Visiting DC
Visiting DC: A Vacation Guide
Consult any travel guide, and you’ll learn that Washington is a great walking city. Don't rely on the Metro the whole time you're here. Take a walking tour of some of the monuments and top-rated attractions listed below. This is an especially good activity to do at night when there are not a lot of crowds and the monuments are beautifully lit.
Hours: Mon.-Fri. 10am to 5pm; Sat. 2pm to 5pm.
This new memorial will be a sculpture commemorating the 185,000 African American soldiers who fought in the Civil War. It is appropriate that the memorial be placed here in the part of town known as Shaw. Shaw refers to Robert Gould Shaw, the white colonel of the first African American regiment, the 54th Regiment, to fight in the Civil War as depicted in the feature film, Glory.
This new memorial will be a sculpture commemorating the 185,000 African American soldiers who fought in the Civil War. It is appropriate that the memorial be placed here in the part of town known as Shaw. Shaw refers to Robert Gould Shaw, the white colonel of the first African American regiment, the 54th Regiment, to fight in the Civil War as depicted in the feature film, Glory.
10th & U Streets, NW
, Washington
DC
202-667-2667
Hours: Daily 8a.m.-7p.m. Free
America's largest national burial ground with more than 600 acres of landscaped hills. Among the thousands of white headstones are the graves of President John F. Kennedy, Supreme Court Justice Thurgood Marshall, world champion boxer Joe Louis and the Tomb of the Unknowns. Free admission. Choice of self-guided walking tour or paid shuttle tour (information available at Visitors Center).
America's largest national burial ground with more than 600 acres of landscaped hills. Among the thousands of white headstones are the graves of President John F. Kennedy, Supreme Court Justice Thurgood Marshall, world champion boxer Joe Louis and the Tomb of the Unknowns. Free admission. Choice of self-guided walking tour or paid shuttle tour (information available at Visitors Center).
Across Memorial Bridge, about 3/4 mile from Lincoln Memorial
, Arlington
VA
Benjamin Banneker Memorial Circle And Fountain
Hours: Open daily dusk to dawn
Most noted for being a major contributor to the survey and design of the nation's capital, Banneker was a self-taught African American astronomer, surveyor and mathematician. He made the first striking wooden clock in America and published the Banneker Almanac in 1792, which was available in all 13 colonies. This memorial commemorates Banneker's contributions and accomplishments.
Most noted for being a major contributor to the survey and design of the nation's capital, Banneker was a self-taught African American astronomer, surveyor and mathematician. He made the first striking wooden clock in America and published the Banneker Almanac in 1792, which was available in all 13 colonies. This memorial commemorates Banneker's contributions and accomplishments.
LEnfant Promenade and Maine Avenue, SW
, Washington
DC
Hours: 8:00a.m.-11:45p.m.
The memorial, dedicated to FDR's presidency, opened in May 1997 and has quickly become one of Washington’s top-rated attractions. It is divided into four outdoor galleries, one for each of FDR's terms in office. Water cascades are most impressive; children can actually wade in the fountains with adult supervision. Moving along either Ohio Drive or Constitution Avenue, you will connect to The Tidal Basin, site of the famous cherry blossom trees featured in the Annual Cherry Blossom Festival each spring.
The memorial, dedicated to FDR's presidency, opened in May 1997 and has quickly become one of Washington’s top-rated attractions. It is divided into four outdoor galleries, one for each of FDR's terms in office. Water cascades are most impressive; children can actually wade in the fountains with adult supervision. Moving along either Ohio Drive or Constitution Avenue, you will connect to The Tidal Basin, site of the famous cherry blossom trees featured in the Annual Cherry Blossom Festival each spring.
West Potomac Park near Lincoln Memorial on Ohio Drive
, Washington
DC
202-426-6841
Friendship Arch
The "gateway" to Chinatown, this multi-colored structure contains seven thousand pieces of glazed tile, golden carved dragon panels and an engraved marble center panel with Chinese characters.
7th & H Streets NW
, Washington
DC
Hours: 8am - 11:45pm
Our nation honors her daughters and sons who answered the call during the Korean War (1950 -1953) at one of the newest memorials in Washington. Nineteen figures representing every ethnic background move toward victory in Korea. They are supported by a dark grey granite wall of 2400 faces of land, sea and air support troops. A Pool of Remembrance with the names of the Allied Forces at the base honors all who were killed, captured, wounded or remains missing in action.
Our nation honors her daughters and sons who answered the call during the Korean War (1950 -1953) at one of the newest memorials in Washington. Nineteen figures representing every ethnic background move toward victory in Korea. They are supported by a dark grey granite wall of 2400 faces of land, sea and air support troops. A Pool of Remembrance with the names of the Allied Forces at the base honors all who were killed, captured, wounded or remains missing in action.
Daniel French Drive and Independence Avenue, SW
, Washington
DC
202-426-6841
Hours: Open daily
If you have a Washington, DC travel guide, a photo of this memorial might grace its cover. Perhaps the most famous monument in the city, the Lincoln Memorial Located on the West end of the National Mall, this memorial was dedicated in 1922 in memory of President Abraham Lincoln. Thirty-eight Grecian columns surround a statue of Lincoln seated atop a ten-foot high marble base. Lincoln is flanked by engraved readings of the Gettysburg address, his Second Inaugural address and murals by French painter Jules Guerin. The statue sits in quiet repose facing the reflecting pool and the Washington Monument. Gift shop on site.
If you have a Washington, DC travel guide, a photo of this memorial might grace its cover. Perhaps the most famous monument in the city, the Lincoln Memorial Located on the West end of the National Mall, this memorial was dedicated in 1922 in memory of President Abraham Lincoln. Thirty-eight Grecian columns surround a statue of Lincoln seated atop a ten-foot high marble base. Lincoln is flanked by engraved readings of the Gettysburg address, his Second Inaugural address and murals by French painter Jules Guerin. The statue sits in quiet repose facing the reflecting pool and the Washington Monument. Gift shop on site.
23rd Street between Constitution and Independence Avenues, NW
, Washington
DC
202-426-6841
Hours: Outdoor Memorial open 24 hours; Visitor Center: 9-5 M-F, 10-5 Sat,12-5
This memorial to slain law enforcement officers was authorized by Congress in 1985. Completed in 1991, the elegant gray marble wall displays the names of more than 13,000 law enforcement officers killed in the line of duty. Among them is that of the very first officer killed in 1794. Designed by local architect Davis Buckley, the memorial features an oval, tree-lined pathway of remembrance on which the names are engraved. New names are added annually. Stop by the visitor's center at 605 E Street, NW for commemorative items and brochures about walking tours.
This memorial to slain law enforcement officers was authorized by Congress in 1985. Completed in 1991, the elegant gray marble wall displays the names of more than 13,000 law enforcement officers killed in the line of duty. Among them is that of the very first officer killed in 1794. Designed by local architect Davis Buckley, the memorial features an oval, tree-lined pathway of remembrance on which the names are engraved. New names are added annually. Stop by the visitor's center at 605 E Street, NW for commemorative items and brochures about walking tours.
Judiciary Square between E & F Streets, 4th &5th Streets, NW
, Washington
DC
202-737-3400
Located between the Washington Monument and Lincoln Memorial, this memorial honors the 16 million who served during WWII and those who supported the war effort from home. The memorial features two 43-foot arches, a 17-foot pillar for each state and territory from that period and a field of 4,000 gold stars honoring the more than 400,000 who died. A series of bronze sculpture panels depict Americans at war, at home and overseas. Open daily expect Christmas.
17th & Independence Ave., NW
, Washington
DC
20001
Visit the National Zoo and see Washington's most famous residents - our Pandas! See the planned daily programs such as feedings and zookeeper talks to plan your visit. The Zoo is just one stop up on the Metro from the Churchill Hotel at the Woodley Park / National Zoo station.
Theatres and Music
Ford's Theatre
The Shakespeare Theatre
The Studio Theatre
The Warner Theatre
Open Theatre TUTA
Source Theatre Company
Woolly Mammoth Theatre
The National Theatre
Arena Stage
Opera Music Theatre International
Momentum Dance Theatre
The Washington Ballet
Washington Convention Center
The Shakespeare Theatre
The Studio Theatre
The Warner Theatre
Open Theatre TUTA
Source Theatre Company
Woolly Mammoth Theatre
The National Theatre
Arena Stage
Opera Music Theatre International
Momentum Dance Theatre
The Washington Ballet
Washington Convention Center
Hours: 8am-midnight daily; Closed on December 25th.
Gift shop on site. This dome-shaped rotunda, erected in 1942 as a monument to honor the nation's third president, is in a serene location on the Tidal Basin. Inside, a 19-foot bronze statue of Jefferson stands. The monument is surrounded by a grove of trees making an especially beautiful scene during Cherry Blossom season in the spring.
Gift shop on site. This dome-shaped rotunda, erected in 1942 as a monument to honor the nation's third president, is in a serene location on the Tidal Basin. Inside, a 19-foot bronze statue of Jefferson stands. The monument is surrounded by a grove of trees making an especially beautiful scene during Cherry Blossom season in the spring.
15th Street, SW on the Tidal Basin
, Washington
DC
202-426-6841
Hours: Open daily from 8:00AM until 11:45PM, except Christmas Day.
The black granite walls of this moving V-shaped memorial are inscribed with the names of the 58, 209 Americans missing or killed in the Vietnam conflict. Across the lawn is Frederick Hart's life size bronze sculpture depicting three young servicemen.
The black granite walls of this moving V-shaped memorial are inscribed with the names of the 58, 209 Americans missing or killed in the Vietnam conflict. Across the lawn is Frederick Hart's life size bronze sculpture depicting three young servicemen.
Constitution Avenue & Henry Bacon Drive, NW
Washington
DC
202-426-6841
This bronze statue, located in a grove of trees across from the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, depicts three women and a wounded man supported by sandbags and honors the service of women in the Vietnam Conflict.
21st Street and Constitution
, Washington
DC
202-426-6841
Hours: 9a.m.-4:45p.m.; closed December 25.
This majestic obelisk is one of the tallest masonry structures in the world. The monument is a memorial to George Washington, our nation's first president, and was dedicated in 1885. It took 40 years to complete its construction due to lack of funds. In order to enter the Washington Monument, tickets are required. Free tickets are distributed by the National Park Service for same day visits from the kiosk on the Washington Monument grounds at 15th Street and Madison Drive on a first-come first-served basis. Hours for the ticket kiosk are 8:30AM to 4:30PM, but tickets run out early. Advance tickets are available for $1.50 service fee per ticket, plus a $.50 handling fee per order. Call 1-800-967-2283.
This majestic obelisk is one of the tallest masonry structures in the world. The monument is a memorial to George Washington, our nation's first president, and was dedicated in 1885. It took 40 years to complete its construction due to lack of funds. In order to enter the Washington Monument, tickets are required. Free tickets are distributed by the National Park Service for same day visits from the kiosk on the Washington Monument grounds at 15th Street and Madison Drive on a first-come first-served basis. Hours for the ticket kiosk are 8:30AM to 4:30PM, but tickets run out early. Advance tickets are available for $1.50 service fee per ticket, plus a $.50 handling fee per order. Call 1-800-967-2283.
Constitution Avenue and 15th Street, NW
, Washington
DC
202-426-6841
