By akamau on October 7, 2019 ( Leave a comment )

My Ultimate Visit to Washington DC’s Landmarks and Museums

Washington DC

Washington D.C in Brief

Washington DC, situated on the east of USA along the banks of the Potomac River is the United States capital. Washington was founded as the nation’s capital in 1971. The states capital is more than the Federal government and politics but the district’s National Mall’s monuments and memorials, eclectic neighbourhoods filled with character and charm brings true local flavour. Washington DC is a place unlike any other. It is a world-class destination featuring breathtaking views and hundreds of free things to do. You get to experience outstanding performing arts at acclaimed theatres, shop in historic Georgetown and be dazzled by a flourishing dining scenes.

Why Go?

In my prime time of travelling, I planned a trip to the nation’s capital, Washing DC. Nothing particular in mind but just a self-educational journey. America’s capital is rich with history and incredible sights to see. It is one of the most visited cities in the USA and it has been always a great place to visit. This great city offers a variety of interesting experiences from learning about American history and government to seeing many of the most iconic sights in the country. With such a unique place with so much history attached to it, a trip to this destination was going to entertain and educate me. This vibrant city will welcome me to some of the great food, art, cultural attractions and much more. All I need was to pay attention and it will open its beauty to me.

My Highlights

Washington DC is a place where as soon as you land there, you get the sense of power, history as the metropolis represent. I feel the vibe around me. I found this city entirely possible to get around and visited many attractions and places by foot. DC as known is home to some of the most significant buildings, monuments and memorials. It has some of the best museums in the world and most of them are also free to the public. When it comes to American history, this is where it all comes together.

As I decided to get around the town easily than on foot, I got on the Capital Bikeshare program which allowed me to cruise freely around the city without wasting petrol or getting stuck in traffic. I began my Washington DC tour at the National Mall, where I found monuments, memorials and government buildings instead of tons of shopping. I then checked out the Watergate Hotel and Kennedy Centre where I stopped at Foggy Bottom, then I moved on to Georgetown, the oldest district in D.C. This place is filled with 18th-century buildings and the university itself. After a short stop at the National Cathedral, I made my way to the Smithsonian Zoo. Feeling a child, this is the perfect stop for families with young children and the people young at heart, like I was.

I was so amazed to learn that Washington D.C is home to almost 20 of the Smithsonian Museums and most of the notable museums are free to the public. These museums offer most adults and children of all ages can have an unforgettable experience. From the Air and Space Museum and the National Museum of American History to the Natural History Museum and the American Indian Museum. I spent hours and hours at each and still did not have time to see it all during my entire vacation. A visit to this great district isn’t complete without a stop into these renowned institutions.

As I explored these museums, by than I was quite curious and I felt the need to channel my inner 007, I went to the International Spy Museum and it was a total complete mind-boggling. Here I learn about the covert operations and intelligence agencies that have shaped the world we live in. It was absolutely surreal. When anyone is visiting Washington D.C, you can’t enjoy any D.C. tourism attractions without admiring the White House. I made sure that it was on my “must-see” priority list.

Some of the highlights of my visit to America’s capital include:

White House

One of the highlight of my stay in D.C was visiting the White House. Taking a tour of the White House in D.C is one of the most popular things to do when visiting the area. It was totally worth it to see the White House up close, even just seeing it from the outside, viewing the grounds and stopping in at the White House Visitor Centre is an experience you won’t forget. Here I learn about the history of the White House, the first families who lived there, the furnishings, the architecture and much more.

Arlington National Cemetery

Experiencing Arlington National Cemetery was perhaps one of the most awe-inspiring sights I had ever witness in DC, besides the Washington Monument and the Lincoln Memorial. Here, is where more than 250,000 men and women who served in the USA Military have been laid to rest. I wondered along the endless rows of tombstones dedicated to those who made their ultimate sacrifice to the country. This is also home to the Tomb of the Unknowns. This area is guarded 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. I also made sure to view the Eternal Flame, which marks the grave of President John F. Kennedy’s final resting place and the Arlington House, a tribute to Robert E. Lee.

U.S Capitol

A grand symbol of the U.S.A Government and American democracy. The Capitol Building is both a monument and working office building is recognised across the world as one of the country’s most prominent icons of Democracy. It sits atop Capital Hill. The setting provides dramatic vistas of the Washington Monument as well as the other memorials, monuments and buildings that line the Mall. This striking white dome acts as a focal point to the building which welcomes thousands of visitors every year. The guided tours are offered all day long and it certainly gave me an inside look into how United States government works.

Washington D.C has lot more attractions than political buildings, iconic monuments, memorials and museums. There is an abundance of interesting sights to see and visit which are outside the district and the list is endless. To fully enjoy and explore more of America’s capital, you need to stay more than a week to two. Nothing beats the real feel of the place then seeing it on movies, television and magazines.

What a thrill to be visiting this great place. It is a vibrant and charming city, yet so much history attached to it. It is a reminder, how great this powerful nation is.

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