Top Things to Do in Washington, D.C.
National Mall
Lincoln Memorial
Built to honor the 16th President of the United States, Abraham Lincoln.
The structure measures 189.7 by 118.5 feet (57.8 by 36.1 m) and is 99 feet (30 m) tall
Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial
The inspiration for this memorial is a line from King’s “I Have A Dream” speech: “Out of the mountain of despair, a stone of hope.”
It has a height of 30 ft (9.1 m)
World War II Memorial
Dedicated to Americans who served in the armed forces and as civilians during World War II.
There are 56 pillars and a pair of small triumphal arches surrounding the fountain in the middle.
Washington Monument
Built to commemorate George Washington. Made of marble, granite, and bluestone gneiss it’s both the world’s tallest predominantly stone structure and the world’s tallest obelisk at 554 feet 7 11⁄32 inches (169.046 m)
You can go to the top in an elevator for $1 per ticket, although a 90 day reservation is required.
Jefferson Memorial
Built between 1939 and 1943.
The interior has a 19-foot (5.8 m) tall, 10,000 lb (4336 kg) statue of Thomas Jefferson. This was added four years after the dedication.
The White House
The official residence and workplace of the president of the United States. This has been the tradition since John Adams in 1800.
It was constructed between 1792 and 1800 using Aquia Creek sandstone painted white.
National Gallery of Art
There are so many free museums to check out on the National Mall that exploring them all would require at least a week.
Smithsonian Museums/Smithsonian Castle
North West Washington
Smithsonian National Zoological Park
Huge Zoo with all kinds of animals and the best part: IT’S FREE
Washington National Cathedral
Really cool Neo-Gothic architecture adorns this cathedral built 1906–1988.
There is a $12 charge to go inside which I refused to pay. When just about every museum and activity is free in the city, why would I.
However admission is free on Sundays
The Phillips Collection
Pretty small but cool place. Check this place out if you have time after seeing all the Smithsonian museums.
Permanent collection galleries are free Tues-Fri and Sat-Sun when no ticketed exhibition is on view. Check their site for more info.
Georgetown University
Cool place to walk around and enjoy the architecture built in 1789