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.
I haven’t been to DC in years, but I’m itching to get back!
Andi of My Beautiful Adventures recently posted…Andi’s Pick: Old Edwards Inn And Spa
so many places to go, so little time!!
Lola,
I love your idea to pinpoint a landmark with each letter of the city’s name! Man when I grow up I want to be as awesome as you. (Oh darn…I have already grown up)! Great job kind lady!!!
Mike
Mike (Nomadic Texan) recently posted…Are You Buying or Selling?
oh thanks Mike. sometimes i get a bit more creative. i appreciate you noticing 🙂
My only trip to D.C. was around New Year’s Eve 2000, just weeks before the official end of the Clinton administration. It was brutally cold, but I made my wife and friends walk to all the monuments at night. Looking back, that probably wasn’t the best idea. Should’ve done it during the daylight when the temps might have warmed closer to 20 degrees fahrenheit! With that being said, walking the National Mall is a really cool experience.
tripsbylance recently posted…Miller’s Grocery: Great Southern Food in Middle Tennessee
wow. that must of been fun to be there then, though. it is a place full of pretty, interesting monuments & history! (best enjoyed in warmer temps) 😉
That’s very clever, Lo. 🙂 When I visited DC last April, I had just missed the peak for the cherry blossoms. That was a bit of a shame, but I had great weather, and the city did not disappoint.
fotoeins | Henry recently posted…Eight ways to say happy birthday, Hong Kong style
hahaha. Henry, i gotta say, i love that you have a nickname for my nickname. when am i meeting you?!? you really crack me up.
Such a unique, clever way to present things to do in a city! I’ve never been to Washington D.C. before. Being from LA I have a lot more experience with the western US than eastern US, but I should definitely go check DC out sometime!
Casey recently posted…Waiting to Travel: 5 Ways to Pass the Time Before Your Trip
yes. go check it out at some point 🙂 and thanks for the compliment on the presentation!!
This is the second DC post I’ve seen this week… I’ve wanted to go for the longest time! I’m a big fan of American history and culture so there’s a lot there for me to see.
Bethaney – Flashpacker Family recently posted…Ten Tips to Avoid Drugging Your Child on a Flight
yep. you’d definitely like it then! 🙂
I haven’t been to DC since 1997 and I really want to go back. I’m going to make it a priority to go back this year. There’s just too much to see and do that this American has yet to discover.
Leah Travels recently posted…Three Annoying Travel Costs I always Forget
hope you get there, Leah. maybe make it a goal for by the end of 2014. i’ve seen your travel schedule…it might be tough to pull off in the next 6 months 😉