Must See Sights and Landmarks in Washington DC Area

"Anchoring the Mall's west end is the hallowed shrine to Abraham Lincoln, who gazes across the Reflecting Pool beneath his neoclassical, Doric-columned abode. The words of his Gettysburg Address and Second Inaugural speech flank the huge marble statue on the north and south walls. On the steps, Martin Luther King Jr delivered his famed 'I Have a Dream' speech; look for the engraving that marks the spot (it's on the landing 18 stairs from the top)."

"A 19-foot-tall (5.7-meter-tall) marble statue of President Abraham Lincoln dominates the Lincoln Memorial, situated at the edge of the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool on the National Mall in Washington DC. The most visited National Park Service site in the city is an homage to the 16th president of the United States, who helped to preserve the Union during the Civil War and delivered the Gettysburg Address and the Emancipation Proclamation.More"

"Looking at the reflection of the Washington Monument in the Reflecting Pool from the top of the stairs at the Lincoln Memorial is a memory you won’t forget. Washington DC Itinerary: Day 2"

"A short distance south of the White House is the Washington Monument, a structure built in the mid-1800s to honor the United States’ first president, George Washington. The monument is the world’s tallest stone structure and, at one point from 1884 to 1889, was the tallest structure on the planet. Visitors can go inside the Washington Monument with a ticket."

"The 555-foot white shaft of the Washington Monument is a familiar icon of the National Mall, and a beautiful sight, especially when mirrored in the long Reflecting Pool at its foot. Construction of the obelisk to honor the nation's first president did not proceed smoothly. The plan was approved by Congress in 1783, but ground wasn't broken until 1848."

"Peaking at 555ft (and 5in) and composed of 36,000 blocks of stone, the Washington Monument is the district's tallest structure. Political shenanigans followed by the Civil War interrupted its construction."

"The Capitol building is a relic to behold in of itself, with its royal blue and deep brick Minton tiles and embellished bronze-cast doors. Marble and bronze statues of such luminaries as Rosa Parks and Helen Keller, the latter commemorated in a tactile sculpture that visitors can touch for its Braille writing, flank the building’s Emancipation and National Statuary Halls. Constantino Brumidi’s famed 1865 fresco, “Apotheosis of Washington,” illuminates the eye of the Capitol’s rotunda 180 feet above ground, depicting President George Washington rising toward the heavens among Greek and Roman gods."

"The U.S. Capitol dome towers above the Roman columns and manicured gardens of this iconic heart of American government. Topped by the bronze Statue of Freedom, the Capitol is the political and geographic center of Washington D.C. The building houses the legislative branch of Congress, with the Senate meeting in the north wing and the House of Representatives in the south wing. When Congress is in session, visitors can watch politicians debate all flavors of legislative issues, as they’ve done here since 1800.More"

"Take a tour of the U.S. Capitol Building and see the Hall of Columns, the rotunda, and the old Supreme Court chambers. From the visitors’ gallery, you can watch bills being debated, votes being counted, and speeches being given. Tours of the Capitol are free; however, tour passes are required."

"With more than 167 million items, the Library of Congress is the second-largest library in the world. Its shelves hold everything from rare, fragile books to contemporary recordings for popular music. It also boasts maps, manuscripts, photographs, paintings, murals, news reels, sheet music and just about everything else that a seeker of knowledge could want."

"The Library of Congress is a "must see" attraction as it is a beautiful neoclassical building and the world’s largest library containing more than 128 million items including books, manuscripts, films, photographs, sheet music, and maps. It is open to the public and offers exhibitions, interactive displays, concerts, films, lectures and special events."

"The grand architecture of the Library of Congress makes it a must-see Washington, DC tourist attraction for anyone interested in the history and architecture of old buildings. It is also a must-see for anyone who loves art or books as the building has plenty of both to look at. The Library of Congress offers self-guided tours at the moment."

"Explore the world-famous museums and national memorials on the National Mall, see the iconic government buildings (the White House, U.S. Capitol, and Supreme Court) and check out the local food, arts and culture, history, or shopping destinations. Weekends are often busy, so be sure to check the schedule of events and know what to expect. Here is a two-day itinerary to help you plan ahead, determine what you really want to see and set your own personal priorities. Note, you will need to book a few tours in advance."

"Play image association with the words “ Washington, DC, ” and chances are the first thing that comes to mind is the White House. The president’s pad is likely to take your breath away the first time you see it,... Top ChoiceMuseum in Upper Northwest DC"

"Contact your congressional representative for tickets at least three weeks before your trip. Reservations can be made up to three months ahead, so book early."

"The Saint John Paul II National Shrine is a place of prayer for Catholics and welcomes people of all faiths. The Shrine houses a permanent exhibit called "A Gift of Love: the Life of Saint John Paul II" which highlights significant events in the life of Pope John Paul II and his momentous influence. The shrine is also home to the Redemptor Hominis Church and Luminous Mysteries Chapel, both of which are decorated with mosaic art."

"If you would prefer to take your own walking tour of the memorials, note that the Lincoln Memorial, the Vietnam War Memorial, Korean War Memorial and the World War II Memorial are located within a reasonable walk of each other. Likewise, the Jefferson Memorial, the FDR Memorial, and the Martin Luther King Memorial are located near one another."

"The World War II Memorial is at the opposite end of the reflecting pool. It is between the Lincoln Memorial and the Washington Monument. The fountains of the memorial look great at night when they are lit."

"This is still in the proposal stage, a much larger memorial possible in the future. Until then, the statue of General Pershing is what stands. World War II Memorial, photo by Derek Wright."

"What many folks don’t know about George Mason, they can learn while visiting his memorial right next to the Jefferson Memorial. Known for his authorship of the Virginia Declaration of Rights, George Mason’s work and beliefs were a major influence into the writing of the United States Bill of Rights. He earned the nickname, the reluctant statesman, after refusing to sign the United States Constitution because it did not abolish slavery."

"Old Town Waterfront is a large boardwalk that leads to the Torpedo Factory and continues until the end of King Street. It is a staging post for yachts and ferries, and one can sit by to watch the ships pass by. Something is calming about the waters here."

"Old Town Alexandria is the perfect location for a day trip with highlights like the Torpedo Factory Art Center, various retail and restaurants, and the waterfront, itself."

"Former Top Chef finalist Marjorie Meek-Bradley has formed a dynamic team with restaurateur Stephen Starr (of Le Diplomate fame) to bring DC diners the finest grilled dishes at St. Anselm. This sleek, 7,000 square-foot hot spot can be found just across the street from bustling Union Market in the NoMa neighborhood. Start your meal off right with grilled oysters dressed in smoked herb butter or clams before choosing any number of grilled meats (think: ribeyes, flat irons, New York strips)."

"Chef Marjorie Meek-Bradley smashed the city’s stuffy steakhouse conventions to pieces with a menu at this Union Market tavern that gives vegetables equal billing. Her butter-packed biscuits with pimento cheese have become the stuff of legend, and a salmon collar practically melting under a butter-lemon bath has its own cult following. Ax-handle ribeyes and pork porterhouses provide more of a splurge."

"Cinnamon roll monkey bread and the dry-aged burger may be this clubby restaurant’s biggest claims to fame for brunch, but the malted chocolate chip pancakes with bananas and whipped cream hold their own. And for those who define “pancake” more broadly, the restaurant also turns out a nice cheese blintz with berry preserves. View this post on Instagram"

"The menu at this country-themed Clarendon newcomer (it opened in late July) includes chocolate-chunk pancakes topped with strawberries; ancho-braised short rib Benedict; and a cauliflower hash made with rice, shallots, carrots, spinach and poached eggs. The Pinemoor offers an outside bar and patio seating for 42 (first come, first served) and carryout. Brunch cocktails include the Ice Virginian (coffee with Kopper Kettle Virginia whiskey, coffee liqueur and cream) and a new summer favorite: the orange sherbet mimosa, made with three scoops of orange sherbet and sparkling wine."

"We tried a few cocktails, with the ranch water being a hit, and started with the cowboy caveir.” See all The Pinemoor reviews"

"The National Museum of American Jewish Military History was founded in 1958. The museum "documents and preserves the contributions of Jewish Americans to the peace and freedom of the United States, educates the public concerning the courage, heroism and sacrifices made by Jewish Americans who served in the armed forces, and works to combat anti-Semitism."

"The National Archives Museum combines a museum and the National Archives and Records Administration. The building holds important American historical documents like the United States Constitution, the Bill of Rights, and the Declaration of Independence, as well as 3 billion records in total. You could also see exhibits on citizenship, voting rights, free speech, democracy, and more."

"The National Archives Museum is home to various important documents of the United States government. Visitors can view the original copies of the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution, and the Bill of Rights. From historical treaties to culturally-significant photographs, the National Archives Museum archives significant American events."

"The National Archives Building was built in 1933 and finished in 1935. Its Classical Revival style was designed by John Russell Pope."