

US Holocaust Memorial Museum

Address: 100 Raoul Wallenberg Pl SW, Washington, DC 20024-2126

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Among the most-visited sites in Washington, this museum powerfully depicts one of the darkest times in modern history. Four floors of exhibits, survivors' testimonies, video displays and actual film footage document the history of the Holocaust. Visitors can spend two to three hours in the self-guided permanent...

Washington National Cathedral

Address: Wisconsin Ave NW and Massachusetts Ave NW, Washington, DC 20016-5098

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Started in 1907 and completed in 1990, this Gothic cathedral is the sixth largest in the world. It sits on 57 acres and towers over the city. Approximately one-tenth of a mile long, the cathedral contains more than 200 stained-glass windows and has a central tower 301 feet tall. Teddy Roosevelt was an onlooker during...

United States Botanic Garden

Address: 100 Maryland Ave SW, Washington, DC 20024

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Capitol from US Botanic Gardens Step out of the modern world and into a lush paradise, where controlled climates allow plants to thrive as they would naturally. Since the mid-1800s, a wide variety of specimens has been acquired for conservation efforts, including medicinal plants and rare and exotic flora from the tropics. After touring the...

Supreme Court of the United States

Address: 1 First St NE, Washington, DC 20002

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Home to one of America's most vital institutions, this impressive structure is characterized by its exceptional Neoclassical architecture. While the court term generally runs from October through June, informative exhibits, lectures and movies are presented throughout the year. Since seating is limited, those wanting...

White House / White House Visitor Center

Address: 1600 Pennsylvania Ave NW, Washington, DC 20500

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No trip to DC would be complete without paying a visit to the stately home of every US President (except George Washington). Tours are available on a first-come, first-served basis for groups of 10 or more. To arrange a tour, contact your Member of Congress two to six months in advance; the exact tour time is then...

International Spy Museum

Address: 800 F St NW, Washington, DC 20004

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Enthralled by the cloak and dagger world of international espionage? The International Spy Museum traces and uncovers the history of the world's second oldest (and most secretive) profession via a fascinating array of displays and interactive exhibits. The School for Spies exposes visitors to spy gadgets of all shapes...