Washington DC

Monuments, museums, cemeteries, government buildings, and more provide the setting for a fascinating and educational journey around our nation’s capital and through the country’s history, making it a great travel destination for families. March and April are good months to visit because the Cherry Blossom Festival takes place, and July is great if you’re looking to have an extra-patriotic Independence Day. The Metrorail system is a fast and easy way to get around Washington DC. For under $10, you can get an all-day unlimited travel pass. Be sure to keep a copy of the Metro schedule and map handy. With all the museums around town, it’s easy to spend several days just strolling through a few and attempting to absorb as much as possible. The Smithsonian is made up of 19 museums and the National Zoo and admission to the museums is free. While most travelers will not have time to check out all 20 Smithsonian spots, a few should definitely be included in your itinerary. Some of the more popular ones are the Natural History Museum, Air and Space Museum, the American History Museum, and the National Zoo. When bad weather threatens to ruin the day, the Smithsonian museums are the place to head. The United States Holocaust Memorial Museum offers a somber look at an important part of world history, which everyone should understand. The many memorials in Washington DC are an important reflection on United States history, and should not be missed. The National Mall is the center for monuments and memorials in Washington D.C. Around the Mall are the Washington, Jefferson, Lincoln, FDR, WWII, Korean War Veterans, and Vietnam Veterans memorials, so you can visit them all in the one go. The Washington Monument is one of the best known features in the capital’s cityscape. The Monument stands at over 555 feet tall, and visitors can reserve tickets in advance to ride the elevator to the top for great views of Washington DC. Arrange a White House tour in advance by contacting your local member of congress or senator. They arrange tours of at least ten people, but smaller groups can ask to join another group. US Capitol tours are available to the public, but reservations are recommended. Other suggested tours are the Library of Congress, the largest library in the world, the Bureau of Engraving and Printing, where you can see how money is made, and the Supreme Court, where some of the country’s most important court cases are tried. Washington DC can provide days of inexpensive entertainment and education, with its system of free museums, and outdoor memorials. A trip to the capital is the best way to learn all about the United States system of government and history.