Places To Visit In Washington DC

By: Lennox West

Break Studios Contributing Writer

There are many historical and scientific places to visit in Washington, D.C. Tourists who take sightseeing trips can also visit several of the city's attractions for free. Here are ten of the best places to visit in Washington, D.C.

  1. The White House - The official residence of the President and the First Family, the White House offers free guided tours for visitors. Tourists are advised to visit the White House early in the day, since tour lines can be lengthy. 1600 Pennsylvania Ave. N.W. Washington, D.C. 20500
  2. Arlington National Cemetery - This cemetery, which serves as the resting place for American heroes and former Presidents, is easily one of the best places to visit in Washington, D.C. Since the grounds cover more than 200 acres, visitors can ride a Tourmobile bus to see the most decorated grave sites quickly. Arlington, VA 22211
  3. Smithsonian National Museum of American History- The Smithsonian American History Museum is open 364 days a year and contains over three million artifacts from the history of the United States. Some of the exhibits on display include the American flag that inspired "The Star-Spangled Banner" and a top hat belonging to Abraham Lincoln. 14th St. and Constitution Ave. N.W. Washington, D.C. 20560
  4. Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum - Containing memorabilia from the Space Race and the days of early American flight, the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum is a great place to visit in Washington, D.C. The museum is home to the original plane flown by the Wright Brothers and several warplanes from World War II. The Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum: Independence Ave. at 6th St. S.W. Washington, D.C. 20560
  5. National Zoo- Another free attraction in the District, the National Zoo is one of the best places to visit in Washington, D.C. The zoo is open everyday of the year, except December 25, and showcases 2,400 animals belonging to 400 different species. 3001 Connecticut Ave. N.W. Washington, D.C. 20008
  6. National Gallery of Art - The oldest of the Smithsonian Museums, The National Gallery of Art contains works from famous artists, such as Degas and Rembrandt. The gallery is also home to the National Gallery of Art Sculpture Garden, which hosts public ice skating during the winter. 4th St. and Constitution Ave. N.W. Washington, D.C. 20565
  7. U.S. Holocaust Memorial - The U.S. Holocaust Memorial contains artifacts, documentaries and exhibits that detail the experiences of Holocaust victims and survivors. Because the content is disturbing, the museum is not recommended for children under the age of 12. A smaller viewing area specifically geared toward retelling the experiences of children during the Holocaust is designed for visitors aged 8 to 11. U.S. 100 Raoul Wallenberg Place S.W. Washington, D.C. 20024
  8. National Mall -The National Mall is a large plaza that connects several of the famous monuments in D.C. Adjacent to the mall are the Lincoln Memorial, the Washington Monument, the Capitol Building and the Vietnam Memorial. Tourists might like to have a lunch break in the mall between museum visits. 900 Ohio Drive SW Washington, D.C. 20024
  9. National Geographic Museum - Featuring rotating exhibits each year, the National Geographic Museum qualifies as one of the best places to visit in Washington, D.C. Like many other museums in D.C., this attraction is open 364 days a year and is free to visit.1145 17th St. N.W. Washington, D.C. 20036
  10. Newseum - News enthusiasts will consider Newseum a great place to visit in Washington, D.C. Memorabilia from famous news reporters and news stories is on display and the museum has an interactive exhibit that allows tourists to record their own live news report. 555 Pennsylvania Ave. N.W. Washington, D.C. 20001
Posted on: Apr. 01, 2011