FollowThe ABC’s of Washington, D.C.
Spring has finally sprung and the cherry blossoms are blooming in our nation’s capital! Being the official capital of the USA, it’s of course where the President and his family live, but also where all three government houses sit. There is so much to see in this city half way between the North and the South of America. Now might be the perfect time to consider a city break to this great American city and see some of these amazing sights!
The Capitol Building in Washington, D.C.
W – (The) White House: home of the USA presidents. You’ll have to make do with an online interactive tour unless you reside in the USA, but you could join the annual Easter Egg hunt on the grounds.
A – Arlington Cemetery: walk around this huge cemetery with its memorials and gravesites or take the bus tour which visits the gravesite of John F. Kennedy, Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and Arlington House.
S – Smithsonian Institute: the largest Museum complex anywhere in the world. It includes 19 museums and galleries plus a zoo. There’s something for everyone here.
H – Hop on hop off trolley tour: see all the main Washington, D.C. attractions. It’s a great way to travel between them too. There are discount hotels all over the district so getting accommodations should be easy.
I – International Spy Museum: one of Washington’s newest museums opening in 2002 and dedicated to the history & art of spying. It has a huge collection of spy artifacts and a new 007 exhibit, which includes 50 years of Bond villains.
N – National Mall: the hub of Washington’s iconic memorials and museums with the Capitol Building standing proudly at the end. It’s a fantastic place to get an overview of the city and have a picnic!
G – Gettysburg: take a day trip to Gettysburg, the historic battlefield of the American Civil War.
T – The Memorials: many are flood-lit at night so take a tour then. Look out for the Lincoln Memorial, Martin Luther King Jr Memorial, the Kennedy’s Eternal Flame, the Washington Monument and of course, the White House.
O – Octagon House: tour this grand old house built at the very beginning of the 19th Century. It’s a National Historical Landmark building and now the home of the American Institute of Architects.
N – National Museums: not all are housed at the Smithsonian, though you will find the National Air & Space Museum there. Look for others such as the National Museum of Crime & Punishment, National Bonsai & Penjing Museum and the National Archives in other parts of the city.
D – Duke Ellington Bridge over Rock Creek: dedicated to the famous composer, pianist and big band leader who was a Washingtonian. He wrote more than 1,000 music compositions and was an important figure in the history of jazz.
C – Capitol Building on Capitol Hill: where the federal government meets. See its beauty from the National Mall or visit the Capitol’s Visitor Center.
