Top Attractions

Top Attractions

Capitol

Home of the Senate and the House of Representatives, the marble Capitol is an architectural marvel filled with frescoes and statues. Its grounds are equally stunning -- they were landscaped by Frederick Law Olmsted. A tour of the interior is impressive, but nothing beats attending a live debate on the House or Senate floor.

White House

1600 Pennsylvania Avenue may be the best-known address in the United States. Every president but George Washington lived here, and many heads-of-state have passed through its hallowed halls. The self-guided tour lets you follow their footsteps through the historic rooms, including the East Room, Green Room, and State Dining Room. Note that it takes significant advance planning to visit the White House. See Chapter 5, "Official Washington," for details.

Washington Monument

The epitome of a landmark attraction, this 555-foot, 5-inch obelisk is visible from nearly everywhere in the city. Ride to the top to see views of the District, Maryland, and Virginia.

Lincoln Memorial

Many people consider the Lincoln Memorial the city's most inspiring monument. In the center, the somber Daniel Chester French statue of the seated president gazes out over the Reflecting Pool. One of the best times to view the memorial itself is at night when lights and shadows play across Lincoln's face.

Jefferson Memorial

Jefferson always admired the Pantheon in Rome, so architect John Russell Pope drew from the same source when he designed this graceful memorial facing the Tidal Basin. As an added bonus, one of the best views of the White House can be seen from the memorial's top steps.

Smithsonian Museums

You can't pick one top Smithsonian museum because each is outstanding. Mostly flanking the National Mall, these illustrious galleries hold everything from Kermit the Frog to the Spirit of St Louis, the Hope Diamond, and Rodin's Burghers of Calais.

National Zoo

The pandas may be the zoo's most famous attraction, but they're not the only highlight. Monkeys, elephants, and lions never fail to delight animal lovers, and more exotic residents, such as sloth bears, red pandas, clouded leopards, and Japanese giant salamanders, can be found on the Asia Trail.

National Cathedral

Like its 14th-century counterparts, this 20th-century cathedral has a nave, flying buttresses, transepts, and vaults that were built stone by stone. Unlike those historic buildings, the National Cathedral possesses a gargoyle in the shape of Darth Vader. For a unique experience, come for a tour and tea.

Arlington National Cemetery

The serene hills across the Potomac from the Tidal Basin are the final resting place for some 300,000 members of the armed services, from Civil War casualties to fallen soldiers of the Iraq War. A visit here can be both sobering and deeply moving.

Dumbarton Oaks

If you have an affection for formal gardens, visit the 10-acre grounds of Dumbarton Oaks, one of the loveliest spots in the city.