A trip through the United States capital city can be a whirlwind of historical landmarks and sightseeing. Washington DC day trips offer views of some of the most prominent buildings in United States history, and Washington DC day tours can also be incredibly informative. Since there is so much to see in the city, Washington DC day trips through the downtown and historic districts have been broken into two separate day trips.
The Capitol
Start at the Capitol Building, and leave time to enjoy the structure thoroughly. Next, head over to the Supreme Court building, followed by the Library of Congress, the Folger Shakespeare Library and Garden, the US Botanic Garden, and the National Gallery of Art. After enjoying some lunch, spend the rest of the afternoon at the National Postal Museum and Union Station. You can also save your tour of the Washington Monument for last. Moonlight Tours of the monument are available nightly, and many travelers feel that the monument is actually most impressive when viewed by the evening light.
Smithsonian
Washington DC day trips for travelers interested in checking out the famous Smithsonian Museum can center on the enormous museum and all of the thousands upon thousands of artifacts housed in its archives. Although this may take much of a day, travelers can also visit the nearby Hirshhorn Museum Sculpture Garden, the National Air and Space Museum, and National Archives on their Washington DC day tours. Washington DC day tours can also continue along to the International Spy Museum, if you still have energy left from the busy day.
Annapolis
A perfect day trip from Washington DC, the city of Annapolis features more than 1,500 restored and preserved buildings. A walking tour of the area is often the best way to see all of the great downtown attractions in the city. On this day trip from Washington DC, be sure to stop by the Chase Lloyd-House, the Hammond-Harwood House, the William Paca House, the State House and the U.S. Naval Academy. There is also some unique shopping to enjoy in Annapolis, including the Pennsylvania Dutch Farmers Market and the Annapolis Harbour Center.
Harpers Ferry
A popular day trip from Washington DC is a trip to Harper’s Ferry. Located in West Virginia, Harpers Ferry is the historic site of John Brown’s attempt to incite a slave riot. Although the attempt was unsuccessful, the town remains a memorable site for this reason and many others. The Gettysburg National Park and Antietam National Battlefield are both located nearby and are favorites for touring, as well. Mother Seton’s Shrine and the Rose Hill Manor are also popular attractions in Harpers Ferry.
Although there is quite a lot to fit into a trip to Washington DC, a trip to almost anywhere in the area will be well worth the time taken to get there.
Showing posts with label Washington DC Attractions. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Washington DC Attractions. Show all posts
Monday, 2 May 2011
Suggested Itineraries for Washington DC
Washington DC is one of those cities that pack a lot of attractions into a small space. You can see some of the highlights in a day or two, or you could spend a week or more really getting a full picture of what makes the city tick. Either way, the suggested itineraries for DC listed below should give you some helpful ideas for planning your trip.
Suggested Itineraries Washington DC:
1-3 Days
At the top of all suggested itineraries Washington DC you’ll find the capital building. Seeing the White House is something everyone who is in DC, even for an afternoon, should do. If you have time, take a tour of the building and see what you can of the inside. Deal with the long lines and intense security checks if only to walk through the same doors as Lincoln, JFK, and so many other leaders have done. You can also try and catch the Supreme Court in session while you are there, and stop by the Library of Congress, the National Gallery of Art or the Shakespeare Library and Garden if you are so inclined.
4-7 Days
With many days for your Washington DC suggested itinerary, you can spend a little more time at a few locations, or spend a little time at a whole lot more locations. The choice depends on your desired pace of vacation. Some options for your Washington DC tour itinerary include a trip to the Holocaust Museum, the National Zoological Park, the National Air and Space Museum, the International Spy Museum, the Lincoln Memorial, the Jefferson Memorial, and the National Archives. Still not tired? Don’t forget to stop by a café or restaurant to grab a bite to each on your way to the Smithsonian Institution.
7+ Days
You really can easily spend seven days or more in just one city. Your Washington DC suggested itineraries for a longer stay should include stops at as many of the above locations as you would like, as well as a few more, less crowded attractions. The Vietnam Veterans Memorial, the National Mall, the Arlington National Cemetery, the Washington Monument, and Seventh Street District are all equally popular destinations. Pennsylvania Avenue is worth a stroll, as well.
There are so many sites to see on your Washington DC itineraries that it may become overwhelming. Be sure to prioritize the monuments and sights you really want to see, so you won’t feel bad cutting out a few if you run out of time or encounter an unbearable line. Both luxury and discount hotels can be easily booked throughout DC, so you should be able to plan a trip to fit any budget.
Suggested Itineraries Washington DC:
1-3 Days
At the top of all suggested itineraries Washington DC you’ll find the capital building. Seeing the White House is something everyone who is in DC, even for an afternoon, should do. If you have time, take a tour of the building and see what you can of the inside. Deal with the long lines and intense security checks if only to walk through the same doors as Lincoln, JFK, and so many other leaders have done. You can also try and catch the Supreme Court in session while you are there, and stop by the Library of Congress, the National Gallery of Art or the Shakespeare Library and Garden if you are so inclined.
4-7 Days
With many days for your Washington DC suggested itinerary, you can spend a little more time at a few locations, or spend a little time at a whole lot more locations. The choice depends on your desired pace of vacation. Some options for your Washington DC tour itinerary include a trip to the Holocaust Museum, the National Zoological Park, the National Air and Space Museum, the International Spy Museum, the Lincoln Memorial, the Jefferson Memorial, and the National Archives. Still not tired? Don’t forget to stop by a café or restaurant to grab a bite to each on your way to the Smithsonian Institution.
7+ Days
You really can easily spend seven days or more in just one city. Your Washington DC suggested itineraries for a longer stay should include stops at as many of the above locations as you would like, as well as a few more, less crowded attractions. The Vietnam Veterans Memorial, the National Mall, the Arlington National Cemetery, the Washington Monument, and Seventh Street District are all equally popular destinations. Pennsylvania Avenue is worth a stroll, as well.
There are so many sites to see on your Washington DC itineraries that it may become overwhelming. Be sure to prioritize the monuments and sights you really want to see, so you won’t feel bad cutting out a few if you run out of time or encounter an unbearable line. Both luxury and discount hotels can be easily booked throughout DC, so you should be able to plan a trip to fit any budget.
Washington Nationals Stadium in Dc
There isn’t anything quite like watching America’s Pastime in the nation’s capital. In 2005, Major League Baseball returned to Washington DC, and it really only seems fitting that their be a team here. The Washington Nationals, who used to be the Montreal Expos, proudly call DC home, and for many, it’s a very welcome development. It would take a couple additional years to build Washington Nationals Stadium, but if anything was ever worth the wait, it was this sports venue. Not only is the architecture of the new DC baseball stadium impressive, but it is also the first “Green Stadium” to be certified by The Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED). The cost to build the new Washington Nationals Stadium topped $610 million, so one might imagine that it’s a pretty complete complex. Fans will enjoy a wonderful experience at the new DC baseball stadium, and catching a game here is a great thing to add to your list of things to do in Washington DC.
One of the more appreciative characteristics of Washington Nationals Stadium, which opened in 2008, is its location. Found in the southeast region of DC, the ballpark enjoys a riverfront setting next to the Navy Yard. The Capitol Riverfront, which is fast becoming a favorite DC business center and hangout, can also be found close to the new DC baseball stadium, which means fans can enjoy a fun-filled day in the area when they come out to catch a game. The Capitol Riverfront, and thus Washington Nationals Stadium, can be accessed by 3 different Metrorail lines, and for those who are driving, you can choose to hop on either I-395 or I-295 to get in. Besides taking in views of the Anacostia River when heading to catch a Washington DC baseball game, fans can also enjoy views back towards town of such iconic structures as the Capitol Building and the Washington Monument. These views of the surrounding city can also be enjoyed from various seats, as well as from the bulk of the ascending circulation ramps. Once inside the new DC baseball stadium, baseball fans will be treated to a most cutting-edge experience. The park’s video and audio components are top of the line, and this includes the large, high-definition scoreboard. In fact, the new scoreboard is rumored to be at least 5 times bigger than the one in the old RFK Stadium, which was where the Washington Nationals played while they waited for their new home to be built.
Interestingly enough, the Washington Nationals Stadium boasts its own cherry blossom grove, which is found out near the left field bleachers. As you may likely already know, cherry blossoms, or cherry trees, are among the more familiar symbols of the nation’s capital. Every Spring, these signature trees burst with pink and red blossoms that are a treat to see. Something else that will be a treat for many fans coming to catch some Washington DC baseball is the fact that half of the seats can be accessed extremely easily. The field itself is below street level, so a good amount of fans will be able to more or less walk from the street to their seats. You’ll surely notice the innovative design of the stadium once you arrive, and you may be interested to know that this design was inspired by the National Gallery of Art’s East Wing, which just happens to come from the mind of renowned architect I.M. Pei. Incorporating glass, steel, and concrete into its design, the Washington Nationals Stadium is intended to reflect the architectural feel of the city in which it is found, which is a rather wonderful thing.
Surely the best Nationals baseball stadium Washington DC experience involves taking in a game, but if you are in town when the team isn’t playing, you can still get an inside look at the facility by booking one of the 1 hour and 15 minute Nationals Park tours. These tours let you access pretty much all parts of the stadium, with the Nationals team dugout and the Nationals clubhouse among the highlights. If you so desire, you can even choose to enjoy interactive tour activities such as tossing a pitch in the Nationals team bullpen, or trying your hand at hitting in the Nationals indoor batting cages. Private tours are also available for groups of all sizes, and they can even be arranged to fit your schedule and needs. The next time you are in DC, why not take yourself out to the ball park to enjoy some peanuts, cracker jacks, and a state-of-the-art stadium that is surely among the league’s best venues.
One of the more appreciative characteristics of Washington Nationals Stadium, which opened in 2008, is its location. Found in the southeast region of DC, the ballpark enjoys a riverfront setting next to the Navy Yard. The Capitol Riverfront, which is fast becoming a favorite DC business center and hangout, can also be found close to the new DC baseball stadium, which means fans can enjoy a fun-filled day in the area when they come out to catch a game. The Capitol Riverfront, and thus Washington Nationals Stadium, can be accessed by 3 different Metrorail lines, and for those who are driving, you can choose to hop on either I-395 or I-295 to get in. Besides taking in views of the Anacostia River when heading to catch a Washington DC baseball game, fans can also enjoy views back towards town of such iconic structures as the Capitol Building and the Washington Monument. These views of the surrounding city can also be enjoyed from various seats, as well as from the bulk of the ascending circulation ramps. Once inside the new DC baseball stadium, baseball fans will be treated to a most cutting-edge experience. The park’s video and audio components are top of the line, and this includes the large, high-definition scoreboard. In fact, the new scoreboard is rumored to be at least 5 times bigger than the one in the old RFK Stadium, which was where the Washington Nationals played while they waited for their new home to be built.
Interestingly enough, the Washington Nationals Stadium boasts its own cherry blossom grove, which is found out near the left field bleachers. As you may likely already know, cherry blossoms, or cherry trees, are among the more familiar symbols of the nation’s capital. Every Spring, these signature trees burst with pink and red blossoms that are a treat to see. Something else that will be a treat for many fans coming to catch some Washington DC baseball is the fact that half of the seats can be accessed extremely easily. The field itself is below street level, so a good amount of fans will be able to more or less walk from the street to their seats. You’ll surely notice the innovative design of the stadium once you arrive, and you may be interested to know that this design was inspired by the National Gallery of Art’s East Wing, which just happens to come from the mind of renowned architect I.M. Pei. Incorporating glass, steel, and concrete into its design, the Washington Nationals Stadium is intended to reflect the architectural feel of the city in which it is found, which is a rather wonderful thing.
Surely the best Nationals baseball stadium Washington DC experience involves taking in a game, but if you are in town when the team isn’t playing, you can still get an inside look at the facility by booking one of the 1 hour and 15 minute Nationals Park tours. These tours let you access pretty much all parts of the stadium, with the Nationals team dugout and the Nationals clubhouse among the highlights. If you so desire, you can even choose to enjoy interactive tour activities such as tossing a pitch in the Nationals team bullpen, or trying your hand at hitting in the Nationals indoor batting cages. Private tours are also available for groups of all sizes, and they can even be arranged to fit your schedule and needs. The next time you are in DC, why not take yourself out to the ball park to enjoy some peanuts, cracker jacks, and a state-of-the-art stadium that is surely among the league’s best venues.
White House Tours
For over two centuries, the White House has been an American icon, symbolizing the US government, its people, and the Office of the President. White House history, and the history of the nation"s capital, began when President George Washington signed an Act of Congress in December of 1790 declaring that the federal government would make its home in a space of ten miles square, set aside on the Potomac River. With the guidance of DC's supreme architect, Pierre L'Enfant, President Washington selected the location for the President's home, now known by its famous address, 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue. As the planning of the nation"s official district continued, a design competition took place, and the commission to build the President's residence was awarded to the Irish-born James Hoban.
History of the White House became tangible when the first cornerstone was laid in October of 1792. Even though President Washington managed the house's conception and construction process, thus making himself an indelible part of the history of the White House, he never actually lived there. White House history as a residence began in 1800, when it was completed for its first presidential occupants, John and Abigail Adams. Ever since then, every President's family has made changes and additions. The White House is, after all, the President's private home. It is also the only private residence of a head of state that is open to the public for White House tours, free of charge.
Imagine the history, during your tour of the White House. Wander through the formal State Dining Room, and the Diplomatic Room where so many important guests have been greeted. Appreciate the fine work, craftsmanship and the beautiful finery that equals that of any other palace. See if you can detect the presence of President Lincoln, whose spirit is rumored to wander these halls during storms. When you peer into the Oval Office, allow your imagination to take over. There is so much history in the place, it leaps out at you around every corner. Imagine the story the Cabinet Room could tell, with its years of spirited discussion on budgets, security, military affairs, and social policies. Even the gardens, transformed and beautified over many years, have about them the sense of ongoing historic change.
White House tours are available for groups of 10 or more people. Requests must be submitted through one's Member of Congress and are accepted up to six months in advance. These self-guided tours are available from 7:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday, excluding federal holidays. Visitors are encouraged to submit their requests as early as possible, since a limited number of tours are available. To be scheduled it is best to contact the congressional representative's office more than one month ahead of the requested visit date. All White House tours are free of charge.
Your tour of the White House will be better if you include some time in The House Visitors Center at 15th and E Streets. Open daily from 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., the Center provides a thirty-minute introductory video, and presentations about White House history, architecture and furnishings. Allow about an hour for that part of the trip.
The White House can be easily accessed by many Metro stops, including Metro Center, Federal Triangle, and McPherson Square. Public transport or taxis are the best ways to go, since parking and street access for cars is restricted for security around the White House. Planned well, your visit to the President"s home should be enjoyable and memorable!
History of the White House became tangible when the first cornerstone was laid in October of 1792. Even though President Washington managed the house's conception and construction process, thus making himself an indelible part of the history of the White House, he never actually lived there. White House history as a residence began in 1800, when it was completed for its first presidential occupants, John and Abigail Adams. Ever since then, every President's family has made changes and additions. The White House is, after all, the President's private home. It is also the only private residence of a head of state that is open to the public for White House tours, free of charge.
Imagine the history, during your tour of the White House. Wander through the formal State Dining Room, and the Diplomatic Room where so many important guests have been greeted. Appreciate the fine work, craftsmanship and the beautiful finery that equals that of any other palace. See if you can detect the presence of President Lincoln, whose spirit is rumored to wander these halls during storms. When you peer into the Oval Office, allow your imagination to take over. There is so much history in the place, it leaps out at you around every corner. Imagine the story the Cabinet Room could tell, with its years of spirited discussion on budgets, security, military affairs, and social policies. Even the gardens, transformed and beautified over many years, have about them the sense of ongoing historic change.
White House tours are available for groups of 10 or more people. Requests must be submitted through one's Member of Congress and are accepted up to six months in advance. These self-guided tours are available from 7:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday, excluding federal holidays. Visitors are encouraged to submit their requests as early as possible, since a limited number of tours are available. To be scheduled it is best to contact the congressional representative's office more than one month ahead of the requested visit date. All White House tours are free of charge.
Your tour of the White House will be better if you include some time in The House Visitors Center at 15th and E Streets. Open daily from 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., the Center provides a thirty-minute introductory video, and presentations about White House history, architecture and furnishings. Allow about an hour for that part of the trip.
The White House can be easily accessed by many Metro stops, including Metro Center, Federal Triangle, and McPherson Square. Public transport or taxis are the best ways to go, since parking and street access for cars is restricted for security around the White House. Planned well, your visit to the President"s home should be enjoyable and memorable!
Washington DC Monuments in DC
Washington DC monuments honor great presidents, war heroes, and even some average Americans. In seemingly every corner of America's capital city, you'll find memorials and monuments—some familiar and some unexpected. Along with the Lincoln Memorial and Washington Monument, you'll find statues and art exhibits dedicated to as diverse a group as George Mason, the Iwo Jima flag bearers, Albert Einstein, and Naval hero John Paul Jones. As you're exploring the city, you'll have the chance to learn the story of America, one monument at a time.
The list of Washington DC Memorials is long, including the best-known memorials on the National Mall. In one scenic and easily accessible locale, you'll find some of the most visited sites in the entire city and the entire nation. In one exhilarating visit, you can wander from one monument to the next, reflecting on the sacrifice made by twentieth-century war veterans, honoring Vietnam War vets to the Korean War and WWII. Several of these national monuments in DC, wrapped around the Reflecting Pool, honor America's greatest presidents, including Thomas Jefferson, Franklin Delano Roosevelt, and of course Lincoln and Washington. Reservations and admission fees are not required to visit these iconic memorials. The Washington Monument is free too, but tickets are needed if you wish to go inside, which can be picked up for the same day at the nearby Washington Monument Lodge.
The National Park Service watches over many other Washington DC memorials, in addition to the ones along the National Mall. The George Mason Memorial, dedicated in 2002, can be found near the Jefferson Memorial in the West Potomac Park. The Founding Father wrote the influential Virginia Declaration of Rights and was part of the Constitutional Convention. Other NPS Washington DC monuments include the John Ericsson Memorial, just across Independence Avenue from the National Mall. The Swedish native and engineer led the way in Naval designed and helped the Union secure a Civil War victory. The park is also home to the District of Columbia War Memorial, honoring the citizens of the District of Columbia who served in World War I.
Moving away from the National Mall, you'll find Washington DC Memorials in the city's distinctive neighborhoods. The Albert Einstein Memorial can be found in downtown DC near the National Academy of Sciences. The twelve-foot-tall bronze statue, holding a plaque with famous equations, is often climbed on my children. Another one of the Washington DC monuments is located at the center of Logan Circle. This traditional solider-on-a-horse monument was dedicated to the longtime resident who served as a senator and Civil War commander. The U.S. Navy Memorial is one of the anchors of the Penn Quarter neighborhood.
With so many memorials and national monuments in DC, it makes sense to sign up for one of the guided tours. On some, you can sit back on a trolley or bus, rest your tired feet, and enjoy the scenery. Other tours allow you the chance to step off and spend time seeing the memorials up close. If you're really interested in seeing the monuments up close, consider taking one of the guided walking tours. Sometimes you can join in impromptu tour led by one of the park rangers or you could sign up for one of the formal tours.
After dark, many of the national monuments in DC are illuminated. A bevy of night tours can take you through the quiet streets of DC where the monuments look simply stunning.
The list of Washington DC Memorials is long, including the best-known memorials on the National Mall. In one scenic and easily accessible locale, you'll find some of the most visited sites in the entire city and the entire nation. In one exhilarating visit, you can wander from one monument to the next, reflecting on the sacrifice made by twentieth-century war veterans, honoring Vietnam War vets to the Korean War and WWII. Several of these national monuments in DC, wrapped around the Reflecting Pool, honor America's greatest presidents, including Thomas Jefferson, Franklin Delano Roosevelt, and of course Lincoln and Washington. Reservations and admission fees are not required to visit these iconic memorials. The Washington Monument is free too, but tickets are needed if you wish to go inside, which can be picked up for the same day at the nearby Washington Monument Lodge.
The National Park Service watches over many other Washington DC memorials, in addition to the ones along the National Mall. The George Mason Memorial, dedicated in 2002, can be found near the Jefferson Memorial in the West Potomac Park. The Founding Father wrote the influential Virginia Declaration of Rights and was part of the Constitutional Convention. Other NPS Washington DC monuments include the John Ericsson Memorial, just across Independence Avenue from the National Mall. The Swedish native and engineer led the way in Naval designed and helped the Union secure a Civil War victory. The park is also home to the District of Columbia War Memorial, honoring the citizens of the District of Columbia who served in World War I.
Moving away from the National Mall, you'll find Washington DC Memorials in the city's distinctive neighborhoods. The Albert Einstein Memorial can be found in downtown DC near the National Academy of Sciences. The twelve-foot-tall bronze statue, holding a plaque with famous equations, is often climbed on my children. Another one of the Washington DC monuments is located at the center of Logan Circle. This traditional solider-on-a-horse monument was dedicated to the longtime resident who served as a senator and Civil War commander. The U.S. Navy Memorial is one of the anchors of the Penn Quarter neighborhood.
With so many memorials and national monuments in DC, it makes sense to sign up for one of the guided tours. On some, you can sit back on a trolley or bus, rest your tired feet, and enjoy the scenery. Other tours allow you the chance to step off and spend time seeing the memorials up close. If you're really interested in seeing the monuments up close, consider taking one of the guided walking tours. Sometimes you can join in impromptu tour led by one of the park rangers or you could sign up for one of the formal tours.
After dark, many of the national monuments in DC are illuminated. A bevy of night tours can take you through the quiet streets of DC where the monuments look simply stunning.
Washington Monuments in Washington DC
The Washington Monument is one of the most iconic attractions in Washington DC, a city known for its historic and political landmarks, including the US Capitol, the White House, and the Lincoln Memorial. The obelisk is the world's tallest, at 555 feet 5.5 inches. Construction on the monument began in 1848, though it was not completed until 1884, due to the disruptions caused by a lack of funding and the American Civil War, among other things. The Washington Monument was dedicated on February 21, 1885.
Alone among the Founders of the United States, George Washington is recognized with the title Father of the Country because of his leadership during the American Revolution. In 1783, the Continental Congress passed a resolution to honor him, as Washington was a general during the Revolutionary War, as well as the country's first president. Efforts to honor Washington thus began during his lifetime, with Pierre-Charles L'Enfant proposing a statue of the general on horseback, but Washington felt it was too grandiose and didn't want the government to spend the money honoring him. So the plan was shelved until well after his death in 1799. Planning for the memorial began in 1832, the year Washington would have turned 100, when the Washington National Monument Society was founded and began fundraising. The cornerstone of the obelisk was ultimately laid on July 4, 1848.
The walls of the George Washington Monument are composed of white marble from Maryland and Massachusetts, underlain by granite, and the whole structure is supported by interior ironwork. When it was built in the late nineteenth century, the George Washington monument was the highest building in the world, though the Eiffel Tower in Paris bested it within five years. However, it remains the world's tallest masonry structure.
A flight of 897 Washington monument steps rises to the observation area in the pyramidion. Inserted into the interior walls are 192 carved stones presented by individuals, societies, cities, states, and nations of the world. Visitors to the monument take an elevator to the top, which affords beautiful views of Washington DC. It is possible to walk the 897 steps down from the top, but prior permission is required from the National Park service.
Admission to the monument is free, but a ticket is required. Same-day tickets are available from the stand on the Washington Monument grounds at the intersection of Jefferson and 15th streets. The ticket kiosk is open from 8 am to 4:30 pm, though tickets often run out early. The monument itself is open from 9 am until 5 pm, though the last tour will begin by 4:45. The Washington Monument is open every day except for Christmas and the Fourth of July, but the fireworks show on the National Mall makes it well worth visiting on that day nonetheless.
Alone among the Founders of the United States, George Washington is recognized with the title Father of the Country because of his leadership during the American Revolution. In 1783, the Continental Congress passed a resolution to honor him, as Washington was a general during the Revolutionary War, as well as the country's first president. Efforts to honor Washington thus began during his lifetime, with Pierre-Charles L'Enfant proposing a statue of the general on horseback, but Washington felt it was too grandiose and didn't want the government to spend the money honoring him. So the plan was shelved until well after his death in 1799. Planning for the memorial began in 1832, the year Washington would have turned 100, when the Washington National Monument Society was founded and began fundraising. The cornerstone of the obelisk was ultimately laid on July 4, 1848.
The walls of the George Washington Monument are composed of white marble from Maryland and Massachusetts, underlain by granite, and the whole structure is supported by interior ironwork. When it was built in the late nineteenth century, the George Washington monument was the highest building in the world, though the Eiffel Tower in Paris bested it within five years. However, it remains the world's tallest masonry structure.
A flight of 897 Washington monument steps rises to the observation area in the pyramidion. Inserted into the interior walls are 192 carved stones presented by individuals, societies, cities, states, and nations of the world. Visitors to the monument take an elevator to the top, which affords beautiful views of Washington DC. It is possible to walk the 897 steps down from the top, but prior permission is required from the National Park service.
Admission to the monument is free, but a ticket is required. Same-day tickets are available from the stand on the Washington Monument grounds at the intersection of Jefferson and 15th streets. The ticket kiosk is open from 8 am to 4:30 pm, though tickets often run out early. The monument itself is open from 9 am until 5 pm, though the last tour will begin by 4:45. The Washington Monument is open every day except for Christmas and the Fourth of July, but the fireworks show on the National Mall makes it well worth visiting on that day nonetheless.
Thursday, 28 April 2011
Vietnam Veterans War Memorial in Washington DC
Nestled in a peaceful grove of trees among other attractions in DC on the National Mall, the intense and solemn Vietnam Veteran War Memorial finally opened in 1982. The dramatic Maya Lin Vietnam memorial was conceived through a competition, which was funded via The Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund, Inc., an organization initiated as a non-profit charity. This was to fulfill the vision of Jan Scruggs, who had served in Vietnam as an infantry corporal. A physical statement of respect and acknowledgement from the American people honor the leaders of this effort wanted veterans of Vietnam. Ultimately, they sought to draw a distinction between those who served in Vietnam and the unpopular U.S. policy that sent them there.
By day or night, this Vietnam Veteran War Memorial remains one of the most popular and powerful attractions in DC. Survivors of the war and loved ones of the deceased often come here as a sort of pilgrimage of homage: they make rubbings from the names of their fallen, and they meet and reminisce with other veterans and their families.
Vietnam veteran memorial architect Maya Lin's famous design for this moving tribute was chosen in a national competition, which kicked off a process of American cultural reconciliation. Her memorial comprises two black granite walls angled into a "V" containing over 58,000 names of soldiers who died or went missing during the nation"s longest war. Heightening the poignancy of the Maya Lin Vietnam memorial are two statues. The first one, depicting three servicemen, was completed in 1984, two years after the unveiling of the memorial. The other sculpture, added significantly later in 1993, portrays three servicewomen tending a wounded soldier.
Entering the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, visitors are greeted by the American flag and an accompanying statue of three service men, sculpted by Frederick Hart to create a moving evocation of the experience and service of the Vietnam veteran. As Hart describes it, "There is about them the physical contact and sense of unity that bespeaks the bonds of love and sacrifice that is the nature of men at war." The flag flies from a sixty-foot staff. The base contains the emblems of the five services. Together they form an entrance plaza for The Wall.
Vietnam Veteran Memorial architect Maya Lin conceived her design for The Wall as a park within a park, a quiet, protected place harmonious with the tranquil setting in which it was placed. The solid, somber black granite walls have a reflective sheen, which mirrors the area's woods, grass expanses, memorials, and the faces of people seeking veteran names. The memorial points to the Washington Monument and Lincoln Memorial. The 58,209 names are inscribed in chronological order of death, showing the war as a collection of individual human sacrifices, and honoring each person with a unique place in American history.
Not until recently did the Vietnam Veterans Memorial pay tribute to the women who served. The Vietnam Women's Memorial, which opened in 1993, pays tribute to the military women who participated in the fighting. Sculptor Grenna Goodacre portrays three women helping a wounded serviceman. It brings to mind and honors the bravery and dedication of all the women who made sacrifices for this war.
Planted around the memorial are eight yellowwood trees - a living tribute to the eight servicewomen killed in action while in Vietnam. Just as this memorial evolved organically, so does its place in history as women become more active in war service.
By day or night, this Vietnam Veteran War Memorial remains one of the most popular and powerful attractions in DC. Survivors of the war and loved ones of the deceased often come here as a sort of pilgrimage of homage: they make rubbings from the names of their fallen, and they meet and reminisce with other veterans and their families.
Vietnam veteran memorial architect Maya Lin's famous design for this moving tribute was chosen in a national competition, which kicked off a process of American cultural reconciliation. Her memorial comprises two black granite walls angled into a "V" containing over 58,000 names of soldiers who died or went missing during the nation"s longest war. Heightening the poignancy of the Maya Lin Vietnam memorial are two statues. The first one, depicting three servicemen, was completed in 1984, two years after the unveiling of the memorial. The other sculpture, added significantly later in 1993, portrays three servicewomen tending a wounded soldier.
Entering the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, visitors are greeted by the American flag and an accompanying statue of three service men, sculpted by Frederick Hart to create a moving evocation of the experience and service of the Vietnam veteran. As Hart describes it, "There is about them the physical contact and sense of unity that bespeaks the bonds of love and sacrifice that is the nature of men at war." The flag flies from a sixty-foot staff. The base contains the emblems of the five services. Together they form an entrance plaza for The Wall.
Vietnam Veteran Memorial architect Maya Lin conceived her design for The Wall as a park within a park, a quiet, protected place harmonious with the tranquil setting in which it was placed. The solid, somber black granite walls have a reflective sheen, which mirrors the area's woods, grass expanses, memorials, and the faces of people seeking veteran names. The memorial points to the Washington Monument and Lincoln Memorial. The 58,209 names are inscribed in chronological order of death, showing the war as a collection of individual human sacrifices, and honoring each person with a unique place in American history.
Not until recently did the Vietnam Veterans Memorial pay tribute to the women who served. The Vietnam Women's Memorial, which opened in 1993, pays tribute to the military women who participated in the fighting. Sculptor Grenna Goodacre portrays three women helping a wounded serviceman. It brings to mind and honors the bravery and dedication of all the women who made sacrifices for this war.
Planted around the memorial are eight yellowwood trees - a living tribute to the eight servicewomen killed in action while in Vietnam. Just as this memorial evolved organically, so does its place in history as women become more active in war service.
The United States Capitol
The United States Capitol is one of the most majestically designed and meaningful of all tourist attractions in Washington DC. It has housed the Senate and House of Representatives for almost two centuries. The Washington DC capitol building is located at the eastern end of the National Mall on a plateau 88 feet above the Potomac River, with an imposing view encompassing the Capitol Reflecting Pool and other attractions in DC, namely the Washington Monument and Lincoln Memorial. In addition to its active use by Congress, the Capitol is a museum of American art and history.
Before 1791, the federal government had no permanent site. The early Congresses convened in eight separate locations: New York City, York, Lancaster, Baltimore, Annapolis, Trenton, Princeton, and Philadelphia. The subject of a permanent capital city for the government of the United States was first raised by Congress in 1783. Built in 1793, the US Capitol has been constructed, consumed by fire, repaired, enlarged, and refurbished; today, it stands as a monument to the American people and their government.
Just as the American government continues to evolve, so does the Capitol in which it is housed. Currently, a new visitor center is under construction, finally begun after the events of 9/11 caused a security overhaul. The Capitol Visitor Center is intended to increase the US Capitol's usability, comfort, safety, and educational value for millions of people who visit the attractions in DC each year. Preliminary building commenced in late 2001, and involved moving the screening facilities for visitors, as well as an initiative to preserve trees. Primary construction started in summer of 2002, and the visitor center is expected to be finished by the end of 2006. The entire facility is located underground, for security, and so as to not disrupt the tranquility of the grounds surrounding the Capitol.
The grounds were designed by Frederick Law Olmsted, who also designed New York's Central Park. In juxtaposition to the edifice's grand, classic design, the US Capitol Grounds offer almost 60 acres of natural, wooded park ambience with multitudes of cultivated flowers. Memorial trees have been planted throughout the grounds over the years, honoring leading citizens, groups, and national events. Also, the official trees of over thirty American states have been donated to the gardens at the US Capitol.
The Capitol is open to the public for guided tours only. Tours will be conducted from 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Saturday, excepting Christmas and Thanksgiving. Complimentary tour tickets are distributed each day starting at 9 a.m., and can be obtained at the Guide kiosk near Independence and First, S.W. If Congress is in session, visitors may wish to make arrangements to witness government in action. The third floor of the Washington DC Capitol building allows access to the galleries from which visitors may watch the proceedings of the House and the Senate when Congress is in session. To witness a congressional session, contact your representatives or senators. International visitors may acquire tickets by showing their passports at the House or Senate appointment station on the first floor. Of all the tourist attractions in Washington DC, visiting the United States Capitol reveals the most about the workings of our government.
Before 1791, the federal government had no permanent site. The early Congresses convened in eight separate locations: New York City, York, Lancaster, Baltimore, Annapolis, Trenton, Princeton, and Philadelphia. The subject of a permanent capital city for the government of the United States was first raised by Congress in 1783. Built in 1793, the US Capitol has been constructed, consumed by fire, repaired, enlarged, and refurbished; today, it stands as a monument to the American people and their government.
Just as the American government continues to evolve, so does the Capitol in which it is housed. Currently, a new visitor center is under construction, finally begun after the events of 9/11 caused a security overhaul. The Capitol Visitor Center is intended to increase the US Capitol's usability, comfort, safety, and educational value for millions of people who visit the attractions in DC each year. Preliminary building commenced in late 2001, and involved moving the screening facilities for visitors, as well as an initiative to preserve trees. Primary construction started in summer of 2002, and the visitor center is expected to be finished by the end of 2006. The entire facility is located underground, for security, and so as to not disrupt the tranquility of the grounds surrounding the Capitol.
The grounds were designed by Frederick Law Olmsted, who also designed New York's Central Park. In juxtaposition to the edifice's grand, classic design, the US Capitol Grounds offer almost 60 acres of natural, wooded park ambience with multitudes of cultivated flowers. Memorial trees have been planted throughout the grounds over the years, honoring leading citizens, groups, and national events. Also, the official trees of over thirty American states have been donated to the gardens at the US Capitol.
The Capitol is open to the public for guided tours only. Tours will be conducted from 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Saturday, excepting Christmas and Thanksgiving. Complimentary tour tickets are distributed each day starting at 9 a.m., and can be obtained at the Guide kiosk near Independence and First, S.W. If Congress is in session, visitors may wish to make arrangements to witness government in action. The third floor of the Washington DC Capitol building allows access to the galleries from which visitors may watch the proceedings of the House and the Senate when Congress is in session. To witness a congressional session, contact your representatives or senators. International visitors may acquire tickets by showing their passports at the House or Senate appointment station on the first floor. Of all the tourist attractions in Washington DC, visiting the United States Capitol reveals the most about the workings of our government.
Verizon Center, Washington DC
The Verizon Center offers a diverse schedule of special events, including professional sports, top-tier college events, and big-name concerts. Just minutes from downtown Washington DC, and easy to access from the Metro, the special events center is one of the most popular draws in the city once the sun has set. Fans of basketball, hockey, and pop music all enjoy the Verizon Center events that take place on most days of the year.
Monumental Sports & Entertainment took over ownership of the Verizon Center Washington DC in 2010. In addition to taking care of the event center, the company also manages the three professional sports teams that call it home—the Washington Wizards of the NBA, hockey's Capitals, and the Mystics of the the WNBA. The $200 million Verizon Center, which debuted in 1997, welcomes more than 2 million people for sporting events and concerts each year. Its opening sparked a revitalization of its home neighborhood, the Seventh Street District.
Growing more popular every year, the Verizon Center has hosted some of the top events in America, as diverse of the WNBA/NBA All-Star games, the Stanley Cup Finals, and the World Figure Skating Championships. Several different NCAA basketball tournaments have been held at this event center close to the White House. The Georgetown Hoyas play their home basketball games here, bringing top-tier college games in season from November through March. The schedule of Verizon Center events is planned far in advance, so you could check what's in town during your upcoming DC vacations. Tickets can be purchased in any number of ways, including right here on Destination360, for all of these events.
After the tip-off, the puck has dropped, or the first note has played, the Verizon Center springs to life with a full complement of visitor amenities Whether you're coming to enjoy a basketball game or any of the Verizon Center events, you'll enjoy a state-of-the-art facility jam-packed with dining options, executive suites, and an HD scoreboard. An hour before the events begin, you'll have the chance to enjoy a cocktail, appetizers, and dinner at Dewar's 12 Clubhouse. The restaurant is easy to find by F Street entrance of the Verizon Center Washington DC.
The Green Turtle Sports Bar & Grille was a Maryland-only option before it opened in 2007 at the Verizon Center Washington DC. This landmark restaurant, already a favorite along the shore in Ocean City, features great food served in a fun atmosphere. The family-friendly Turtle specializes in American food, especially hot wings, sliders, and burgers crafted from Angus beef. Many Verizon Center visitors make time for a bite to eat before and after the game.
Visitors to the Verizon Center also have the chance to do some shopping with the Team Store. Easy to access from F Street, the shop carries jerseys and souvenirs from all of the teams that call the VC home.
If your favorite team leaves you frustrated, you might want to make an appointment at the Vida Fitness and Bang Salon. Designed for wellness and relaxation, this space offers yoga, facials, and other ways to catch your breath and feel wonderful. You can make an appointment even if you don't plan on seeing one of the Verizon Center events. Other Vida spas can be found at the Renaissance Hotel and on 15th Street.
Monumental Sports & Entertainment took over ownership of the Verizon Center Washington DC in 2010. In addition to taking care of the event center, the company also manages the three professional sports teams that call it home—the Washington Wizards of the NBA, hockey's Capitals, and the Mystics of the the WNBA. The $200 million Verizon Center, which debuted in 1997, welcomes more than 2 million people for sporting events and concerts each year. Its opening sparked a revitalization of its home neighborhood, the Seventh Street District.
Growing more popular every year, the Verizon Center has hosted some of the top events in America, as diverse of the WNBA/NBA All-Star games, the Stanley Cup Finals, and the World Figure Skating Championships. Several different NCAA basketball tournaments have been held at this event center close to the White House. The Georgetown Hoyas play their home basketball games here, bringing top-tier college games in season from November through March. The schedule of Verizon Center events is planned far in advance, so you could check what's in town during your upcoming DC vacations. Tickets can be purchased in any number of ways, including right here on Destination360, for all of these events.
After the tip-off, the puck has dropped, or the first note has played, the Verizon Center springs to life with a full complement of visitor amenities Whether you're coming to enjoy a basketball game or any of the Verizon Center events, you'll enjoy a state-of-the-art facility jam-packed with dining options, executive suites, and an HD scoreboard. An hour before the events begin, you'll have the chance to enjoy a cocktail, appetizers, and dinner at Dewar's 12 Clubhouse. The restaurant is easy to find by F Street entrance of the Verizon Center Washington DC.
The Green Turtle Sports Bar & Grille was a Maryland-only option before it opened in 2007 at the Verizon Center Washington DC. This landmark restaurant, already a favorite along the shore in Ocean City, features great food served in a fun atmosphere. The family-friendly Turtle specializes in American food, especially hot wings, sliders, and burgers crafted from Angus beef. Many Verizon Center visitors make time for a bite to eat before and after the game.
Visitors to the Verizon Center also have the chance to do some shopping with the Team Store. Easy to access from F Street, the shop carries jerseys and souvenirs from all of the teams that call the VC home.
If your favorite team leaves you frustrated, you might want to make an appointment at the Vida Fitness and Bang Salon. Designed for wellness and relaxation, this space offers yoga, facials, and other ways to catch your breath and feel wonderful. You can make an appointment even if you don't plan on seeing one of the Verizon Center events. Other Vida spas can be found at the Renaissance Hotel and on 15th Street.
Union Station Washington DC
Union Station Washington DC is the first place many people experience America's capital city. A transportation hub, mall, and attraction wrapped into one, Union Station is an exciting place to visit. Just five blocks from United States Capitol, Union Station welcomes rail passengers as a Metro Station and Amtrak hub. However, not every visitor to the historic depot comes by train; more than 30 million people visit this full-service retail center every year.
Even though the depot serves a very practical purpose, it's also a place of beauty with an interesting history. This white beaux-arts building has been standing since the beginning of the twentieth century. Also showing elements of Classical design, Union Station Washington DC was designed by Daniel Burnham, who previously turned fire-ravaged Chicago into a world-class city. As happened with many rail stations, time was not kind as more and more people began traveling by air. A major transformation began in the 1980s with the arrival of the Union station stores and restaurants.
After this ambitious undertaking, the facility was restored to its former glory. In the years since, it has become one of the most popular attractions in Washington DC. Shopping enthusiasts can explore two levels of retail space occupied by a variety of upscale shops. You'll find boutiques, clothing stores, gift shops, and souvenir stores among the list of Union Station shops. Some have familiar names, while others are unique to the retail center.
When the weather is warm, the shopping opportunities expand with the Outdoor Market. You can take the escalators near the First Street Metro Station and make your way to the West Carriage Porch. These outdoor complements to the Union Station stores include all that you'd expect from a farmer's market, including fresh produce and fresh flowers. You'll also find organic items, tempting desserts, and jewelry. If you're staying at one of the hotels near Union Station DC, you can make a quick stroll to the market and pick up breakfast or some snacks to bring with on the day's adventures. Some of the hotels are so close you can walk there and relax in your room within minutes.
You also could venture into Union Station Washington DC at meal time. With fine restaurants, casual eateries, and a food court, the depot offers a cornucopia of meal and grazing options. You'll find places where you can linger over coffee or enjoy a romantic Saturday night meal under the roof of Union Station. The casual cafes are a great place to fuel up before you walk from Union Station to any of the nearby attractions. Just across the street, you can explore the surprisingly fascinating world of the National Postal Museum. Six more blocks will lead to the Folger Shakespeare Library. When you add in a ride on the Metro, you won't be far from any of the cool attractions in town. If you just want a quiet place to relax, you could hop in a taxi or make the short walk to any of the hotels near Union Station DC.
There are several hotels near Union Station that are worth considering. A five-block walk away, the Capitol Hill Suites is one of the most modern hotels in the city, even though its history stretches back more than two centuries. All of the 152 suites at renovated boutique hotel offer more space than a typical hotel room, while many of rooms features full kitchens. One of the Historic Hotels of America, the Phoenix Park Hotel, offers 150 welcoming guestrooms as well as all of the modern conveniences—all within a block of Union Station. Just two blocks away, the Washington Court Hotel offers a variety of vacation packages that take guesswork out what to do in such an exciting city.
Union Station is included on several tour company's itineraries, and several begin right at Union Station. Within in a few steps of the door, you can step aboard a trolley, bus, or some other form of transportation and start exploring the city right away. Many of the tours will even drop you off at one of hotels near Union Station DC, so you don't have to worry about traffic, parking, or any other transportation headaches. When it's time to go home, you can return to Union Station for a train to New York, Boston, or connections to about anywhere in America.
Even though the depot serves a very practical purpose, it's also a place of beauty with an interesting history. This white beaux-arts building has been standing since the beginning of the twentieth century. Also showing elements of Classical design, Union Station Washington DC was designed by Daniel Burnham, who previously turned fire-ravaged Chicago into a world-class city. As happened with many rail stations, time was not kind as more and more people began traveling by air. A major transformation began in the 1980s with the arrival of the Union station stores and restaurants.
After this ambitious undertaking, the facility was restored to its former glory. In the years since, it has become one of the most popular attractions in Washington DC. Shopping enthusiasts can explore two levels of retail space occupied by a variety of upscale shops. You'll find boutiques, clothing stores, gift shops, and souvenir stores among the list of Union Station shops. Some have familiar names, while others are unique to the retail center.
When the weather is warm, the shopping opportunities expand with the Outdoor Market. You can take the escalators near the First Street Metro Station and make your way to the West Carriage Porch. These outdoor complements to the Union Station stores include all that you'd expect from a farmer's market, including fresh produce and fresh flowers. You'll also find organic items, tempting desserts, and jewelry. If you're staying at one of the hotels near Union Station DC, you can make a quick stroll to the market and pick up breakfast or some snacks to bring with on the day's adventures. Some of the hotels are so close you can walk there and relax in your room within minutes.
You also could venture into Union Station Washington DC at meal time. With fine restaurants, casual eateries, and a food court, the depot offers a cornucopia of meal and grazing options. You'll find places where you can linger over coffee or enjoy a romantic Saturday night meal under the roof of Union Station. The casual cafes are a great place to fuel up before you walk from Union Station to any of the nearby attractions. Just across the street, you can explore the surprisingly fascinating world of the National Postal Museum. Six more blocks will lead to the Folger Shakespeare Library. When you add in a ride on the Metro, you won't be far from any of the cool attractions in town. If you just want a quiet place to relax, you could hop in a taxi or make the short walk to any of the hotels near Union Station DC.
There are several hotels near Union Station that are worth considering. A five-block walk away, the Capitol Hill Suites is one of the most modern hotels in the city, even though its history stretches back more than two centuries. All of the 152 suites at renovated boutique hotel offer more space than a typical hotel room, while many of rooms features full kitchens. One of the Historic Hotels of America, the Phoenix Park Hotel, offers 150 welcoming guestrooms as well as all of the modern conveniences—all within a block of Union Station. Just two blocks away, the Washington Court Hotel offers a variety of vacation packages that take guesswork out what to do in such an exciting city.
Union Station is included on several tour company's itineraries, and several begin right at Union Station. Within in a few steps of the door, you can step aboard a trolley, bus, or some other form of transportation and start exploring the city right away. Many of the tours will even drop you off at one of hotels near Union Station DC, so you don't have to worry about traffic, parking, or any other transportation headaches. When it's time to go home, you can return to Union Station for a train to New York, Boston, or connections to about anywhere in America.
Shakespeare Theater in Washington DC
Washington DC Shakespeare Theater breathes new life in the Bard's work and other classics. While things have changed a lot in the centuries since Shakespeare penned his plays, the poetic language and universal themes of love, loss, and power still ring true today. With a modern and accessible theater complex in the Penn Quarter neighborhood, the Shakespeare Theater Company in DC adds to the vibrant cultural scene.
The 2007/2008 season was a momentous season in the history of the Washington DC Shakespeare Theater. The debut of the Sindey Harman Hall added another stage and 775 more seats to the company's complex. Together with the already standing Lansburgh Theatre, the new addition created the Harman Center for the Arts. The new theater fills five stories of a DC skyscraper; this building is co-owned by the theater company and the International Union of Bricklayers and Allied Craftworkers. The architecture is quite spectacular here, and includes a glass facade that towers over the sidewalk, making the marquee truly one-of-a-kind. If you're walking by, you'll be afforded views of the people in the lobby and all the hustle and bustle before a show and during intermission.
The various Shakespeare classics and others plays are performed at both theaters of the Harman Center for the Arts. Over the course of the season, the company will stage a mix of Shakespeare, works by his contemporaries, and other productions that illustrate the influence of the great playwright. All of the works underscore the mission to create imaginative productions that honor the poetic language while viewed through the lens of the 21st century. Most of the works by the Shakespeare Theater Company in DC are suitable for family vacations, especially the weekend matinees.
Whether you're planning to see a show on Saturday afternoon or a Tuesday night, you'll see a mix of top talent and up-and-comers. The technical aspects of the show are superb. Besides the production, theater goers also can enjoy a light meal in the lobby. If you'd like to avoid the line at intermission, you can order your food ahead of time and have it waiting when the time comes. You'll also have the chance to do some shopping as you're enjoying the Shakespeare Theater Company in DC, as both theaters offer a gift shop. The shops are open before the show and during intersession, and the Harman Hall store keeps regular hours during the week.
Over the years, the Shakespeare Theater in DC has sponsored one of the most popular things to do in the summer, the Free For All. This beloved tradition makes Shakespeare accessible to everyone, as long as they're willing to make their way to Sidney Harman Hall. The theater on F Street is easy to access from the Metro station at Gallery Place and Chinatown. These performances of a select Shakespeare classic take place at the end of summer, usually the middle of August until Labor Day weekend. Tickets are required and only available the day of performance at the Harman Hall box office.
The Penn Quarter Neighborhood, where the Washington DC Shakespeare Theater is located, had grown into one of the most exciting cultural centers in America since the 1990s. Within a short walk of the theaters, you'll find restaurants serving up nearly any flavor you crave as well as upscale hotels and movie theaters. The Verizon Center hosts major sporting events and concerts at night, while the National Portrait Gallery and Smithsonian Museum of American Art attract visitors during the day.
The 2007/2008 season was a momentous season in the history of the Washington DC Shakespeare Theater. The debut of the Sindey Harman Hall added another stage and 775 more seats to the company's complex. Together with the already standing Lansburgh Theatre, the new addition created the Harman Center for the Arts. The new theater fills five stories of a DC skyscraper; this building is co-owned by the theater company and the International Union of Bricklayers and Allied Craftworkers. The architecture is quite spectacular here, and includes a glass facade that towers over the sidewalk, making the marquee truly one-of-a-kind. If you're walking by, you'll be afforded views of the people in the lobby and all the hustle and bustle before a show and during intermission.
The various Shakespeare classics and others plays are performed at both theaters of the Harman Center for the Arts. Over the course of the season, the company will stage a mix of Shakespeare, works by his contemporaries, and other productions that illustrate the influence of the great playwright. All of the works underscore the mission to create imaginative productions that honor the poetic language while viewed through the lens of the 21st century. Most of the works by the Shakespeare Theater Company in DC are suitable for family vacations, especially the weekend matinees.
Whether you're planning to see a show on Saturday afternoon or a Tuesday night, you'll see a mix of top talent and up-and-comers. The technical aspects of the show are superb. Besides the production, theater goers also can enjoy a light meal in the lobby. If you'd like to avoid the line at intermission, you can order your food ahead of time and have it waiting when the time comes. You'll also have the chance to do some shopping as you're enjoying the Shakespeare Theater Company in DC, as both theaters offer a gift shop. The shops are open before the show and during intersession, and the Harman Hall store keeps regular hours during the week.
Over the years, the Shakespeare Theater in DC has sponsored one of the most popular things to do in the summer, the Free For All. This beloved tradition makes Shakespeare accessible to everyone, as long as they're willing to make their way to Sidney Harman Hall. The theater on F Street is easy to access from the Metro station at Gallery Place and Chinatown. These performances of a select Shakespeare classic take place at the end of summer, usually the middle of August until Labor Day weekend. Tickets are required and only available the day of performance at the Harman Hall box office.
The Penn Quarter Neighborhood, where the Washington DC Shakespeare Theater is located, had grown into one of the most exciting cultural centers in America since the 1990s. Within a short walk of the theaters, you'll find restaurants serving up nearly any flavor you crave as well as upscale hotels and movie theaters. The Verizon Center hosts major sporting events and concerts at night, while the National Portrait Gallery and Smithsonian Museum of American Art attract visitors during the day.
Smithsonian Institution Museums in Washington DC
"The Nation's Attic," the Smithsonian Institute in Washington DC, is the world"s largest museum complex and research organization. Composed of 17 museums and the National Zoo in metropolitan Washington DC, and two New York facilities, the Smithsonian Institution museums offer visitors a window on its enormous holdings, including in excess of 142 million artifacts. The Smithsonian Institution museum's holdings are so vast that exhibitors display only about 1% or 2% of the collection's holdings at any given time.
The Smithsonian institute in Washington DC's holdings range every area of human interest, from a 3.5-billion-year-old fossil to part of a 1902 Horn & Hardart Automat. The Smithsonian has funded countless exploratory projects for science, increasing our knowledge of the furthest reaches of civilization. The Smithsonian Institution museums in Washington DC include the National Air and Space Museum, the National Museum of the American Indian, the Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden, the National Museum of American History, the American Museum of African Art, among others. Somewhat prominent is Smithsonian Institution Building.
This red, nineteenth-century palace of sandstone, commonly referred to as the "Castle," is the national mall's oldest structure, nonetheless it houses the high-tech comprehensive Smithsonian Information Center. Its Great Hall shows a half hour film summarizing the institution for visitors, which runs regularly all day. There are also enormous electronic maps and models depicting the national mall. Extensive interactive exhibits and videos allow tourists to find almost 100 popular destinations, as well as their respective public transportation stops.
The castle makes a good first stop, as you wander through the ten museums on the National Mall. Enter through the gardens, and pay attention to the beautiful entrance hall, which has been restored to its late nineteenth century appearance. It was originally designed to display exhibits at a child's eye level. The ceiling, gilded with gold, depicts a lush arbor of grapes with royally plumed birds, and cobalt sky peeping through trelliswork. There is a coffee kiosk outside near the Enid A. Haupt Garden, where you can settle on a bench and plan your day. On Sundays, start to your Washington DC Smithsonian adventure at the Castle, which serves a fabulous brunch from 11 am until 2pm in the Commons Room.
Since it is impossible to visit all of the fifteen fascinating museums in a single visit, it's best to pick a few, and save the rest for your next trip. Most of the Smithsonian museums in Washington DC are located within a one-mile region between Independence and Constitution Avenues downtown. Admission is free for all Smithsonian museums in Washington DC, so walk at leisure but wear comfortable shoes. The easiest way to enjoy getting to the museums on the National Mall is to avoid parking if possible. Take a cab, or better, experience Washington's Metrorail, which has several stops of use, the most central being the one bearing the name Smithsonian. Who knows what you will enjoy most, but everyone finds something interesting at the Washington DC Smithsonian. An ongoing celebration of our national and world cultures, the Smithsonian institute in Washington DC represents for Americans the treasured icons of our past, the vibrant art of our present, and the scientific promise of our future.
The Smithsonian institute in Washington DC's holdings range every area of human interest, from a 3.5-billion-year-old fossil to part of a 1902 Horn & Hardart Automat. The Smithsonian has funded countless exploratory projects for science, increasing our knowledge of the furthest reaches of civilization. The Smithsonian Institution museums in Washington DC include the National Air and Space Museum, the National Museum of the American Indian, the Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden, the National Museum of American History, the American Museum of African Art, among others. Somewhat prominent is Smithsonian Institution Building.
This red, nineteenth-century palace of sandstone, commonly referred to as the "Castle," is the national mall's oldest structure, nonetheless it houses the high-tech comprehensive Smithsonian Information Center. Its Great Hall shows a half hour film summarizing the institution for visitors, which runs regularly all day. There are also enormous electronic maps and models depicting the national mall. Extensive interactive exhibits and videos allow tourists to find almost 100 popular destinations, as well as their respective public transportation stops.
The castle makes a good first stop, as you wander through the ten museums on the National Mall. Enter through the gardens, and pay attention to the beautiful entrance hall, which has been restored to its late nineteenth century appearance. It was originally designed to display exhibits at a child's eye level. The ceiling, gilded with gold, depicts a lush arbor of grapes with royally plumed birds, and cobalt sky peeping through trelliswork. There is a coffee kiosk outside near the Enid A. Haupt Garden, where you can settle on a bench and plan your day. On Sundays, start to your Washington DC Smithsonian adventure at the Castle, which serves a fabulous brunch from 11 am until 2pm in the Commons Room.
Since it is impossible to visit all of the fifteen fascinating museums in a single visit, it's best to pick a few, and save the rest for your next trip. Most of the Smithsonian museums in Washington DC are located within a one-mile region between Independence and Constitution Avenues downtown. Admission is free for all Smithsonian museums in Washington DC, so walk at leisure but wear comfortable shoes. The easiest way to enjoy getting to the museums on the National Mall is to avoid parking if possible. Take a cab, or better, experience Washington's Metrorail, which has several stops of use, the most central being the one bearing the name Smithsonian. Who knows what you will enjoy most, but everyone finds something interesting at the Washington DC Smithsonian. An ongoing celebration of our national and world cultures, the Smithsonian institute in Washington DC represents for Americans the treasured icons of our past, the vibrant art of our present, and the scientific promise of our future.
7th Street Washington DC
The Seventh Street District, the downtown area surrounding the Washington Convention Center and the Verizon sports complex, is also known as the Washington DC Chinatown and shopping district. Here you will find everything from fine Washington DC restaurants serving Chinese and diverse ethnic cuisines, to great museums and theaters and movie houses. Close by is the recently developed Verizon Center, where DC's basketball and hockey teams, the Wizards and the Capitals, host their home games. Here, also, concert fans convene for major tours, spilling over into several breweries, restaurants and sports bars that have developed in the area. The Washington DC art gallery has found a home in the Seventh Street District too, as its nightlife burgeons.
There is an interesting fusion of contemporary American culture and international exploration here. Within a few blocks of the Verizon Center, you can stroll under the enormous intricate Friendship Arch and find yourself immersed in the sounds, smells, and tastes of Chinatown. Considered Chinatown's "gateway," Friendship Arch is a vibrantly colored landmark, replete with thousands of glazed tiles, and giant panels with carved golden dragons. Featured in the center is a marble panel inscribed with characters from the Chinese language, which read "zhongguo cheng," meaning Chinese city.
After the DC riots of 1968, Chinatown deteriorated quickly, as did many other areas of Washington DC. With increasing taxation and crime, and a general decline in business, many of the Chinese residents, along with other DC natives, moved to the suburbs. In 1976, when Washington Metro opened a subway stop in the area, they named it "Gallery Place," acknowledging its artistic makeup but ignoring ethnic Chinatown completely. In 1986, the city dedicated the Friendship Arch, and it was hoped the arch would reinforce the neighborhood's Chinese character. Each winter, the Chinese New Year is celebrated in grand fashion, and people from all over the Washington Metropolitan region gather for its fireworks and colorful parade. The neighborhood is now served by the Gallery Place-Chinatown Metro stop, in keeping with it dual identities.
In 2004, the Seventh Street District underwent a $200 million renovation, transforming the area into a bustling scene for nightlife, shopping and entertainment with high-end restaurants, a deluxe movie theater and exclusive department stores. Visitors to Washington DC enjoy the new Gallery Place, a complex with business, shopping, dining, and a 14-screen stadium-style movie theater, all within walking distance to many of DC's tourist attractions. Among the shops at Gallery Place, you will find Urban Outfitters, Aveda, Thai Chili, Ann Taylor, Clyde's, Benetton, Miso Hungry, Washington Sport and Health Clubs, just to name a few.
In addition to great Washington DC restaurants, Washington DC Chinatown and shopping, the Seventh Street District has nurtured many a Washington DC art gallery. The 7th Street Arts District and Gallery Row provide refreshingly cool respite during DC's sweltering summers, and hot art indoors when it"s cold in the city, so you can't go wrong! Discover a whole host of treats for the senses and the soul in this four-block area, where urban renovation is itself a thing of ongoing beauty.
There is an interesting fusion of contemporary American culture and international exploration here. Within a few blocks of the Verizon Center, you can stroll under the enormous intricate Friendship Arch and find yourself immersed in the sounds, smells, and tastes of Chinatown. Considered Chinatown's "gateway," Friendship Arch is a vibrantly colored landmark, replete with thousands of glazed tiles, and giant panels with carved golden dragons. Featured in the center is a marble panel inscribed with characters from the Chinese language, which read "zhongguo cheng," meaning Chinese city.
After the DC riots of 1968, Chinatown deteriorated quickly, as did many other areas of Washington DC. With increasing taxation and crime, and a general decline in business, many of the Chinese residents, along with other DC natives, moved to the suburbs. In 1976, when Washington Metro opened a subway stop in the area, they named it "Gallery Place," acknowledging its artistic makeup but ignoring ethnic Chinatown completely. In 1986, the city dedicated the Friendship Arch, and it was hoped the arch would reinforce the neighborhood's Chinese character. Each winter, the Chinese New Year is celebrated in grand fashion, and people from all over the Washington Metropolitan region gather for its fireworks and colorful parade. The neighborhood is now served by the Gallery Place-Chinatown Metro stop, in keeping with it dual identities.
In 2004, the Seventh Street District underwent a $200 million renovation, transforming the area into a bustling scene for nightlife, shopping and entertainment with high-end restaurants, a deluxe movie theater and exclusive department stores. Visitors to Washington DC enjoy the new Gallery Place, a complex with business, shopping, dining, and a 14-screen stadium-style movie theater, all within walking distance to many of DC's tourist attractions. Among the shops at Gallery Place, you will find Urban Outfitters, Aveda, Thai Chili, Ann Taylor, Clyde's, Benetton, Miso Hungry, Washington Sport and Health Clubs, just to name a few.
In addition to great Washington DC restaurants, Washington DC Chinatown and shopping, the Seventh Street District has nurtured many a Washington DC art gallery. The 7th Street Arts District and Gallery Row provide refreshingly cool respite during DC's sweltering summers, and hot art indoors when it"s cold in the city, so you can't go wrong! Discover a whole host of treats for the senses and the soul in this four-block area, where urban renovation is itself a thing of ongoing beauty.
Phillips Collection, Washington DC
The Phillips Collection was one of the first modern art museums in the world. Located in a thriving neighborhood, Dupont Circle, this intimate museum has transformed a family home into a showplace for creative vision. You'll recognize the names of many artists on display here, including Georgia O'Keeffe, Vincent van Gogh, and Mark Rothko are all represented, as are others who have yet to find fame.
Since the museum opened in 1921, the Phillips Collection has grown and expanded, adding new artists and pieces of art. Unlike other arts attractions, the Phillips focuses primarily on art from the 20th and 21st centuries, as well as some 19th-century works of art. Throughout the year, the museum stages special exhibits, some focusing on a single artists, others exploring a theme. If you're following a guide or exploring on your own, you'll find some amazing works of art among the Phillips Collect art exhibitions.
Today, the Phillips Collection is a full-service museum, but it never feels cavernous or overwhelming to visit. The original Phillips family home, a handsome example of Georgian Revival architecture, now forms the southern portion of the building. The Phillips Collection Washington DC has been expanded many times over its history—a modernist wing was added in 1960, which was renovated 30 years later.
The Phillips Collection Washington DC is open every day of the week with the exception of Monday between the hours of 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. Evening tours are an option on Thursday and Sunday. The first Thursday evening of the month, you'll have the chance to hear live music, attend a gallery talk, or join in one of the special events sponsored by the Center for the Study of Modern Art.
If you'd like a closer look at the Phillips Collect art exhibitions, consider joining one of the gallery tours or talks. Like many museums, the Phillips offers in-depth opportunities to learn about the art and the people who created it. Reservations are not needed unless you're planning on visiting in a large group. Tuesday through Friday, noontime spotlight tours provide an excellent overview. When noon arrives on Saturday, the guides will lead a tour of the whatever special exhibit is on display at the time.
Tickets are required for general entry to the Phillips Collection and some of the special exhibits. If you're looking around for vacation deals, you'll be glad to know that general admission is free for anyone under the age of 18, and entry to special exhibits is discounted for students and seniors. During the work week, you can visit the permanent collection by donation; all contributions are welcome.
Along with touring the Phillips Collect art exhibitions, you'll have the chance to enjoy a meal at the museum. Its cafe, FoodArts, offers pleasant dining experiences whether you're looking for a quick lunch or coffee break. When the weather is nice, you can choose to dine outside on the terrace. The enclosed space, which opened in 2006, also can be reached from the galleries—it's home to a bronze sculpture by Ellsworth Kelly, simply called Untitled.
Like the White House, the Phillips Collection Washington DC has an address of 1600. Rather than Pennsylvania Avenue, the art museum is located along 21st Street NW, close to the Dupont Circle Metro station.
Since the museum opened in 1921, the Phillips Collection has grown and expanded, adding new artists and pieces of art. Unlike other arts attractions, the Phillips focuses primarily on art from the 20th and 21st centuries, as well as some 19th-century works of art. Throughout the year, the museum stages special exhibits, some focusing on a single artists, others exploring a theme. If you're following a guide or exploring on your own, you'll find some amazing works of art among the Phillips Collect art exhibitions.
Today, the Phillips Collection is a full-service museum, but it never feels cavernous or overwhelming to visit. The original Phillips family home, a handsome example of Georgian Revival architecture, now forms the southern portion of the building. The Phillips Collection Washington DC has been expanded many times over its history—a modernist wing was added in 1960, which was renovated 30 years later.
The Phillips Collection Washington DC is open every day of the week with the exception of Monday between the hours of 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. Evening tours are an option on Thursday and Sunday. The first Thursday evening of the month, you'll have the chance to hear live music, attend a gallery talk, or join in one of the special events sponsored by the Center for the Study of Modern Art.
If you'd like a closer look at the Phillips Collect art exhibitions, consider joining one of the gallery tours or talks. Like many museums, the Phillips offers in-depth opportunities to learn about the art and the people who created it. Reservations are not needed unless you're planning on visiting in a large group. Tuesday through Friday, noontime spotlight tours provide an excellent overview. When noon arrives on Saturday, the guides will lead a tour of the whatever special exhibit is on display at the time.
Tickets are required for general entry to the Phillips Collection and some of the special exhibits. If you're looking around for vacation deals, you'll be glad to know that general admission is free for anyone under the age of 18, and entry to special exhibits is discounted for students and seniors. During the work week, you can visit the permanent collection by donation; all contributions are welcome.
Along with touring the Phillips Collect art exhibitions, you'll have the chance to enjoy a meal at the museum. Its cafe, FoodArts, offers pleasant dining experiences whether you're looking for a quick lunch or coffee break. When the weather is nice, you can choose to dine outside on the terrace. The enclosed space, which opened in 2006, also can be reached from the galleries—it's home to a bronze sculpture by Ellsworth Kelly, simply called Untitled.
Like the White House, the Phillips Collection Washington DC has an address of 1600. Rather than Pennsylvania Avenue, the art museum is located along 21st Street NW, close to the Dupont Circle Metro station.
Pennsylvania Avenue in Washington DC
Pennsylvania Avenue is among the world"s most famous streets, containing several of the must-see Washington DC tourist attractions. The avenue runs for seven miles inside Washington, but the stretch from the White House to the United States Capitol building is considered the most important - effectively the heart of the city. Throughout history, Americans have gathered to rally, protest and parade on the Avenue, and can always be found opinionating in Lafayette Park, also known as "Presidents Park," across from The White House. Every four years the nation celebrates inauguration with a grand promenade down the Avenue, while other national heroes and foreign leaders have been honored with parades and motorcades there as well. It is no wonder that Pennsylvania Avenue is called the "Avenue of Presidents" and "America's Main Street," becoming one of the most popular Washington DC tourist attractions. Whether celebrating or mourning, the Avenue of Presidents is the place where the people of the nation gather to commemorate their wins and losses.
Pennsylvania Avenue has gone through a remarkable physical evolution over its two centuries of history. The Avenue of Presidents, like many other Washington DC tourist attractions, was the brainchild of Pierre L'Enfant, who was presidentially appointed in 1791 by George Washington to plan the new Nation's capital city. Connecting Jenkins Hill and a ridge north of Tiber Creek, L"Enfant linked the houses of Congress and the President with a bold diagonal avenue, not unlike the Champs Elysees.
Today, the Treasury Building, designed by Robert Mills, is one of Pennsylvania Avenue's historic structures. Considered by many to be the most spectacular Greek revival building in the United States, it is surpassed in age only by the White House and the Capitol among the federal buildings that are Washington DC tourist attractions. Another historic treasure is the Post Office Pavilion. Designer Willoughby J. Edbrooke completed the building in the Romanesque Revival style by 1899. Its skyrocketing tower clock remains a current Avenue of Presidents landmark. This building was followed in 1909 by the completion of the District Building. Designed in the Beaux Arts style, the building was constructed to house the District of Columbia government. Still in use by the District's government today, it too remains an Avenue landmark.
Not just the scene of official functions, Pennsylvania Avenue is the traditional parade and protest route of ordinary citizens. For instance, in the depression era, 500 protesting supporters of Jacob Coxey rallied down Pennsylvania Avenue to insist on federal provision of unemployment benefits. The night before Woodrow Wilson was inaugurated in 1913, Alice Paul brilliantly led a march empowering the suffragette movement for women. Citizens today still come here from all over the world, to let their voices be heard in Lafayette Park, a seven-acre park across from the White House also known as the "Presidents Park." The noble statue of Andrew Jackson on horseback commands the Square, while in each corner a hero of The Revolutionary War is honored. This public forum for opinionating is a resounding reminder of the democratic revolution that gave rise to the splendor of Pennsylvania Avenue.
Pennsylvania Avenue has gone through a remarkable physical evolution over its two centuries of history. The Avenue of Presidents, like many other Washington DC tourist attractions, was the brainchild of Pierre L'Enfant, who was presidentially appointed in 1791 by George Washington to plan the new Nation's capital city. Connecting Jenkins Hill and a ridge north of Tiber Creek, L"Enfant linked the houses of Congress and the President with a bold diagonal avenue, not unlike the Champs Elysees.
Today, the Treasury Building, designed by Robert Mills, is one of Pennsylvania Avenue's historic structures. Considered by many to be the most spectacular Greek revival building in the United States, it is surpassed in age only by the White House and the Capitol among the federal buildings that are Washington DC tourist attractions. Another historic treasure is the Post Office Pavilion. Designer Willoughby J. Edbrooke completed the building in the Romanesque Revival style by 1899. Its skyrocketing tower clock remains a current Avenue of Presidents landmark. This building was followed in 1909 by the completion of the District Building. Designed in the Beaux Arts style, the building was constructed to house the District of Columbia government. Still in use by the District's government today, it too remains an Avenue landmark.
Not just the scene of official functions, Pennsylvania Avenue is the traditional parade and protest route of ordinary citizens. For instance, in the depression era, 500 protesting supporters of Jacob Coxey rallied down Pennsylvania Avenue to insist on federal provision of unemployment benefits. The night before Woodrow Wilson was inaugurated in 1913, Alice Paul brilliantly led a march empowering the suffragette movement for women. Citizens today still come here from all over the world, to let their voices be heard in Lafayette Park, a seven-acre park across from the White House also known as the "Presidents Park." The noble statue of Andrew Jackson on horseback commands the Square, while in each corner a hero of The Revolutionary War is honored. This public forum for opinionating is a resounding reminder of the democratic revolution that gave rise to the splendor of Pennsylvania Avenue.
Smithsonian National Zoological Park, Washington DC
The Smithsonian National Zoological Park Washington DC is a great place to explore, find and learn about diverse and exotic creatures, whether giant giraffes or miniscule leaf-cutter ants. Learning about other species by watching their behavior can offer us new insight into ourselves. Finding out about the survival strategies that different animals have stretches the imagination. Seeing young animals learning to adjust to their new environment and interacting with their mothers can be a life-affirming experience. The animal youngsters at the Smithsonian National Zoological Park are irresistible and entertaining. While visiting DC, discover the baby gorillas, the cubs of pandas and cheetahs, a young elephant from Asia, and other animals recently born at the Zoo.
The Smithsonian National Zoological Park was founded in 1889. Its mission is to study, celebrate, and protect the diversity of animals and their habitats. About 2,400 individuals of 400 different species are in the animal collection. The Zoological Park's principle purpose was not to amuse people, but to save endangered animals native to the United States. The Zoo was birthed during an era when American people were concerned about reaching the end of the frontier, and the emerging power of urban industry in society. The animals at the Zoo reminded visitors of the tragically diminishing American Wilderness.
The Smithsonian National Zoological Park has two installations, one of which is devoted to research. The public zoo is a beautiful 163-acre urban park located in Northwest Washington DC, 20 minutes from the National Mall by subway. While visiting DC, come to the zoo free of charge, and discover life in the world of cheetahs, zebras and even the scimitar-horned oryx. Witness an eagle feeding, and learn about other majestic birds of flight like hawks and falcons. Watch a mother elephant and her calf being bathed. Or, attend a bird house indoor flight exhibit, where you can watch birds forage and catch their food mid-flight, as a keeper and a volunteer narrate.
While visiting the National Zoological Park Washington DC learn about our giant pandas, and pandas in the wild. The National Zoo has been the home to giant pandas for more than 30 years. First Hsing Hsing and Ling Ling in 1972, and, since 2000, Mei Xiang and Tian Tian, have symbolized the Zoo's efforts to celebrate, study, and protect endangered species and their habitats. The July 9, 2005, birth of giant panda Tai Shan underscores these efforts.
Food is plentiful at the Smithsonian National Zoological Park. When visiting the pandas, you can try the Panda Cafe. When exploring Lion/Tiger Hill, don't miss Mane Restaurant. There is also an Express Grill at Panda Plaza, and near the small mammals you will find a seasonal Popstop. You can also bring your own picnic. Coolers are permitted, but not grills or other cooking devices. There are picnic areas throughout the Zoo, available on a first-come, first-served basis.
The Zoo sits adjacent to Rock Creek Park and can be entered at 3001 Connecticut Ave., on Harvard St. and on Beach Dr. It is easily accessed from the Metro stop Woodley Park/Zoo. It is open every day from 8:00 am to 8:00 pm between April 15th and October 15th. The rest of the year it is open daily from 8:00 am to 6:00 pm. Admission is free, since the zoo is part of the Smithsonian Institution. As the National Zoological Park Washington DC celebrates the 117th anniversary of its establishment in 1889, its mission to study, celebrate, and protect animals and their habitats is as vital as ever, if humankind is to save what remains of the Earth's biological diversity.
The Smithsonian National Zoological Park was founded in 1889. Its mission is to study, celebrate, and protect the diversity of animals and their habitats. About 2,400 individuals of 400 different species are in the animal collection. The Zoological Park's principle purpose was not to amuse people, but to save endangered animals native to the United States. The Zoo was birthed during an era when American people were concerned about reaching the end of the frontier, and the emerging power of urban industry in society. The animals at the Zoo reminded visitors of the tragically diminishing American Wilderness.
The Smithsonian National Zoological Park has two installations, one of which is devoted to research. The public zoo is a beautiful 163-acre urban park located in Northwest Washington DC, 20 minutes from the National Mall by subway. While visiting DC, come to the zoo free of charge, and discover life in the world of cheetahs, zebras and even the scimitar-horned oryx. Witness an eagle feeding, and learn about other majestic birds of flight like hawks and falcons. Watch a mother elephant and her calf being bathed. Or, attend a bird house indoor flight exhibit, where you can watch birds forage and catch their food mid-flight, as a keeper and a volunteer narrate.
While visiting the National Zoological Park Washington DC learn about our giant pandas, and pandas in the wild. The National Zoo has been the home to giant pandas for more than 30 years. First Hsing Hsing and Ling Ling in 1972, and, since 2000, Mei Xiang and Tian Tian, have symbolized the Zoo's efforts to celebrate, study, and protect endangered species and their habitats. The July 9, 2005, birth of giant panda Tai Shan underscores these efforts.
Food is plentiful at the Smithsonian National Zoological Park. When visiting the pandas, you can try the Panda Cafe. When exploring Lion/Tiger Hill, don't miss Mane Restaurant. There is also an Express Grill at Panda Plaza, and near the small mammals you will find a seasonal Popstop. You can also bring your own picnic. Coolers are permitted, but not grills or other cooking devices. There are picnic areas throughout the Zoo, available on a first-come, first-served basis.
The Zoo sits adjacent to Rock Creek Park and can be entered at 3001 Connecticut Ave., on Harvard St. and on Beach Dr. It is easily accessed from the Metro stop Woodley Park/Zoo. It is open every day from 8:00 am to 8:00 pm between April 15th and October 15th. The rest of the year it is open daily from 8:00 am to 6:00 pm. Admission is free, since the zoo is part of the Smithsonian Institution. As the National Zoological Park Washington DC celebrates the 117th anniversary of its establishment in 1889, its mission to study, celebrate, and protect animals and their habitats is as vital as ever, if humankind is to save what remains of the Earth's biological diversity.
National WWII Memorial, Washington DC
The National WWII Memorial was the first monument dedicated to all of America's veterans who served fought in the Pacific, Europe, and on the home front during World War II. In total, more than 16 million men and women served in the U.S. Armed Forces, and 400,000 of these people gave their lives. One of the monuments on the National Mall, the WWII Memorial honors the spirit, courage, and commitments of Americans from towns large and small who served their county.
The roots of the National WWII Memorial Washington DC may not stretch back as far as you might think. It wasn't until the 1990s7mdash;when many of the veterans were entering their golden years—:that President Clinton authorized the creation of the monument. This WWII Memorial officially joined the Washington DC monuments scene in 2004. At this time, the American Battle Monuments Commission transferred the oversight to the National Park Service. Before this, the ABMC was instrumental in all that it did to create the monument, from the fundraising stage to construction.
Even if you're just driving by, the WWII Memorial Washington DC will catch your attention. Standing proud at the corner of 17th Street and Independence Avenue, the memorial is hard to miss. A mix of marble, bronze, and trees, the monument is a fitting tribute to the brave servicemen and women who answered the call of duty. Not far from the Washington Monument, the National WW II Memorial is worth a visit when you're exploring America's capital city.
Like the major monuments, you do not need to pay a penny to experience the WWII Memorial. As you step up to the park-like plaza, you'll sure to be inspired. Flanked by towering elm trees, the monument was designed to be at once grand and respectful of nature. As one of the free things to do in DC, you won't have to worry about purchasing tickets or standing in a line to see the WWII Memorial Washington DC.
Veterans and civilians alike are awed by this massive monument-the most striking element is are the twin arches, which tower 43 feet high. Each state or territory (as of the World War II era) is represented by a seventeen-foot-tall pillar, while a sea of gold stars to honor those who perished. Bronze relief panels tell the story of America during the war, and the seals of each branch of service are found at the base of the bronze and granite. You'll also find waterfalls and a reflecting pool. As you take the time to overlook the site, you can view the Lincoln Memorial in the distance, and you can ponder what it took for all of these Americans who went to war around the world some two generations after Lincoln lead the Union in the Civil War.
Limited parking is available between the Lincoln and the Jefferson Memorial, which fills up quickly. Handicapped parking can be found at the lot between the WWII Memorial and the FDR Memorial. If you don't want to worry about parking, consider hopping aboard public transportation. The closest Metro stop, 12th Street and Independence, is a ten- or fifteen-minute walk away. Many bus tours and trolley tours include the monuments on their schedule, with narration that fills you in on the creation of this stirring memorial.
The roots of the National WWII Memorial Washington DC may not stretch back as far as you might think. It wasn't until the 1990s7mdash;when many of the veterans were entering their golden years—:that President Clinton authorized the creation of the monument. This WWII Memorial officially joined the Washington DC monuments scene in 2004. At this time, the American Battle Monuments Commission transferred the oversight to the National Park Service. Before this, the ABMC was instrumental in all that it did to create the monument, from the fundraising stage to construction.
Even if you're just driving by, the WWII Memorial Washington DC will catch your attention. Standing proud at the corner of 17th Street and Independence Avenue, the memorial is hard to miss. A mix of marble, bronze, and trees, the monument is a fitting tribute to the brave servicemen and women who answered the call of duty. Not far from the Washington Monument, the National WW II Memorial is worth a visit when you're exploring America's capital city.
Like the major monuments, you do not need to pay a penny to experience the WWII Memorial. As you step up to the park-like plaza, you'll sure to be inspired. Flanked by towering elm trees, the monument was designed to be at once grand and respectful of nature. As one of the free things to do in DC, you won't have to worry about purchasing tickets or standing in a line to see the WWII Memorial Washington DC.
Veterans and civilians alike are awed by this massive monument-the most striking element is are the twin arches, which tower 43 feet high. Each state or territory (as of the World War II era) is represented by a seventeen-foot-tall pillar, while a sea of gold stars to honor those who perished. Bronze relief panels tell the story of America during the war, and the seals of each branch of service are found at the base of the bronze and granite. You'll also find waterfalls and a reflecting pool. As you take the time to overlook the site, you can view the Lincoln Memorial in the distance, and you can ponder what it took for all of these Americans who went to war around the world some two generations after Lincoln lead the Union in the Civil War.
Limited parking is available between the Lincoln and the Jefferson Memorial, which fills up quickly. Handicapped parking can be found at the lot between the WWII Memorial and the FDR Memorial. If you don't want to worry about parking, consider hopping aboard public transportation. The closest Metro stop, 12th Street and Independence, is a ten- or fifteen-minute walk away. Many bus tours and trolley tours include the monuments on their schedule, with narration that fills you in on the creation of this stirring memorial.
National Theater Washington DC
The National Theater Washington DC is one of the many places in the city where you can celebrate the arts. The venue hosts a wide array of stage shows, movies, and free events, along with boasting a deep history and even a ghost story or two.
Located on Pennsylvania Avenue, the National Theater DC has earned the nickname the Theater of Presidents. Its strategic location, just three blocks away from the White House, is part of the reason. When it opened in 1835, Andrew Jackson held the highest office in the land and Pennsylvania was a muddy road in a capital that was at the beginning of a growth spurt. Since then, presidents and average people alike have enjoyed the National Theater events.
Over the years, the theater has welcomed stars of stage and screen, while surviving fires, scandals, and hauntings. If you're interested in knowing more about this one-of-a-kind history, consider taking one of the backstage tours. Available during the day, as long rehearsals are not taking place, these tours are led by volunteer guides who know the ins and outs of the National Theater Washington DC. You'll hear about the familiar names who graced the stage—Helen Hayes, Cab Calloway, Spencer Tracy, and Katharine Hepburn have all appeared in works here. Before the brother-and-sister team of Warren Beatty and Shirley MacLaine were famous, each worked at the theater—Warren as a stage doorman and Shirley as an usher.
On these tours of the National Theater DC, one of the lesser-known fun things to do in the capital, the guide will also talk about the aspects that going into staging a production. It takes a lot of people working together to stage a Broadway-style production, including actors, directors, lighting technicians, and other experts who make the National Theater events success. The tour guide also tells a ghost story about the actor John McCullough who met an untimely end backstage. Shot by a fellow actor after an argument, McCullough is rumored to roam the theater to this day, in spirit at least, and has been seen in the audience on opening nights.
After dark, you'll have the chance to see a professional, full-scale production while you're enjoying the nightlife at the National Theater DC. This elegant theater, with orchestra, mezzanine, and balcony seating, is both a comfortable and elegant setting to see a show. The most popular and exciting shows take to the stage, including Dreamgirls, Les Miserables, and Doubt in the past. The schedule of National Theater events also includes entertaining community Vaudeville shows and summertime cinema events. Tickets can be purchased in advance or at the box office.
On Monday evenings and Saturday mornings, you don't need a ticket to enjoy the entertainment at the National Theatre Washington DC—and who isn't looking for some free things to do? After the first business day of the week, people gather at the National Theatre to enjoy a dance performance. Saturday morning events are much more eclectic. Marimba players, snake trainers, magicians, and folk singers are just some of the performers who have taken to the stage on Saturday morning. Although these shows are free, tickets are still required. Seating can fill up quickly, so you will want to arrive at the theater in plenty of time to pick up tickets.
Located on Pennsylvania Avenue, the National Theater DC has earned the nickname the Theater of Presidents. Its strategic location, just three blocks away from the White House, is part of the reason. When it opened in 1835, Andrew Jackson held the highest office in the land and Pennsylvania was a muddy road in a capital that was at the beginning of a growth spurt. Since then, presidents and average people alike have enjoyed the National Theater events.
Over the years, the theater has welcomed stars of stage and screen, while surviving fires, scandals, and hauntings. If you're interested in knowing more about this one-of-a-kind history, consider taking one of the backstage tours. Available during the day, as long rehearsals are not taking place, these tours are led by volunteer guides who know the ins and outs of the National Theater Washington DC. You'll hear about the familiar names who graced the stage—Helen Hayes, Cab Calloway, Spencer Tracy, and Katharine Hepburn have all appeared in works here. Before the brother-and-sister team of Warren Beatty and Shirley MacLaine were famous, each worked at the theater—Warren as a stage doorman and Shirley as an usher.
On these tours of the National Theater DC, one of the lesser-known fun things to do in the capital, the guide will also talk about the aspects that going into staging a production. It takes a lot of people working together to stage a Broadway-style production, including actors, directors, lighting technicians, and other experts who make the National Theater events success. The tour guide also tells a ghost story about the actor John McCullough who met an untimely end backstage. Shot by a fellow actor after an argument, McCullough is rumored to roam the theater to this day, in spirit at least, and has been seen in the audience on opening nights.
After dark, you'll have the chance to see a professional, full-scale production while you're enjoying the nightlife at the National Theater DC. This elegant theater, with orchestra, mezzanine, and balcony seating, is both a comfortable and elegant setting to see a show. The most popular and exciting shows take to the stage, including Dreamgirls, Les Miserables, and Doubt in the past. The schedule of National Theater events also includes entertaining community Vaudeville shows and summertime cinema events. Tickets can be purchased in advance or at the box office.
On Monday evenings and Saturday mornings, you don't need a ticket to enjoy the entertainment at the National Theatre Washington DC—and who isn't looking for some free things to do? After the first business day of the week, people gather at the National Theatre to enjoy a dance performance. Saturday morning events are much more eclectic. Marimba players, snake trainers, magicians, and folk singers are just some of the performers who have taken to the stage on Saturday morning. Although these shows are free, tickets are still required. Seating can fill up quickly, so you will want to arrive at the theater in plenty of time to pick up tickets.
National Gallery of Art Washignton DC
The National Gallery of Art Washington DC is home to one of the most spectacular assemblies of art in existence, displaying significant accomplishments in art and sculpture, from the fifth century to contemporary times. The West Wing of this DC attraction features a collection of international masterpieces from the 13th to the 19th century, while the East Wing of the Washington DC art museum houses a modern collection of 20th century art. Most people don't realize it, but unlike many of the history and art museums in DC, the National Gallery of Art is not part of the Smithsonian complex.
The National Gallery of Art Washington DC has a dual personality. John Russell Pope was the architect who conceived its original West Building, the same neoclassical master who designed the Jefferson Memorial and the National Archives. The West gallery is magnificent and marble, featuring a domed roof above a columned fountain, and hallways with vaulted ceilings, opening on charming courtyard gardens. The West building was donated to the country by Andrew Mellon, along with the core of its original collection of art. Several masterpieces from the Hermitage are among them, including two Raphael's.
The extremely contemporary East Building, by contrast, is made of adjacent glass triangles, featuring airy pyramid-like skylights soaring above. Inside this wing is a showcase for the museum's collection of 20th-century art, including works by Picasso, Miró, Matisse, Pollock, and Rothko; this is also the home of an art history research center. The pink Tennessee marble from which both buildings were constructed was taken from the same quarry; it forms an architectural link between the two seemingly different art museums in DC.
A visit to the National Gallery of Art Washington DC is made even more enjoyable when visitors take time to wander or rest outdoors near the Sculpture Garden. Located in a prime position on the National Mall, the National Gallery Sculpture Garden is a favorite outdoor DC attraction, year-round. The Garden proudly displays seventeen sculptures from the Gallery's collection, and often exhibits works on loan, too. Located in the 6.1-acre block adjacent to the West Building, the stately yet casual Sculpture Garden houses sheltering trees of many native species. Floral trees, elegant shrubs, and multitudes of perennials contribute to the riotous color in the gardens, as well.
In the middle of the Sculpture Garden lies a splendid fountain, where visitors to this Washington DC art museum can go walking or sit and relax. In warm weather, people sit on the wide rim of the pool and cool their feet in the streams of cold water whilst picnicking or taking in one of the Friday night open-air jazz concerts the Gallery hosts. During the winter, people enjoy outdoor ice-skating amidst the sculpture, while resting or warming in The Pavilion Café.
The Pavilion Café offers year-round service, along with indoor seating. In addition to sandwiches, pizzas and salads, the Cafe serves wine and beer, and hot chocolate, coffee and tea. Skaters use this place to rest and refuel. The café view allows visitors to watch the skaters, which is entertaining in itself. The National Gallery of Art Washington DC remains one of the most popular DC attractions since it offers something for everyone, in an artistic environment encouraging exploration.
The National Gallery of Art Washington DC has a dual personality. John Russell Pope was the architect who conceived its original West Building, the same neoclassical master who designed the Jefferson Memorial and the National Archives. The West gallery is magnificent and marble, featuring a domed roof above a columned fountain, and hallways with vaulted ceilings, opening on charming courtyard gardens. The West building was donated to the country by Andrew Mellon, along with the core of its original collection of art. Several masterpieces from the Hermitage are among them, including two Raphael's.
The extremely contemporary East Building, by contrast, is made of adjacent glass triangles, featuring airy pyramid-like skylights soaring above. Inside this wing is a showcase for the museum's collection of 20th-century art, including works by Picasso, Miró, Matisse, Pollock, and Rothko; this is also the home of an art history research center. The pink Tennessee marble from which both buildings were constructed was taken from the same quarry; it forms an architectural link between the two seemingly different art museums in DC.
A visit to the National Gallery of Art Washington DC is made even more enjoyable when visitors take time to wander or rest outdoors near the Sculpture Garden. Located in a prime position on the National Mall, the National Gallery Sculpture Garden is a favorite outdoor DC attraction, year-round. The Garden proudly displays seventeen sculptures from the Gallery's collection, and often exhibits works on loan, too. Located in the 6.1-acre block adjacent to the West Building, the stately yet casual Sculpture Garden houses sheltering trees of many native species. Floral trees, elegant shrubs, and multitudes of perennials contribute to the riotous color in the gardens, as well.
In the middle of the Sculpture Garden lies a splendid fountain, where visitors to this Washington DC art museum can go walking or sit and relax. In warm weather, people sit on the wide rim of the pool and cool their feet in the streams of cold water whilst picnicking or taking in one of the Friday night open-air jazz concerts the Gallery hosts. During the winter, people enjoy outdoor ice-skating amidst the sculpture, while resting or warming in The Pavilion Café.
The Pavilion Café offers year-round service, along with indoor seating. In addition to sandwiches, pizzas and salads, the Cafe serves wine and beer, and hot chocolate, coffee and tea. Skaters use this place to rest and refuel. The café view allows visitors to watch the skaters, which is entertaining in itself. The National Gallery of Art Washington DC remains one of the most popular DC attractions since it offers something for everyone, in an artistic environment encouraging exploration.
National Mall in Washington DC
The National Mall is usually the center of every visitor's trip to Washington DC. This tree-lined parkland stretches two and a half miles from the Potomac River to the United States Capitol, and is adjoined by the White House. At one end of the National Mall, known as West Potomac Park, the Lincoln Memorial stands majestically over its Reflecting Pool, offering a stunning view of the Washington Monument, the Tidal Basin, Constitution Gardens and the Memorial Bridge. In addition to showcasing the Washington DC national monuments, the Mall is home to a number of museums and galleries, including the National Museum of Natural History, the National Air and Space Museum and many of the Smithsonian Institution buildings.
The Mall is significant as the central axis of the Washington DC national monuments core area, as designed by Pierre L'Enfant in 1791. The Washington DC National Mall was to be the foremost avenue of the city, and was to be named "The Grand Avenue." It was expected to extend westward from the US Capitol building all the way south to the house of the president, where it would terminate with a splendid statue of George Washington on horseback.
During the 1800's, however, L'Enfant's ceremonious blueprint for the Mall was, for the most part, neglected. The Civil War had much to do with this, being that the Mall grounds were used for troop parades and encampments, and even for the slaughter of livestock and production of armaments. In 1872, fourteen acres of the Mall was given to the Baltimore and Potomac Railroad for the building of a train depot. The railroad was also granted permission to lay tracks north to south across part of the Mall. In 1902, after the Union had been restored, "The Grand Avenue" vision put forth by L'Enfant was resurrected when the McMillan Commission formally called on Congress to restore and further develop the Mall. The railroad station was eventually removed from the area in 1909.
Today, the Washington DC National Mall is one of the most popular places in the city. At the heart of democracy, the mall is the site of many protests and demonstrations, such as the March on Washington in 1963 and the Million Man March in 1995. Every year on Independence Day, the US Capitol hosts a massive July Fourth celebration, with free performances by national entertainers and one of the most intense fireworks shows in the world.
The best way to enjoy the Washington DC National Mall is to take Metro to the Smithsonian stop, then walk from one monument, gallery or memorial to the next. In nice weather, walking the Mall is a favorite even for locals. If you"d rather, you can take a Tourmobile, which regularly shuttles visitors between the monuments in Washington DC on a daily basis.
Many believe the best time to visit the Washington DC national monuments is at night, when their beautiful white stone edifices are brilliantly floodlit and there are no noisy crowds to diminish their stately tranquility. It is at this time that the reflective nature of their design is evident. Try it -- all of the memorials are safe to visit after dark, and park rangers stay on duty until just before midnight, with the exception of the Washington Monument, where the close the doors at 5pm. You can still wander around the grounds and enjoy their ambience at any time, however. Early mornings are also beautiful and very peaceful, with sunrises reflecting color across the pools and the white stone of the memorials.
You don't have to tour anything to enjoy the National Mall in Washington DC, however. Locals and tourists alike gather here to picnic, fly kites, play volleyball, read on park benches, walk dogs, and to jog among the monuments in Washington DC. It really is the heart of the nation, and never stops pulsing with life!
The Mall is significant as the central axis of the Washington DC national monuments core area, as designed by Pierre L'Enfant in 1791. The Washington DC National Mall was to be the foremost avenue of the city, and was to be named "The Grand Avenue." It was expected to extend westward from the US Capitol building all the way south to the house of the president, where it would terminate with a splendid statue of George Washington on horseback.
During the 1800's, however, L'Enfant's ceremonious blueprint for the Mall was, for the most part, neglected. The Civil War had much to do with this, being that the Mall grounds were used for troop parades and encampments, and even for the slaughter of livestock and production of armaments. In 1872, fourteen acres of the Mall was given to the Baltimore and Potomac Railroad for the building of a train depot. The railroad was also granted permission to lay tracks north to south across part of the Mall. In 1902, after the Union had been restored, "The Grand Avenue" vision put forth by L'Enfant was resurrected when the McMillan Commission formally called on Congress to restore and further develop the Mall. The railroad station was eventually removed from the area in 1909.
Today, the Washington DC National Mall is one of the most popular places in the city. At the heart of democracy, the mall is the site of many protests and demonstrations, such as the March on Washington in 1963 and the Million Man March in 1995. Every year on Independence Day, the US Capitol hosts a massive July Fourth celebration, with free performances by national entertainers and one of the most intense fireworks shows in the world.
The best way to enjoy the Washington DC National Mall is to take Metro to the Smithsonian stop, then walk from one monument, gallery or memorial to the next. In nice weather, walking the Mall is a favorite even for locals. If you"d rather, you can take a Tourmobile, which regularly shuttles visitors between the monuments in Washington DC on a daily basis.
Many believe the best time to visit the Washington DC national monuments is at night, when their beautiful white stone edifices are brilliantly floodlit and there are no noisy crowds to diminish their stately tranquility. It is at this time that the reflective nature of their design is evident. Try it -- all of the memorials are safe to visit after dark, and park rangers stay on duty until just before midnight, with the exception of the Washington Monument, where the close the doors at 5pm. You can still wander around the grounds and enjoy their ambience at any time, however. Early mornings are also beautiful and very peaceful, with sunrises reflecting color across the pools and the white stone of the memorials.
You don't have to tour anything to enjoy the National Mall in Washington DC, however. Locals and tourists alike gather here to picnic, fly kites, play volleyball, read on park benches, walk dogs, and to jog among the monuments in Washington DC. It really is the heart of the nation, and never stops pulsing with life!
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