1. Visit the Smithsonian
This institution has 19 museums, 9 research centers and one zoo. Some of the museums include Air &space museum, African Art Museum, American Indian Museum and the American History Museum. This institution contains more 130 million works of arts, artifacts, specimens and displays. When you tour this place, you get a chance visit all the museums free, there are also many groups tours available everyday. Smithsonian institution also offers many restaurants, shops, IMAX theaters and a planetarium.
2. Visit the Lincoln Memorial
This memorial plays tribute to the 16th president of the USA Abraham Lincoln. This is one of the best places to visit in Washington DC; with more than 3 million people visiting this memorial every year. It’s listed on the National Register of the Historic places and was formally dedicated in 1922. This monument at the National Mall is open 24 hour everyday; it’s constructed of marble and sits nearly 20 feet high and twenty feet wide. Lincolns Gettysburg address is also engraved on this monument.
2. Vietnam Veterans Memorial
This memorial was established in 1982, it’s a tribute to the Americans who served in Vietnam War. More than 3 million visitors tour this memorial every year. It’s made up of three distinct parts: the Vietnam Women’s memorial, three soldiers statue and Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall which is the most famous part of this tribute. This memorial has a length of more than 250 feet and is made up of reflective black granite which chronologically lists all the names of service members who died or mission in action during the Vietnam War.
4. Tour the three Houses of the U.S. Government
You can explore the U.S. Capital Building, U.S Supreme court and the white house. Here you will gain a better understanding of power division within the U.S. democratic government. Remember to plan ahead since some tours need to be scheduled early in advance through a Congressional Representative.
5. Bike, walk or kayak along the C & O Canal
Washington DC region is very lucky to have a wonderful park; this park will offer a quick relief from the hectic life of the city. You can take your whole family for a walk and get a chance to learn about the history of C & O Canal, spend time kayaking, explore this regions bike trails and enjoy the breathtaking scenery.
6. Explore Mount Vernon
Mount Vernon has now become a full day excursion especially with the addition of an education center and a new museum. Explore the state of the art theaters and galleries and tour around the 5000 acre estate of George Washington. This is located just a few minutes from Washington, DC.
7. Take a walk through George Town
Georgetown is bustling with activity and is the capital’s historic waterfront. For those who love shopping, this is your paradise. The streets are lined with all types of restaurants and several historic sites where you can shop around and enjoy one delicious meal at a local restaurant
For a sweet treat, you can stop at Georgetown Cupcake which was the best in 2008 cupcake wars for its delicious chocolate.
8. Laogai Museum
This is the first museum in the U.S. to address the human rights in China. Laogai is the system of force labor prison camps in China. The museum was founded by Laogai Harry Wu to educate people about the atrocities of the Laogai.
From the selected highlights there is more to Washington DC than politics. DC is well served with flights across the US and internationally so check out http://www.airticketsdirect.com/ for flight deals to Washington DC.
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