The Top 10 Places to Visit in Washington DC This Spring
The Lincoln Memorial
A visit to the Lincoln memorial is a must. Opened in 1922 by architect Henry Bacon, this national memorial has become one of the capital’s most recognisable and most loved landmarks. Popular amongst tourists and history lovers, the memorial honours the 16th President of the US, Abraham Lincoln. The neoclassical temple lies at the western end of the National Mall, facing the Washington Monument and encapsulates the grandeur of the city itself. After admiring the striking architecture and the iconic statue of Abraham Lincoln, take a stroll down the national mall, which is widely recognisable and has been featured in many iconic films such as Forest Gump, Captain America and National Treasure. Nicknamed ‘America’s front yard’, admire the other memorials, statues and monuments that line the national mall.
Tidal Basin and the Cherry Blossom Festival
The tidal basin is a man made reservoir between the Potomac River and the Washington Channel. A reservoir may not seem like it is a must see item for a trip to Washington DC, but the tidal basin is home to one of the most spectacular festivals in the US, The National Cherry Blossom Festival. The festival takes place each spring and showcases the incredible blossoms and colours that cover DC in the spring! Spring really is the perfect time to visit the capital, as the city is covered in beautiful pink and white flowers as far as you can see. The festival itself is a celebration of all of DC’s incredible diversity, beauty and history, with plenty of art and street parades all over the city.
National Gallery of Art
The National Gallery of Art is just one of the many museums and art galleries you simply cannot miss while visiting DC. With the permanent collection proudly displaying pieces from legendary artists such as Monet, Leonardo Da Vinci and Picasso, the National Gallery of Art is not just for art lovers, but an essential piece of culture just waiting to be explored. Walk through the striking architecture of the building while enjoying Matisse’s and Dali’s greatest works! The National Gallery of Art also features intriguing and thought provoking instillations focused on underrepresented artists and communities throughout history. Take a day at the National Gallery of art to learn more about and appreciate the art that lives in the Capital!
Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History
Located on the National Mall 10th St. & Constitution Ave. this iconic museum is recognised worldwide for its collection of history on animals and nature! You will see the classic blue whale that is suspended from the ceiling in the “Life in the Sea” exhibition, and experience the immersive exhibitions throughout the museum. This museum is definitely enjoyable for children, with interactive learning and workshops throughout the museum, but the architecture and history is enjoyable for everyone, so don’t miss it on your trip to DC.
Washington National Cathedral
This National Cathedral is an unmissable stop on your Washington DC sightseeing, with it’s Neo-Gothic architecture and gardens, the Cathedral is an iconic spot in DC. Completed in 1990, the Cathedral has a 30 story central tower and is the final burial site for President Woodrow Wilson and Helen Keller, take a moment in the breathtaking nave complete with a wooden choir area and numerous serene chapels. The interiors of the Cathedral are simply breathtaking and unforgettable. The classic Washington show, The West Wing, filmed inside the Cathedral, creating a striking scene made complete with the beautiful interiors of the Cathedral. On the outside of the Cathedral you will find 59 acres of rolling greenery to explore, along with a café on the grounds of the 1904 Old Baptistery building. This central landmark is unmissable while you are in DC.
National Archives Museum
As with many of the must see places in Washington DC, this museum focuses on history. This valuable building houses the Declaration of Independence, The Constitution and The Bill of Rights. The three founding documents of The United States, all of which are crucial to the state of the US today and were pivotal to the creation of the free country. These documents are all on show for public viewing in the Rotunda for the Charters of Freedom of the National Archives Museum (under heavy supervision!) and seeing them in real life is a great opportunity to learn more about the history of the US, and the men who wrote and signed these key documents. The Museum also holds plenty of other fascinating documents, including Abraham Lincoln’s telegrams to his generals which is an incredible feeling to be so close to history! Currently the museum also has an exhibition titled “Rightfully Hers: American Women and The Vote”, this exhibition chronicles the struggle and journey of the 19th Amendment, another monumental part of Americas long history that you can get up close with!
National Portrait Gallery and the Smithsonian American Art Museum
The National Portrait Gallery and the Smithsonian American Art Museum is an essential part of American culture, which highlights the people and artists that shaped and influence American culture. Enjoy the wide variety of art, thousands of important stories, people, photographers and artists. The national Portrait Gallery holds portraits of a wide selection of American figures such as Theodosia Burr Alston, Zitkála-Šá and Sandra Cisneros, these portraits and exhibitions highlight stories that may be forgotten without the museums upholding, and you really can’t miss an opportunity to visit and experience all the American history at the Museum. The gallery is unmissable for fans of history and politics, with portraits of Gloria Steinem, President Obama and Al Gore in the Cumming Family Collection – a day at the National Portrait Gallery and the Smithsonian American Art Museum really is a tour of all of American History and culture!
The White House and the Washington Monument
An obvious must see while you are in DC is the White House! Home of the sitting president and office of the staff, this building is a pillar of democracy in the US. Take an in depth, guided tour of the house, see portraits of presidents and first ladies past and take in the immense history that surrounds every corner of the house. You can also opt to take a self-guided tour, with guards and staff around to ask any question you may have. Being able to walk around the Presidents house is not something you should miss! The other spot, arguably with the best views in all of DC, is the Washington Monument. Built to commemorate George Washington, this pillar monument is 169 metres tall and you can ride all the way up to the 500ft observation deck to see the National Mall and all of DC stretch out in front of you!
US Capitol and the Library of Congress
The US capitol is where the Senate and the House of Representatives meet and is the seat of the legislative branch of the US federal government. But it is so much more than that! It is an architecturally astounding building that’s main purpose is to work for and help all of the communities of the US. A guided tour of the Capitol building is a must, learn all about the history of this essential place and how the building works today. In conjunction with the US Capitol is the Library of Congress, the de facto National Library of the US. This building is steeped in history and contains 39 million books!! The Beaux-Arts style of the Thomas Jefferson building is unique and beautiful, reflecting the integrity and history of the books it holds. A tour around the library is something you will always remember and a perfect way to truly understand the depth of history in DC and the US.
Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial
Opened in 2011, this memorial was the first of a person of colour in the entirety of Washington DC. Surrounded by idyllic scenery and peaceful water, this memorial is the perfect tribute to Dr Martin Luther King. You can visit this memorial in West Potomac Park, just off of the National Mall, and learn about the history and legacy of this man who led the Civil Rights movement and spoke from the Lincoln Memorial not far away, delivering his iconic and reverent “I have a dream speech” which is still revered and spoken to this day. This memorial is a must visit in Washington DC, paying tribute to the history that played out on its very streets.
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