Fun and Learning in our Nation's Capital
If an educational vacation is what you have in mind, Washington D.C. might just be the perfect mix of learning and fun. With numerous of museums, monuments and experiences to see - and numerous ways to see them, Washington D.C. is a perfect place for the family to learn about the United States and its history.
The key to a successful Washington D.C. vacation is planning ahead of time. Tickets to many landmarks, such as the White House, Capitol Building and Supreme Court are only available through your Congressman's office. Most of these places also require security clearances, which can take up to three months to acquire.
Also, with so much to see, it is best to decide what sites your family will want to visit ahead of time. Many people feel in order to get the best DC experience, it is best to book a tour. Segway tours, which are made on the popular two-wheeled human transporter, are a fun way to see the town.
- Beware of the streets in D.C.- Just because you're in the nation's capital doesn't mean you're safe. Always be aware of your surroundings and don't walk alone at night.
- Take advantage of public transportation. Driving is very complicated and parking is difficult to find.
- Wear comfortable shoes and dress warm in the winter. You'll be spending much time outdoors.
If you want to take a break from the history lesson portion of the trip, DC also has its share of sporting events. The Washington Wizards (NBA) and Washington Capitals (NHL) and right there in the city! And not too far away in neighboring Maryland, you can catch either a Redskins (NFL) or a Washington Nationals (MLB) game. One of those should be able to please the family!
Below you'll find a list of the most popular sights in Washington, D.C.
- The White House- The White House is the official residence and principal workplace of the President of the United States. Located at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue NW in Washington, D.C., it was built between 1792 and 1800 of white-painted Aquia sandstone in the late Georgian style and has been the executive residence of every U.S. President since John Adams.
- United States Capitol -serves as the seat of government for the United States Congress, the legislative branch of the U.S. federal government. It is located in Washington, D.C., on top of Capitol Hill at the eastern end of the National Mall.
- The Washington Monument -large, tall, sand-colored obelisk near the west end of the National Mall in Washington, D.C. It is a United States Presidential Memorial constructed to commemorate the first U.S. president, George Washington.
- The Lincoln Memorial-built to honor the 16th President of the United States, Abraham Lincoln. It is located on the National Mall in Washington, D.C.
- Vietnam Veterans Memorial - National war memorial in Washington, D.C. It honors members of the U.S. armed forces who fought in the Vietnam War and who died in service or are still unaccounted for.
- Thomas Jefferson Memorial -presidential memorial in Washington, D.C. that is dedicated to Thomas Jefferson, an American Founding Father and the third president of the United States.
- Korean War Veterans Memorial -built to honor the Korean War veterans, it is located in Washington, D.C.'s West Potomac Park, southeast of the Lincoln Memorial and just south of the Reflecting Pool on the National Mall.