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Washington DC. |
Top Washington DC Attractions
The first time you visit Washington DC, or any new destination,
the question asked isn’t usually what attractions should be
scene but what attraction to see first, what to expect, how to get
there, and how much time is needed. We’ve provided tips, advice,
and other information about the top tourist attractions in Washington DC
to help with your itinerary planning.
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The White House
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Address
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1600 Pennsylvania Avenue |
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Admissions
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Free |
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Phone
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202-456-7041 |
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Website
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www.whitehouse.gov |
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The White House has been the official residence and office of every
U.S. president since John Adams. The only president never to live
in the White House was George Washington. However, Washington had
a hand in choosing the location of the White House (originally called
the President’s House) and selected its builder, James Hoban.
Construction
on the White House began in 1792 and was completed in 1800. During
the War of 1812, British soldiers set fire to the White House. Much
of the interior was destroyed. Fortunately, Dolley Madison was able
to save the portrait of George Washington, painted by Gilbert Stuart
(the painting is still on display today). The structure of the White
House remained intact. Furthermore, care was taken to preserve as
much of the original architecture as possible. The charred exterior
was covered up with a gleaming white paint. From that point on the
“President’s House” was know as the White House.
Over the last century, many presidents have left their stamp on
the White House. However, few decorations or furnishings prior to
1902 remain. In 1961, Jacqueline Kennedy created the Committee of
Fine Arts, which works to ensure the preservation and upkeep of
the White House.
Due to post 9/11 security measures, touring the White House was
temporarily suspended. However, today the White House is once again
open for public tours. Highlights of the White House tour include
visiting the Gold-and-White Room, the State Dining Room and the
Green Room. Tour guides provide insightful information and are quick
to point out interesting facts about the White House and its decor.
Touring the White House is an interesting, entertaining and educational
experience for all.
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The Capital Building
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Address
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E. Capitol St. and 1st St. |
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Admissions
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Free |
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Hours
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9:00 am – 4:30 pm Mon.-Sat. |
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Phone
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202-225-6827 |
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Website
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www.aoc.gov |
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The U.S. Capital Building is a masterpiece within itself. However,
you’ll also find majestic paintings, sculptors, and other
fine works of art that depict various periods in American history
distributed throughout the building’s interior. The gem of
the Capital Building is the Rotunda – a 96-foot wide circular
hall with a 180-foot high dome like ceiling. The dome, which was
completed during the Civil War, is a familiar sight from outside
the Capital Building. The dome’s interior was painted by Constantino
Brumidi.
The most famous component of the mural is "The Apotheosis of
George Washington", which consist of a portrait of George Washington
surrounded by Roman gods. The gods are said to be watching over
the progress of the nation. Brumidi is considered the Michelangelo
of the Capital for his marvelous contributions to its splendor.
The Rotunda is located near the entrance of the Capital Building
as is usually the first stop on the tour. Other stops include the
Old Supreme Court Chamber and the National Statuary Hall. The Old
Supreme Court Chamber, which is quite a spectacle, has been restored
to its 19th century appearance. The National Statuary Hall was originally
the Chamber of the House of Representatives. It became the Statuary
Hall in 1864. Each U.S. state was asked to contribute two statues
each. Today, there are a total of 97 statues. (Nevada, New Mexico
and North Dakota only contributed one statue each.) The statues
honor individuals of historical significance.
Tours of the Capital Building last about 30 minutes. Getting tickets
is a bit of a hassle. The ticket office (located on the southwest
corner of the Capital grounds) distributes a limited number of free
tickets daily. Tickets are first come first serve. Furthermore,
every person in your party must be present at the time you receive
your tickets. Tickets go fast so it is generally recommended that
you get in line outside the ticket office prior to when the doors
open at 9:00 am. Tickets are for various time slots throughout the
day. Therefore, you’ll have to wait and see what time your
tour starts. If you have a large group with you (example: a school
field trip) you may arrange for a private tour 1 month in advance
by contacting your local congressional office.
Tours of the Senate Gallery and the House Gallery are also available.
However, you’ll need to request separate passes directly from
your Senator or Representative. The Senate Gallery is only open
to visitors when it is in session. Children under six are not permitted.
Flags are flown from the north wing of the Capital Building when
the Senate is in session and from the south wing when the House
is in session. If you’re lucky both will be in session during
your tour of the Capital Building.
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Washington Monument
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Address
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15th Street |
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Admissions
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Free |
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Hours
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9:00 am – 5:00 pm |
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Phone
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202-426-6841 |
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In
the heart of Washington DC stands the Washington Monument. The monument
is centered between the Capital Building, the Lincoln Memorial,
the White House and the Jefferson Memorial. From atop the Washington
Monument you can catch a spectacular view of the capital city. Consequently,
there is no better way to get acquainted with the city.
Construction on the Washington Monument began on July 4th, 1848.
However, the project was brought to a halt during the Civil War
and was left uncompleted. Construction started back up again in
1876, after the war. This time around the appropriate financing
was set a side to complete the project. Today visitors can see a
change in the color of the stones used about half way up the pillar.
This signifies the difference in masonry used at the beginning and
the end of the project. The Washington Monument was finally completed
in 1885 and was opened to the public in 1888.
If you want to take the elevator ride to the top of the Washington
Monument, you’ll need to pickup tickets at the information
booth. Tickets are free but they go fast. You may want to make a
reservation in advance.
The Washington Monument is a fitting tribute to our nation’s
father and, rightfully so, is one of the city’s favorite landmarks.
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Vietnam Veterans Memorial
– The Wall
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Address
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Across from Lincoln Memorial |
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Admissions
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Free |
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Hours
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8:00 am – 11:45 pm Daily |
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Phone
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202-426-6841 |
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The Vietnam Veterans Memorial (also called the wall) consists of
two black granite walls joined at a 125-degree angle. The walls
point to the Washington Monument and the Lincoln Memorial. Inscribed
on the walls are the names of 60,000 people who lost their lives
during the Vietnam War.
The Vietnam Veterans Memorial, believed by many to be long over-due,
was conceived by Vietnam Veteran Jan Scruggs and erected in 1982.
The names are listed in chronological order. However, it’s
no small task to locate a specific name on the wall. Even if no
one close to you died during the Vietnam Was, it’s heart wrenching
to watch others search for the names of their beloved ones.
Allow 20-30 minutes to explore the Vietnam Veterans memorial, longer
if you’re planning to lookup the names of family members or
friends. There is limited parking available along Constitution Avenue.
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Lincoln Memorial
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Address
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23rd Street and Independence Avenue |
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Admissions
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Free |
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Hours
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8:00 am – 11:45 pm |
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Phone
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202-426-6842 |
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The
Lincoln Memorial was dedicated in 1922. Since then, it has grown
to become one of Washington DC’s most popular attractions.
The neoclassic structure, designed by Henry Bacon, cleverly commemorates
Lincoln’s achievements as president. The Lincoln Memorial’s
enduring popularity is a testament to the president’s legacy
and historical importance. The memorial continues to attract thousands
of visitors daily.
The Lincoln Memorial’s most important attribute is the famous
statue of Lincoln seated, which is centered atop the stairs in the
memorial. The Gettysburg Address along with Lincoln’s second
Inaugural Address are inscribed on the limestone walls behind the
statue.
The Lincoln Memorial was the setting for Rev. Martin Luther King’s
famous “I have a dream” speech.
There is a small museum, a bookstore and an information booth onsite.
You’ll need about a half hour to explore the Lincoln Memorial.
Afterwards, you may want to spend some time strolling along the
walkways surrounding the memorial.
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Washington DC Travel Guides
Frommer's Washington DC
Lonely Planet Washington DC
Let's Go Washington DC
Fodors Washington DC
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