A Monumental Weekend in Washington DC
“We have built no temple but the Capitol. We consult no common oracle but the Constitution.”
Once described by President John F. Kennedy as a community of southern efficiency and northern charm, Washington DC is simply iconic.
Boasting some of the most iconic buildings in the United States, the country’s most renowned museums, and one of the most culturally diverse populations in the world, DC will leave you speechless.
Wedged in between the states of Maryland and Virginia is a diamond of land that is the epicenter of our country’s political landscape. Split into four quadrants, Washington DC is home to an abundance of memorable sights and American history, leaving any traveler bursting at the seams to see all of its incredible offerings. While a three day weekend is almost certainly not enough time to see all that the District has to offer, you can most definitely put a significant dent in your bucket list where I’m sure countless places in DC are represented.
To do Washington DC justice, I have listed my recommendations below to help travelers see as much as possible of this historically rich capital:
The National Mall - Monuments and Memorials
Starting from the east at the Capitol Building and working west toward the Lincoln Memorial and the Potomac River, the Mall is roughly 2 miles of green space studded with some of the America’s most beloved memorials and monuments commemorating our country’s most noteworthy historical figures and events.
Capitol Building – Home to the legislative branch of the United States government, the Capitol Building not only houses Congress but it also forms the origin point for the District’s street-numbering system and the area where it splits DC into its four quarters. Located in the south wing is the House of Representatives and in the north wing, the Senate, making the Capitol Building one of the most prominent in the city. Free tours are offered at the visitor’s center and it is highly recommended to see such an important structure to America as you are guided through the Exhibition Hall, the Crypt Room, Statuary Hall (where statues representing all 50 states are held) and finally ending in the magnificent and impressive Rotunda.
*Tip: In advance of your trip, make a reservation for the free tour of the Capitol online. Once you make it to DC, don’t wait in line at the visitor’s center entrance to go through security, enter through the Library of Congress. You will wait in a much shorter line and get to take an exclusive tunnel to the Capitol. At the Library you can also check a bag since you are not able to bring anything into the Capitol with you. Guaranteed this will save travelers with lots of gear a headache!
Washington Monument – Standing 555 feet at the center of the National Mall is the tallest edifice in the capital – the Washington Monument. This grand white obelisk can be seen throughout the city, and it is actually a great beacon to help guide visitors to the Mall. This monument, in honor of the first president of the U.S., is perhaps the most well known building in the city as its pointed apex rises above the capital and is a landmark that literally and figuratively cannot be missed. From its base, you will have excellent views of the Capitol Building as you face east, or of the Lincoln Memorial as you face west. Visit at sunset and wait for the white structure to glow as darkness settles for your best photo opp of this icon.
War Memorials: World War II, Vietnam, Korean
WWII – Just past the Washington Monument as you make your way west is a large water feature ringed by pillars representing the 50 states and the 6 U.S. territories at the time of war. This serene memorial honors the soldiers and civilians who represented the U.S. during WWII and it stands rightly so as one of the most visited memorials on the Mall. Its location directly between the memorials of Lincoln and Washington allows for excellent views of both.
Vietnam Veterans – On the north side of the Lincoln Memorial is the most unassuming memorial on the Mall – the one dedicated to those who fought and risked their lives in the Vietnam War. Integrated directly into the sloping ground are two walls of black rock etched with names of those who served or lost their lives in the war. While the initial design by Maya Lin was controversial due to its lack of ornamentation, the simplicity of this memorial is admirable as it is displayed to symbolize a wound that was open but it now healing.
Korean War – On the opposite side of the Mall from the Vietnam Memorial stand 19 steel statues that emerge from the earth and signify soldiers from each branch of the United States military who fought in the Korean War. These larger than life figures dressed in full combat gear face a reflecting pool and a granite wall listing members of the UN that helped support American efforts during this war.
Lincoln Memorial – One of the most popular monuments on the Mall, and its most western one at that, is dedicated to the 16th U.S. President, Abraham Lincoln. Modeled like a Greek temple, the Lincoln Memorial’s vast steps and striking columns lead way to a 19 foot sculpture of Abraham Lincoln sitting in thought, looking across the massive reflecting pool towards the Washington Monument and the Capitol beyond. The Lincoln Memorial steps are also the site where Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. delivered his “I Have a Dream Speech”. This memorial is breathtaking at all times of the day, but to see it at sunrise or sunset while snapping a photo at the reflecting pool creates a magical moment.
Jefferson Memorial – Located just a short stroll along the tranquil Tidal Basin is my favorite memorial in the city – the Jefferson. It is often overlooked due to its separation from the main part of the Mall, but this monument offers some of the best views in the city across the water while also being one of the more understated architectural marvels in the city. There are plenty of activities do participate in on the Tidal Basin itself and that will afford visitors a unique point of view of the memorial and the bronze statue of the third president of the United States and the inscriptions of the Declaration of Independence on the memorial’s walls.
Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial – One of the newest memorials on the Mall is in honor of civil rights activist Martin Luther King Jr. The main aspect of the memorial is called the Stone of Hope and it is includes a relief in granite of MLK Jr after you pass through the split Mountain of Despair, an artistic nod to his iconic speech that took place steps away at the Lincoln Memorial. This memorial is a powerful reminder of Dr. King’s contributions and is a well earned dedication to just the fourth non-president to be memorialized at the National Mall.
Museums
If there is one niche that Washington DC is known for, it is museums. From the internationally recognized Smithsonian Institutes to the the stunning National Archives that harbors America’s most sacred founding documents, DC’s museums can keep any visitor busy for weeks. An added bonus to this museum mecca is that almost all of the museums are *FREE*!
Library of Congress – During the War of 1812, the original congressional library was destroyed, and Thomas Jefferson sold his personal collection of books to restore those that were lost and this became the basis for the Library of Congress as we know it today. This research library serves Congress, but is free to tour and see perhaps the most beautiful reading room in the country. The ornate interior of the Library of Congress is exceptional and its ceiling is astonishing as stone pillars soar to a multicolored peak. The Library also still contains some of Jefferson’s original volumes that started the collection it has grown to today. They also have a fascinating contemporary exhibit that showcases modern literary achievements such as court reports and comics.
National Archives – One of the most interesting buildings in the city is the National Archives. Located just north of the Mall, the Archives Building houses three of America’s most vital documents among its many artifacts in the Rotunda of the Charters of Freedom. For any history buffs, it is a remarkable moment to be mere inches from The Declaration of Independence, the Constitution and Bill of Rights – it is a life changing opportunity I will not soon forget. Committed to preserving the country’s historical records, the National Archives is one of a kind and is also free to visit, including the archive vaults, though a timed entry visit is recommended if traveling during summer months when crowds are busiest.
Smithsonian Institute – In the world of museums, there is one name that is synonymous with Washington DC – Smithsonian. With nearly twenty museums under the Smithsonian flag in DC alone, any traveler must visit at least one to make their trip to the capital worthwhile. I recently had the pleasure of visiting four where I was able to see masterpieces of art, science, and pop culture all for FREE!
Air and Space Museum – One of the most popular museums in the world, this building contains artifacts from space flight and the history of aviation. From the Wright Brothers to Apollo 11 to the aircraft that broke the sound barrier, this museum celebrates vast accomplishments in air travel.
Natural History Museum – This museum delves into the Earth and the knowledge we have gleaned from it – explore the oceans, rain forests, deserts and below the surface of the planet in this amazing collection. See the Hope Diamond and say hello to the flora and fauna permanently on display.
Museum of American History – Commemorating American leaders, First Ladies and pop-culture icons, the American History Museum takes visitors through a time-lapse of America’s most illustrious achievements. The original Star Spangled Banner resides here as well.
National Portrait Gallery – Discover the official portrait of every U.S. President as well as depictions of the country’s most distinguished figures.
Exploring the DMV
Washington DC is in a prime location, where travelers have the ability to leave the city and discover the surrounding treasures of Maryland and Virginia. Transportation such as the dependable metro and distinctive water taxis make it feasible for day trips from the city without costing and arm and a leg to do so.
Arlington – If you are in DC, make time for an experience that can only be found in this exquisite city – Arlington National Cemetery. Arlington is a special site to America as it is the final resting place for thousands of men and women who have fought for the freedom established by the country’s founding documents outlines above. It is in this cemetery that you can visit the graves of JFK and William Howard Taft, the only two U.S. Presidents laid to rest in Arlington. Admire the symbolic eternal flame at JFK’s tomb as a reminder that his legacy will never expire.
The most profound memory to take from Arlington is the changing of the guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. It is at this spot where U.S. service personnel who have died in combat but never identified are memorialized for the ultimate sacrifice they gave to their country. At the top and half of every hour, the guard for the Tomb is changed in a touching ceremony that cannot be missed. This reflective ritual was sobering, however, it leaves onlookers with an immense sense of pride that these heroes are permanently recognized and respected for their efforts.
Mount Vernon – The personal home of President George Washington, is south of the city overlooking the Potomac River. It is incredibly easy to get here via water or road, and it is a location that’s a wonderful day trip to tour the centuries old home, especially if you do not receive a ticket to the White House through your local congressman. Mount Vernon is an intimate look into the history of George Washington’s life and career and his impacting legacy.
Alexandria – A charming town in Virginia accessible to downtown DC via the metro. I believe that a visit to the quaint historic district along King Street for dinner and a handmade ice cream is well worth the trip down to Alexandria where brick and brownstones abound – it was truly one of the most photogenic locations I had the pleasure of visiting in the DMV.
National Harbor – On the Maryland side of the Potomac offers a multitude of activities for visitors with its family friendly setting. Meander through “The Awakening”, a colossal giant in the midst of escaping its sandy trap or soar above National Harbor on a spin around the Capital Wheel. With two docks for water taxis, stay until sunset and capture some of the best sunsets in the DMV before embarking on your journey back to the city.
“And in the end it’s not the years in your life that count; it’s the life in your years.”
Washington DC is magnificent. It’s a unique opportunity to delve into the past, present and future of the United States all in one locale. DC offers an incomparable adventure of history, cuisine, architecture, and patriotism that prompted me to recall one of my favorite quotations above. President Lincoln puts into perspective to enjoy each city you visit for the extraordinary experience it affords its visitors, and I believe it imperative for any traveler to revel in Washington DC’s unrivaled offerings.
*Pro tip: If you depart from Ronald Regan Airport (DCA), sit on the right side of the plane for a birds eye view of the city you just enjoyed on the ground. The capital is even more breathtaking from above!
