Explore Washington DC: A Quick Guide

Washington DC is situated on the East coast of the United States of America, along the banks of the Potomac River. The city has an area of just under 70 square miles, but it sure packs a lot in.

Washington DC was founded as the nation's Capitol in 1791. As soon as a visitor lands here, they would get a sense of the power of history that this metropolis represents. Most visitors start at the National Mall, a two-mile green strip, often referred to as the nation's front lawn. Not to disappoint first-time visitors but there is no shopping to be done at this mall. But there is a lot of other things to do here. What it does offer is a sweep of the country's most famous monuments and museums all in one place. 

Begin your Washinton DC tour of the National Mall at the Zero Mile Stone, the proposed reference point for distances on all US maps. To the north of the Mall, you will see America's most famous residents, The White House. And to the south stands, is the Washington monument. Rising 555 feet, this marble obelisk is the centerpiece of the National Mall. The United States Capitol building on top of Capitol Hill is the nation’s seat of the federal government. Nearby the Capitol is the largest library in the world, the Library of Congress.

Rest awhile by the reflecting pool, surrounded by America's most iconic tributes to its heroes and founding fathers. It's easy to let your mind wander back through the various chapters of the book, America's history. Nestled in the trees is the Vietnam Veterans Memorial. Engraved in its walls are the names of tens of thousands of soldiers who lost their lives on the battlefields of Vietnam.

At the nearby Lincoln Memorial is where Martin Luther King Jr. made his famous ‘I Have a Dream’ speech. Marvel at the larger-than-life seated statue of Abraham Lincoln, and learn how his life and works impacted the lives of many African Americans. Admire the many sculptures and waterfalls at the Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial further down the Mall. After that, cross the tidal basic to the Thomas Jefferson keeps a watchful eye on The White House from his memorial built in the style of ancient Rome. 

The mall was also home to many of the nation's Smithsonian buildings to learn more about this interesting collection of museums, galleries, stop by at the information center in the Smithsonian Institution Building called The Castle. Right here in The Castle is the final resting place of James Smithson, who inspired the founding of the institution that became known as ‘America’s attic’.

The whole family will enjoy the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum, one of the most visited attractions of Washington DC, where you can let your imagination fly high among historic airplanes, spacecraft. Create your adventure at the newly opened International Spy Museum or go on a deeper dive of your Judeo-Christian at the Museum of the Bible. Learn more about the nation’s rich history at the National Museum of Natural History and the National Museum of American History. Appreciate diversity, inclusivity, and equality at the newest Smithsonian museum, the National Museum of African American History and Culture.

The Botanic Garden of the Capitol building offers an escape from monuments and museums. But the mall is not the only attraction in Washington DC. To explore the many attractions outside of the mall, the convenient Capitol bike share system is available all over the city. For larger group tours of the Capitol and its surroundings, a motorcoach is still the most preferred mode to go around. 

In picture-perfect downtown neighborhoods, such as DuPont circle, browse bookstores by day and drive the cafes by night. Another charming central suburb is Foggy Bottom named after the fog that rises from the Potomac river here, you'll find the Watergate Hotel and the Kennedy Center.

Pass the Washington circle to get to Georgetown. With its 18th-century buildings, it is the oldest district in the city. And today university students give it a lively atmosphere. Wisconsin Avenue and M street offer many boutique stores and galleries.

North from Georgetown is the National Cathedral. One of the largest churches in the United States. The cathedral is dubbed as the city’s crossroad of secular and spiritual life. Take a behind the scene tour of the Cathedral and learn more about its history and the unique pieces it houses.

In the nearby Smithsonian National Zoo, the residents are sure to delight monument-weary children. Just across the river in neighboring Virginia is the nation's most hallowed ground. Arlington national cemetery. Wonder among rows of tombstones, dedicated to those who made the ultimate sacrifice for their country. President John F Kennedy's final resting place, marked by an eternal flame, is one of the most visited graves from Arlington house you can look back over DC and its surrounding suburbs.

Washington has a lot more to offer than the political buildings in the stately monuments that it is so famous for. This article alone would not be able to fit all the things you can see, experience, and discover when you go on a Washington DC tour. And no matter how often you've seen these landmarks in the news or movies, nothing beats the real thing.