Churches and Cathedrals in Washington DC

"The U.S. government likes to separate church and state, so it doesn’t have a formal national cathedral, but if it had one, it would have to be the Cathedral Church of Saint Peter and Saint Paul in the City and Diocese of Washington, which is considered the spiritual home of this nation. More commonly known as Washington National Cathedral, this Neo-Gothic structure is the sixth largest cathedral in the world. Funerals for Presidents Eisenhower, Reagan and Ford were held here."

"The impressive Gothic architecture evokes comparisons to Notre-Dame (despite being built more than half a millennium later). Flying buttresses, spires,..."

"There's a surprising number of things to do and see at the National Cathedral, which overlooks the city from a perch near the U.S."

"Looming majestically a quarter mile from the Brookland Metro station is the largest Roman Catholic church in North America. The Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception is the tallest habitable building in Washington, D.C., and one of the 10 largest churches in the world. Neo-Byzantine architecture makes it seem transposed from another place and bygone era, one that is both ethereal and impressive."

"The Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception is the largest Roman Catholic church in the United States and is one of the largest churches in the world. The National Shrine is designated by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops as a National Sanctuary of Prayer and Pilgrimage. It boasts the largest collection of contemporary ecclesiastical art in the world."

"400 Michigan Ave NE(b/t N Harewood Rd & N 4th St)Washington, DC 20017. What else could I give the Shrine but 5 stars?. Well, 12 stars, if I could but alas, 5 will do."

"St. John’s opened its doors in 1816 and every person who has held the office of president since James Madison has attended at least one service there. St. John’s Episcopal Church, Lafayette Square was not the first house of worship in D.C., but it is the one most closely associated with the presidency. It is just one block away from the White House, at the corner of 16th Street and H Street NW."

"This mall is popular among locals and tourists for its food court since they offer a wide range of cuisine options. You can find almost every kind of food at L'Enfant Plaza. Another point that is useful for tourists is that the mall is an excellent place to stop before taking the Express Bus to Dulles International Airport."

"It's best to follow these lunches on wheels on Twitter, but usually you'll find them lined up near the L'Enfant Plaza Metro Station in southwest D.C., McPherson Square, Franklin Park, and Farragut Square all in northwest D.C. Popular ones include..."

"More than 44 acres of plants and trees indigenous to the Potomac River Valley have been curated by the Winkler Botanical Preserve, which is managed by a private, non-profit organization with a mission to provide free environmental education for the students of the Alexandria City Public Schools and is open daily for visitors. The preserve also offers popular nature camps in summer and during spring and winter breaks. Admission is free and visitors can enter the preserve through an open gate in a small apartment complex parking lot between 8:30 a.m."

"Winkler Botanical Preserve stretches for over 44 acres and you will find a beautiful array of flora and fauna that typifies the Potomac River Valley. The preserve here aims to showcase the natural beauty of Virginia, and is open to the public daily. You can walk around and take in the trails here and get up close to the picturesque plant and wildlife that abounds."

"A living exhibition just a short 2-mile hop from the Capitol, the US National Arboretum houses astonishing gardens in the heart of DC, a bonsai museum, and blossoming cherry trees, among other gems. During the summer, you can follow the Azalea Blossom Watching and, if you’re lucky, get a chance to see the July daylilies bloom. When: Year-round, 8am-4:30pm"

"It was established in 1927 and it functions as a major center for botanical research. *It’s free to the public and the arboretum boasts of trees, shrubs, & plants plus a picnic area!"

"Address: 301 South Harrison StreetLength: 1.2 milesDifficulty: Easy to difficultBikeable: Paved trail yes, natural trail noTrail Map:ViewDescription: This beautiful and secluded 95.5 acre park offers a whole host of family activities. Trails throughout this park offer a beautiful setting for bird watching and other outdoor activities. There are sightings of everything from woodpeckers to wood ducks and warblers."