An Easy, Fun and Nearly Free Sightseeing Trip to the U.S. Capitol, and the Monuments of Washington DC
Washington DC is one of the most interesting and different US cities. Unlike traditional skyscraping US cities, DC has a sprawling, horizontal old-world feel, complete with beautifully organized monuments, parks and museums that have been perfectly preserved.
Getting around DC couldn't be easier, with an easily accessible subway system called the Metro. Most points of interest in DC are no more than 2 miles away from each other, so you're never all that far from the next destination or metro stop. The monuments are all completely free to see, as well as most of the museums in town, like the Smithsonian.
Be sure to take a look at our Washington DC Photo Gallery!
Lincoln Memorial
The beautiful Greek style temple tribute to Abraham Lincoln
At the far west end of the National Mall lies the Lincoln Memorial. Resembling an ancient Greek temple, the monument is one America's favorite pieces of architecture. Construction was initiated in 1912, and featured a large sculpture of the United States' 16th president, Abraham Lincoln. Read more about the Lincoln Memorial here.
Lincoln Memorial at Night
Lincoln Memorial T-Shirt
Lincoln Memorial Women's Cap Sleeve T-Shirt
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Planning your DC Trip
Take advantage of all the fun free things to do in Washington DC with an authorative guide
The Unofficial Guide to Washington, D.C. (Unofficial Guides)
Amazon Price: (as of 12/19/2009)
List Price: $16.99
A good guide book on DC is pretty much essential for a fun trip. There's so much to see and so much to plan out, so many monuments, so many hotels to choose from, so many museums to visit, so many restaurants to eat at, so many ways around the city...it's good to have a reference on hand before and during the trip. This one is highly rated amongst buyers and includes bonuses like DC travel with kids, and hints on where to save cash and time along your route.
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Vietnam Veterans Memorial
Honoring veterans that served in the Vietnam War
Honoring soldiers that fought in the Vietnam war and died or are unaccounted for, the Vietnam Veterans Memorial is perhaps the most emotional monument in DC. The names of the soldiers are memorialized on the Memorial Wall, which lies to the north of the reflecting pool. The reflective wall is made of two large portions of black granite and beautifully pays tribute to the Vietnam Veterans.
A Convenient Washington DC Travel Guide...
The perfect size guide to carry around while traveling
Washington, D.C. (Eyewitness Travel Guides)
Amazon Price: $15.64 (as of 12/19/2009)
List Price: $23.00
DK Eyewitness books always makes an excellent guide that is small enough to take on the go, while providing easy to look up info at a glance. This is important! You don't want to be wasting time during your trip trying to find what you are looking for. This guide couldn't be simpler to use.
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Vietnam Washington Night B&W Large Framed Print
Price: 49.99
US Botanic Gardens in the National Mall
The US Capitol Building
Where congress does its official business in Washington DC
One of the great symbols of the United States is its massive Capitol Building. Lying in the near center of Washington DC, the Capitol and on top of the Capitol Hill area, the building houses the U.S. Congress. A new visitors center will be completed in Novemeber 2008, complete with dining, exhibits, and theatre.
Washington Ringer T
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Cherry Blossom Path Greeting Cards (Pk of 10)
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A DC Poll...
If you have used the DC Metro...
Arlington National Cemetery
The beautiful burial grounds honoring deceased US servicemen and women
Arlington National Cemetery contains some of the most well-known tributes and memorials in the country, like JFK's grave site and the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.
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Arlington National Cemetery
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Arlington National Cemetery, in Arlington, Virginia, was established during the American Civil War. It sits just across the Potomac River from Washington, D.C. Arlington is an American military cemetery which acts as the final resting place for more...
Try timing your visit for the changing of the guard at the tomb for an unforgettable experience. Robert E. Lee's renovated historic mansion also lies within the cemetery and provides an excellent view of all of DC's monuments. Nearby, you'll want to visit the stunning Iwo Jimo Memorial, which has parking right on site.
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Riding the Metro in Washington, DC
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This page is dedicated to giving the insider, local take on riding the metro in Washington, DC and the surrounding area.
It Seems Like One Big city
Washington DC and Arlington might feel like the same city, and that's because at one time they were! Before the Civil War, Arlington was part of Washington DC, but requested secession to continue its slave trade only a few hundred feet from the banks of Washington.
U.S. Air Force Memorial, Arlington
Iwo Jima Memorial
What's the best way to DC?
If you're driving to DC, the best route is usually 295 from the north, or I-395 from most points south. I-95 circles Washington DC, so you'll have to take an alternate route to get directly into the city.
Washington DC Pentagon Dark T-Shirt
A vintages style mens t-shirt with a white pentagon in the middle, with the letters "DC." Cool for anyone that's been there or lives there!
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I-95: The Road Through DC
The I-95 Interstate is wrapped around Washington DC...
If you're headed down to DC, you'll be taking this long roadway that runs along the eastern seaboard. There are many other cool cities and towns to discover, like New York City, Boston, Richmond, and rustic southern towns like Savannah.-
I-95 Road Trip
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I-95 runs right down the east coast of the United States, hitting major cities like Boston, New York, Philadelphia, Washington DC and Miami, as well as some of the best sites the country has to offer! A trip from Boston to Miami is approximately 1500...
Books on the Washington DC Area
Recommended Books
Washington DC was a well planned out city aesthetically, with beautiful tidal basins and riverfront monuments, the capitol is very photogenic. Here are a list of recommended guides and scenic books featuring the tributes, monuments and sightseeing opportunities in the DC area.
Washington, DC: A Photographic Portrait
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Amazon Price: $17.96 (as of 12/19/2009)
List Price: $24.95
Great Monuments of Washington D.C.- The History Channel (The White House, the Presidential Memorials, War Memorials
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Amazon Price: (as of 12/19/2009)
List Price: $39.99
Historic Houses of Virginia: Great Mansions, Plantations and Country Homes
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Amazon Price: $34.65 (as of 12/19/2009)
List Price: $55.00
Charm City: A Walk Through Baltimore (Crown Journeys)
Avg. Customer Rating: 
Amazon Price: $11.53 (as of 12/19/2009)
List Price: $16.95
If you like DC...
...you'll probably love the history Boston has to offer as well. Places like the Freedom Trail, Old North Church, and Boston Light offer unforgettable stories, views, and of course, history.-
The Best Places to See in Boston, MA
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Founded in 1630, Boston is the capital of Massachusetts and the largest city in New England, at a population of 590,000. It's a city full of sports like the Sox, Bruins and Celtics, history (remember the Boston Tea Party?), unique buildings like the...
DC Tourism Links
- Virtual Tour of DC
- Click to tour all of DC's buildings and see what they have to offer!
- Official Tourism Site of Washington DC
- DC's official site for tourism.
Plan a Road Trip to Washington DC!
It's a great city to drive to...
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Planning a US Road Trip: The Southern Route
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If you love warmth and sunshine, this is the perfect US road trip for you where you'll get to see 8 different states. Some of the most unique areas of the country are all easily accessible from I-10, a highway that begins in Los Angeles and ends...
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How to Plan a US Road Trip
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There's nothing like taking a road trip across the USA. Going by car gives you a greater appreciation for the vastness and wide array of parks, forests, cities, museums, beaches and cultures the United States has to offer. By taking a cross country r...
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Northern U.S. Road Trip
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When planning a road trip in the United States, there are two popular options: the northern route and the southern route . We'll be analyzing the northern route here, covering the states from Maine to Washington state. If a road trip is in your futur...
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What to Bring on a Road Trip
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There are the necessities for road trips, and there are the items that will improve the quality of your road trip. Both can be equally important to have a good time on your trip...from technological help like navigation systems to old, trusty road at...
Have you Ever Been to Washington DC?
Tell us about your experience in the capitol city!
Be sure to visit our lens for royalty free Washington DC photos!:
Washington DC Photo Gallery
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- JaguarJulie JaguarJulie Oct 16, 2009 @ 10:49 am
- Blessings to YOU my dear! Squid Angel blessed today.
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- JaguarJulie JaguarJulie Sep 17, 2009 @ 2:24 pm
- Say, remind me please -- what was that TV show that you could play along online and it was centered around landmarks or monuments -- ending up in DC -- know what I'm talking about???
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- QueSea QueSea Jun 28, 2009 @ 8:41 am
- Wow! This will make it easier for us to plan our trip. Thanks. I've added it to my favorites.
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- NatureMaven NatureMaven Apr 24, 2009 @ 3:25 pm
- I haven't been to the US Botanical Garden on the Mall since they renovated it. Glad to be reminded. I will lensroll this when my US National Arboretum lens goes live. Unfortunately I can't do this right now.Stay tuned.
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- IndianGuru IndianGuru Jul 10, 2008 @ 7:28 pm
- Awesome lens! Reminded me of my great trip to DC this June.
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- NewRiver NewRiver Jun 27, 2008 @ 9:53 am
- Another great one Kiwi!
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- KimGiancaterino KimGiancaterino Jun 24, 2008 @ 12:09 pm
- Gorgeous, as always! I've been to DC once and it wasn't enough. There's so much to see and do. Welcome to All Things Travel.
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- Lakota429 Lakota429 Jun 24, 2008 @ 7:03 am
- Awesome lens! Saw you on the board! 5 stars. Annie~
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- sisterra sisterra Jun 23, 2008 @ 4:02 pm
- Again, another fantastic lens. You make them look easy. Great photos!!
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It's Nearly Free?
All of the monuments in Washington DC are absolutely FREE, even the majority of the museums! This makes DC an extremely low cost trip. Save up for airfare (or drive if you're close) and your hotel stay, maybe a little food and a metro pass and you're good.
by kiwisoutback
Kiwi T-S... (more)
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