Washington DC Landmarks

 

Landmarks and attractions in Arlington

Pentagon Building
The Pentagon is the headquarters of the American Department of Defense. A visit to the Pentagon is the only way to appreciate the immense size of this building (the United States Capitol could fit inside any one of the Pentagons five wings) and a guided tour will take you through only a fraction of the 17.5 miles of corridors inside. "Walk-in" Tours begin at the Metro entrance and take approximately one and a half hours to complete the mile long route. Group tours are also available, but require advance booking. Note that photographic Identification is required.

Arlington National Cemetery
Arlington National Cemetery is located across the Potomac from Washington. Site of 250,000-war dead and attractions like Arlington House, the Tomb of the Unknowns and the Kennedy Graves.

 

Landmarks and attractions in Capitol Hill

United States Capitol
Home to the Legislative branch of the Government, The Capital building overlooks the National Mall. Visitors are welcome to participate in the free guided tours, or wander the halls of the magnificent building on their own. 

Library of Congress

With over 100 million items on its shelves, the Library of Congress is one of the world’s largest libraries. Visitors can sit in the plush Main Reading Room or see one of the Library’s exhibits. Displayed items include one of three perfect copies of the Gutenberg Bible. 

The Supreme Court


Union Station

Just minutes from the Capital, Union Station contains over 125 stores, an immense food court and a nine-screen movie complex. The restored beaux-arts structure still serves as Washington’s main train station.

  

Landmarks and attractions in the Federal Triangle

The White House
One of the most recognizable structures in the world, one can’t say they’ve been to Washington D.C. until they have seen the White House. The home of the leader of the free world is open to the public five days a week from 10 – noon.

FBI Building
One of the most riveting attractions in Washington D.C., the FBI tour includes a sharp-shooting demonstration performed by a real FBI agent, as well as a look at the crime labs. The tour is very popular, so plan accordingly.

National Archives
See some of the documents that forged a nation. The National Archives is home to the Declaration of Independence, Constitution and the Bill of Rights to name a few.

Ford's Theater & Lincoln Museum
Ford’s Theater is the site of Abraham Lincoln’s assassination. The theater is still in operation today and has a basement museum dedicated to Lincoln. 

Landmarks and attractions in the  The National Mall

Lincoln Memorial
The Lincoln Memorial is one of the must see attractions in Washington D.C. Reminiscent of a Greek Temple, the Lincoln Memorial has beautiful views of the city, including a clear view of the National Mall that extends all the way to the Capital.

The Washington Monument
This 555- foot obelisk towers over the National Mall and has come to represent Washington D.C. itself. Catching the view from the top of the monument is one of the requisite events on a trip to the city.

Jefferson Memorial
The Jefferson Memorial is dedicated to Thomas Jefferson, the third President and primary author of the Declaration of Independence. Overlooking the Tidal Basin, the Jefferson Memorial is a ten-minute walk from the Lincoln Memorial.

Franklin Roosevelt Memorial
The FDR Memorial is a 7.5-acre site dedicated to the 32nd president. A short walk from the Jefferson Memorial, the FDR Memorial features waterfalls, sculptures and an outdoor gallery.

The National Mall
Every visitor to Washington becomes familiar with the National Mall. Most of the Smithsonian’s Museums and galleries surround the Mall, and some of the best views of the Capital and Washington Monument are available from the Mall’s lawn.  

Smithsonian Institute

    - National Museum of American History
    - National Museum of Natural History
    - National Gallery of Art
    - National Air and Space Museum
    - US Holocaust Memorial Museum
    - Arthur M Sackler Gallery
    - Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden
    - Smithsonian National Zoological Park
The Smithsonian Institute operates a number of museums and research centers throughout the USA. Of the Smithsonian museums, nine may be found in the National Mall including the National Museum of Natural History, the National Museum of American History, the Hishhorn Museum and the Arthur M Sackler Gallery. The Smithsonian Institute Building, also known as "the Castle", acts not only as the central office for the institute but also as a visitors center, providing a fascinating insight into the Smithsonian Institute's history and its role today.

Bureau of Engraving and Printing
Just steps away from the National Mall and the Washington Monument, The Bureau of Engraving and Printing prints out over $77 billion annually. Take a guided tour and see a stack of one million dollar bills.

The Vietnam Veterans Memorial
is a moving tribute to the almost sixty thousand soldiers who lost their lives in Vietnam. The names of these soldiers are etched into the black granite of the memorial, where family and friends often leave tributes and mementos. Directories are provided to help located names. 

Cherry Blossom Festival
The National Cherry Blossom Festival commemorates the 1912 gift to the city of Washington of 3,000 cherry trees from Mayor Yukio Ozaki of Tokyo to enhance the growing friendship between the United

Daughters of the American Revolution
The National Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution houses an exquisite collection of nineteenth century furnishings and thirty-three rooms designed in period styles. Kids 5 – 7 will enjoy the "Colonial Adventure" tours.