Washington

Washington D.C. is the capital of the United States, and a primary travel destination for people from around the world. It’s unique among cities in the United States as it is the only city in the country that is not part of a state. Washington D.C. is a capital district that is under the control of the United States Congress. When visiting Washington D.C. there are five must see destinations that no trip would be complete without.

The White House The White House is the official residence of the President of the United States. While the President and his family live in the Executive Residence of the White House, the president and his staff work in the West Wing, which is the location of the Oval Office. A third area of the White House, the East Wing provides additional office space.
Visitors can tour portions of the White House by arranging a self-guided tour through one’s member of congress. For visitors to the United States who are not citizens, tours can be arranged through your Embassy in Washington D.C.

The United States Capital Building The United States Capital may be the most famous building in the United States. It is also the location of the United States Congress, containing both the House Chamber and the Senate Chamber.
The House Chamber is where the United States House of Representatives meets and votes on legislation, it is also the location of the Presidents annual State of the Union address. The Senate Chamber is similar to the House Chamber, and is where the United States Senate meets and votes.
Guided tours are available Monday through Saturday except for holidays. The tours are free, but make sure you check for information about prohibited items before visiting the Capital Building.

The Vietnam Veterans Memorial The Vietnam Veterans Memorial honors the servicemen who gave their lives fighting in Vietnam from 1959 until the fall of Saigon in 1975. The wall lists 58,272 names which include 8 women.
The wall lists both those Killed in Action and those who were still Missing in Action in 1982, when the wall was constructed. It’s a sobering monument to those who paid the ultimate sacrifice.

The Museums of the National Mall The National Mall sits between the Capital Building and the Washington Memorial, and is the location of the famous reflecting pool. The National Mall is also the location of the most important museums in the United States.
When visiting the National Mall tourists can visit the Smithsonian, the Museum of Natural History, the Air and Space Museum, and more. You could easily spend several days just visiting the museums at the National Mall.

The Lincoln and Washington Memorials Many consider Abraham Lincoln to be American’s greatest President. The Lincoln Memorial, with its iconic statue of President Lincoln, is one of the most visited attractions in Washington D.C. Located at the edge of the reflecting pool in the National Mall, just before the Washington Memorial.
The 555 feet and 5 1/8 inch obelisk standing at the edge of the National Mall is the Washington Memorial, and one of the icons of Washington D.C. Built to honor America’s first President and General of the Continental Army, George Washington, it was completed in 1884.
Washington D.C., the capital of the United States, is a fantastic city to visit, and gives visitors a glimpse into the workings of the American Government. We just scratched the surface of all the great places to visit in Washington D.C., but these five are the absolute must see attractions.