Head to the Washington Monument. It is at the intersection where the White House meets the Capitol Building. (Advance tickets are suggested if you’d like to go up the Monument) FUN FACT: The nonstop elevator climbs to the top floor 500 feet above the ground and takes approximately 70 seconds.
You are on the National Mall...head directly West (away from the Capitol Building) toward the Lincoln Memorial and you will come to the World War II Memorial (2004), honoring the 16 million who served as part of the US Armed Forces with a semi circle of 56 granite columns representing the 48 states, 7 territories (at time of WW II), and DC. FUN FACT: The wall has 4,048 gold stars, each representing 100 Americans who died in the war. The granite memorial pillars follow the dates of admission into the Union starting from Delaware to Arizona, alternating back and forth across the Rainbow Pool.
Two options to get to the Lincoln Memorial (1922): your choice-water or trees! Just north of the WWII, right side facing the Lincoln Memorial, walk around Constitution Gardens and Pond or straight along the Reflecting Pool. Climb the steps of the Lincoln Memorial for a stunning view and visit Abe. French, who sculpted the 19-foot-high statue states, “It has always seemed to me that the hands in portraiture were only secondary to the face in expression, and I depend quite as much upon them in showing character in force. French depicted Lincoln with his left hand clenched to symbolize his determination to see the Civil War through to its conclusion and his right hand open to represent a desire to welcome the vanquished Confederacy back into the Union without vengeance.” FUN FACT: Although it looks perfectly symmetrical, it’s an optical illusion. The structure’s exterior walls, facades and columns were purposely built to lean slightly inward, to compensate for perspective distortions.
Facing the Capitol Building, head back down the stairs toward Independence Avenue (south and right side) and walk toward the Korean War Veteran’s Memorial (1995). The memorial consists of five parts including a platoon made of stainless steel eight foot statues representing an ethnic cross section of all four branches of the military. FUN FACT: The Korean “War” was never actually declared as a war, but officially classed as a ‘police action.’ President Truman never requested a declaration of war, and one wasn’t offered, despite the brutal conflict that went on for three years.
Continue in the direction of the Capitol building on Independence Ave and cross Independence (Tidal Basin straight ahead) at West Basin Drive. Veer off to the left to see the Martin Luther King Junior Memorial (2011). The memorial opened 48 years after Dr. King’s “I Have a Dream” speech on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial. It stands 30 feet high, his likeness carved into the Stone of Hope, emerging from two boulders. FUN FACT: The address for the memorial is 1964 Independence Ave., referencing the 1964 Civil Rights act.
Admire the trees and soon you will come across the FDR Memorial (1997), hidden on the right. “The FDR Memorial uses elements of stone, water, and landscaping to tell the story of FDR’s presidency in a more approachable way, quotes are at eye level and the statues are at or close to ground level and were meant to be touched. The memorial consists of five outdoor rooms- one as a prologue and four for the unprecedented four terms of FDR. The water features and the stones also help set the tone during different times in his presidency, from the reflection to chaos.” FUN FACT: It is the only memorial that includes a statue for a First Lady, Eleanor and a presidential pet, FDR’s dog, Fala. Over 100,000 gallons of water flow through seven fountains and pools.
As you proceed around the Tidal Basin cross the Ohio Drive Bridge, you’ll approach the Jefferson Memorial (1943). The memorial was dedicated on April 13, 1943, the two hundredth anniversary of Jefferson’s birth. It’s architecture is similar to the low dome buildings Jefferson designed including UVA’s rotunda and Jefferson’s home, Monticello. Climbing the stairs is a must to visit the 19 foot bronze Jefferson, read excerpts from his writings, and for magnificent views on all sides. FUN FACT: The 26 columns represent the number of states in the Union when Jefferson died, July 4, 1826, the same day as John Adams.
This mile long stretch (and growing) is a lively area filled with restaurants, shops and waterfront activities. FUN FACT: The Fish Market is the oldest continuously-operating open air fish market in the United States (1805). Restaurants: Although many to chose from, some favorites are: The Municipal Fish Market at the Wharf (1805) is a great destination for those seeking fresh cooked seafood, crabs (a Maryland must). Get a meal to go and sit along the water. 1100 Maine Ave. SW. Del Mar Hank’s Oyster Bar Falafel Inc. Want a treat: District Donut, Kilwins Chocolates and Ice Cream Praline Bakery. For water enthusiasts: At Recreation Pier : Rent paddle boards and kayaks; the Wharf Jitney is a free boat service operated by The Wharf that ferries passengers between Recreation Pier and East Potomac Park; or catch a ride on the Water Taxi to Georgetown in DC at the Wharf’s Transit Pier Book Lovers: Politics and Prose Bookstore. A local independent favorite.
FUN FACT: The last home of John, Jackie, Caroline, and JFK Jr before he moved into the White House was 3307 N Street, NW. Georgetown was not named after George Washington who was a teenager when it was founded in 1751, but rather King George II or George Gordon or George Bell who first owned the land. Restaurants: Sequoia Grill, Tony and Joe’s Seafood, Clyde’s, Martin’s Tavern - try to get a reservation for the Proposal Booth where JFK proposed to Jackie in 1953. JFK liked to grab breakfast alone there in the half booth, Eggs Benedict, his favorite. For Treats: Baked and Wired, Sprinkles Cupcakes, Georgetown Cupcakes, Thomas Sweet Ice Cream, Maison Laduree. For Movie Enthusiasts: Exorcist Steps: The 75 steps were known as the Hitchcock Stairs built in 1895. Exorcist author William Blatty & Director William Friedkin chose to use sites on Georgetown’s campus and the famous stairs which the stunt double had to throw himself down twice during filming. Climb at night, if you dare!
Penn Quarter has many energy filled restaurants and sidewalk cafes, including James Beard Winner, Jose Andres' Zatinya, Oyamel, Jaleo. For coffee lovers: Dolcezza; Chinatown Coffee Co., Rare Sweets, and La Colombe. Two Smithsonian Galleries nearby are the National Portrait Gallery: (1962) Eighth and F St., NW. Tells the story of the United States through the people who have shaped its history and culture. Known for its collection of presidential portraits. Not to be missed Barack and Michelle Obama’s. Next door, the Smithsonian American Art Museum intertwines with the Portrait Gallery and includes Winslow Homer, John Singer Sargent, Mary Cassatt, Georgia O’Keefe , Edward Hopper, David Hockney to name a few. The Courtyard Cafe is a lovely location to grab a drink or light meal. Browse Luxe Labors at City Center DC with sleek walkways and glassy street-level business home to high-end boutiques, between 9th and 11th streets NW between H Street NW and New York Avenue NW.
FUN FACT: Some White House Numbers: 55,000 square feet, 6 floors, 132 rooms, 35 bathrooms, 28 fireplaces, 8 staircases, 3 elevators, 412 doors and 147 windows. And when it gets a new coat of paint every four to six years, it takes 570 gallons to cover the exterior. Restaurants: quintessential Washington-Old Ebbitt Grill (675 15th St., NW), The Hamilton (600 14th St NW), Off The Record at the Hay Adams.
The Capitol is visible from numerous vantage points. It sits on 58 acres. The major sights on the “Hill” line up along First Street where the four quadrants NW,NE,SW,SE meet just north of Independence Avenue. The US Capitol, Library of Congress and US Supreme Court can be seen. FUN FACT: The Library of Congress adds 10,000 items to it’s working collection every working day. FUN FACT The Fountain of Light and Water at the US Botanic Garden was sculpted by Frederic Auguste Bartholdi, the man who created the Statue of Liberty! FUN FACT: The Supreme Court, established in 1789, convened in NYC in 1790, then Philadelphia and did not have it’s own building in DC until 1935, its 146th year. FUN FACT: After 700 votes, the House of Representatives only passed 27 pieces of legislation to become law in 2023, they were the least productive in decades. (Ok, I deserved one political fun fact since this is Washington, DC!)
At Constitution Avenue, you won’t miss seeing the Washington Monument, but take a look toward your left at the newest (2016) Smithsonian Museum of African American Art and Culture. The building is a glass cube wrapped in ornamental bronze coated aluminum lattice that is a historical reference to African American craftsmanship. A museum where “all Americans can learn about the richness and diversity of the African American experience, what it means to their lives, and how it helped us shape this nation.” (Free timed passes are required). FUN FACT: There is as much museum below ground as above ground, 5 stories up and 5 stories down; visitors are encouraged to begin on the bottom.
Highlights of America’s favorites...the Star-Spangled Banner, Abraham Lincoln’s Hat, First Ladies’ gowns, the desk Jefferson wrote the Declaration of Independence, Muhammad Ali’s boxing gloves, and the ruby slippers from the Wizard of Oz. FUN FACT: I can’t compete with the Museum of American History, all the fun facts are inside the building!
Includes dinosaurs, African bull elephant, and a huge North Atlantic whale. Dedicated to understanding the natural world and our place in it, the museum includes many interactive spaces to explore specimens and objects. Enjoy Ocean, Human Origins, Fossil, and Mammal’s Halls as well as Gems and Minerals Hall, Butterfly Pavilion and Insect Zoo. There is an Atrium Cafe and Ocean Terrace Cafe. FUN FACT: The Museum has the most popular diamond in the world, the Hope Diamond at 45.52 Karats. For the Sept.
With its large sculptures displayed around a fountain in a delightful setting of trees and flowers. Although not a part of the Smithsonian, but still no cost, is National Gallery of Art with a wonderful collection of famous masters. Classical in the West building (1937) with 13th-19th century masters, including American, Dutch, and a fabulous collection of French Impressionists. Go to the the ground level by the Cafeteria and take the moving walkway to the Modern West Building (1978) to see Calder sculptures. FUN FACT: The Museum has the only Leonardo da Vinci painting as part of its permanent collection in the US. Joseph II, the prince of Liechtenstein, sold the da Vinci’s portrait of Ginevra de’Benci to pay for his son’s wedding. (The mother of the bride can relate)
“Launch into the history of flight by surrounding yourself with icons of air and space travel.” The flagship building on the National Mall in Washington, D.C, exhibits aircraft, spacecraft, missiles, rockets, and other flight-related artifacts. While the museum undergoes transformation, half of the building is open with eight new and renovated exhibitions. FUN FACT: The 1976 ribbon-cutting began with a signal from outer space. The Viking 1 spacecraft, which was in orbit around Mars at the time, sent a signal to NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena, California. That signal was then relayed to Washington, D.C., where it activated a mechanical arm that cut the ribbon in half. Museum officials did have a pair of scissors, just in case.
FUN FACT: The Zoo’s original location was on the Mall across from the Castle
All about espionage, intrigue, and mystery. To plan for your interactive undercover mission, reserve your tickets in advance. Opened in 2002 in Penn Quarter, relocated to L’Enfant Plaza in 2019.
A living memorial to the Holocaust, the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum inspires citizens and leaders worldwide to confront hatred, prevent genocide.” No cost for tickets.
“Just 11% of all acquisitions at prominent American museums over the past decade were of work by women artists.” The museum is dedicated “to championing women through the arts.”
The Nation’s first modern art museum, a delightful small museum in a Georgian Revival brownstone with works of Cezanne, van Gogh, Picasso, Klee, Gauguin, and Renoir’s Luncheon of the Boating Party.