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Browsing Washington
Adams-Morgan
With its outdoor murals, funky shops and ethnic restaurants, Adams-Morgan is one of Washington's most ethnically diverse and fascinating neighborhoods. The diversity is evident in the many restaurants whose menus range from Ethiopian to Salvardoran cuisine. Visitors also will find hip bars and clubs, unusual shops and grocery stores, but it is the nightlife and dining scene that attracts most tourists. A mix of new immigrants, young urban professionals and intellectuals enjoy living in this neighborhood's 19th-century apartment buildings and row houses.
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African-American Civil War Memorial
Relatively new among the many monuments in DC, this memorial pays tribute to the 185,000 African-American soldiers who fought with Union troops during the Civil War. Appropriately, the memorial stands in the historic Shaw neighborhood, named after Robert Gould Shaw, the white colonel who led the 54th Massachusetts Infantry, a black regiment, in an ill-fated attack on the Confederates. The event was depicted in the movie "Glory." Across the street, a Visitors Center features a database for looking up ancestors' regiments and battle action.
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Albert Einstein Memorial
A 12-foot sculpture of Albert Einstein is seated on a bench in front of the National Academy of Sciences. The sculpture, by Robert Berk, is done in the same style as the artist's famous bust of President John F. Kennedy in the Alexandria Archaeology Museum
Located in the Anacostia Museum
At this lesser-known Smithsonian museum, the spotlight is on African-American culture and issues. There is no permanent collection, but the museum provides innovative, special exhibits. They tend to be current and interactive, with many suited to children. Admission is free.
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Anderson House
This palatial townhouse on Embassy Row is a showpiece of the collections, interests, and lavish decor of Ambassador Lars Anderson and his heiress wife, Isabel. Housing an exhibit of revolutionary artifacts, the museum also offers some quirkier displays such as murals of Anderson's favorite motorcar tours of the city. But the biggest draw is the decor, which, from the grand ballroom to the original furnishings, gives a clear sense of how the cream of society once lived. Free chamber recitals are performed weekly. Call for schedule. Admission is free.
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Annapolis
Maryland's state capital is also known as the "Sailing Capital of America," thanks to 17 miles of waterfront and a picturesque harbor bobbing with sailboats from around the world. Sailors and landlubbers alike enjoy hanging out in Annapolis, which will celebrate its 300th birthday in 2008.
Historic sites abound, including the oldest statehouse in the Nation, mid-18th century residences of the signers of the Declaration of Independence, the US Naval Academy (officially designated a "National Historic Landmark"), and the third oldest college in the country, St. John's College.
But the narrow streets and City Dock overflow with contemporary attractions too, and many come here to dine, browse shops and art galleries, and listen to music in nightclubs. More »
Antietam National Battlefield
Tucked away in pastoral western Maryland countryside, this battlefield was the site of the bloodiest day of the Civil War, September 17, 1862. More than 23,000 Confederate and Union soldiers were killed or wounded during the battle. The landmarks—Burnside Bridge, Dunkard Church and Bloody Lane—remain largely intact. The Union victory at Antietam provided President Lincoln with the opportunity to issue the Emancipation Proclamation, which freed slaves in the Confederate states and empowered the Union with moral authority. Park admission: USD2. Antietam is about 90 minutes northwest of Washington and 9 miles south of Hagerstown, Maryland.
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Arlington House/ Custis-Lee Mansion
Arlington House once belonged to Confederate General Robert E. Lee, whose wife, Mary Custis, a great-granddaughter of George Washington, inherited the home. During the Civil War, Union troops made the house their headquarters
The home is furnished as it was when the Lees raised their seven children here. Park rangers dressed in period costume help dramatize the era. Enjoy a stunning view of Washington from the front of the hillside mansion.
As the mansion is located within
Arlington National Cemetery
This is the final resting place of many who gave their lives in service to the country. Two US presidents—John F. Kennedy and William Howard Taft are buried here. The crew of the Challenger space shuttle, civil rights leader Medgar Evers and film star Audie Murphy are among the many honored here. The Tomb of the Unknown Soldiers, containing remains of unidentified soldiers from World Wars I, II, and the Korean Conflict, is guarded 24 hours a day. The changing of the guard ceremony is a moving tribute to them. Arlington house, the home of Robert E. Lee until the outbreak of the Civil War, is located on the cemetery grounds. Visitors may walk through the cemetery or board a Tourmobile Sightseeing tram.
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Art Museum of the Americas
Founded in 1976 by the Organization of American States, the Art Museum of the Americas resides in an almost century-old mansion located just off the National Mall. The museum seeks to house and present the works of artists from all over North and South America and Caribbean. The Spanish colonial house and surrounding grounds provide a warm and intimate setting to admire the artwork and sculptures housed on the estate.
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Arthur M. Sackler Gallery (The)
This underground museum's focus is the collection of early Chinese jades and bronzes donated by Arthur M. Sackler, a wealthy medical researcher and publisher. However, the museum houses a variety of Asian art dating as far back as 3000 BC. Displays of special note include Persian manuscripts, Indian paintings and Japanese prints. Works from China, Southeast Asia, Korea and Tibet are also featured. Concerts and art performances augment the visitor's tour. Admission is free.
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Arts Club of Washington
This 200 year-old townhouse served as a temporary White House for President James Monroe, who waited for the real one to be rebuilt after the British burned it during the War of 1812. Today the structure is headquarters for a club that promotes the arts in Washington. The club frequently hosts art shows and concerts, and visitors are welcome to wander around the rather charming abode.
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Audubon Naturalist Society/Woodend
The prominent 19th-century architect John Russell Pope, responsible for many notable homes and memorials in Washington, also designed Woodend, the Georgian mansion that currently houses the Audubon Society. Visitors may tour the home, visit its extensive exhibit of North American birds and browse its well-stocked bookstore. Outside, explore the 40 acres of wooded grounds, including a pond, meadows and a well-marked nature trail. Call to get information on the special events and activities sponsored here. Environmental education programs are available for all ages.
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B'nai B'rith Klutznick Museum
Twenty centuries of Jewish daily, religious and cultural life are displayed here. Artifacts include Torah covers, silver amulets and intricately crafted spice boxes. All the rituals of a lifespan are described in artworks, documents and artifacts. Changing exhibitions cover Jewish history from antiquity to the present. The gift shop is among the best of Washington's fine museum stores. Admission fee is $2.
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Bartholdi Park
Created in 1932, the exquisitely manicured grounds and geometrically shaped landscaping change periodically to reflect the latest trends in horticulture. The park's main feature is the 30-foot high fountain sculpted by the park's namesake, Frederic Auguste Bartholdi, in 1876. At the request of Frederick Olmsted, the fountain was relocated to Washington from Philadelphia at the end of the International Centennial Exhibition in Philadelphia. The park is an excellent place to relax and admire the foresight of Olmsted to bring this beautiful fountain to DC.
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Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception
This basilica, the largest Roman Catholic church in the Western Hemisphere, was dedicated in 1959. Its architecture is mix of Romanesque and Byzantine styles. The Great Upper Church boasts fantastic mosaics, stained glass windows and individual chapels, and the lower level Crypt Church is smaller and darker, but equally impressive in atmosphere and ornamentation. Guided tours are offered. The basilica has a bookstore, gift shop and cafeteria.
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Battleground National Cemetery
This cemetery, just one acre in size, is one of the smallest national cemeteries. President Abraham Lincoln dedicated it after the Battle of Fort Stevens in the summer of 1864. The defeat of the Confederates during the two-day battle in July 1864 saved Washington, D.C. from invasion. More than 900 Union and Confederate soldiers were killed; 41 of the Union soldiers were buried in this specially created cemetery, one-half mile north of Fort Stevens. When you visit the cemetery, take special note of the entrance, which is flanked by two smoothbore guns.
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Bead Museum
This tiny place in the middle of the Penn Quarter celebrates the bead as both ornament and symbol. Beads are on display and for sale.
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Benjamin Banneker Park
This circular park near the waterfront honors Benjamin Banneker, a free black and self-taught mathematician and astronomer, who helped survey the District boundaries based on celestial calculations. George Washington hired Banneker and Andrew Ellicott in 1791 to lay out the 10-mile square plot that would define the District of Columbia. Pierre L'Enfant designed the federal city within Banneker's and Ellicott's set boundaries.
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Benjamin Franklin Statue
This statue of printer, diplomat, and inventor Benjamin Franklin stands on a pedestal in front of the Old Post Office Pavilion at 12th St. and Pennsylvania Ave., NW. Franklin's statue stands here because he was also a postmaster, appointed by King George III before the Revolutionary War.
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Black History Resource Center
This center tracks the history of African-Americans in the Alexandria community from 1749 to the present. The small town, near the North-South line, is a fascinating microcosm of the larger trends that impacted the black community in the US. Literature and exhibits celebrate the contributions made by African-Americans to Alexandria. The building that houses the center was the first library for the black community, established in 1940. Today, it offers a non-circulating research facility, the Watson Reading Room and it regularly features lectures, exhibitions and special events.
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Bureau of Engraving and Printing
The paper currency for the US is printed in this building. Kids and adults will love visiting this "money factory." The guided tour is brief, lasting 30 to 45 minutes, but the line can be daunting. At the moment tours on a first come basis. Summer evening tours require tickets, which are handed out at the visitor Center. Visitors can see a display with a million USD1 bills and view dollars at every stage of production. The bureau runs 24 hours a day and prints USD450 million daily. Admission is free.
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Capital Crescent Trail
The Capital Crescent Trail is a pleasant 11-mile trail that runs through northwest Washington. During the work week, bike commuters use this trail as their link between the northwest suburbs and DC. On weekends, the trail is crowded with rollerbladers and bicyclists. It begins in Capitol Hill
Coined as "Our Nation's Neighborhood," Capitol Hill is located east of the Mall and is home to wonderful restaurants, unique shops, and DC's artist community. Make sure to try and visit Capitol Hill on the second Saturday of every month as the cafes, galleries, and most shops open their arms (and their doors) to the public to offer drinks, music, and recitals. If you want to take a detour off the tourist beaten path, come visit Capitol Hill.
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Carlyle House
Built in 1753 by Scottish merchant John Carlyle for his bride, Sarah Fairfax of Belvoir, Carlyle House is considered one of the grandest in Cathedral of St. Matthew the Apostle
Recently having undergone a massive renovation, much of the church has been restored to a pristine condition. The inside of the cathedral is covered with beautiful mosaics that are reminiscent of classic churches in Italy. The Cathedral plays a very important role for Washington's Catholic community. Pope John Paul II visited here in 1979, and the "Red Mass" is also celebrated here every Fall for members of the legal profession. Finally, John F. Kennedy's funeral Mass was said at St. Matthew's on November 25, 1963.
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Cedar Hill
Frederick Douglass lived in this house after he moved from Rochester, NY in the post Civil War years. His decision to move to DC was clearly to take an even more hands-on role in the fighting for equal rights of African-Americans. The home is furnished just as is it was from 1878-1895 with many of Douglass personal possessions on exhibit. A visitors center welcomes you at the bottom of the driveway where a tour guide will then show you around the estate. If you are visiting with 5 or more people make sure you call ahead to make a reservation.
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Charles Sumner School Museum and Archives
Charles Sumner School Museum & Archives is a beautifully restored historic site, which was the first permanent school for African American children in Washington, D.C. The school originally opened in 1872, and was later restored in 1984-86. The building currently houses the official Archives of the D.C. Public Schools, as well as a research library. There is also a museum of public education on site.
Also used as an art space, the Charles Sumner School Museum and Archives has two to three exhibits during each exhibit cycle. The first cycle runs mid-September through the third week of January, while the second cycle runs the third week of February through end of June.
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Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park
For nearly 100 years, the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal served as a transportation route to move coal from Western Maryland to the nation's capital. Today, the towpath is a hiking and biking trail that stretches the entire 185 miles from Washington, DC to Cumberland, Maryland. The most frequently visited portion is the 14 miles from Christ Church
Although George Washington was also a member of Truro Church near his home at Mount Vernon, he kept a family pew at Christ Church. This pew has been preserved in its original place in his honor. Confederate General Robert E. Lee, an Alexandria native, worshipped here throughout his life. Built in 1773, the building has been restored to its original Georgian style. An unusual Palladian window and tablets, hand-lettered by Colonial James Wren, are special building features. Additional galleries were added in 1787. Guided tours are available.
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Clara Barton National Historic Site
Clara Barton spent the last years of her long, productive life at this Victorian home within walking distance of Her creative renovations of the building resulted in a charming and intriguing curiosity. Visitors may view a film of the life of this tireless organizer and explore the home, which is furnished much as she left it. More »
Claude Moore Colonial Farm
An easy walking path leads visitors from the parking lot through wheat and corn fields and an orchard to an 18th-century farm house. The house was typical of a poor Virginia tenant farmer in the 1770s. Volunteers work the farm and do other household chores while keeping in character in dress and speech. Children will especially enjoy the farm animals, which include cattle, turkeys, hogs, chickens, dogs and cats. Throughout the year, special events are held to demonstrate old methods of cheese making, flax processing and other ways of life. Admission: $2 adults, $1 children 3-12 and senior citizens.
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Congressional Cemetery
J. Edgar Hoover, the notorious FBI director, and John Philip Sousa, the patriotic composer, are buried here, the oldest national cemetery in the country. The 30-acre site also holds the gravesites of members of Congress, Native Americans, Lincoln-assassination conspirators and other notables. Brochures for a self-guided walking tour are available at the gatehouse. Admission is free.
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Constitution Gardens
This 52-acre park is located north of the Reflecting Pool amid the capital's many famous monuments and memorials. A beautiful place for a stroll, the paths wind through the trees taking you to Corcoran Gallery of Art
This is Washington's largest private museum of art, with a permanent collection that numbers more than 14,000 works. It includes paintings by the famous American portraitist Gilbert Stuart and works from the Hudson River school. Established in 1869 by William Wilson Corcoran, the museum also showcases fine European works, especially French Impressionism. Performances are often held in the auditorium and the Gospel Sunday Brunches at the atrium cafe transform the ambiance of the entire museum. Suggested contribution: $3 adults, $1 senior citizens and students and $5 families.
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Cox's Row
These 5 Georgetown townhouses were built in 1817 by John Cox, the first elected mayor of Georgetown. Not open to the public, they're worth viewing from the outside for their fine federal-style architectural features: arched doorways and decorative facades.
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DAR Museum
Run by the Daughters of the American Revolution, this museum focuses on the culture and history of everyday life in the United States before 1830. It recreates whole rooms from specific time periods in different regions. A room from an adobe house contrasts the many colonial examples, and the attic, filled with toys and dolls of long ago, is a hit with children. Also popular with children are the free 'Colonial Adventure' tours, held on the first and third Sundays of each month. A costumed guide explains the exhibits. Don't forget to explore the genealogical library.
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Decatur House
Located across from the Department of State
The foreign policy of the United States is developed in the rooms of the Department of State building. Of particular interest are the Diplomatic Reception Rooms on the top floor, which are used to entertain heads of state and foreign diplomats. The furnishings include the desk on which the Treaty of Paris was signed and a Paul Revere bowl. It is best to register for a tour in advance. Reservations for summer tours should be made at least three months ahead of a visit. Admission is free.
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Department of the Interior Museum
This museum casts a wide net, reflecting the many concerns of this government agency throughout its history. From mining to regional history, from national parks to Native-American art, the displays here provide a composite of that nebulous concept, the U.S. "interior." But for those who like to start their explorations with details, there are countless artifacts to attract attention, including historical documents, pottery and geological finds. Admission is free.
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Discovery Theater
Live theater performances are presented, including several original works, along with puppetry, dance, storytelling and music. These performances are excellent educational entertainment for children and might spark an interest in the arts. All performances are open to the public; however, advanced reservations are recommended for groups and families.
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Dumbarton House
This fine, dignified Georgian mansion, built around 1800, was long a centerpiece of Dumbarton Oaks
From El Greco's The Visitation to Byzantine and pre-Columbian artworks, jewelry and mosaics, this restored mansion is filled with elegant treasures. Built in 1801, the estate achieved its height of glory in the wealthy 1920s when it served as the high-society showpiece of Robert Bliss and his heiress wife, Mildred. The gardens occupy 10 acres above Georgetown and include terraced lawns, winding footpaths and elaborate fountains.
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Dupont Circle
With its funky shops and trendy restaurants and bars, Dupont Circle is one of the hippest neighborhoods in Washington. Its cosmopolitan air draws visitors both young and old, straight and gay. Once a neighborhood of old money and the nouveau riche, Dupont Circle today is home to artists, intellectuals and young professionals. The neighborhood's turn-of-the-century mansions and brownstones, formerly home to prominent families, today house art museums, restaurants, embassies and fun shops. Dupont Circle also is home to the Dupont Circle Call Boxes
Fire and police emergency call boxes were first installed on the streets of Washington in the 1860s, but were disabled after 9/11, when a new emergency call system was put in place. Local cultural and community organizations have banded together to sponsor and fund artists' creative re-design of the boxes. Throughout the Dupont Circle neighborhood, you will see 22 of these hunter green call boxes, each with a different artist's interpretation of the famous Dupont Circle fountain, rendered on a digitized weatherproof panel. Look for another 850 decorated boxes in Capitol Hill, Mount Pleasant, and other neighborhoods.
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Eastern Market
The Eastern Market is an open-air market reminiscent of markets in Europe. Here you can order fresh meats, fruits, bread, and almost anything else from local merchants at much lower prices than the supermarket. There is also a lunch area with DC's famous crab cakes. The weekends sport even more activities with a farmers market on Saturday and a flea market on Sunday. Eastern Market is easily accessible via Metro by the Eastern Market Station, which serves both the blue and orange lines.
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Embassy Row
Extending west from DuPont Circle on Massachusetts Avenue, Embassy Row refers to the plethora of foreign embassies that line the road. Although Embassy Row doesn't house all of the embassies in Washington, it does contain the majority of them. Take a stroll along the road and glimpse at why Washington is such as a cosmopolitan city.
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Enid A. Haupt Garden
This lovely Victorian-style garden is a welcome respite for tired Folger Shakespeare Library
Rare books, paintings and other memorabilia, such as musical instruments, costumes and films, make this a most unique collection. A reproduction of an Elizabethan theatre is a perfect setting for one of the many special events, including concerts, plays and book readings. The Grand Hall, with its high ceiling and dark wood, is a frequent setting for literary and other events.
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Ford's Theatre
The assassination of President Abraham Lincoln here on April 14, 1865, overshadowed this theater for most of its history. Ford's opened just four years before that fateful night. Restored to its 1865 appearance, Ford's is again a showcase for plays. The basement-level Lincoln Museum displays artifacts from the assassination, including the gun John Wilkes Booth used to kill Lincoln. Mementos from Lincoln's life also are on display. National Park Service rangers give talks 15 minutes after the hour. Across the street is Fort Ward Museum and Park
Fort Ward was a crucial part of the wide defensive system built around Washington during the Civil War. The fort stands in the swath of territory that Union troops captured from Virginia shortly after the state joined the Confederacy. Today, visitors can wander the gardens in the 40-acre park surrounding the fort, picnic and enjoy summer concerts in the amphitheater. Fort Ward itself has been almost fully restored. The museum contains much to interest children and Civil War buffs, from musical instruments to medical equipment.
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Franciscan Monastery
This century-old monastery is one of Washington's hidden delights. The garden, set on a hillside and reached by winding paths, is full of big trees and places to sit quietly among the flowers and small outdoor shrines. The public is allowed to view the upper church's full-scale replicas of Holy Land shrines. In the lower church, visitors will find a replica of the Roman catacombs, which can only be seen on scheduled tours.
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Franklin D. Roosevelt Memorial
Despite Roosevelt's request for modesty in erecting a memorial to him, this park stretches for over 7 acres and is laid out in four sections, one for each of his historic terms.
Highlights include a bas-relief sculpture depicting FDR's funeral cortege, a dramatic waterfall with a reflecting pool that represents the peace the President strove to achieve during his tenure in office, an array of statues honoring the men and women who endured the Great Depression, a room dedicated to the memory of his Eleanor, and a sculpture of Roosevelt, who suffered from polio, in his wheelchair. More »
Freedom Plaza
This raised plaza is on Pennsylvania Avenue across from the Willard Hotel, at the other end of the avenue from the Capitol. Originally named Western Plaza, it became Freedom Plaza to honor Dr. Martin Luther King, who had worked on his "I Have a Dream" speech in his room at the Willard. The plaza is inlaid with a map depicting parts of the L'Enfant Plan, with quotes from famous people about Washington, DC inscribed in the paving stones surrounding the plan.
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Freer Gallery of Art
One of two Smithsonian museums that feature Asian art, the Freer Gallery houses more than 26,000 works from all points of the Asian continent, including China, Japan, Korea and India. These works include Asian porcelains, Japanese screens and Islamic art. The works of American artists influenced by the Orient are also featured. The most spectacular of these is James McNeill Whistler's Peacock Room, designed for a British shipping magnate and moved to the United States from London in 1904. Admission is free.
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Friendship Archway
Spanning H Street at 7th Street, the Friendship Archway is Chinatown's most visible and beautiful landmark. This glittering gold and red arch is one of largest arches in the world.The arch, decorated in the classical art of the Ming and Ch'ing dynasties with four pillars and five roofs, was dedicated in 1986 by the mayors of Beijing and Washington. A joint $1 million project between the Washington and Beijing governments was part of an effort to make DC's eight-block Chinatown a world-class center for Asian trade. More »
Friendship Firehouse
Children and other fans of firefighters and their equipment will enjoy visiting Alexandria's oldest firehouse, built in 1871. The Friendship Fire Company itself pre dates the building by 100 years and is rumored to have been a pet project of George Washington's. Restored in the 1990s, the Firehouse offers visitors a look at the equipment used since the nation's founding. Also displayed are the clothes firefighters wore throughout this company's history. Special exhibits are often held. You can call for details.
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Gadsby's Tavern Museum
The site of many patriot gatherings in the early days of the Revolution, Gadsby's Tavern has remained a place of fellowship and of good food and drink. It was in the doorway of this famous tavern that George Washington reviewed his troops for the last time. Dinners feature many 18th century Southern favorites including Crab Cakes, Stuffed Flounder, Roast Duck and Game Pie. Buttermilk Pie is an unusual treat. You will find local wines and ales as well as a full bar. On a cold winter night, try Martha's Remedy, a warming concoction of coffee, chocolate and brandy. Come have a look at the beautifully restored 18th century ballroom, tap room and bedroom.
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Gandhi Statue
On Embassy Row, on a triangular slice of park across the street from the Embassy of India, is this bronze statue to Mahatma Gandhi (1869-1948), known for his leadership in advocating for non-violent ways of achieving social and political change.
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George Mason Memorial
In tribute to the founding father, the George Mason Memorial lies on East Potomac Park near the Thomas Jefferson Memorial. George Mason was instrumental in the construction of the Virginia Declaration of Rights, which Thomas Jefferson used as a model for the Declaration of Independence. Mason abstained from signing the Constitution because it did not guarantee slaves freedom and people's privacy from the federal government. Enjoy this beautiful and peaceful park.
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George Washington Masonic Memorial
George Washington's affiliation with the Masons is remembered at this fascinating museum, which includes artifacts such as a Washington family Bible, the clock a doctor stopped when Washington died and a splendid Persian rug valued at over a million dollars. But the primary draw is the trip up the 333-foot granite tower, modeled after an ancient lighthouse in Alexandria, Egypt. The view of the surrounding Virginia and Washington skylines rivals the more famous vistas tourists regularly enjoy from the Washington Monument and the Georgetown
This historic neighborhood is lined with trendy boutiques and fine restaurants. The abundant nightlife draws both locals and visitors. Just wander down busy M Street and Wisconsin Avenue and explore the eclectic shops, or stop in for a pint at one of the numerous pubs overflowing with college kids. After you get your fill of the hoopla, stroll off the main strip onto the tree-shaded streets filled with Georgian and Victorian townhouses that are home to many politicians and celebrities. The Georgetown Station Post Office
This post office warrants special attention due to the rather monumental building in which it is housed. Originally built as a customs house, it is made of sturdy granite and has two sets of shallow steps, also granite, leading up to its oversized doors. The inside is majestic and still functions as a regular post office. A visit here kills two birds with one stone; you can view a historic site, and buy stamps for those postcards you have been meaning to send!
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Georgetown University
The nation's first Catholic university was founded in 1789 by John Carroll, who was friends with George Washington and Benjamin Franklin. Washington addressed students from a building called "Old North," which still stands today. The university is a study in architectural styles, including Georgian, neo-Gothic, and Victorian.
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Glen Echo Park
This former amusement park changed its focus from thrilling rides to artistic amusements, many of them directed at families. A beautiful hand-carved carousel is the only ride still operating in the park, now administered by the National Park Service. Visitors will find plenty of entertainment, from performances at the Puppet Company Playhouse to children's stories at the Adventure Theatre. Dances—swing, square-dancing and the waltz among others; are held at the Spanish Ballroom.
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Gunston Hall
Constructed in the mid-1700s, this Georgian manor was owned by George Mason, a statesman and one of the authors of the U.S. Constitution and the Bill of Rights. Guided tours of the house feature the elaborate interior woodcarvings and period furniture. Outside the house, visitors can walk through formal boxwood gardens, with a view of the Potomac River. Various outbuildings, the kitchen, schoolhouse and laundry room can be seen as well.
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Halcyon House
This private home is not open to the public, but tourists can appreciate its exterior. The oldest part of the house was built in 1789 by Benjamin Stoddert, who was a Revolutionary War cavalry officer and first secretary of the Navy. Originally, the house, like Carlyle House in Old Town Alexandria, was waterfront on the Potomac River. Pierre Charles L'Enfant designed its garden. A number of late 18th century houses, all private homes, lie on this street.
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Harpers Ferry National Park
Harpers Ferry is best known as the site of abolitionist John Brown's ill-fated raid on a federal arsenal, and the small town's unwitting involvement in the Civil War. Today, much of the town has been restored to tell the story of Brown's raid.
Harpers Ferry stretches along a rugged hillside at the confluence of the Shenandoah and Potomac rivers. The town has not only survived the Civil War but also endured periodic flooding. The steep hill above the historic area is home to several shops and small eateries. More »
Heurich Mansion/Historical Society of Washington DC
This extravagant mansion is the legacy of a local immigrant success story. Christian Heurich, a German orphan, made his fortune in beer. His 31-room home, lavish and eccentric, is full of turrets, onyx fireplaces and the furnishings used by he and his family in the 20th century. Victorian excess, carved wood and a lovely garden make the property a must see. The Historical Society of Washington DC is housed at this location as well. Admission fee is $3.
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Hillwood Estate, Museum and Gardens
Hillwood House is a 40-room Georgian mansion that once belonged to cereal heiress Marjorie Merriweather Post. Of particular interest is the large collection of 18th- and 19th-century French and Russian decorative art - gold and silver, lace, tapestries, china and Faberge eggs. The estate includes a dacha and an Adirondacks-style cabin. The 25-acre grounds are equally impressive with small pleasure gardens and wooded hillsides.
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Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden
This museum is located just down the street from the House of the Temple
Located in Dupont Circle, the House of the Temple is considered one of the most beautiful monuments in the city. The Masonic shrine resembles the Mausoleum at Halicarnassus. Tours are offered daily. The museum displays artifacts from Robert Burns and J. Edgar Hoover, among others. Of particular interest is the main reading room of the library, which features antique two-story ladders, a vast selection of material and heavy cushioned chairs for reading and relaxation. This was the first 'public library' in DC. Admission is free.
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International Spy Museum
The International Spy Museum provides a unique glimpse into the innovative world of espionage and its impact throughout history and present day. The state of the art exhibits include artifacts and spy stories from all over the world.General Admission $15 for Adults; $14 for Seniors; $12 for Children ages 5 to 11; Under the age of 5 are free More »
Islamic Mosque and Cultural Center
The largest mosque in the United States, the Islamic Center is built of white limestone and has a 162-foot-high minaret. Within, stained-glass windows and fine Persian carpets contribute to the mosque's ornate and lavish artistry. In the Center complex, only the mosque is open to the public. Women must wear headscarves and visitors wearing shorts are not admitted. Tours are offered from 1:30p-4:30p. Call for reservations.
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John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts
The immense Kennedy Center is a must-see for any visitor. Six theaters show productions including plays, operas, ballets, concerts and films. The Millennium Stage has free performances of varied styles at 6p daily. Tours introduce visitors to the Hall of States, Hall of Nations, the main theaters and gifts from many countries honoring the 35th president. Tours are held 10am-5pm daily except Christmas and New Year's. Admission is free, but ticket prices for Kennedy Center performances vary. Half-price tickets are available to students and seniors. Discounts are offered on group purchases.
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Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens
Early morning is the time to catch the blooming water-bound plants of this park. Run by the National Park Service, the 12-acre marshland park is often overlooked by visitors who head for better-known Washington sites. As a result, the park is an uncrowded getaway.Nature-lovers and children especially will enjoy more than 100,000 flowering plants and fauna sightings.
Admission is free. More »
Korean War Veterans Memorial
One of Washington's newest memorials, the Korean War Veterans Memorial pays tribute to the many who fought in the Korean War. Located near the Kreeger Museum
Set among the fashionable Foxhall Road estates in upper northwest Washington, the former residence of Carmen and David Kreeger holds a marvelous collection of 19th and 20th century art. Artists such as Picasso, Van Gogh, Kandinsky and Rodin are represented, among other luminaries. A fine collection of African art is also housed here. The Kreeger Museum requires some advance planning to visit since reservations are required to join the docent-led tours, but the effort is well worth it. Admission fee is $5. No children under 12 are permitted.
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Lafayette Square
This famous square is often the site of protests and rallies, primarily because of its proximity to the Lee-Fendall House
Phillip Richard Fendell built this mansion in 1785. Light Horse Harry Lee, an American Revolutionary War hero, was a frequent visitor, as was his good friend George Washington. It was here that Harry Lee wrote the immortal words for Washington's funeral: First in war, first in peace, and first in the hearts of his countrymen. The house is furnished with many original Lee family possessions and period antiques. Guided tours provide a glimpse into the history of this prominent family. The surrounding gardens feature magnolias, boxwoods and roses.
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Leesburg, Virginia
Established in 1758, Leesburg was named for Thomas Lee, governor of Virginia from 1749-50. When Washington was burned during the War of 1812, several wagon loads of official documents arrived for safekeeping in Leesburg. Nearby, a small national cemetery is located in Ball's Bluff Regional Park, the site of a Confederate victory during the Civil War. The downtown area has several historic buildings, antique shops and restaurants. Oatlands Plantation, Morven Park and Dodona Manor are a few of the restored homes open to the public.
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Library of Congress (The)
Originally intended as a small reference library, the Library of Congress now contains the largest collection of books in the world with 100 million items, including a Gutenberg Bible and first drafts of the Declaration of Independence and Lincoln's Gettysburg Address. The splendor of the magnificent Main Reading Room is worth the visit, but you should also browse the many excellent collections and exhibits in the library's three buildings. Its collections are available for research to adults 18 and older.
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Lillian & Albert Small Jewish Museum
This museum is housed in the oldest surviving synagogue in Washington which was built by German-Jewish immigrants. Its dedication in 1876 was attended by President Ulysses S. Grant. Saved from the wrecking ball in 1969, the museum was moved three blocks to 3rd & G streets and restored as a museum exploring the Jewish contributions to the nation's capital. The permanent collection includes letters, scrapbooks, oral histories, photographs, ritual objects and textiles documenting the history of local Jewish families and organizations.
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Lincoln Memorial
Located at the west end of the Luray Caverns
Four hundred million years in the making, Luray Caverns is one of the most spectacular sights in the eastern United States. Underground chambers, ranging from 30 to 140 feet high, display natural formations of columns, draperies and pools of water. Brick walkways lead visitors through different chambers, each with a wonder of its own. The Cathedral Room has a "Stalactite Organ," the largest natural musical instrument in the world. Guided tours are available every 20 minutes and last about one hour. Admission: $14 adults, $12 senior citizens, $6 children 7-13, free children under 7 (with an adult).
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Lyceum (The)
This Greek-Revival building was built in 1839 as the intellectual and cultural center for the city of Marian Koshland Science Museum
If you love high-tech, breathtaking science then this is your spot in the Nation's capital. Recommended for ages 13 and over, the Marian Koshland Science Museum has one permanent exhibit and two others that rotate every two years. The Museum is named after immunologist Marian Koshland, whose breakthrough work led to behavior studies of antibodies. The museum is centrally located in northwest DC, near the Mall and MCI center.
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Mary McLeod Bethune House
Mary McLeod Bethune, a noted teacher and political leader, lived in this house from 1943 until her death in 1955. She served as director of the Division of Negro Affairs under Franklin Roosevelt and was an advisor to three other U.S. presidents. The house was the original headquarters for the National Council of Negro Women. Founded by Bethune, the group sought to promote women in society and eliminate all forms of discrimination. Today, the home is a museum dedicated to Bethune and all American black women. A large collection of writings, artwork, photographs and memorabilia are on display. Donations accepted.
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Meridian Hill Park
A variety of European park styles are on display here, from long French promenades to Renaissance terraces. Waterfalls and pools abound among curling pathways. Especially delightful is the water staircase, a terraced waterfall. Nearby is the historic Meridian International Center
The Meridian International Center is situated perfectly in Washington, DC among all the foreign embassies. The Center's goal is to promote global understanding and thinking about issues confronting our world. As a non-profit, Meridian tries to incorporate people by the teaching and sharing of the arts. Stop by for a visit and learn how the Meridian International Center is shaping the international community.
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Mexican Cultural Institute
Originally a private residence for President Taft's secretary of the treasury, this Italian-style building served as the Mexican Embassy from 1921 to 1989. Since 1990, the embassy has used the site to promote Mexican art and culture in the nation's capital. Art galleries displaying modern Mexican art are installed throughout the beautiful interior, and colorful murals cover the staircase wall leading up to the third floor.
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Monticello
Monticello was Thomas Jefferson's 40-year labor of love, continually under construction and renovation during his lifetime. It is the only US house listed on the United Nation's World Heritage List of sites to be protected at all cost. Visitors will see many of the curious inventions designed by Jefferson, the Renaissance man. Discover the library holdings of Jefferson, the politician and statesman, and stroll through the green house and fruit, flower and vegetable gardens of this avid horticulturalist. Admission: $9 Adults; $5 Children 6-11
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Montrose Park
A popular outdoor destination for children, college students and nature lovers, this park lies north of Special features include a boxwood maze and Lovers Lane, a cobblestone walkway on the west side of the park. To explore more elaborately designed grounds and an elegant estate, visit
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Mount Vernon
From beneath the 90-foot portico of Mount Vernon, visitors can gaze across an expanse of sloping lawn to the Potomac River, a mile wide, as its flows past George Washington's home. Costumed guides narrate the history of the elegant mansion and of the surrounding buildings, which have been preserved to reflect the days when the first president resided here. Visitors are invited to walk around the 500-acre estate, tour the buildings and participate in the 'Hand-on History' exhibits that recreate farming techniques and colonial games.
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Mount Zion United Methodist Church
This predominantly African-American congregation has been worshipping here for over 100 years. The church has a strong presence in the community through ministry and spiritual outreach programs that include all ages and cultures. The historic church building and cemetery served as a stop on the Underground Railroad and were featured in the best-selling novel River Cross My Heart, by Breene Clarke.
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National Air and Space Museum
There are dozens of aircraft here, everything from the Wright Brothers' 'Flyer' and Charles Lindbergh's 'Spirit of St. Louis' to World War II planes and Apollo 11. In the Lockheed Martin IMAX Theater, you can view one of the ever-changing films on the five-story screen. After the film, you can touch a moon rock or visit the original Star Trek model of the 'Enterprise'. Educational exhibits introduce the ideas of aerodynamics to children and track the influence of flight technology on our culture. Admission is free.
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National Aquarium
The oldest aquarium in the country has an unlikely home in the basement of the Department of Commerce. The dark concrete space seems to cater to the preferences of the fish with its cool atmosphere. The 70 tanks of various sizes hold many species, including those native to this country. Piranhas, alligators and sea turtles are among the other popular creatures to observe. General Admission: USD5.
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National Archives (The)
This bombproof, fireproof facility protects the nation's most treasured documents. The methods used for storing the documents safely are nearly as interesting as the documents themselves. Sealed glass vaults are raised into the exhibition areas for viewing each day but sink back into safety each night. Here, you will find the most significant of our national documents - the U.S. Constitution and Declaration of Independence. Among the other documents and artifacts housed here are copies of the Magna Carta and the Emancipation Proclamation, and the rifle used to assassinate John F. Kennedy. Admission is free.
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National Building Museum
This palatial building contradicts its slightly dull and dusty name. Designed after Italian Renaissance palaces, the brick and terracotta building contains a massive 15-story interior with eight Corinthian columns that are 75 feet high. The space has been the site of inaugural balls and a popular Christmas television special. Several tiers of arcades ring the Great Hall, offering space for a variety of architectural exhibits. Foremost among these is a look into the planning and design of Washington, DC. Children will love the touchable model of the nation's capital. Admission is free.
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National Gallery of Art
The National Gallery houses an extensive collection of European and American art in two spectacular buildings. In the grand, neo-classical West Building, Rembrandt, Rubens and Gainsborough are well-represented. The permanent collection includes works from the 13th to 20th centuries including a section devoted to Impressionism. An underground concourse with a cafeteria, an excellent gift shop and a walled-in waterfall takes you to the East Building. Designed by I.M. Pei, this triangular building is a key city landmark and home to 20th-century art works and temporary exhibitions. Admission is free.
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National Geographic Museum at Explorers Hall
The many perspectives of the earth are examined here, including geology, oceanography, astronomy and anthropology. Enjoy creative and educational exhibits including an 11-foot globe, a tornado simulator and a 'time machine'. Changing, lively special exhibits are also featured. A gift shop sells the National Geographic Society's videos, books and educational games. Group tours are available and admission is free.
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National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial
The nation's law enforcement officers - federal, state and local, who died in the line of duty are remembered with this memorial in Judiciary Square. Dedicated in 1991, the memorial's blue-gray marble walls contain the names of more than 14,000 officers, the first death dating back to 1794. Designed by local architect Davis Buckley, the memorial sits on three acres of federal park land. Information and tours are available at the adjacent visitor's center, which includes a gift shop.
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National Mall
The Mall is a bit like Disneyland, in the sense, that there is no way to fully experience it all in just one day. Part of the original design for the federal city, the massive open space park stretches from the US Capitol to the Lincoln Memorial and around the Tidal Basin to the Jefferson Memorial. It is also where you will find the museums of the Smithsonian, the Vietnam Memorial, the Reflecting Pool and the famous Washington Monument. It was intended to be a place to remember American heroes, to celebrate freedom and to be a forum to exercise freedom in the form of protests and rallies. Numerous festivals and concerts take place on the lawn throughout the year. A gravel path encircles the Mall and is a great place for a sightseeing run or walk. You just might run into a Senator. Certainly any visit to Washington DC should start here on the Mall.
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National Museum of African Art
This is the best museum in the United States for exploring the crafts and artwork of sub-Saharan Africa. Specific areas, such as the Kingdom of Benin and the city of Kerma receive special focus. The museum does an especially fine job of placing its collections into informative contexts. Children will enjoy the films, workshops and musical performances. Admission is free.
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National Museum of American History
This eclectic museum is sometimes referred to as "The Nation's Attic." It houses numerous memorabilia and artifacts collected throughout American history. The American Presidency section exhibits the many facets of the nation's highest office and the impact it has had in those who have held it. Another section contains objects that highlight the cultural history of the country including Mohammed Ali's boxing gloves and the inaugural ball gowns of many of the First Ladies. Exhibits on science and technology, military history and much more can be found on the three floors of this fascinating museum. Stop by the old-fashioned ice cream parlor before you leave. Admission is free.
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National Museum of Natural History
The dinosaur skeletons on the ground floor are sure to please the kids. But there is something here for everyone. The famous and cursed Hope Diamond is on display as well as a live coral reef, a walk-through mine and an insect zoo with thousands of live specimens. The 'Discovery Room' encourages kids to touch, smell and taste the exhibits. Admission is free.
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National Museum of the American Indian
You'll find the National Museum of the American Indian on the National Mall. Its structure is a throwback to adobe homes in early American Indian culture. With a highly naturalistic design, the NMAI conducts a visitor through Indian history via a series of circles. Inside, various works of art, artifacts, and other remnants of American Indian culture are on display. The exhibit provides a valuable addition to our understanding of American Indian culture. Past exhibits have included indigenous worldviews through dress, native modernism, and contemporary indigenous viewpoints as told through poetry. Admission to the museum is free. It is, however, recommended that a timed entry pass be reserved online (with a service charge) because of the popularity of this national exhibit.
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National Museum of Women in the Arts
The history of the female artist is a sub-theme in this museum, which houses the works of women artists from the 16th century to the present. The comfortable mid-range scale of the museum is ideal for leisurely viewing of the permanent and visiting exhibitions. Painting and sculpture are nicely balanced with the decorative arts and photography. Admission is $8 for adults, $6 students and $6 for senior citizens and students and free for those under 18 years.
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National Portrait Gallery
Famous and distinguished Americans are honored here in portraits, photographs and other visual media. A wide variety of politicians, artists, scientists and social activists are represented. This gallery is a remarkable testimony to the diverse figures the United States has produced, from Grace Kelly and Boris Karloff to George Washington, Mickey Mantle and Gertrude Stein. Photographs, prints, drawings and sculptures supplement the paintings. Of particular interest is the Hall of Presidents, which features a portrait or sculpture of each chief executive.
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National Postal Museum
From stagecoach to Model T, learn about the techniques and technologies the U.S. Postal Service has employed to deliver mail over the years. Exhibits also demonstrate the important role that mail has played in the country's development. Interactive computer displays and videos of train robberies are especially popular. Stamp collectors should not miss the museum shop. Admission is free.
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National Theatre
Operating since 1835, the National Theatre is often referred to as the "Theater of Presidents." World-famous plays and musicals are performed here every year. Call or check the local newspapers for current theater performances and times.
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