When traveling to the US, there’s hardly a visitor who does not visit its capital city. In fact, Washington, DC, is where you will spend a lot of time when in the United States. Why so? It is because of the significant number of best places to visit in Washington, DC that will leave you awe-stricken.
Undoubtedly, Washington, DC, has given the world some of the most famous museums and monuments. It has maintained much of the nation’s lost past, as seen in all of Washington, DC’s tourist attractions. Rated as the #1 historical city of the US, Washington, DC, glorifies the historical tales of conflict, power, and glory. Hence, giving the taste of local culture to its visitors.
Furthermore, you cannot miss the capital city of the US because of various other factors. It is famous for its world-class art, delicious cuisine, and whatnot. You may get surprised at how long the list of the things to do and places to visit in Washington, DC are!
If you desire to visit the USA’s capital, you will face the problem of choosing which places to see and which not. Hence, you will have to plan your trip accordingly, which suits your budget and time well. That is why you must look at our list of best places to visit in Washington, DC for a fruitful experience in the capital.
History Of Washington
As a tourist, it is always better to know a little history about the place you are visiting. For starters, Washington, DC, was named after America’s first president George Washington. Since Washington, DC, was set to become the country’s capital, it needed to be distinctive and unique.
For this purpose, George Washington authorized Pierre-Charles L’Enfant to plan the capital city. His vision was to make the city bold and modern, which featured boulevards and ceremonial spaces similar to L’Enfant’s home city, Paris. Trying to fulfill his idea, L’Enfant planned its grid system, which had open and spacious streets with the Capitol building being the center.
One of the historically significant places in Washington, DC, is Pennsylvania Avenue. Every fours year after the presidential elections, a national parade happens in the streets of Pennsylvania to celebrate the victory. It is also the site where various national leaders and war heroes got honored for their excellent services with parades and motorcades.
Pennsylvania Avenue connects the two most iconic and must-visit places; the White House and the Capitol Building. Additionally, L’Enfant stacked the extensive National Mall with several museums and monuments. For example, you will find the Obelisk, the Lincoln Memorial, the World War II Memorial, and the National Museum of American History here.
Finally, let’s look at the best places to visit in Washington, DC.
Best Places to Visit in Washington DC
Best Places To Visit In Washington DC (1-3)
1. Capitol Hill
Capitol Hill is a historic neighborhood that houses the renowned United States Supreme Court, the US Senate, the US House of Representatives, and the iconic United States Capitol. It is one of the oldest and most well-known residential areas in Washington, DC, making it one of the most densely populated regions.
You may wonder why Capitol Hill is one of the best places to visit in Washington, DC. The primary reason is the rejoicing life of the state’s historic neighborhood. Furthermore, the 19th-century row houses, farm-fresh produce, a handmade crafts market, and eclectic dining scenes make you fall in love with the state.
- Address: 8th St. NE, I-295, M St. SE and 11th St. SE Washington, D.C.
- Official website: Click here
- Best time to visit: July, August
- Fun things to do: Shop at the Elliott Bay Book Company, Sip coffee at the stylish Starbucks Reserve Roastery, Go bowling at the trendy Garage
- Entrance fee: Free of cost (ID proof required)
- Where to stay: W Seattle, Lotte Hotel Seattle, The Alexis Royal Sonesta Hotel Seattle
2. The Washington Monument
A structure of immense importance! The Washington Monument, or The Obelisk, as commonly referred to, was constructed to honor George Washington’s military leadership during the American Revolution from 1775 to 1783.
Although the monument’s cornerstone got placed on July 4th, 1848, the building didn’t finish until 1884. Being one of the best places to visit in Washington DC, the Obelisk offers some of the best aerial views of the state.
Being one of the best places to visit in Washington, DC, the Obelisk offers some of the best aerial views, covering much of Washington.
The location of the Obelisk is also intriguing. Situated between the US Capitol Building and the Lincoln Memorial, the Obelisk finds itself in the middle of the National Mall. Hence, it is easily accessible with other notable buildings and memorial parks.
- Address: 2 15th St NW, Washington, DC, United States
- Official website: Click here
- Best time to visit: Opening (10-11 AM) or during lunchtime in low season (from late September till February).
- Fun things to do: View the National Mall & Memorial Parks, Schedule of Events for ranger programs and activities!
- Entrance fee: $1.00 service charge per ticket
- Where to stay: Riggs Washington DC, Mandarin Oriental, Washington D.C.,Kimpton Banneker Hotel
3. The Pentagon
The Pentagon is the main office of the US Department of Defense, which includes the Army, Navy, and Air Force. But why is it named Pentagon? It is because most people and leaders usually refer to the US Military, the Defense Department, and its leadership as the “Pentagon.”
The Pentagon served the primary goal of unifying all of the War Department’s offices, which up until that point had facilities spread across 17 distinct locations in Washington, DC.
Even though it is a defense facility, the Pentagon has a vast list of things to do for its visitors.
Even though it is a defense facility, the Pentagon has a vast list of things to do for its visitors. You can visit the International Spy Museum, the Arthur M. Sackler Gallery, and many more. It is truly one of the best places to visit in Washington, DC.
- Address: 1400 Defense Pentagon Washington, DC 20301-1400
- Official website: Click here.
- Best time to visit: In the morning. At 9:37 am each day
- Fun things to do: International Spy Museum, Smithsonian Institution Freer Gallery of Art and Arthur M. Sackler Gallery
- Entrance fee: Free of cost
- Where to stay: Hotel Pentagon, Days Inn by Wyndham Arlington/Washington, DC
Best Places to Visit in Washington DC (4-6)
4. Lincoln Memorial
Built in the memory of Abraham Lincoln, this monument is yet another of the best places to visit in Washington, DC. The primary tourist attraction of the memorial is the beautiful statue of Abraham Lincoln.
The 16th President of the United States looks out from his marble throne with a serene and alert countenance, giving the impression that he is still aware of what is going on in the nation. Behind the enormous yet beautiful statue of Abraham Lincoln in the Lincoln Memorial lies the gorgeous wall decorated with writings.
The 16th President of the United States looks out from his marble throne with a serene and alert countenance, giving the impression that he is still aware of what is happening in the nation.
National Mall houses the Lincoln Memorial, enabling visitors to see the entire city from the top of the memorial chamber. It almost feels as if the President was looking over the city from his vantage point. Hence, you must add it to your list of best places to visit in Washington, DC.
- Address: 2 Lincoln Memorial Cir NW, Washington, DC 20002, United States
- Official website: Click here
- Best time to visit: Early in the morning or late in the evening
- Fun things to do: Vietnam Women’s Memorial, Cumberland Gap National Historical Park
- Entrance fee: Free of cost
- Where to stay: Hotel Hive, State Plaza Hotel
5. Smithsonian Air & Space Museum
This museum is perfect for all your aviation and space aficionados out there! In Washington, DC’s L’Enfant Plaza, the Smithsonian Air & Space Museum is home to magnificent displays about aviation and space travel’s development.
Smithsonian Air & Space Museum is one of the best places to visit in Washington, DC, because of its vast collection of historic planes. The Lockheed SR-71 Blackbird, Concorde, Space Shuttle Discovery, and the Boeing B-29 Enola Gay are some of the notable planes.
It even is home to the historic bomber aircraft that dropped the first atomic bomb on Hiroshima, Japan during World War II in 1945. Hence, if you are into Air & Space, you must add it to your list of best places to visit in Washington, DC.
- Address: 600 Independence Ave SW, Washington, DC 20560, United States
- Official website: Click here
- Best time to visit: After 11 am
- Fun things to do: Exhibitions, Restoration Hangar, Simulators
- Entrance fee: Free of cost
- Where to stay: Residence Inn by Marriott Washington, DC/Capitol, Hotel Harrington
6. World War II Memorial
The World War II Memorial honors more than 16 million US soldiers and remembers the roughly 400,000 lives lost during combat. Furthermore, it symbolizes the unification of the US states, seven federal territories, and the District of Columbia.
Most visitors visit the World War II Memorial in a combined trip to the National Mall. This trip consists of some of the best places to visit in Washington, DC, including the World War II Memorial, Lincoln Memorial, and the Washington Monument. Usually, tourists opt for the Dusk Guided Night Tour for a memorable time in the memorial.
This is one of the best places to visit in Washington, DC, drawing in around 4 million tourists a year. Out of these 4 million people, war veterans are also there who come to pay their respects and honor their unmatched service and sacrifice to the nation.
- Address: 1750 Independence Ave SW, Washington, DC 20024, United States
- Official website: Click here
- Best time to visit: Early evening and morning hours
- Fun things to do: DC at Dusk Guided Night Tour, Monuments by Moonlight Tour by Trolley
- Entrance fee: Free of cost
- Where to stay: Dc International Hostel 2, Duo Housing
Best Places to Visit in Washington DC (7-8)
7. National Museum of American History
The tagline of the National Museum of American History goes, “We help people understand the past to make sense of the present and shape a more humane future.” Staying true to their words, the museum has maintained a collection of almost 1.8 million objects and more than three miles of shelves filled with archives about American history and humanity.
The museum’s archive area contains a variety of papers, images, and other written works that relate to American history. Given its location on the National Mall and its importance to the country, the museum is truly cutting-edge. That is why the government recognizes it as a National Historic Landmark.
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Due to all these factors, there’s no way you can exclude the National Museum of Australian History from your list of best places to visit in Washington, DC.
- Address: 1300 Constitution Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20560, United States
- Official website: Click here
- Best time to visit: Preferably around 10 AM
- Fun things to do: Draper Spark! Lab, Wegmans Wonderplace
- Entrance fee: Free of cost
- Where to stay: Motto by Hilton Washington DC City Center, Hyatt Place Washington DC/US Capitol.
8. Tidal Basin
A partially man-made reservoir surrounded by magnificent structures! The Tidal Basin is a section of Washington, DC’s West Potomac Park and is situated next to the Potomac River.
The Tidal Basin, one of the most visited locations in Washington, DC, is a beautiful sight during cherry blossom season and spans a surface area of 107 acres.
Make sure to include this attraction in your list of best places to visit in Washington, DC. Another reason for you to add it to your list is because of the Jefferson Memorial and the George Mason Memorial.
- Address: 1500 Maine Ave SW, Washington, DC 20024
- Official website: Click here
- Best time to visit: Early in the morning or later in the day
- Fun things to do: Jefferson Memorial, George Mason Memorial
- Entrance fee: Free of cost
- Where to stay: Mandarin Oriental, Washington D.C, The Mayflower Hotel, Autograph Collection
Conclusion
The city emits a charm that is unmatched by any other location in the country; having witnessed centuries of American history, various distinct cultures, changing regimes, freedom struggles, and basic rights campaigns may have given the city a distinct personality.
Washington, DC, will not only awe you, but you’ll also remember it long after you’ve explored its charming neighborhoods and amazing monuments. Washington, DC, does a great job at capitalizing (pun intended) on its unique yet lovely appeal and securing a spot in your heart and mind.
FAQs
What has made Washington, DC, famous?
One of the most frequented locations in the US is Washington, DC. The city of Washington, DC, is well-known for its culture, museums, historic monuments, and numerous embassies in addition to being the residence of the American president.
What Washington, DC, location receives the most visitors?
The Air & Space Museum, the Museum of Natural History and the Museum of American History are the most visited places in the entire Washington DC.
What is the best time to visit Washington, D.C.?
The dates you choose greatly influence the quality of your trip. We suggest scheduling your trip to Washington during a less popular time. People remain in abundance, no matter the season. In July, the crowds are at their peak.
For more than two weeks of the month, various celebrations and activities honor one of the pivotal moments in American history. Plan your vacation to match this period if you want to experience Washington in all its glory.If I visit Washington, DC, where should I stay?
Some of the best areas to stay on your visit to Washington DC are:
1. Woodley Park- Best for sightseeing
2. Chinatown- Best for nightlife
3. Foggy Bottom- Best for shopping
4. Lenfant- Best for family stayWhat is the ideal vacation period for a trip to Washington, DC?
One day is more than enough to visit only the main tourist attractions. However, if you want to experience Washington’s true jive and feel, a 2-day tour plan would be more than plenty. It would take 6-7 days to travel the entire length and breadth of Washington.
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