If you're planning a weekend excursion to Washington DC, the US capital, then you're
probably already well aware that it is home to some of the nation's premier museums, including
several Smithsonian offerings. Then there are the monuments that, over the years have
become cultural touchstones that remind visitors of the principles and values on which this
great nation was founded. But beyond those more traditional tourist destinations, you'll
also find great cuisine, top-tier galleries, and a thriving nightlife that competes toe-to-toe
with such cities as New York, LA, and Miami.
You can wake up and spend your mornings perusing the city's collection of farmer markets and
contemporary art installations while sipping on a cup of Joe from one of the excellent
regional coffee shops that pepper the cityscape, and then spend the afternoon taking in the
sights at the Lincoln Memorial or Washington Monument before grabbing a bite to eat at
one of DC's collection of 23 Michelin star-rated restaurants.
Come springtime, cherry blossoms line the Tidal Basin, which is a great place to go
for a leisurely stroll, and any time of the year is a great time to catch a show at the
renowned John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts.
Whatever you're interests might be, there is more than enough to see and do in Washington
DC to keep you entertained. Join Viewcation as we take a look at some of the best sights
and attractions that await you in the city that has been called the Capital of the Free
World.
Lincoln Memorial
Whether you're a history buff or not, you've got to go pay old Honest Abe a visit over
at this quintessential DC landmark. Both the Gettysburg Address and Lincoln's second inaugural
address are both etched onto the memorial's walls. So, be sure to take a moment to take
in these powerful words that had such lasting impacts on America's story.
If you're more of an architecture lover, you'll thoroughly enjoy admiring the building for
its design which was the final work of famed American Beaux-Arts architect Henry Bacon.
The monument features 38 Doric columns, 36 of which represent the states that made up
the union at the time of Lincoln's assassination.
While the Lincoln Memorial is a great place to pay a visit at any time of the day, most
people agree that it's best to check out at night when the crowds die down and the monument
is illuminated. Plus, if you're visiting DC in the summertime, evening temperatures will
make your visit a bit more comfortable.
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The White House
Perhaps the most iconic place of residence in the entire world, The White House is the
home and primary office of the sitting President of the United States. Taking a guided tour
of the complex, which takes about an hour, will allow you to see some its most famous
rooms, including the Oval Office and presidential library. A visit to DC isn't complete until
you check this one off your list, so it's best to make reservations in advance to ensure
that you''ll be able to add a White House tour to your itinerary.
The Tidal Basin
If it's your first time visiting DC, you'll want to spend at least some time along the
Tidal Basin, which is a 2-mile-long pond that back in the day was actually connected to
the Potomac River and serves as the backdrop to some of the city's most iconic sites.
The springtime is definitely the best time to visit the Tidal Basin, as that's when the
cherry blossom trees are in full bloom. You can walk along a path that encircles the basin,
but we recommend getting out on the water in a paddleboat to fully appreciate just how
grand this place really is.
Even if you aren't able to visit in the Spring when the Cherry Blossoms are putting on their
show, you won't want to miss seeing the three memorial monuments that can be found along
the basin's shoreline, including the Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial, the Thomas Jefferson
Memorial, and the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial.
Vietnam Veterans And Korean War Veterans Memorials
Regardless of your political views, it's important to pay your respects to the heroes who laid
down their lives to defend liberty, freedom, and the nation they called their home. One
of the most touching memorials that can be found within the DC city limits is the Vietnam
Veterans Memorial, also known as The Wall. It's a long black granite wall that displays
the names of more than 58,000 American's who lost their lives during the Vietnam War.
If you visit, be prepared for a heartbreaking yet powerful and contemplative experience.
Some might even find it difficult not to get emotional when reading the names of these
fallen servicemen. If you happen to be looking for a specific name, it's worth noting that
the names of the soldiers are listed in order by the date of their deaths, not alphabetically.
When you're exploring the eastern end of the National mall, make sure you visit the Korean
War Veterans Memorial to pay your respect to the 1.5 million brave souls who served
in what has become known as 'The Forgotten War'. This memorial is a privately funded
site that showcases 19 stainless steel statues of soldiers in combat.
The area called the Field of Service features statues of soldiers marching towards an American
Flag. Complementing the statues is a 164-foot-long granite wall that pays tribute to the unnamed
soldiers who fought in this bloody battle. Another point of interest at the memorial
is the 'Pool of Remembrance', which is a serene place to sit and reflect on the many sacrifices
that were made to defend the nation.
United States Holocaust Museum
Make no mistake about it, visiting this somber museum requires the right state of mind. The
Holocaust was one of the worse atrocities to ever be committed by humanity. 11 million
souls had their lives stolen from them during this horrific genocidal war crime that took
place during World War II. 6 million European Jews were slaughtered while another 5 million
Romani, Disabled, Jehovah's Witnesses, and other members of minority groups were killed.
They say that history often repeats itself. To ensure that nothing as senseless as the
Holocaust happens again, we must remain vigilant while reminding ourselves often of this dark
chapter in human history.
When entering the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum, you'll be handed an identification
card with the name and a few pieces of personal information of a real person who suffered
at the hands of the Nazis during the Holocaust. As you navigate through the museum's exhibits,
you'll learn about Hitler's rise to power, his toxic anti-Semitic propaganda, and his
nightmarish 'Final Solution'. Along you're journey, you'll be given updates about the
person on your ID Card's well-being throughout these events.
While this museum certainly tells a powerful and important story, it's not really suited
for younger children who might be disturbed by some of its graphic imagery. The displays
are both thoroughly researched and respectful, and all of the exhibits are informative.
Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum
Millions of people per year visit this incredible museum that celebrates the history of flight.
See Amelia Earhart's Lockheed Vega SB, Wilbur and Orville Wright's 1903 Flyer, and Charles
Lindbergh's Spirit of St. Louis, among other historic craft firsthand. Other attractions
include an IMAX theater, a flight simulator, and the fabulous Einstein Planetarium.
We recommend visiting early in the morning before the crowds start pouring in. The museum
can especially get crowded during the summer months, so plan accordingly.
National Archives
Witness history with your own two eyes as you feast your eyes on some of the most famous
documents from United States history. Here you will find the Declaration of Independence,
the Constitution, and The Bill of Rights, in addition to countless other historical
documents, records, and ledgers. Take a look at them by yourself, or you can always take
a guided tour of the facility led by an educated expert that will explain the rich history
and significance of all of these groundbreaking documents. You'll also learn all about how
they are preserved and cared for by teams of curators.
The John F. Kennedy Center For The Performing Arts
Built and named for one of America's most beloved president, John F. Kennedy, this center
is the home of the National Symphony Orchestra, the Washington National Opera, and the Suzanne
Farrell Ballet. Various other theater and musical events are held here throughout the
year as well.
The Kennedy Center's rooftop terrace offers visitors phenomenal views of the Potomac River
and the surrounding region, and free guided tours are held daily that will give you the
opportunity to learn about the theater's architecture and history.
Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History
This world-famous museum features more than 126 million artifacts on display and receives
literally millions of visitors each year. A few highlights of the museum include its
giant replicas of whales and other marine creatures at the Sant Ocean Hall, live tarantula
feedings over at the O. Orkin Insect Zoo, and the Butterfly Pavilion, where thousands
of fluttery multi-colored friends will fly over and around you.
A few other must-see exhibits and areas of the museum include the David H. Koch Hall
of Human Origins, the National Fossil Hall, and the Garden Lounge.
Michelin Star Rated Restaurants
There are 23 Michelin-Star-rated restaurants in Washington DC. Unfortunately, we only have
time to touch on a few of them. The first that we'd like to give a shout-out to is the
Inn at Little Washington. This restaurant which is actually right outside of DC in Northern
Virginia, provides one of the most elegant dining experiences you'll ever have the pleasure
of having, thanks to chef Patrick O'Connell. This three-star rated restaurant is celebrated
for it's diverse tasting menus.
Another great two-rated restaurant is DC's Jont. Their tasting menu, which is the handywork
of Chef Ryan Ratino, will take you on a voyage that will tantalize your tastebuds with dynamic
flavors that showcase Ratino's playful technique. We promise you that you won't find anywhere
else that will provide a dining experience quite like this one. Jont's robust beverage
menu will also provide you with the perfect drink to complement your meal.
The last restaurant that we'd like to cover is minibar by chef Jose Andres. Here you will
be taken on a multi-course journey that will leave you speechless. But you should probably
know that minibar is typically booked months in advance, so you'd be wise to make your
reservations well in advance.
Unfortunately, we're just about out of time for this video – and we've only managed
to barely scratch the surface of what Washington DC has got going for it. Heck, we didn't even
get around to discussing the Washington Monument – which by the way, is a quintessential
stop on any trip to the nation's capital.
Anyway, what are some of your favorite DC area sights and attractions? Do you agree
that all of the destinations mentioned in this video are worth checking out? Let us
know in the comments section down below.
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And as always, thanks for watching! Safe travels!