by AustinKaytes - 25 Reviews - 18 List
There are a thousand and one things to do and see in Washington, D.C., whether it's attractions, museums, restaurants or shopping. In the city that fuses politics and cosmopolitan culture, you won't have time to do it all, so we've put together this list--a crash course, if you will--to highlight the ?musts? of the district.
Updated: August 09, 2010
The official residence of the president of the United States of America is both historically significant and visually impressive. Request to be a part of a public tour, or simply gaze through the iron fence along Pennsylvania Avenue--you may catch a glimpse of important guests coming and going.
The National Gallery's collection includes paintings, prints, drawing, sculptures, and photographs that trace the development of Western Art. The gallery's permanent collection spans from the Middle Ages to the present day, including the only painting by Leonardo da Vinci in the Americas.
With more than 500 million artifacts of natural history--plants, animals, fossils, rocks and minerals--this Smithsonian museum hosts a wide array of permanent and temporary exhibits showcasing elements of human and cultural history. Visit the Hall of Human Origins, the Hall of Geology or the Insect Zoo.
This immensely popular Penn Quarter museum is dedicated to the seductive field of espionage. The museum features 20,000 square feet of interactive exhibits on methods and materials used by spies from the American Revolutionary War through the Cold War years.
The United States Holocaust Museum is our nation's official memorial to the Holocaust. The museum has an incredibly large and comprehensive collection of Holocaust-related material, including written archives, artifacts, film and video, music, oral history and photographs.
Built to honor our 16th president, this memorial located on the National Mall features a massive seated sculpture of Abraham Lincoln and inscriptions of two of his most well-known speeches, the ?Gettysburg Address? and his ?Second Inaugural Address.?
A bronze statue of the third president of the United States stands under a neoclassical marble dome at this presidential memorial, designed by John Russell Pope. The interior walls of this National Mall attraction feature inscriptions of Jefferson's most prominent writings.
This downtown D.C. park refers to the area between the Lincoln Memorial and the U.S. Capitol Building. The mall contains many of the city's prominent museums, memorials and landmarks.
This marble, granite and sandstone obelisk was completed in 1884 to commemorate George Washington, the first president of the United States. A prominent and iconic sight, the Washington Monument is tallest structure in the city at 555 feet tall.
This 163-acre urban park is one of the oldest zoos in the United States. Visitors can see more than 2,000 animals of 400 different species, including the world-famous giant pandas. Like all Smithsonian museums, entrance is free!
This landmark restaurant, located along D.C.'s U Street corridor, is known for its half smokes, cheese fries and milkshakes. Obama dropped by this 50s style eatery for a chili dog in January 2009.
Known for being somewhere between a serious steakhouse and a charming neighborhood haunt, Ray's the Steaks serves up consistent and beautifully prepared meat with generous sides. Diners appreciate the diverse wine and beer lists, too.
Spectacular views of the Georgetown waterfront compliment incredibly fresh seafood and modern American classics at this popular lunch and dinner spot.
: Located in Foggy Bottom, this LEED-certified restaurant serves up sustainably farmed, grown and harvested foods, whose purveyors change seasonally. The restaurant is both supplied and owned by a collection of American family farmers.
This Foggy Bottom French restaurant offers a three-course pre-theater dinner, which changes daily and includes a car service to the nearby Kennedy Center. A knowledgeable and attentive wait staff, notable wine list and delightful ambiance make Marcel's an exceptional choice for fine dining.
This Jose Andres hot spot is an impressive three-level restaurant featuring updated versions of Latin American classics. The contemporary decor compliments chef Terri Cutrino's fun and colorful tasting menu, popular among large groups.
Just two blocks east of the White House, the Willard InterContinental boasts luxurious guest rooms, a famed bar and restaurant and stunning views of the National Mall.
The plush Hay-Adams Hotel occupies the site of the 1885 homes of John Hay and Henry Adams--practically a stone's throw from the White House. Experience old-world luxury in the hotel's restaurant, the Lafayette, and bar, Off the Record.
Also near to the White House, the W Hotel of D.C. fuses Italian style and elegance with sleek, innovative design. The hotel boasts a full-service Bliss spa, a world famous steakhouse and an extraordinary rooftop bar.
This historic hotel in downtown D.C. is the city's largest and longest running, and has hosted every U.S. Presidential inaugural ball since Calvin Coolidge.
Tuesday through Sunday, Eastern Market is D.C.'s destination for fresh produce and foods, handmade crafts and antiques, flowers and community events. Weekends are especially exciting at Eastern Market, where shoppers can find live music and local flair.
This M Street center for shopping houses J. Crew, Intermix, Anthropologie, Sunglass Hut, H&M, and Victoria's Secret. Enjoy a variety of dining options on the ground floor.
