Free Washington DC Attractions: Learn About the Upbringings of the United States
Can’t get enough of the news? If that’s the case, take a trip over to The District of Columbia, also known as Washington DC. As history and politics dominates the state capital, experience Washington DC attractions by checking off free tourist spots in the United States.
Started from the bottom and hopefully you’ll be there. What in the world am I talking about? If you’re curious on what I’m referring to, make sure that you read this before you head over to Washington DC attractions spots.
I’ve visited the National Mall, including the Washington DC attractions I’m about to mention, multiple times throughout my life. And every single time I’ve visited, I’ve averaged at least 5 miles of distance walked. So if you’re obsessed with maximizing Fitbit steps like me and are up for the challenge, you’ll have a lot of fun visiting these spots. If you don’t average walking too much per day, no worries! No matter where you start checking out the Washington DC attractions spots, you’ll always view one staple from each other.
So if I were you, I’d start off from the the bottom of the Washington DC attractions listed for these reasons. Unless you’re staying at a hotel near the main tourist attractions, you’ll probably take an Uber or a Lyft. Yes, the Metro takes you close, but taxis are inexpensive and will drop you off exactly at your destination. Take an Uber or Lyft to the bottom of the attraction spots and make your way up. Plus, at the end of the day, you’re probably going to want to top off the day with a nice meal downtown. That’s what I did, so here is the route that I’d suggest taking to check off your Washington DC attractions checklist.
1. Greet America’s 16th President at the Lincoln Memorial
Located on the west end of the National Mall, the Lincoln Memorial was built to honor Abraham Lincoln. Abraham is the 16th President of the United States, and is the face of the $5 USD bill. Till this day, the Lincoln Memorial is known as one of the more popular, symbolic tourist attraction spots.
When I entered Washington DC, I started off my day at the Lincoln Memorial. I got to Lincoln around 11AM and even though it was a bit later than I had anticipated, there weren’t as many people as anticipated. Again, I visited the Lincoln Memorial on a Thursday. So as long as the weather is nice outside and had a nice breakfast before, you’ll be amazed at how big the memorial is.
I am going to warn you to have a nice breakfast before starting off your day. Starting from the Lincoln Memorial, there aren’t too many restaurants to even grab a quick meal. However, there are little shops that sell souvenirs of all the Washington DC attractions and snacks. But if you’re a breakfast type of person, those snacks definitely won’t fulfill you.
The Lincoln Memorial is open 24 hours every day of the year. Rangers are also at the Memorial from 9:30AM to 10PM ensuring safety. But I’m sure they are also there to answer any underlying questions about the memorial and other Washington DC attractions.
2. Find Your State Plaque at the World War II Memorial
NEW JERSEY, WHAT’S UP!
Sorry about that, let’s get serious here. Once you walk away from the Lincoln Memorial, you’re going to want to start heading east. All you have to do is walk 0.5 miles across the Reflecting Pool that separates the Lincoln Memorial and the World War II museum. It’s a beautiful walk as you’re going to bump into countless people taking selfies from all directions.
The World War II Museum is one of Washington DC attractions spots that honor 16 million soldiers. These soldiers served in the armed forces of the United States, which holds such rich symbolism. The monument is symbolic to the citizens of the United States as more than 400,000 people died sacrificing their lives for our freedom that we have now.
3. Stroll Around the Washington Monument
You’re probably not in the right area if you can’t spot the Washington Monument from different angles of DC. The Washington Monument is the bigger staple of Washington DC attractions and is pretty hard to miss.
To honor George Washington, this marble and granite monument was built. George Washington was the first President of the United States, and is the face of the $1 USD bill. Washington was also the commander-in-chief of the Continental Army, formed by the Second Continental Congress. What’s interesting about the Second Continental Congress is that it was formed after the American Revolutionary War by ex-British companies. Eventually, this became the United States of America. Crazy, right?
Fun Fact: The Washington Monument is the world’s tallest stone structure and obelisk, which is a stone pillar that is set up as a monument or landmark.
4. End Your Washington DC Attractions at Capitol Building
Capitol Building, also known as the United States Capitol, is home to many. Home to the U.S. federal government, Congress, and the seat of the legislative branch. It is located all the way east of the National Mall of the Washington DC attractions, as the building refers to a building which houses government institutions.
Fun Fact: the design of the Capitol Building was from a winning designer, William Thornton who won first place for $500.
Completing Your Washington DC Attractions List
You’ll have a blast in Washington DC if you’re a history geek. If not, you’ll just appreciate the upbringings of the leaders who allowed Americans to experience the land of the free. The number of attractions spots and tourist attractions in the state are endless as you’ll appreciate learning about the history of the United States.
Not a fan of the cold? Make sure that you visit the state capitol when the weather isn’t too cold. Get a nice meal in before you start off your day since there aren’t too many restaurants around the area. Once finishing your DC tour, head over to downtown DC. End off your day with a drink or two and take in all the historical lessons you’ve learned for the day.
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