Washington DC is one of the most popular cities in the US when it comes to tourism. And to be honest, it isn’t hard to see why: there is a lot of culture and history there. But there is so much to do in Washington DC that it can be difficult to plan a trip. Especially if it’s your first trip to the city, you might find it difficult to plan the visit. So, a little help and research are typically what people need to successfully plan a trip like this. To this end, we put together a list of 6 must-visit tourist destinations in the Washington DC area.
1. Lincoln Memorial
First up on the list of must-visit tourist destinations in the Washington DC area is the Lincoln Memorial. This 30-meter tall (98ft) building was built to honor and commemorate America’s 16th president. The entire building is made of Yule marble and its most popular feature, the statue of Lincoln sitting in a chair, had to be created out of 28 different blocks of marble. This was due to the weight of the statue, which adds up to 170 tons. In addition to the statue, the building has two chambers that contain wall inscriptions of Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address. All in all, the Lincoln Memorial contains very important history, and it’s a must for anyone coming to Washington DC for the first time. Before you go on your vacation to the city, however, make sure you have travel insurance. You never know when something might happen, so don’t take chances.
2. Hop-on Hop-off bus tour
If it’s your first time coming to Washington DC, then getting familiarized with the city should be a priority. And there’s no better way to casually explore the city than a hop-on hop-off bus tour. These tours go on loops around the city, which allows you to see the major tourist attractions without having to worry about transportation too much. This is also a great way to snap photos of the city while learning about it. And you can even go on a night tour if you opt for the deluxe ticket. This is a very easy way to fall in love with the city, and how a lot of tourists end up choosing to stay here. If you find yourself in this situation, remember that specialists are at your service. Local experts are the best choice, as they know the area and know how to deal with the traffic.
3. Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum
The Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum holds the title of the fifth most-visited museum in the world. And to be honest, it’s easy to see why, as it holds around 60,000 items related to the development of air and space programs throughout history. From the Wright Brothers’ Wright Flyer Airplane to the Apollo 11 Command Module, you can learn how the science behind air and space travel has evolved through the years, and so much more. A visit to the Smithsonian can easily fill an entire day of your trip, so plan accordingly. However, when it comes to planning your trip, remember to think ahead about packing properly before setting off. Having the right items with you can save you a lot of pain during the trip.
4. Washington Monument
Another of the must-visit tourist destinations in the Washington DC area is the Washington Monument. This 169-meter (554 ft) tall obelisk, located near the Reflecting Pool in the National Mall Park, was built to honor the first president of the US. The sight of this obelisk, which is currently the tallest obelisk in the world, is iconic to Washington DC. You can even enter the obelisks and take an elevator to the museum and observation deck near the top of it. However, if you plan on entering the obelisk, keep in mind that tickets are limited to a certain number every day. However, remember that you shouldn’t take all of your important belongings with you when exploring the city. Experts from Excalibur Moving and Storage note that the safest option is to rent a short-term storage unit. After all, important belongings shouldn’t be left in a hotel room either.
5. National Portrait Gallery
The National Portrait Gallery is part of the Smithsonian, and it’s a great way to find out more about the people who made an impact on American history. The most popular exhibit is the hall of presidents, including portraits of every president and (since 2000.) of First Ladies. In addition, there are exhibits dedicated to scientists, poets, activists, and inventors. There are also exhibits dedicated to sports champions and musicians. All in all, the National Portrait Gallery is dedicated to every facet of history in the US, and it’s very much worth visiting.
6. Potomac River Cruise
The Potomac River is at the heart of Washington DC for one simple reason: most of the important monuments are right by it. So, going on a cruise down the Potomac River is a great way to see the city from a different point of view. Additionally, it’s a great way to take in some of the most beautiful sights in the city while also enjoying good music and excellent food. However, while on your vacation, remember that eating healthy is still important. It can be tempting to throw caution to the wind while traveling but you should remember to think about your health as well.
6 must-visit tourist destinations in the Washington DC area – wrap up
Washington DC is a city full of culture and history, and a visit to the city is a great idea for a vacation. However, with so much history and so many tourist attractions, it can be difficult to plan a trip. So, sticking with the popular destinations is a good idea. After all, there is a good reason why most tourists choose the same locations to visit on their trip. We hope this list of the 6 must-visit tourist destinations in the Washington DC area helps you with planning for your trip, and we wish you a good day.