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| Jefferson Memorial |
Washington, DC
Things to See
Arlington National Cemetary- Commemorates the dead of WWI, WWII, Korean,Vietnam, and Persian Gulf wars with seemingly endless rows of white headstones. A solitary soldier guards the cemetary, with changing of the guard every hour. Visitors may walk or take a guided tour. Open daily 8-7, Apr.-Sept.; 8-5, rest of year. Narrated tour $3, ages 3-11 $1.50. 703-692-0931.
Ford's Theatre- Abraham Lincoln was shot here by John Wilkes Bootho on April 14, 1865. The restored theater continues to stage performances Tues.-Sun at 7:30, Thurs. 1:00, Sat. 2:00, and Sun. 3:00. Ford's Theater Museum, located in the basement, includes 400 historic artifacts about the assassination. National park service rangers present a talk on the assassination each hour in the theater. 511 10th St. N.W. 202-426-6924. box office 202-347-4833.
Jefferson Memorial- Built in 1942 . The central room contains a heroic bronze statue of Thomas Jefferson by Rudolph Evans. The statue is surrounded by panels inscribed with passages of Jefferson's most significant writings. Tours by request daily 8-midnight. Free. Basin Dr. SW on the South shore of the Tidal Basin. 202-426-6841.
Korean War Veterans Memorial- Was built in gratitude to those 1.5 million who served in Korea 1950-53. 7-foot high statues of 19 soldiers are displayed, along with a 164-foot-long polished gray granite wall with military archive photographs of support forces. The memorial is in shades of black, gray, and white. Located near the Lincoln Memorial. 202-619-7222.
Lincoln Memorial- The white marble memorial, designed by Henry Bacon, was built in 1922. A 19-foot seated statue of Lincoln is on display in the interior. The Gettysburg Address and the Second Inaugural Address are carved on the walls of the memorial. Martin Luther King's "I have a Dream" speech was given from the memorial steps during the 1963 March of Washington. The memorial is best visited at night. Tours by request daily 8-midnight. Free. 23rd St. NW. 202-485-9875.
The Mall- One of the nation's oldest federal parks. Extends from the Capitol grounds to the Lincoln Memorial. The focus point of many events happening in Washington. The area between the Capitol and the Washington Monument is popular for strolling, picnicing, and relaxing.
Pavilion at the Old Post Office- Was built 1899 as the country's postal headquarters. The renovated building now houses shops and restaurants. Take the glass elevator to the 315-foot clock tower which houses 10 bells. Another elevator continues to the 12th floor observation deck, which has panoramic views. Open daily 7-9:30. Tower tours daily 8a.m.-10:45p.m. Apr.-Labor Day; 10-5:45pm rest of year. Tower closed Thur. 6:30-10p.m. Free. 202-289-4224.
Pentagon- The five-sided building, finished in 1943 after 16 months of construction, houses branches of the Department of Defense. It is one of the largest office buildings in the world, covering 29 acres of land. A film presentation is available. A 90-min. tour departs every hour. Mon.-Fri. 9:00-3:00. Free. Photo I.D. required. 703-695-1776.
Union Station- Completed in 1907. Was the largest train station in the world. There are 126 stores and restaurants, a food court, a nine-screen cinema complex, an international money exchange, car rentals, and an Amtrak ticket counter. 40 Massachusetts Ave.
U.S. Capitol- One of the nation's most familiar landmarks. The two wings contain the Senate and House chambers. The central part of the building includes the Rotunda, Statuary Hall and the original Supreme Court and Senate chambers. Daily 9-4:30. 35-min. guided tours given Mon.-Fri. 9-3:45. Free. First St. between Constitution and Pennsylvania avenues. 202-225-6827.
Vietnam Veterans Memorial- Its polished black granite walls are inscribed with the names of those who died serving in the Vietnam war. Names are listed chronologically by date of casualty, including those who are missing. A statue of three servicemen and one of three servicewomen stand near the walls. Wreath-laying ceremonies take place on Memorial Day and Veterans Day. Daily 24 hours. Free. Near the Lincoln Memorial between the Reflecting Pool and Constitution Ave. 202-485-9875.
Washington Monument- It's grounds extend from 14th to 17th streets, and from Constitution to Independence avenues. 50 American flags surround the 555 foot structure. An elevator runs to the 500-foot observation room, which has a panoramic view. Daily 8-midnight, Apr. 1-Labor Day; 9-5 rest of year. Free tickets are required for admittance. 15th St. & Constitution Ave. NW. 202-619-7222.
White House- Has been the home of every president except George Washington. The renovation in 1948-52 preserved the exterior walls and completely rebuilt the interior. Furnishings include antiques and original pieces from previous presidents. A china collecion and portraits are on display. Free self-guided tours are offered Tues-Sat. 10-noon. 1600 Pennsylvania Ave. 202-456-7041.
National Zoological Park- Is noted for its giant panda which is fed at 11:00 and 3:00. The indoor and outdoor exhibits have thousands of animals. Other highlights include an invertebrate exhibit, a cheetah exhibit, a wetlands habitat, and a replica of the Amazon rain forest. Has more than 3 miles of trails covering 163 acres. Entrances in the 3000 block of Connecticut Ave, on Harvard St, and on Beach Dr. Open daily 8-8, Apr. 15-Oct. 15; 8-6 rest of year. Free. Tours on weekends available by appointment. 202-673-4955.
Bureau of Engraving and Printing- The US Government designs, engraves and prints paper money, bonds, postage stamps and other items here. The visitors center contains exhibits of engraved cards and uncut sheets of money which may be purchased. Mon.-Fri. 8:30-8:30 and 4-7, Jun-Aug; 3:30-3:30 rest of year. Tickets available Mon-Fri. 8-2 at booth on 15th St. Free. 202-874-3019.
Capital Children's Museum- A hands-on learning center. Mexico, Thailand, changing environments, and communcation are featured exhibits. Reading, theater, and crafts are featured activities. Daily 10-5. $6, under 3 free. 8003rd St. at H St. N.E.
National Air and Space Museum- Features the history and development of air and space technology. Is one of the world's most popular museums. Visitors can touch moon rock, walk through the Skylab space station, or view IMAX films in the five-story screen theater. Daily 9:30-5:30. Planetarium and IMAX theater $5.50,; over 64, students with ID, and children $4.25. Tape tours $5.00 over 64, students with ID and children $4.50. 7th St. and Independence Ave. S.W. 202-357-2700. TTY 357-1729.
National Aquarium- The oldest public aquarium in the US, offering a touch tank with hermit crabs and sea urchins. It displays more than 1200 fish and other creatures. Shark feedings are Mon, Wed, and Sat at 2. Piranha feedings are Tues, Thurs, and Sun at 2. Daily 9-5. $3, ages 2-10 75c. 202-482-2825.
National Archives- Preserves and displays federal government records. Features the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution, the Bill of Rights, and a copy of the 1297 Magna Carta. Daily 10-9, Apr.-Labor Day.; 10-5:30 rest of year. Guided tours daily 10:15 and 1:15, 202-501-5205. Free. Consitution Ave between 7th and 9th sts. N.W. 202-501-5000.
National Gallery of Art- Consists of two buildings containing the world's finest collections of western European art from the 13th century to present, and American art from Colonial to present. The West building offers Italian painting and sculpture including the only painting by Leonardo da Vinci in the Western Hemisphere. The more contemporary East building offers 20th century paintings by European and American artists. The gallery also holds 17 of the surviving 69 original wax sculptures by Edgar Degas. Forth st. & Constitution. Gallery open Mon.-Sat. 10-5, Sun 11-6. Free. 202-737-4215. TDD 842-6176 mon.-fri.
United States Holocaust Memorial Museum- Presents the history of the 6 million Jews and others who suffered and were killed by the Nazis in 1933-45. The three-floor limestone and red-brick building incorporates many refences to the Holocaust. It includes artifacts, photographs, films and oral histories. The Hall of Remembrance, the Wexner Learning Center, and the Wall of Remembrance are also available. Entrances on 14th St. SW and at 100 Raoul Wallenberg Pl. SW. Open daily 10-5:30. Last admission is at 3:30. Free. 202-488-0400 or TDD 440406.
Smithsonian Institution- Includes 16 museums and galleries, and the National Zoo. Nine of the museums line the Mall from 4th St. to 14th St. N.W. The administration is located in the Smithsonian Castle, along with The Smithsonian Information Center. Free guided tours available. 9-5:30. 202-357-2700.
St. Matthew's Cathedral- Designed in Renaissance style. An inscription in marble commemorates the funeral of John F. Kennedy. Guided tours available Sun 2:30-4:30. Open Daily 6:30-6:30. Free. 202-347-3215.
Alexandria
Things to See
Ramsay House Visitor's Center- Home of William Ramsay, the city founder. Maps, brochures, and tour informations is available. 221 King St. (703) 838-4200.
Torpedo Factory- Originally built by the U.S. Navy for manufacturing torpedo casings, today it houses some 160 artists, 83 working studios, and five Co-op galleries. Open daily 10-5 (703)-838-4565. Located on the third floor of the factory is the City's Archaeology Museum and Research Labratory. On dispaly are some of items found in recent excavations within the city. 105 North Union St. (703) 838-4399.
Old Presbyterian Meeting House- Built in 1774 and best known as the site for George Washington's memorial services. Located in the church yard is the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier of the American Revoultion. Free and open to the public. 321 South Fairfax St. (703) 549-6670.
Carlyle House- It was here that the meeting of 5 royal governors created the Stamp Act which eventually helped provoke the American Revolution. 121 North Fairfax St. (703) 549-2997.
Robert E. Lee's Boyhood Home- The original home of Harry Lee, his wife and 5 children inlcuding Robert E. Lee. A well preserved museum-house filled with antiques and memorabilia. 607 Oronoco St.
George Washington masonic National Memorial- Towering 330 feet high the top can be reached by elevator for a view of Alexandria. George Washington Memorabila is on dislpay. (703) 838-3891.
Mount Vernon- Located just 8 miles south of Alexandria. Tour the house with two museums on site, multipe outbuildings, and Washingtons Tomb. (703)-780-2000.
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Washington, DC Guide
