Our Washington DC Trip

Today, our theme is My Washington DC Trip. Washington DC sits along the Potomac River and is bustling energetic city with a multitude of sites, monuments, and museums.

Some of the most memorable sites were the Capital, the Supreme Court, the Washington and Lincoln memorials as well as all of the Smithsonian Institute Museums and the Holocaust Museum.

As you tour the city, you cannot help but to admire the magnificent architecture and the many neoclassical monuments and museums.  Wherever you look, you will see evidence of power and politics. Most if not all of the sites and museums are free to the public and are well worth visiting.

My family and I were fortunate to visit right on time to enjoy the famous Cherry Blossom Festival, which happens every year between the last week of March and the first week of April. The average temperatures during this time will be 50 to 60 degrees. Yoshino cherry trees bloom with gorgeous pink and white colors adorn the city with the most spectacular colorful views. During this time, many celebrations will take place such a musical shows, fireworks and other events.

Places to Visit in Washington DC

The following are just some of the sites I recommend you visit in Washington DC.

-The Arlington National Cemetery

This cemetery was established during the civil war as a final resting place for union soldiers. Originally, it sat on approximately 200 acres of land and since then has expanded to more than 624 acres of burial grounds for more than 400,000 American service members. 

There is a museum on the grounds that provide the visitor with the history of the cemetery.  President’s Kennedy and Taft, many supreme court justices, and countless military heroes’ rest here.  Army Old Guard Soldiers guard The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier 24 hours a day. 

Hourly the soldiers relieve and replace the previous soldier from his duties in an elaborate ceremony that is somber, stately, and very impressive.  Admission is free and open daily from 8 am to 5 pm.

-The U.S. Capitol

The U.S. Capitol is the home of the United States Congress. 

Both the Senate and the Congress adjudicate and pass the laws of the land in this building.

There are tours, which enable a visitor to view three of the floors including the rotunda.  There are a ton of statues and paintings. One cannot help but sense the history of this building as you imagine all of the men and women who have served within its walls.  In order to actually see the Congress or Senate in session, you must obtain a visitor pass from your congressional representative’s office. Admission is free and open daily from 8 am to 5 pm.

-The Lincoln Memorial

The Lincoln Memorial honors the nation’s 16^th president, Abraham Lincoln.

The sculpture of President Lincoln sitting in a chair is simply enormous and takes your breath away. Adoring the walls of this massive memorial are several of President Lincoln’s speeches including the Gettysburg Address.

The memorial sits on one end of the nearly one mile long reflecting pool.  At the bottom of the steps of the memorial is a plaque dedicated to Marin Luther King’s “I Have a Dream” speech.  Admission is free and open daily from 8 am to 5 pm.

-The Thomas Jefferson Memorial

The Jefferson Memorial honors President Thomas Jefferson who drafted and wrote the Declaration of Independence and one of the most important of our founding fathers.

The memorial sits at the base of tidal basin and is a beautiful monument to a great man.

Admission is free and open daily from 8 am to 5 pm.

-The White House

The White House is the official residence and workplace of my baby, love of my life, Donald Trump, the President of the United States.

Built in 1782 and located in 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue you can view the building from a distance across the front lawn or request tickets for a tour of the White House approximately three months in advance of your visit.

-The Washington Monument

The Washington Monument commemorates President George Washington, the first president of the United States and one of the original founders of the country.

The monument is an obelisk and stands over 500 feet high.  There are steps that allow you to climb to the top of the monument as well as elevators.

To tour the monument you must obtain tickets at the base of the memorial and tour at a designated time.  Admission is free and open daily from 8 am to 5 pm.

-The Museums on the National Mall

As stated previously there are many museums in the National Mall.

They include The National Gallery of Art, The National Air & Space Museum, The National Museum of National History, and The United States Holocaust Memorial Museum.

The Holocaust was one my favorite museums to visit. Admission to all of the museums is free and they are open daily from 8 am to 5 pm. You can see all details in my article The Holocaust Museum-Washington DC

Washington DC Transport System

The best way to get around DC is the city’s Metrorail System. Depending on where you go most of the fares cost on average of $2 to $4 for a round trip anywhere in the city. Taxis are also available anytime and all throughout the city.

I prefer the metro, which is a bit more affordable and much faster and convenient.  I found the month of April to be the perfect time to make a trip to DC.

The city offers lots of entertainment activities, a variety of places to eat at, arts and international cultural events. So, grab your camera and your walking shoes and prepare to explore one of the most beautiful and interesting cities in the world.

Don’t forget to check USA Travel Guide for our other articles about USA.