Were you aware that Washington, DC, was listed as one of the “Top 10 Cities to Visit” by Lonely Planet? Have you had the opportunity to travel to Washington, DC, before? I thought I would briefly introduce you to my favorite place in the United States. My #1 pick for lifetime learning and experiencing new and different things is a trip to Washington, DC.
Let’s take a step back and discuss 11 reasons to visit museums, memorials, galleries, and other places in Washington, DC. Since I lived only a few hours away, I frequently traveled there. Actually, one of the nicest things about living in Virginia, according to my husband and I, is that it’s close to Washington, DC. We relocated to the East Coast a few years ago. Here are 11 reasons why you should also visit the capital of the United States!
Read more about Washington D.C. tours by visiting our website.
1. The presence of the Smithsonian Institution
Did you know that James Smithson, an Englishman who never visited America, provided the funding for the founding of the Smithsonian Institution in 1846? With nine research institutions, the National Zoo, and 19 sizable museums and galleries, it is the biggest museum and research complex in the world. There are areas dedicated to History & Culture, Science & Nature, Art & Design, and the National Zoo.
2. Admission to Smithsonian museums is free.
FREE: When visiting Washington, DC, admission to all Smithsonian museums, galleries, zoos, and national memorials is free. Free entrance to museums and galleries saves a lot of money on admission costs, particularly for families. Links to some of the specific museums and sites you should see while there are provided below. Additionally, don’t assume that you’ve seen everything because you’ve been there once. Every museum offers special, temporary exhibits and is always updating, renewing, and changing.
When I visit Washington, DC, would you want to know more about one of my favorite Smithsonian sites? Read more about the Renwick Gallery in this post. It’s a hidden gem that’s only a short distance from the White House.
3. History Is All Over DC
History comes to life and hits you in the face when you visit Washington, DC, although I’m not as much of a history buff as my husband, who loves reading biographies of former presidents. Events like the numerous protest marches on the National Mall, President Lincoln’s assassination, the numerous history-related museums that recount these events, or the history being made every day in the White House and Capitol Building; you can smell it, touch it, and walk through it like no other place on earth. The scale of the major events that are still changing our nation and the globe in Washington, DC, is astounding.
4. See the Architecture of Washington, DC
Have you ever taken a tour of the National Archives or the Library of Congress? These are only two of the stunningly designed yet lesser-known structures. Consider the White House, the U.S. Capitol Building, or any number of other famous locations. There are many beautiful examples of many architectural eras across the city. Links to more information on them can be found below.
5. It’s Easy to Walk in Washington, DC
There are a lot of museums in Washington, DC, notably along the National Mall. Avoid arguing over parking and traffic. Stay close to your destination or get a Metro Pass to go as far as possible by light rail, bus, or subway from your hotel. Walk the remaining distance after that. Or perhaps switch things up with a bike ride or Segway tour. Additionally, the region offers a variety of fantastic seasonal walking trips. Even the city’s most notorious haunted structures are open for tours. View links to suggested tours here.
6. The White House Is Open for Tours
Though it isn’t quite a museum, picture taking a free tour of the US president’s residence anyway. When visiting Washington, DC, you can request a White House Tour at least 21 days in advance and up to three months in advance. Because passes are limited, we recommend you to submit your request as soon as possible. Every request from a U.S. citizen’s home state or district must go via your representative in Congress.
Through their embassy, even foreign nationals can request a tour. Fortunately, there is a White House Visitor Center where you can learn about the history of the White House, view presidential memorabilia, archival film, and a precise model of the structure if you are visiting Washington, DC, shortly or cannot get a ticket for the official White House tour.