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Washington Welcome Center

Approximate Time to Allow: Unlimited

Open Daily

• Restrooms

For an official DC welcome, stop by the Washington Welcome Center. Here, you’ll find maps, brochures, tips and advice on all the area attractions and points of interest. Also, Welcome Center staff will give you great insight into activities and sightseeing spots you won’t want to miss. Souvenirs and snacks are also available and the center serves as the transfer stop for the National Cathedral, Uptown and Georgetown Loop Tour.

Arlington National Cemetery

Approximate Time to Allow: 2 to 3 hours Minimum

Open Daily

• Restrooms

Although it is one of the more somber spots in the area, the Arlington National Cemetery is visited by 4 million people each year. Some visit out of respect for America’s fallen war heroes, others come to see the final resting place of the 300,000 people who gave their life to serve their country and many more come to say goodbye to a loved one or friend.
See the Changing of the Guard at the Tomb of the Unknowns, gravesites of President John F. Kennedy, Sen. Robert F. Kennedy and the crew of the Challenger Space Expedition.

Lincoln Memorial

Approximate Time to Allow: 1 hour Minimum

Open Daily

• Restaurants
• Restrooms

The Lincoln Memorial was opened on Memorial Day in 1922, 57-years after the 16th President of the United States, Abraham Lincoln, was assassinated.
The immense Greek Temple stands in front of a gleaming reflecting pool and is a stunning spectacle during the day and especially at night. The sculpture of Lincoln sitting inside is 19-feet tall and inscriptions related to his Presidency along with his Gettysburg Address adorn the walls that surround him. An exquisite mural of an angel of truth freeing a slave, along with other depictions inside the memorial are reminders of the significant changes that Lincoln is credited with. A place of inspiration and a symbol of the distinction of this extraordinary President, the Lincoln Memorial is one of the most visited sites in the area. It is also used as a gathering place for political rallies including the March of Washington in 1963, when Martin Luther King delivered his famous, “I have a dream” speech.

President Lincoln's Cottage

Approximate Time to Allow: 1 hour Minimum

Open 9:30 am - 4:30 pm

During the Civil War, President Lincoln and his family resided seasonally (June – November 1862-64) at the Soldiers’ Home in Washington, DC. Founded in 1851 as a home for retired and disabled veterans of American wars, the Soldiers’ Home stood on 250 acres atop the third highest area in the District of Columbia. Like President Buchanan before him, Lincoln enjoyed the cool breezes and refreshing peace of the Soldiers’ Home just over three miles north of downtown. But unlike his predecessor, Lincoln could not escape the Civil War and his burden of leadership even at this seasonal retreat.

Jefferson Memorial

Approximate Time to Allow: 1 hour Minimum

Open Daily

• Restrooms

A visit to Washington DC is not complete without a stop at the Jefferson Memorial. A tribute to the third President of the United States, Thomas Jefferson, the memorial is a recognized symbol of democracy and independence. As one of the founding fathers of our country and the author of the Declaration of Independence, Jefferson’s significant impact on the shaping of our government is known throughout the world. Inside the memorial sits a 19-foot statue of Jefferson and passages from the Declaration of Independence are inscribed on the walls surrounding him. The beautiful white domed building is completely open to the elements and is situated on the Tidal Basin framed by Cherry Blossom trees. With its messages of hope and freedom, splendid views and history, The Jefferson Memorial is truly a sight to be seen.

US Capitol

Approximate Time to Allow: 2 to 3 hours Minimum

Monday - Saturday

• Restrooms

A grand symbol of the United States Government, the Capitol Building on Capitol Hill is recognized across the world as one of our country’s most prominent icons of Democracy. The striking white dome acts as a focal point to the building which welcomes thousands of visitors every year. Both a working legislative building and a national monument, guided tours are offered all day long and provide an inside look into how our United States government works. When the Senate or House of Representatives are in session, visitors can watch from galleries above their chambers. It’s a remarkable experience for adults and children as well.

Washington Monument

Approximate Time to Allow: 1 hour Minimum

Open Daily

One of the most celebrated and spectacular sights on the National Mall, the Washington Monument, stands as a grand tribute to our nation’s first President, George Washington. The 555 foot obelisk is also one of the oldest and most recognizable memorials in the City. While construction began in 1848, the monument was not completed until 1884 because of financial difficulties during the Civil War. Visitors from around the world are treated to breathtaking views from the top of the monument where the Lincoln and Jefferson Memorials, the Capitol and the White House can be seen. Inside, 192 memorial stones that were donated from various states, cities and historical societies are seen on the walls. At the bottom of the monument, fifty American Flags fly in honor of George Washington, symbolizing the current fifty states and the nation he founded.

White House Visitors Center

Open 7:30am - 4pm

• Restrooms

At the White House Visitor Center, people from around the world can learn about the amazing history of the White House and the United States Presidency. Discover facts about the architecture and furnishings of the White House, the first families, social events, and relations with the press and world leaders. Visitors can also watch a 30-minute video, entitled "Where History Lives" and see six historical exhibits. A gift shop offers a variety of souvenirs and mementos related to the White House and Washington DC. Park ranger talks, military concerts, and special traveling exhibits are also of interest to guests and available at different times.

The White House

Open by Appointments Only

The oldest public building in Washington DC, and home to every President in the United States except George Washington, The White House is one of our nation’s most significant landmarks, recognized across the world as a symbol of our democracy. It took 8 years to build the White House; its original builder, James Hoban, was from Ireland and designed it to look similar to an Irish country home. Although it has been remodeled and restored many times over the years, it still holds its historic, stately presence in Washington DC. The most prominent room in the White House is, to many, the Oval Office. This is the President’s office and where he meets with his advisors. Tours are available for groups of 10 or more but must be requested through your congressman and it’s advisable to make your request at least a month in advance of your visit.

Supreme Court

Approximate Time to Allow: 2 to 3 hours Minimum

Open 9 am - 4:30 pm

• Restrooms

Upon arrival at the Supreme Court, visitors are often struck by the imposing marble building. Architecturally magnificent, the neoclassical structure was built in 1935 to become the permanent home to the Supreme Court. Walking along the hallway towards the Courtroom, guests are greeted by busts of all the former Chief Justices. The Supreme Court is the highest judiciary authority in the United States and hears about 100 cases each year, although more than 7,000 are submitted before them. Visitors can tour the Supreme Court building, hear lectures on the history of the court and how it works, sit in on sessions on specified days and times and view various exhibits throughout the year.

Library of Congress

Approximate Time to Allow: 2 to 3 hours Minimum

Open 10 am - 5:30 pm

Monday - Saturday

Guided tours available

The Library of Congress is unlike any other library in the world. The world’s largest library, it is home to more than 100 million books, maps, recordings, manuscripts, films and photos including items from Thomas Jefferson’s personal collection. In fact, it was Jefferson who donated many items to the library after it was destroyed by a fire in 1814. The new building was properly named the Jefferson Building as a tribute to his generosity. Today, the John Adams and James Madison Buildings are also a part of the Library of Congress and honor these two Presidents for their commitment to improving the library. The library was originally created to assist members of congress with research and today it still serves as a haven of knowledge and resources to the congress as well as to the American people. In the Visitor’s Center, just inside the Jefferson Building, guests can find out about the many resources available as well as the numerous events, concerts, exhibits and lectures sponsored by the library. Here you can also get maps and see a film that gives valuable information about the library. Stop by the Great Hall in the Jefferson Building for a guided tour and be sure to see the gift shop featuring a variety of memorabilia.

National Archives

Approximate Time to Allow: 2 hour Minimum

Open 10 am - 9 pm Spring & Summer

Open 10 am - 5 pm Fall & Winter

Imagine seeing the original documents that were written by our forefathers as they created the United States government. At the National Archives you can view the U.S. Constitution, the Bill of Rights and the Declaration of Independence. The National Archives was set up in 1934 to maintain the many invaluable government documents that shape our history and define our democracy. Journey through time and experience the struggles and triumphs of America at the Archives Experience, a dramatic, educational presentation. Visit the various components of the archives to get a feel for the immense importance of the documents and records that are kept here. Exhibits include the Charters of Freedom, the Public Vaults and the William G. McGowan Theater, a state-of-the-art theater that features a remarkable film showing the relationship of records and democracy through the lives of real people. Be sure to visit the Special Exhibition Gallery filled with exhibits on newsworthy topics and traveling exhibits from Presidential Libraries and other sources. There’s also a special section devoted to educating children, youth, parents and teachers on the significance of the National Archives collection.

Vietnam Memorial

Approximate Time to Allow: 1 hour Minimum

Open Daily

Often referred to as the wall that heals, the Vietnam Veterans Memorial beckons visitors of all ages, races and nationalities. It was created to honor and remember the men and women who served in the Vietnam War and to help our country heal after the controversial, emotional conflict ended. The enormous black wall lists 58,209 names of those who are missing or were killed during the war. Everyday, people from all walks of life come to search the wall for the name of a loved one, friend, fellow soldier or simply to take a moment to think and reflect. It’s not uncommon for folks to leave flowers, gifts, medals, notes, cards and other items next to the wall and many of these items are brought to the Museum of American History. Also part of the memorial is the Vietnam Women’s Memorial that honors the women—both enlisted and civilian, who gave their service to our country during that time. A sculpture of three-young soldiers also sits nearby—an ever-present reminder of the young people who went to Vietnam to fulfill their patriotic duty.

Washington National Cathedral

Approximate Time to Allow: 1 hour Minimum

Open Daily 10am - 4mp

• Restrooms

The National Cathedral welcomes people of all faiths from around the world to worship in its exquisite ambiance. It’s the sixth largest cathedral in the world and offers a dramatic spectacle to all who visit. The cathedral’s English Gothic architecture is complemented by wood carvings, gargoyles, mosaics and more than 200 stained glass windows. A listed monument on the National Register of Historic Places, the cathedral is also the designated House of Prayer of the United States. Throughout the years, the National Cathedral has hosted many national memorial services, celebrations and funerals, including the funerals of two presidents, Dwight Eisenhower and Ronald Reagan.
Worship services are offered and available to the public every day at the Cathedral and special events including choir performances, musical concerts and organ recitals take place throughout the year. Self-tours and guided tours are available and give visitors the opportunity to truly see and appreciate the grandeur and history of the National Cathedral, its gardens, greenhouse and gift shops.

World War II Memorial

Approximate Time to Allow: 2 hours Minimum

Open Daily

• Restrooms

Honoring the 16 million people who served in the United States Military during the war, the more than 400,000 who died and the countless others who supported our troops from home, the World War II Memorial is a stunning tribute to the sacrifices that were made. Those who visit this awe-inspiring monument are moved by its grandeur and its message of commitment, spirit and freedom. 56 pillars surround the memorial plaza, representing the states and territories that united together during the war effort. 4000 sculpted gold stars sit on the freedom wall as an accolade to the 400,000 Americans who lost their lives and the rainbow pool serves as a serene focal point of beauty and balance with seating around its circumference. The World War II Memorial sits between the Lincoln Memorial and the Washington Monument. It opened to the public in May of 2004 and since that time, has become one of the most important points of interest in the National Mall.

FDR Memorial

Approximate Time to Allow: 1 hour Minimum

Open Daily

• Restrooms

The FDR Memorial is located along the Western edge of the Tidal Basin, between the Lincoln and Jefferson Memorials. Built in 1997, the memorial is known for its unique design, its tribute to our 32nd President, Franklin Delano Roosevelt, and for the fact that it tells the story of America during the years of FDR’s Presidency. Four outdoor rooms portray the President’s terms in office, each with different statues and quotes. Beginning with a likeness of him riding in a car during his first inaugural and ending with him seated in a wheelchair, the memorial traces his twelve years of office as well as the many changes our country went through during that era. Murals depicting the New Deal, a statue of a man listening intently to FDR’s Fireside Chat and other intriguing facets of the memorial make it an extraordinary spot. Visitors from around the world enjoy walking through the vast, open seven and a-half acres, which also includes waterfalls and naturally beautiful scenery.

Iwo Jima Marine Corps Memorial

Approximate Time to Allow: 1 hour Minimum

Open Daily

The memorial's 32-foot-high statue is based on the Pulitzer Prize-winning photo that captured the Marines' flag-raising on February 23, 1945 -- a pivotal moment in the U.S. war campaign in the Pacific. Three survivors of the flag-raising posed for sculptor Felix W. de Weldon, who modeled their faces in clay before casting the statue in bronze.
While the memorial depicts one famous wartime incident, it pays tribute to all U.S. Marines who have given their lives in battle since 1775. The base of the memorial lists names and dates of every principal Marine Corps engagement since the founding of the Corps. You'll also find a quote from U.S. Navy Admiral Chester Nimitz, on the Marines who took Iwo Jima: "Uncommon valor was a common virtue."

Old Post Office Pavilion and Bell Tower

Approximate Time to Allow: 1 hour Minimum

Open 10 am - 5:30 pm

• Restaurants
• Restrooms

For a spectacular view of the city and a journey back to the early 1900’s, the Old Post Office and Bell Tower is a must see. It was Washington’s first skyscraper, measuring in at around 300 feet from the ground. In its day, it was the largest and tallest government building in the city and was used as the post office for several years before plans for a newer, more modern facility were implemented. Thanks to the Great Depression, the classic building was saved from destruction and today visitors can enjoy an exhilarating ride in a glass elevator all the way to the top. On the observation deck, some 270 feet above the ground, picturesque views of the city are a real treat. The Bell Tower also delights guests with the Congress Bells that were given to the United States from Great Britain as a gift for our bicentennial. A food court, theaters and a variety of unique specialty shops are also inside and make the Old Post Office and Bell Tower a fun place to stop, shop and eat.

Marian Koshland Science Museum

Approximate Time to Allow: 2 to 3 hours Minimum

Open 10am - 6 pm

Close Tuesdays

• Restrooms

One of the newest museums in the area, The Marian Koshland Science Museum, offers cutting-edge exhibitions that serve to enlighten visitors about the numerous studies conducted by the National Academies and to instill a better understanding of the immense impact science has on all of our lives. Many temporary exhibits and several permanent ones create an environment of eagerness and interest as visitors learn about such topics as global warming, the application of DNA, infectious diseases and their origins and the Wonders of Science. A great experience for adults and children, interactive, hands-on exhibits and displays and many other educational presentations make the Marian Koshland Science Museum a favorite stop in the city.

Ford's Theatre

Approximate Time to Allow: 1 hour Minimum

Open 9 am - 5 pm

• Restrooms

The chilling story of Abraham Lincoln’s assassination comes to life in the very place he was mortally shot on April 14, 1865. After being closed for 103 years, Ford’s Theater was restored and reopened in 1968. Serving as a tribute to Abraham Lincoln and his love of the performing arts, the Theater is a live, working theater that plays host to a variety of plays by some of the country’s most talented playwrights, actors and artists. Ford’s Theater is also home to The Lincoln Museum, which gives visitors a look at the elaborate conspiracy planned by actor John Wilkes Booth, a supporter of the Confederate States of America, to assassinate the President, the Vice President and the Secretary of State.

Peterson House

Approximate Time to Allow: 1 hour Minimum

Open Daily

After a visit to Ford’s Theater, a stop at the Petersen House is most definitely in order. It is in this house that Abraham Lincoln died after frantic doctors worked to save him throughout the night. The house, now a National Historic Site, has been restored to its original condition and even the bed on which Lincoln passed away is much like the actual one. Now furnished with period pieces, guests can see the front parlor where Mary Todd Lincoln spent the night with her son, Robert and the back parlor where Secretary of War Edwin M. Stanton held a cabinet meeting and questioned witnesses. It is from that back parlor room that Stanton announced at 7:22am on April 15, 1865, "Now he belongs to the ages." Visitors can take self-guided tours to see the solemn, yet intriguing Petersen House.

Holocaust Museum

Approximate Time to Allow: 2 to 3 hours Minimum

Open 10 am - 5:30 pm

• Restaurants
• Restrooms

A living memorial to the Holocaust, the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum inspires citizens and leaders worldwide to confront hatred, promote human dignity, and prevent genocide. A public-private partnership, federal support guarantees the Museum’s permanence, and its far-reaching educational programs and global impact are made possible by donors nationwide. Since its dedication in 1993, the Museum has welcomed nearly 30 million visitors, including more than 9 million school children and 85 heads of state.

International Spy Museum

Approximate Time to Allow: 2 to 3 hours Minimum

Open 9 am - 8 pm

• Restrooms

Is there really such a thing as invisible ink? Is someone watching you through a camera in their buttonhole? For answers to these questions and a million other secrets about the fascinating world of spying, stop by the International Spy Museum. See over 200 spy gadgets, weapons, bugs, cameras, vehicles, and technologies. Discover the truth and myths about microdots and invisible ink, buttonhole cameras and submarine recording systems. Examine bugs of all sizes and kinds, and ingenious disguise techniques developed by Hollywood for the CIA. Trace the history of 50 years of spy technology, developed by agencies from the OSS to the KGB. Interactive exhibits, lectures and films uncover the realities behind some the world’s most famous and interesting espionage cases. The only museum of its kind in the United States, the International Spy Museum is a captivating experience for people of all ages, come explore and expect the unexpected and find out if you have what it takes to be a spy.

The US Navy Memorial

Approximate Time to Allow: 1 hour Minimum

Open Daily

Monday - Saturday

The US Navy Memorial is a truly spectacular tribute to those who served or are currently serving in the nation’s sea services. A stunning plaza paved in granite forms a 100-foot diameter of the world. Fountains, pools, flags and historic panels surround the deck of the plaza tracing the achievements of the Navy, Marines, Coast Guard and Merchant Marines. The famous Lone Sailor statue stands as a representation of the men who joined the service to fulfill their patriotic duty; a striking sight, it is perhaps one of the most well-known aspects of the memorial. Guests can also stop by the Naval Heritage Center which features the Arleigh Burke Theater, several exhibits about the sea services, and is home to several Navy Log kiosks, for easy registration on the Navy Log. The Naval Heritage Center also provides daily screenings of the films At Sea and A Day in the Life of the Blue Angels.

The National Museum of the U.S. Navy

Approximate Time to Allow: 2 to 3 hours Minimum

Open 9:30 am - 5 pm

Monday - Saturday

Known for 40 years as the flagship museum of the U.S. Navy, The National Museum of the U.S. Navy celebrates a legacy of educating the public. In the tradition of its predecessors on the Washington Navy Yard beginning in 1865, the current museum features a collection that dates from 1800. The museum's collection moved twice before Admiral Arleigh Burke (left) established the current museum, Building 76, in 1963 to create an American naval history museum comparable to those in Europe. The National Museum of the U.S. Navy continues to embody Burke's vision of sharing the Navy's history and traditions with the world.
A celebration of maritime history.

National Air and Space Museum

Approximate Time to Allow: 2 to 3 hours Minimum

Open 10 am - 5:30 pm

• Restaurants
• Restrooms
• IMAX Theatre

One can only imagine the exhilaration that Neil Armstrong felt as he took the very first steps on the moon in 1969; or the incredible thrill that the Wright brother’s experienced as they took that first flight in 1903. At the Smithsonian Air and Space Museum, you can get an idea of how they felt when you see first-hand the original Wright 1903 Flyer, and the Apollo 11 Command Module which carried astronauts Neil Armstrong, Michael Collins and Buzz Aldrin on their mission to the moon. These historic air and spacecrafts are among a collection of more than 30,000 artifacts at the Air and Space Museum. 23 different galleries feature amazing items related to the history of aviation and space flight throughout the world. 'Milestones of Flight', 'Pioneers of Flight', 'Aviation in WWII' and 'Space Race' are some of the exhibits that fascinate visitors to the museum. From planes and space modules to flight simulators, interactive exhibits, the Albert Einstein planetarium and an IMAX theater, the Smithsonian Air and Space Museum educates and entertains guests of every age. Guided tours are also available as well as a three-level museum shop and food court.

National Museum of the American Indian

Approximate Time to Allow: 2 to 3 hours Minimum

Open 10 am - 5:30 pm

• Restaurants
• Restrooms

The Museum of the American Indian is the newest among the Smithsonian Museums in Washington DC and is the only museum solely dedicated to the history, study and preservation of the American Indians. You’ll be instantly captivated by its masterful architecture. The curved limestone building appears to be a natural rock formation facing towards the sun and is surrounded by acres of authentic crops of the American Indian. Its very design stands out among the many granite and marble neoclassical structures in the National Mall. Once inside, you’ll be treated to an up-close look at the life, languages, history, art and traditions of the Native Americans. Through live performances and hands-on demonstrations their heritage and culture comes to life. Concerts, tours, lectures, craft demonstrations and special programs are also held at the museum throughout the year. And when you get hungry, sample the culinary delights of the Native Americans at the Mitsitam Native Foods Café. Since the Museum opened in 2004, it has rapidly become one of the most visited spots in DC.

American Art Museum

Approximate Time to Allow: 2 to 3 hours Minimum

Open 10 am - 5 pm

• Restaurants
• Restrooms

The National Gallery of Art was created in 1937. Through the generosity of Andrew W. Mellon, a financier who was also a public servant, the Museum gained its first collection. Mellon had a passion for art and his large collection of old master paintings, sculpture and other works were intended for all of America to enjoy. After his death, Congress accepted his collection and thus the National Gallery was born. Today, works from the middle-ages to the present day are on display throughout the museum, including pieces by Picasso, Leonardo da Vinci, Matisse and more. And while you’re appreciating the majesty of the artwork, take a moment to admire the beauty and uniqueness of the buildings. The older West building was designed by the same architect who designed the Jefferson Memorial, and the style of the building fits harmoniously with the stately, neoclassical look of the area. On the contrary, the East Building, which is home to the more modern works, has a geometrical appearance. The two buildings are joined together by a passageway that features restaurants and specialty shops related to the museum.

National Museum of American History

Approximate Time to Allow: 2 to 3 hours Minimum

Open 10 am - 5:30 pm

• Restaurants
• Restrooms

Step inside the National Museum of American History and experience the passion, creativity and inspiration of the American people. Walk through the fascinating exhibits and collections and transport yourself through hundreds of years of history, culture and the lives of our people.  Over 3 million artifacts will amaze and enlighten you, including the original Star-Spangled Banner and Abraham Lincoln’s top hat.

Approximate Time to Allow: 2 to 3 hours Minimum

Open 10 am - 5:30 pm

• Restaurants
• Restrooms

Ever wonder if there’s any truth to the curse of the famous Hope Diamond? Or wish you could see for yourself the fossils of an ancient mammal or a dinosaur? Then step inside the Smithsonian's National Museum of Natural History. Millions of people come each year to get a close look at some of the world’s most intriguing, beguiling specimens that the Museum has on display. As part of the Smithsonian Institution, the museum offers an astounding view of the natural world, from rare gems, minerals and animals to insects, plants and other interesting items. See for yourself the amazing beauty of the Hope Diamond or the incredible remains of an ancient bull. In its 1.5 million square feet, more than 125 million pieces are on display. Explore and discover the intricacies of the natural world, feed a real tarantula and witness the living history of various species. From interactive exhibits to tours, educational programs and fascinating demonstrations, the museum is one of the most thrilling experiences in the National Mall.

National Zoo

The National Zoo is home to 2,000 individual animals of nearly 400 different species. The Zoo is best known for the giant pandas.

Union Station

Approximate Time to Allow: 1 hour Minimum

Open Daily

Stores Hours 9 am - 8 pm (Some Varies)

• Restaurants
• Restrooms

Welcome to Washington DC! The spectacular Union Station was originally designed to be the gateway to the city and since it opened over 90 years ago, has become the most visited site in DC. Its unique architecture makes it popular for photos. Locals, tourists and even presidents make it a point to visit this magnificent historic mall and train station. Two levels feature over one hundred fabulous stores and offer shopping of every kind, from clothing to jewelry, gifts, toys, souvenirs and more. Snacks, treats and casual meals are available in the food court and several other restaurants provide delicious international fare. There’s also a 9-screen, state-of-the-art cinema on the lower level. Various cultural events and exhibits are held at Union Station throughout the year, attracting guests from around the globe. With more than 25 million people stopping in to browse, shop or just experience the excitement at Union Station each year, it still acts as the gateway to our nation’s capital.

Mount Vernon

Approximate Time to Allow: 2 to 3 hours Minimum

Open 10 am - 5:30 pm

• Restaurants
• Restrooms

Mount Vernon is the most popular historic estate in America. Located just 16 miles south of Washington, D.C. and 8 miles south of Old Town Alexandria, Virginia, the plantation rests on the banks of the Potomac River. Visitors are invited to tour the Mansion house and more than a dozen outbuildings including the slave quarters, kitchen, stables, and greenhouse. Stroll four different gardens, hike the Forest Trail, and explore the George Washington: Pioneer Farmer site, a four-acre working farm that includes a re-creation of Washington's 16-sided treading barn. George and Martha Washington rest in peace in the tomb where wreathlaying ceremonies are held daily, and the Slave Memorial and Burial Ground is nearby. The Donald W. Reynolds Museum and Education Center and the Ford Orientation Center include 25 new theaters and galleries that tell the detailed story of George Washington's life. More than 500 original artifacts, eleven History Channel videos, and immersion theater experiences illuminate the remarkable story of the first American hero.

Korean War Memorial

Approximate Time to Allow: 1 hour Minimum

Open Daily

• Restrooms

To remember those who fought in the Korean War, the United States Congress approved a Korean War Memorial to be constructed in the National Mall. The memorial has several interesting aspects to it including the “Field Of Service” which has 19, larger-than-life-size stainless steel statues of servicemen from all four of the armed forces. The men appear to be a squad on patrol and are dressed in full combat gear. A granite wall right next to the field features sandblasted images of soldiers in the war on one side and the names of the countries that provided medical support, troops or other aid to South Korea on the other side. The pool of remembrance is especially moving with inscriptions that list the total number of those who were lost, killed, missing in action and held as prisoners of war. The simple message “Freedom is Not Free” is inscribed on a plaque and conveys the message of the true cost of war.

U.S. Botanic Garden

Approximate Time to Allow: 1 hour Minimum

Open 10 am - 3:30 pm

No matter what time of year it is, the lush greenery and gorgeous plants are always thriving at the United States Botanic Garden. Located just next door to the Museum of the American Indian at the foot of the Capitol, the Botanic Garden is an oasis of beautiful plant life and flowers and home to 4,000 living species. The conservatory houses exhibits that focus on the importance of plants to people, and on the ecology and evolution of plants. Stroll through the many rooms both inside and outside, the colors, sights and even sounds of the gardens will delight and amaze you. Among the different rooms are
The Jungle, filled with palms, ferns and vines, the Orchid Room, a meditation garden, primeval garden and more. There’s also a special garden just for children. Tours are available on certain days, just stop by the front desk when you arrive.

Newseum

Approximate Time to Allow: 2 to 3 hours Minimum

Open 9am - 5 pm

• Restrooms

Have you heard the news? Now you can see, hear and report it at one of Washington DC’s most exciting new museums. The Newseum on Pennsylvania Avenue offers visitors a look at news like never before—significant, defining moments that span 5 centuries, through the past, present and up to the second. Throughout the 250,000 square foot, high-tech structure are seven different levels of galleries, demonstrations and interactive exhibits. Learn about the many different publications, people and technologies that bring the news to life in the News Corporation News History Gallery. See artifacts, historic newspapers and magazines, videos and more that demonstrate the timeline of news. Find out what it takes to put a newscast together in the NBC Interactive Newsroom—then grab a microphone, sit in front of a camera and report it yourself, just like the pros do. See the Berlin Wall and the September 11 exhibits—and gain an understanding of the monumental task journalists faced when covering these events that changed our lives. At the Newseum, people of all ages are enlightened, entertained and educated.

Other Attractions

Lincoln Park

Approximate Time to Allow: 1 hour Minimum
Initially in honor of President Lincoln, it later took hold by an African American woman who started fund raising among freed blacks to pay homage to the President.

National Museum of African Art

Approximate Time to Allow: 2 to 3 hours Minimum
This Museum fosters the discovery and appreciation of the visual arts of Africa, the cradle of humanity.

Frederick Douglass and Cedar Hill

Approximate Time to Allow: 1 hour Minimum
Visit the home of Frederick Douglass, who spent his life in the late 1800’s working to abolish slavery and fight for the rights for all oppressed people.

The Awakening

Approximate Time to Allow: 2 to 3 hours Minimum
Sculpture of a giant struggling to emerge from the earth.

Embassy Row

Approximate Time to Allow: 1 hour Minimum
Walk along Massachusetts Avenue and see many of the beautiful foreign embassies in Washington D.C.

Kennedy Center

Approximate Time to Allow:
The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts produces a variety of theater and musicals, dance and ballet, orchestral, chamber, jazz, popular, and folk music, and multi-media performances for all ages.