Visit Washington, D.C.

If you want to see the history of a nation, come to Washington, D.C.

Massive memorials to important presidents co-exist with statues honoring citizen-soldiers; nearby are the National Archives which contain the country’s important documents including the Declaration of Independence, while the “Nation’s Attic” – the Smithsonian Institution – holds a treasure trove of Americana.

Visitors will not run out of things to see and do in D.C., whether that includes climbing all 897 steps of the Washington Monument or touring 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue – better known as the White House.

Flights to Washington, D.C.

Flying to Washington, D.C. is easy, as is finding cheap flights to Washington, thanks to a multitude of airports.

Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD): This United hub is D.C.’s largest airport and is served by carriers from around the world; the facility is located about 45 minutes from downtown Washington.

Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA): Located just minutes from D.C., this airport, as its names suggests, serves mostly U.S. carriers plus some Canadian airlines.

Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI): Located just south of Baltimore and 30 miles from D.C., this airport is served mostly by U.S. carriers plus a smattering of European airlines.

Attractions in Washington, D.C.

Washington is steeped in history; the only problem is finding time to see it all. Some highlights:

The Lincoln Memorial – A poignant yet majestic statue of the nation’s 16^th president, with a lovely view of the Washington Monument.

The Smithsonian Institution – This is actually a complex of 19 museums (plus research centers); favorites include the Air and Space Museum (see Lindbergh’s plane and an Apollo space module) and the Museum of American History (Dorothy’s ruby slippers, Lincoln’s top hat).

The National Zoo – See sloths and sea lions, leopards and orangutans. And don’t forget to visit the famous pandas.

Shopping and Restaurants in Washington, D.C.

Did you find yourself a good deal to DC? Put that extra money to use here:

Dining: The place for power dining: lots of celebrity chefs and expensive menus, but it’s not all haute cuisine. Besides French fare, aged steaks and succulent seafood, check out the BBQ joints, chili parlors and Caribbean specialties.

Shopping: Wisconsin Avenue is the place for designer clothing and Georgetown is the place for cool specialty shops, but don’t forget all those museum stores for unique gifts (and sometimes, tacky souvenirs).

Smart Tip

Check out Washington.org’s superb list of 100 free or nearly-free things to do in D.C.

More Information on Washington, D.C.

Looking for more of Washington’s singular attractions on these websites:

The District – Attraction guide plus events, kid-friendly ideas and tour tickets.

Washington.org – Listings of seasonal events, plus attractions, tours and places to stay and dine.

WashingtonDC.com – Sporting events, weather info, plus attractions and deals.