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Photo Courtesy World Choice Travel |
George Washington himself chose the location for the city that bears his
name, and which serves as the seat of government for the United States of
America. Over the course of 200 years, Washington, D.C. has grown with the
nation, and it now represents the very best of America. From its majestic
monuments to its incomparable museums, from the Mall to the steps of the
Capitol, Washington offers visitors one-of-a-kind attractions.
The majestic Capitol building stands at the center of the city, allowing
unobstructed views of the city's most famous attractions. The giant open space
of the Mall is marked off by the various museums of the Smithsonian
Institution, the largest cluster of museums in the world. The National Air and
Space Museum celebrates the nation's achievements in flight and space
exploration, from the Wright brothers first biplane to the Apollo moon mission
and beyond. Visitors also line up for the Natural History museum to learn
about the sciences and to view the famous Hope Diamond. The Smithsonian
Institution also includes the world-famous Sackler, Freer and Hirshhorn
galleries. Art lovers should also appreciate the nearby National Portrait
Gallery and National Museum of American Art.
Looking past the mall, the Washington monument stands 505 feet above the city.
It was the tallest man made structure in America from its completion until the
early 1900's. Behind this monument is the reflecting pool and the trio of
memorials dedicated to remembering President Lincoln and the wounded and
killed of the Vietnam and Korean conflicts. New to the area of the tidal
basin, and facing the Jefferson Memorial, a memorial to Franklin Roosevelt
lies on the Potomac River. Not far from there, the new National Holocaust
Museum hosts millions of visitors each year.
The offices of the various government agencies take up most of the space of
the city, and most offer free tours to the public. The White House also offers
free tours to the public, and the lines can sometimes stretch around the block
to visit "the people's house." Just outside of the city, the National Zoo
houses thousands of animals on 163 acres of park. Among its residents are two
giant pandas given to the United States as gifts from the People's Republic of
China. Across the river in Arlington, the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier stands
amidst the somber majesty of Arlington National Cemetery, where John and
Robert Kennedy are also buried.
Washington has many other distractions from politics. Washington's theatre
life is thriving; it is second only to New York in number of theatre seats.
The National Symphony and other musical companies play full schedules. As a
temporary home to diplomats from around the world, Washington's restaurant
offerings are the finest and most diverse around.
The beauty and grandeur of the nation's capital continue to captivate the
millions of American and foreign tourists who visit Washington, D.C. each
year.
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