La Cimetière National d'Arlington est la dernière demeure de de nombreuses personnes qui ont donné leurs vies afin de servir leur pays. Deux présidents - John F. Kennedy et William Howard Taft - y ont aussi enterrés. L'équipage de la navette spatiale Challenger, meneur des droits civique Medgar Evers, et star du cinéma Audie Murphy sont parmi ceux qu'on y honore. Le tombeau des Soldats Inconnus contient les restes des soldats non identifiés des Première et Seconde Guerres Mondiales et du Conflit Coréen. Il est surveillé 24 heures sur 24. La relève du garde est une cérémonie qui leur rend hommage. Arlington House, la maison de Robert E. Lee jusqu'au début de la guerre de Sécession, est située sur place. Des visiteurs peuvent se promener à travers la cimetière ou prendre un tramway du tourisme.
Situé au côté est du National Mall, le Mémorial Lincoln est un point de repère important de la ville. Il propose des vues magnifiques de la ville depuis plusieurs points d'observations. Le statue de Lincoln de presque six mètres de hauteur fait par Daniel Chester French, dans lequel on le voit assis en train de penser, à côté d'un texte sculpté du Discours de Gettysburg, permettant à un coup d'œil dans une période importante dans l'histoire des États-Unis. Les 36 colonnes doriques représentent le nombre des états dans l'Union lorsque Lincoln est mort. Il vaut mieux aller le soir quand il y a moins de monde.
Connu pour sa collection énorme des azalées (la fleur préféré de Washington), cet parque-jardin de 180 hectares propose beaucoup plus. Des fontaines, des piscines, et des espaces ouvertes sépare une série des jardins plus spécifiques au Arboretum National des États-Unis. La Collection National de Bonsaï, un cadeau du japon, est une expositions fascinante des arbres tout petits. Aussi à noter sont le jardin aquatique (rempli des lotus de toute variété) et le Jardin National des Herbes.
Conçu par John Russel Pope dans le style romain, cet hommage à Thomas Jefferson, troisième président des États-Unis et écrivain de la Déclaration de l'Indépendance, est élégant et simple. Un statue de Jefferson de 5,8 mètres se trouve à l'intérieur entouré par ses écrits stimulants. C'est une destination après-dîner parfait. Le soir, la vue du Washington Monument, de l'autre côté de la bassin de marée est impressionnante, surtout lorsque les cerisier sont en fleurs.
The Rock Creek Park contains a beautiful wild forest and serves as an oasis for city residents and tourists. Attractions include picnic areas, winding trails and bike paths, a nature center, a public golf course, tennis courts and stables. The centerpiece is a working gristmill, complete with a turning water wheel. Rock Creek Parkway runs alongside the meandering creek. Parts of the road are closed to traffic on weekends and turned over to cyclists and roller bladers. Although the Metro is nearby, a car is required to visit many of the key sites in a single trip. The park is also a popular spot in the winter for sledding, snowballs and other outdoor merriment.
One of the most popular rail trails in the country and also the most used, the Capital Crescent Trail is a pleasant 11-mile (17.70 kilometers) stretch covering through Georgetown on Water Street till Silver Spring. Set on the once deserted Georgetown Branch rail line, it is a hotspot for rollerbladers, hikers, skateboarders, walkers, bikers and joggers. Most of the trail is asphalt and is also used for commuting. Winding through parks, wooded areas, water bodies and local attractions, it is indeed a landmark in the locality and the nearby areas. So if you're planning to spend a day outdoors without venturing far away from civilization, then Capital Crescent Trail is your destination.
Throughout the Washington city, you will find traffic circles that are named in honor of war veterans. Scott Circle is located at the junction of Massachusetts Avenue and Rhode Island Avenue. Important offices like Australian and the Philippine's Embassies are located on this circle. The statute of United States Army general Winfield Scott has also been erected in the Circle.
If reading is your passion and books are your prized possessions, then the National Geographic Society (NGS) Library is the place to be. Housed within the reputed National Geographic Society (NGS), the library is as praise-worthy as its mother-organization. From books, maps, magazines and journals to photos and films, you have a lot to choose from. Information on diverse fields like like travel, history, natural science, geography and so on are available here. The staff is friendly and helpful while the services are very efficient. So come here and delve into the pleasures of reading. Call ahead for more information.
The many perspectives of the earth are examined here, including geology, oceanography, astronomy and anthropology. Enjoy creative and educational exhibits including a huge globe, a tornado simulator and a 'time machine'. Changing, lively special exhibits are also featured. A gift shop sells the National Geographic Society's videos, books and educational games.
Built in 1840, the Cathedral of St. Matthew the Apostle is both a beautiful and historical place of worship. St. Matthew is the patron saint of civil servants, so it is no wonder than this cathedral is one of the most prominent cathedrals in the United States' capital. Each year, the special "Red Mass" is held for the Supreme Court justices, President's cabinet, members of Congress, and - sometimes - even the President himself. This "Red Mass" is so named for the color of the vestments worn by those holding the mass. This famous cathedral, which was designed by New York architect C. Grant La Farge, was also the place where President John F. Kennedy's funeral was held in 1963.
The National Trust for Historic Preservation is a privately-funded non-profit organization helping to protect historic buildings and neighborhoods. The National Trust has a collection of historic and associate sites and homes across the country. Check out their website for more information and a complete list and map of the sites.
Mary McLeod Bethune, a noted teacher and political leader, lived in this house from 1943 until her death in 1955. She served as director of the Division of Negro Affairs under Franklin Roosevelt and was an advisor to three other U.S. presidents. The house was the original headquarters for the National Council of Negro Women. Founded by Bethune, the group sought to promote women in society and eliminate all forms of discrimination. Today, the home is a museum dedicated to Bethune and all American black women. A large collection of writings, artwork, photographs and memorabilia are on display. Donations accepted.