Washington DC, the capitol of the United States, is a beautiful city filled with opportunities to learn more about US history and culture. The monuments are grand, the parks manicured, and the arts and culture scene lively.

Washington, especially in the Capitol Hill district, is a city of politicians. On Capitol Hill, these politicians (or at least there offices) are accessible. Whether you stare through the gates at the White House, tour the Capitol, or wander through one of the Senate or House Congressional office buildings, the political atmosphere of the city is tangible here.

Many of Washington’s other neighborhoods have a very different feel than Capitol Hill. Georgetown is home to Georgetown University and is filled with fun and upscale restaurants and shops. Adams Morgan promises the best nightlife and a daytime culture for the bookish and trendy as it is filled with coffee shops, bookstores, and unique eateries.

The primary attractions in DC are historical. A must-see for on travelers’ lists is a walk along the National Mall and Memorial parks to see some of America’s most important monuments like the Lincoln Memorial, Washington Monument, and the Vietnam Veterans’ Memorial.

The Smithsonian Museums are part of an extensive research institution that includes nineteen museums and galleries and a zoo. The museums in Washington are free to all visitors and cover a wide variety of topics. Smithsonian museums in DC include the Air and Space Museum, American Indian Museum, Portrait Gallery, and American History Museum.

Arlington National Cemetery is a military cemetery just outside of Washington where more than 300,000 are buried. It is a place for reflection and respect. Over100 funerals still take place here each week. The Tomb of the Unknowns honors the unknown veterans of our wars and is under special guard. Many tourists time their visit to view the changing of the guard at the Tomb of the Unknowns.

Additional historic opportunities abound from visiting the National Archives to taking a side trip to Annapolis.

Washington may not be the first place you think of when it comes to spectator sports, but the city is home to professional football, baseball, hockey, basketball, and soccer teams. In college sports, the Georgetown basketball team and Naval Academy football are popular.

The Washington Wizards (men’s basketball), Mystics (women’s basketball), and Capitals (hockey) play at the Verizon Center in Chinatown, as do the Georgetown Hoyas. The Nationals baseball team plays at Nationals Park on the Capitol Riverfront. D.C. United soccer team plays at RFK Memorial Stadium, which formerly hosted other D.C. sports. To see the Redskins, you’ll have to travel a bit (but not too far) as the football team plays in Maryland at FedEx Field.

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