Top Rated Attractions in Manassas

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.

From El Greco's "The Visitation" to Byzantine and pre-Columbian artworks, jewelry and mosaics, Dumbarton Oaks is filled with elegant treasures. Built in 1801, the estate achieved its height of glory in the wealthy 1920s when it served as the high-society showpiece of Robert Bliss and his heiress wife, Mildred. The gardens occupy 10 acres above Georgetown and include terraced lawns, winding footpaths and elaborate fountains.

Located at the west end of the National Mall, the Lincoln Memorial is one of the principal landmarks of Washington, DC. Its stately form overlooks the Reflecting Pool, a gleaming stretch of water that lies sprawled before its base. Daniel Chester French's 19-foot (5.7-meter) statue of Lincoln, seated and deep in thought, watches over the nation he helped create, alongside the carved text of the Gettysburg Address, providing a glimpse into a weighty period of American history. The memorial itself draws inspiration from the Greek architectural style; its 36 doric columns represent the number of states in the Union at the time of Lincoln's death. Surrounded by greenery on the banks of the Potomac River, the Lincoln Memorial makes for a soul-stirring, picturesque sight, a fitting ode to one of the nation's most revered presidents.

Arlington National Cemetery is the final resting place of the soldiers who gave their lives in service to the country. Two of America's former presidents, John F. Kennedy and William Howard Taft, are buried here. The crew of the Challenger space shuttle, civil rights leader Medgar Evers, and film star Audie Murphy are among the many honored here. The Tomb of the Unknown Soldiers, containing the remains of unidentified soldiers from World Wars I, II, and the Korean War,is protected by the 3rd U.S. Infantry Regiment, or the Old Guard, 24 hours a day. The changing of the guard ceremony is a moving tribute to them.

The Kennedy Center is a lively space that hosts performing arts and events. The center offers three main theaters including, Concert Hall, Eisenhower Theater, and Opera House, which hosts different genres of performing arts: such as plays, operas, ballets, concerts, and films. Among the center's highlights include the Shakespeare Festival produced by the Shakespeare Theatre. The center is also home to one of the few open-air rooftop terraces, open for visitors to enjoy the panoramic view of the city. Free tours introduce visitors to the Hall of States, Hall of Nations, the main theaters, and gifts from many countries honoring the 35th president. It is a must-see for any visitor.

Thrumming with the dreamy sounds of jazzy tunes, Blues Alley is one of the best-known venues in Washington for jazz and blues performances. Tucked away in lower Georgetown, the club is near the C&O Canal. Several national acts have serenaded patrons at this beloved establishment, and the atmosphere is sleek and sophisticated. The place bills itself as a "Jazz Supper Club," and the food is almost as good as the music, much of which is inspired from Creole cuisine. Munch on savory bites such as Crab Cakes and Stuffed Mushroom as you sway to the music that envelops the lively space.