Top Things to do in Washington DC
- 1. Lincoln Memorial
- 2. Korean War Veterans Memorial
- 3. United States Holocaust Memorial Museum
- 4. Vietnam Veterans Memorial
- 5. National Air and Space Museum
- 6. Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History
- 7. Hillwood Estate, Museum & Gardens
- 8. Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception
- 9. National Gallery of Art
- 10. National Museum of African American History and Culture
10 Things to Do in Washington DC That You Shouldn't Miss
Washington DC is a hub for American politics and history. Attracting as many school field trips as it does travelers the district offers a peek into the country’s democratic origin. There are plenty of free museums to take advantage of but the real draw here is the memorials and monuments dedicated to great American leaders. Spend some contemplative time at the Reflecting Pool within the National Mall, among the most patriotic places in the country.
Restaurants in Washington DC
1. Lincoln Memorial
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 26 reviews
Reviewed By internationalmama - Wooster, Ohio
We took our friend from Zambia to DC, and she was so interested in seeing the Lincoln Memorial, as this President is known world-wide. I'd been there previously, but visiting again gave me a new appreciation for the simple beauty, something President Lincoln would have loved. It's a great place to bring families to talk about the price that was paid to keep this country unified.
2. Korean War Veterans Memorial
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 9 reviews
This memorial to Korean War veterans consists of the Pool of Remembrance and the triangular Field of Service depicting 19 soldiers on the field of combat.
Reviewed By LizNnawlins - New Orleans, Louisiana
We saw this during a night tour and there was no lighting near the statues. I have pictures from my oldest daughter's night tour a few years back that showed subtle light cast on the statues at night. There was trash among the statues too. I hope this is just out of the ordinary and that this memorial gets as much attention as any other. Don't let my review discourage you from seeing it, even with neglect it is a powerful tribute.
3. United States Holocaust Memorial Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 9 reviews
A living memorial to the Holocaust, the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum inspires citizens and leaders worldwide to confront hatred, prevent genocide, and promote human dignity. Tickets are only needed from March 1 to August 31 to visit the Museum's Permanent Exhibition, which tells the history of the Holocaust from 1933 to 1945. Exhibitions Include: Permanent Exhibition: The Holocaust Spanning three floors, the self-guided Permanent Exhibition presents a narrative history of the Holocaust and features historical artifacts, photographs, and film footage. Personal objects and the concluding eyewitness testimonies highlight the stories of individuals. Recommended for ages 11 or older. The Portal: A Real-Time Conversation with People Forced to Flee Persecution The Shared Studios Portal allows you to have a face-to-face conversation with someone in another part of the world-as if you are standing in the same room. Through this installation, visitors will be able to converse in real time with displaced persons or refugees in Iraq, Jordan, and Germany Remember the Children: Daniel's Story Representing the experiences of many Jewish children during the Nazi era, "Daniel" narrates through his diary the history of the Holocaust in ways that children can understand. Recreated environments present life in a middle-class German home, in a Jewish ghetto in occupied Poland, and finally at the Auschwitz concentration camp. The exhibition is explicit without being graphic. Recommended for ages 8 or older. Some Were Neighbors: Collaboration & Complicity in the Holocaust Some Were Neighbors: Collaboration & Complicity in the Holocaust addresses one of the central questions about the Holocaust: How was it possible? The central role of Hitler and other Nazi Party leaders is indisputable. Less well understood is these perpetrators' dependence on countless others for the execution of Nazi racial policies. Within Nazi Germany and across German-dominated Europe, circles of collaboration and complicity rippled throughout governments and societies wherever victims of persecution and mass murder lived.
Reviewed By jamusaba - Florida
Graphic description and historical account of the racial atrocities committed by the Nazi’s during WW II. Starts with the history of the rise of the Nazi Party and Hitler in Germany and their sweeping expansion throughout continental Europe and their inhuman treatment of the Jewish peoples in concentration camps. The graphics pull no punches and it is impossible to leave this memorial/ museum unmoved.
4. Vietnam Veterans Memorial
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 9 reviews
Emotionally stirring memorial pays tribute to the men and women who served in one of America's most controversial wars.
Reviewed By hisons - California
This was my second visit here, but the first with our 13 and 10 year olds. My oldest daughter couldn't believe how many names (and lives lost) are on the memorial. It makes for a good discussion about war, and why or why not such a thing happens. Paying respects is important, and this is so beautifully done...names etched forever.
5. National Air and Space Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 19 reviews
The most popular of the Smithsonian museums features the Wright Brothers' 1903 Flyer and Lindbergh's Spirit of St. Louis.
Reviewed By Reasonable50 - Greenwich, Connecticut
This was a great choice for tired me. I was able to go to displays and then take 25 minutes for each IMAX or Planetarium show in between. I ended up seeing 4 very educational shows in all. Of course admission to the Museum is free.. the shows are not. They are worth it however and are discounted by $3 after the first. Great museum for adults and kids alike.
6. Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 10 reviews
Established in 1910 and located on the National Mall, this prestigious museum, part of the Smithsonian Institution, holds the world's most extensive collection of natural history specimens and human artifacts including the remains of dinosaurs and tools used by early man.
Reviewed By hisons - California
Our family enjoyed this museum...there was something for everyone! Whether you're into dinosaurs, Egyptian artifacts & mummies, ocean life, rocks & geology, animals, birds...so much to see!
7. Hillwood Estate, Museum & Gardens
Overall Ratings
5 based on 1 reviews
Hillwood, the grand estate of Post Cereal heiress Marjorie Merriweather Post, sits on 25 acres overlooking Rock Creek Park in northwest Washington DC. Along with a world renowned collection of Russian and French decorative arts, Hillwood also features extensive gardens and special exhibitions.
Reviewed By Becky H - Cleveland, Ohio
First of all, definitely follow driving directions on the website, because you can’t access the estate from both directions on the road. My car’s GPS took us in from the wrong side, and we had to turn around. But no big deal.
The mansion and gardens are beautiful. The volunteers are quite knowledgeable. In late March after a few recent snowstorms, daffodils and pansies were poking up, and forsythia was beginning to bloom. The greenhouse had so many beautiful orchids!
This was a dream come true for three teen girls who love their Instagram accounts. I’m sure among the four of us we took several thousand photos. And the girls loved imagining living in the lovely house, complete with a “snooze room” for naps and a breakfast room overlooking the gardens. Mrs. Post’s jewels were a hit, as well. I was amazed by the collection of Imperial Russian art, particularly the religious items such as icons, chalices, and altar cloths. And the 1950s kitchen, while huge, had those same appliances my grandma had in hers.
We could easily have spent 2-3 hours because it was such a lovely sunny day. I will come back next time I’m in the area.
8. Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception
Overall Ratings
5 based on 1 reviews
Reviewed By P F B - Edison, New Jersey
WOW. What a beautiful cathedral. This is overwhelming. The crypt level contains dozens of separate chapels to visit, as well as the Memorial Hall. The upper church level contains several more chapels as well as the main church area. There is a lot to explore. The architecture and color is breathtaking. Arrive at the right time and watch the colors of the stained glass windows like up the church as the sun hits. Breakfast in the cafeteria was very good and offered scrambled eggs, a choice of meat, potatoes, and a variety of breads and pastries.
9. National Gallery of Art
Overall Ratings
5 based on 8 reviews
We belong to you. The National Gallery of Art—the nation’s museum—preserves, collects, exhibits, & fosters understanding of works of art.
Reviewed By jt-mj - Upstate New York
Superb collections, especially impressionists [French & American], contemporary art, special exhibits [Cezanne portraits is open now], and much more. Deserves at least 8 hours [we did it in 2 days]. It was too long since our last visit at least 20 yrs ago.
Parking garages nearby are $$$ but metro was not convenient from where we were staying.
10. National Museum of African American History and Culture
Overall Ratings
5 based on 1 reviews
Reviewed By anbet515 - Washington DC, District of Columbia
Although the exterior architecture is not to my taste, inside, it is striking in design. Four levels of African-American culture and history combining art, sculpture, documents and artifacts. Lighting is dim; some exhibits too dark for "old eyes" to appreciate. Far too much to take in in one visit. Allow 2 hours minimum. Avoid weekends if you can--when I visited on a Sunday, it was very crowded. A highlight was the contemplative courtyard with circular fountain.
Note that you will not be admitted until 10 minutes before your tour start time. The museum usually sells out early on weekends.
The half-hour introductory film -- perhaps 5 minutes too long -- is beautifully narrated and acted, with the script by Maya Angelou. Very moving.
The food court features a variety of African-American/Southern dishes--very good, but also, very expensive. I paid $18 for fried chicken with two sides, not including beverages. It is confusing for the dinner, with signage and lines for various food stations not well defined.
Metered parking is available on the Mall, but it fills up early in the day. Nearby parking garages are expensive. Best to take Uber or the Metro (blue line-Smithsonian stop--3 blocks.)
Finally, the museum needs to pay more attention to the training of admission staff. Three different people, including a supervisor, told me I couldn't get in to have lunch before my start date, even when I told them I was with a group. I later learned that group passes have more flexible entry times.
An interesting, but somewhat stressful experience. I recommend that you go early in the week (not weekends) and early in the day.
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