By Kirk Brown
List of Things to See in Washington, D.C.
Washington, D.C. is a world-class destination that has much to offer for budget-conscious travelers, millions of whom flock to the city each year. No admission fees are charged at many attractions, including famous landmarks like Arlington National Cemetery, the Lincoln Memorial, the Washington Monument and the U.S. Capitol. Facilities overseen by the Smithsonian Institution such the National Air and Space Museum also can be visited for free.
Honor Fallen Heroes
The Vietnam Veterans Memorial is one of the most visited areas on the National Mall. The memorial's black granite walls bear the inscribed names of 58,209 American military personnel who died or never returned from the Southeast Asia conflict.
Across the Potomac River from Washington rests Arlington National Cemetery, which is home to the Eternal Flame at President John F. Kennedy's grave and the Tomb of the Unknowns. Veterans from every American war are buried at Arlington. The famous Iwo Jima statue, which is officially known as the United States Marine Corps War Memorial, is also near the cemetery.
Go to the World's Most-Visited Museum
With its unmatched collection of spacecraft and historic airplanes, the National Air and Space Museum attracts more visitors than any other museum. In addition to the Wright Brothers' original 1903 Flyer, Charles Lindbergh's Spirit of St. Louis and the Apollo 11 command module, this Smithsonian Institution museum has an array of interactive exhibits that appeal to children.
Take in a Bird's-Eye View of the District of Columbia
Marvel at the panoramic views from the observatory near the top of the Washington Memorial. The looming 555-foot obelisk honoring the first U.S. president is the tallest structure in Washington, D.C. The memorial is free but visitors must get time-assigned tickets for the brief elevator ride to the observatory.
See U.S. History Up Close
History aficionados can gaze at the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution and the Bill of Rights at the National Archives' Rotunda for the Charters of Freedom. Admission to the National Archives is free, but reservations should be made in advance.
Visit the U.S. Capitol's Latest Addition
One of Washington's newest attractions is the U.S. Capitol's Visitor Center, which opened Dec. 2, 2008. Built underground, the 580,000-square-foot center is designed to educate visitors about both the American legislative process and the rich history of the capital itself. Entrance to the visitor's center and tours of the Capitol are free of charge.
Spend Part of an Evening With Abraham Lincoln
The Lincoln Memorial, which includes a 19-foot statue of Abraham Lincoln surrounded by majestic Greek columns, is particularly pretty when it is lit up during the evening---a time that also coincides with the sparsest crowds.
Stroll Through Trendy Neighborhoods
Once your threshold for monuments and museums is reached, take some time to check out some of Washington's tourist-friendly neighborhoods. Georgetown, Dupont Circle and Adams Morgan are filled with chic boutiques and fine restaurants.
About the Author:
Kirk Brown is an award-winning freelance writer with two decades of diverse media experience. A former newspaper reporter and editor, he also was managing editor of an acclaimed scuba diving magazine. Brown has written scripts for more than 50 half-hour TV programs focusing on technology and health topics.
Photo Credits:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/looking_for_a_cause/169024539/
