 George Washington himself chose the location for the city that bears his name, and which serves as the seat of government for the United States of America. Over the course of 200 years, Washington, D.C. has grown with the nation, and it now represents the very best of America. From its monuments to its incomparable museums, from the Mall to the steps of the Capitol, Washington offers visitors one-of-a-kind attractions.
The majestic Capitol building stands at the center of the city, allowing unobstructed views of the best known attractions and centers of government. The giant open space of the Mall is marked off by the various museums of the Smithsonian Institution, the largest cluster of museums in the world. The National Museum of the American Indian pays tribute to the original American settlers. The National Air and Space Museum celebrates the nation's achievements in flight and space exploration, from the Wright brothers first biplane to the Apollo moon mission and beyond. Visitors line up daily for the Natural History, American History, and Science Museums to explore the wonders of history, science, and technology, and to view the famous Hope Diamond. The Smithsonian Institution also includes the world-famous Sackler, Freer and Hirshhorn galleries. Art lovers appreciate the nearby National Portrait Gallery and National Museum of American Art.
Looking past the mall, the Washington monument stands 505 feet above the city. It was the tallest man made structure in America from its completion until the early 1900's. Behind this monument is the reflecting pool and the memorials dedicated to President Abraham Lincoln and to those whose lives were lost in World War II, the Vietnam War , and the Korean conflict. New to the area of the tidal basin, and facing the Jefferson Memorial, a memorial to Franklin Roosevelt lies on the Potomac River. Not far from there, the National Holocaust Museum hosts millions of visitors each year.
The offices of the various government agencies take up much of the remainder of the city, and most offer free tours to the public. The White House also offers free tours, and the lines can sometimes stretch around the adjoining block to visit "the people's house." Just outside the city, the National Zoo houses thousands of animals on 163 acres of parkland. Across the river in Arlington, the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier stands amidst the somber majesty of Arlington National Cemetery, where John and Robert Kennedy are also buried.
Washington has many distractions from politics. Washington's theater life is thriving; it is second only to New York in number of theater seats. The National Symphony and other musical companies play full schedules. As a temporary home to diplomats from around the world, Washington's restaurant offerings are among the finest and most diverse in the country.
The beauty and grandeur of the nation's capital continue to captivate the millions of American and international tourists who visit Washington, D.C. each year.
Population: 572,059
Land Area: 61.4 square miles
Location: Washington DC, the capitol of the United States, is located on the eastern seaboard of the country within the District of Columbia, an area bordering the state of Maryland. It is bounded on one side by the Potomac River and on the side by the state of Maryland.
Time Zone: Washington DC is located in the Eastern Time Zone (when it’s noon in Washington, it’s 11am in Chicago and 9am in Los Angeles). Washington DC observes Daylight Savings Time April – October.
Local Seasons:
The most comfortable times to visit Washington DC are in during the spring and fall. Spring is the time for a visual extravaganza with cherry blossoms in bloom and all that nature has in store for the season. Temperatures average in the mid-50s in April and in the mid-60s in May. Fall brings a whole new look to the city. With the average temperatures dropping to the 60s in September, the 50s in October, and the 40s in November, visitors get to experience a wide array of colors as the leaves turn in preparation for winter. Summer is the most popular time of year when tourists from around the world visit the city. With high temperatures in the mid-80’s June, July and August and evenings in the 60’s, it’s the perfect time to experience the city and its surrounding sites. From December through March a visitor may experience the sight of snow falling. The coldest month is January with an average temperature of 34 degrees and highs in the mid-40’s and lows averaging 25.
How to Get There
By Car
Washington is circled by the Capital Beltway, formed by Interstates I-495 and I-95. Interstate 66 leads from Washington west to Virginia. Interstate 50 heads east to Annapolis, MD, the Chesapeake Bay and the beaches. Interstate 95 heads north to Baltimore, Philadelphia and New York. Interstate 270 heads north to Frederick, MD, and beyond.
By Air
Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport
44 Canal Center Plaza
Alexandria, VA 22314
703-417-8000
Only minutes from downtown and located south of the city along the Potomac River, the airport is served by a full range of domestic flights on major, regional and commuter carriers.
Washington Dulles International Airport
45020 Aviation Dr.
Sterling, VA 20166
703-572-2700
Located 26 miles west of Washington, DC offering a full range of domestic and international flights.
Baltimore/Washington International Airport
301-261-1000 or 800 I FLY-BWI
Located 30 miles east of Washington, DC offering a full range of domestic and international flights.
Ground Transportation
All of the major car rental companies have locations at the airports as well as throughout the city. Taxis are also readily available.
By Train:
Amtrak
50 Massachusetts Ave NE
Union Station
Washington, DC 20002
800-USA-RAIL
By Bus:
Greyhound
1005 1ST ST NE
Washington, DC 20002
202-289-5160
Getting Around:
Metrorail and Metrobus
202- 637-7000
Metrorail and Metrobus provide the safest, cleanest and most efficient way of getting around Washington, DC and the metropolitan suburbs. Five rail lines and an extensive bus system connect the District with the Maryland and Virginia suburbs. Train lines are named for colors: Red, yellow, blue, green, and orange. Station entrances are marked by brown pylons, capped with the letter “M” and colored stripes indicate which lines are available. Route maps are posted at each station and inside each subway car.
National Holidays:
New Year’s Day, January 1
Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, the third Monday in January
President’ Day, the third Monday in February
Memorial Day, the last Monday in May
Independence Day, July 4
Labor Day, the first Monday in September
Thanksgiving Day, the fourth Thursday in November
Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, December 24 and 25
New Year’s Eve, December 31
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