Washington DC, the capital of United States, is known for its national monuments, historical buildings and free museums.

Washington DC was formerly known as District of Columbia. It is located along the Potomac River in the US East Coast and is also one of the most visited cities in the world. Moreover, the city got its name after George Washington who was the first president of United States.

We recently visited this place during its well-known ‘Cherry Blossom Festival’ and it was way better than we imagined it would be. During our 2 days visit, we could cover most of what city has to offer.

Best Time to Visit Washington DC

Washington DC is one of the most popular tourist city during spring season. This is because of the National Cherry Blossom festival. Fall could be another good season to visit this place. Summers are usually hot and humid.

If you plan to visit the place during Cherry Blossom festival, we suggest to keep checking the blossom predictions on National Park Service website. The bloom period varies every year based on the weather conditions and only lasts for few days.

Below are some important attractions that one can cover in Washington DC

1) National Cherry Blossom Festival

The National Cherry Blossom Festival is a 3 week festival that begins after mid-March and runs until mid-April. A series of events and activities occur during this period in addition to viewing the cherry blossom itself. Thousands of cherry blossom trees are planted around the city and majority are of Yoshino variety. Most trees are on the bank of Tidal Basin in the West Potomac Park and also in the East Potomac Park region. In addition, some can also be found on the grounds of the Washington Monument and around the National Mall.

Peak Bloom

The cherry blossom trees bloom for a period of 2 weeks while the peak bloom may only last for around 4-6 days. Peak bloom is when 70% or more of the trees have opened their buds turning the surrounding area into a beautiful scenery. On an average, the peak bloom usually falls in the first week of April but may vary depending on the weather conditions every year. So one should keep a close eye on the predictions from National Park Service on their website and plan the trip accordingly. Note that the place would be heavily crowded during this time of the year and especially around peak bloom and weekends. Therefore early morning hours may be good time to avoid crowd and for some great photography.

Whichever local means of transport you choose, you need to just make it to Tidal Basin and then go around it to experience the beautiful blossom.

2) Lincoln Memorial

Lincoln Memorial is one of the several national monument built in the memory of America’s former presidents and is located on the west end of the National Mall across the World War II Memorial. This memorial was built in the honor of 16th president of United States, Abraham Lincoln. The memorial’s central chamber includes a large statue of the president Abraham Lincoln in sitting position and also has some inscriptions. It has around 36 columns which represents 36 states in the union existing at the time of Lincoln’s death. The memorial is maintained by the National Park Service and hence one can learn more about this memorial, its construction and other detailed information on the nps.gov website.

It is open to public all day and is mostly crowded especially during Cherry Blossom Festival. From the chamber of the Lincoln memorial, one will get to experience a spectacular view of the reflecting pool displaying reflection of Washington Monument and also the surrounding park.

3) Washington Monument

The Washington Monument is an approximately 555 feet tall stone tower or monument ending in a pyramid like shape at the top. It was built in the memory of George Washington, America’s first president, and is located on the National Mall to the east of Lincoln Reflecting Pool or the World War II Memorial. There are several cherry blossom trees planted on the grounds of the monument.

The monument is at a walkable distance from White House, Lincoln Memorial, World War II Memorial and a bit far (around a mile) from US Capitol Building. Visitors are allowed to enter the monument and also take elevators to observation floor. In addition to obtaining timed tickets, one has to go through security check.

4) United States Capitol

Unites States Capitol or the Capitol Building is located in the Capitol Hill at the east end of the National Mall and is one of the National historic landmark declared by the National Park Service. It is also the home of the United States Congress. Both its sides (east and west) are called as fronts but visitors can only enter from the east front. Further its north and south side holds wings with rooms and offices for Senate and House of representatives.

There is a visitor center located at the east front of the building where all the visitors will have to undergo security check and then allowed to enter into the Capitol building. Visitors can then gather information about Congress and Capitol, view exhibits, experience guided tours, etc. Also it is said that the building continued to grow as the nation and its representative’s count grew.

US Capitol Reflecting Pool

To the west front of the building, is a reflecting pool that reflects the US Capitol building.

Outside the east front of the Capitol Building, there are other buildings of importance namely Library of Congress and Supreme Court of the United States.

5) The White House

The White House is the official home of the President of United States. It has been serving as the residence of every US president since 1800 and is located at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue NW in Washington, D.C. It is just a few blocks away from Washington Monument and is at a walkable distance.

It had several names in the past but was eventually named The White House because of the white paint applied to it to cover the fire burns. The White House image is also featured on the back side of 20 dollar bill.

Visitors and Security

It is protected by security guards (United States Secret Service) and has fenced compound. It is periodically open to public for tours but they may suspend the same anytime. The avenue is closed partly to vehicle traffic in the north front of the white house. In addition, the south portion of the building is also closed and people can see it from a distance. There is a fountain and magnolia tree in the south lawn.

6) National Mall

National Mall is the landscaped park that consists of several memorials and other point of attractions. The area between Lincoln memorial on the west and US Capitol Building on the east constitutes the National Mall.

It is bordered by several museums, institutions, art galleries, gardens, memorials, pools and statues. To name a few are National Museum of American History, National Museum of Natural History, National Air and Space Museum, National Gallery of Art, Washington Monument, World War II Memorial, Lincoln Memorial and its reflecting pool, US Capitol and its reflecting pool, US Botanic Garden, etc.

There are many mobile food trucks/stalls with different cuisines on the National Mall grounds mostly between Washington Monument and the US Capitol Reflecting Pool and hence visitors can enjoy some variety food.

7) National World War II Memorial

World War II Memorial is built in the memory of the Americans who served in armed forces and as civilians during World War II. The memorial is of national significance due to the history attached to it during World War II. It is located on the National Mall between Washington Monument and Lincoln Reflecting Pool. It includes a fountain in the middle which is surrounded by 56 pillars (representing US states and other territories) and 2 arch like monuments with passage (namely Pacific and Atlantic). Further pillars are arranged in semi-circle with the arch like monument in the middle and is located on north and south side of the memorial. There is also a Freedom Wall on the west with a view of Lincoln reflecting pool and Lincoln memorial.

Like other memorials, this is also administered by the National Park Service. Visitors can enter through the 2 arch like monuments and go around the fountain.

8) Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool

Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool is the largest of the several reflecting pools in the city. It is a long, huge rectangular pool located between World War II Memorial and the Lincoln Memorial on the National Mall. There are walking paths on both side of the pool and trees providing shade to the visitors. The pool gets its water supply from Tidal Basin in case it has to be restored or stagnant water has to be cleaned.

Further if you stand on the west side of the pool, you will see the Washington Monument reflecting in the pool. And if you stand on the east side, you will see Lincoln Memorial reflection.

9) Tidal Basin

Tidal Basin is an artificial lake or pond located in the West Potomac Park of Washington DC and is near or adjacent to the Potomac River. Memorials such as Thomas Jefferson Memorial, the Martin Luther King Jr. National Memorial, the Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial, the George Mason Memorial, etc., are situated around this place. There are many cherry blossom trees planted surrounding the Tidal Basin. This makes it one of the main tourist attractions especially during the National Cherry Blossom Festival when the flowers bloom in peak making the surrounding of Tidal basin look more beautiful.

Tidal Basin is also the source of water supply for Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool when they clean stagnant water. Paddle boats are available for visitors on rent at Tidal Basin for most time of the year.

One can take the Tidal Basin loop trail to go around and view all the above attractions including the cherry blossom bloom view around the lake.

10) Thomas Jefferson Memorial

Jefferson Memorial is an open-air circular presidential memorial built in the memory of America’s third president, Thomas Jefferson. It is located on the south bank of Tidal Basin in West Potomac Park, and between the points where Tidal Basin connects Washington Channel and Potomac River. It features several large columns, triangular pediment at the front, and series of marble-stepped terraces reaching the entrance. Inside the monument, there is a huge statue of Thomas Jefferson at the center of the chamber and several inscriptions on the walls. Just like any other memorial or monument, this is also managed by the National Park Service and more detailed information about it can be found on their official website.

Visitors can reach to the statue either by using the elevators from the basement of the monument or use the steps at the front of the Memorial. There is an accessible path provided for wheelchairs and strollers from where you can reach to the basement.

Memorial during Cherry Blossom

One of the most notable picture of the memorial can be taken during Cherry Blossom Festival from across the Tidal Basin along with cherry blossom branches. You can also see the Washington Monument from this memorial.

11) West and East Potomac Park

West Potomac Park is one of the US National Parks located in Washington DC and besides the National Mall. It includes several landmarks like Tidal Basin, Lincoln Memorial and its Reflecting Pool, World War II Memorial, Washington Monument, Thomas Jefferson Memorial, and others.

Most of the cherry blossom trees in Washington DC are located in the West Potomac Park and around the shores of the Tidal Basin.

East Potomac Park is located southeast of the Thomas Jefferson Memorial between the Washington Channel and Potomac River. One can enter the park from the point where East Basin Dr and Ohio Dr SW meets which to the south of Thomas Jefferson Memorial. It includes golf course, picnic area and playground, tennis court, etc. The Ohio Dr SW covers the border of the park. This is another place where visitors can go around to view the Cherry blossom bloom during spring.

12) Other Attractions

Few places which can be seen in the National Mall and around US Capitol grounds include

Library of Congress

This is the national library of United States Congress located in Capitol Hill opposite to the east front of the US Capitol Building. It is connected with the US Capitol building by underground passageways so that the visitors can go through security check only once.

Supreme Court Building

This building is the Supreme Court of United States and is one of the National Historic Landmarks located in Capitol Hill across the street from the US Capitol. It is the official residence and workplace of the Supreme Court Justices. Prior to this building was built, the Supreme Court was located inside the US Capitol building.

US Botanic Garden

This is located on the grounds of the United States Capitol in Washington DC. This is open throughout the year and is the oldest botanic garden in the United States.

National Gallery of Art

This is the national art museum in the Washington DC located on the border of the National Mall. The gallery has a collection of paintings, drawing, photographs, sculptures, medals, etc.

National Museum of Natural History

This is a national history museum again located on the National Mall in Washington DC. It has free to the public and is open throughout the year.  It contains specimen collection of plants, animals, birds, reptiles, fossils, rocks, minerals, cultural artifacts, etc. In addition to collecting specimens and artifacts, research is also part of the museum divided into several departments.

National Air and Space Museum

This is another museum located on the National Mall in Washington DC. It has several space and aircraft on display. In addition, it is a center of research for aviation, planetary and terrestrial objects.

Hirshhorn Museum

This is an art museum located on the National Mall in Washington DC. It has a collection of sculptures of notable artists inside it, painting galleries and a sculpture garden outside featuring the work of artists.

Smithsonian Castle

Smithsonian Institution Building is known as Smithsonian Castle and is located near the National Mall. It has administrative offices for the Smithsonian. It is built with the red sandstone to give a different contrast than other buildings.

Suggestions:

1. Accommodation

I would suggest to go for an accommodation somewhere between airport and Tidal Basin area. This would help especially during late check-in and check-out into hotel if you are travelling to and from Airport. Arlington is one such area which is near to airport and is also at a reasonable distance from Tidal Basin. There are several accommodation or stay options in this area. When we visited the capital city, we stayed in Hyatt Regency Crystal City Hotel located on the Jefferson Davis Hwy, Arlington, VA. This hotel was very clean and room was good.

2. Commute/Local Transportation

Most of the attractions are nearby and at a walkable distance to each other but depending on your itinerary and accommodation, you may require to use local transportation to reach one or few of the attractions. I would recommend using Uber cabs which is more convenient than other local means. One can also try for Uber pools for cheaper option. You can get down at Tidal Basin and then take walk from there to other attractions or do it other way starting with US Capitol Building down to Tidal Basin. There are also metros if one wishes to use but would suggest going through the map to locate nearby stations.

3. Attraction Admission Fees

Most of the DC attractions are open to public and also do not require you to purchase tickets. There are some attractions like The White House, Washington Monument, US Capitol, etc. that offer tours and you will need to purchase tickets. There is no ticket to see these buildings from outside.

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