The following article was originally pubished on calculatedtraveller.com on 12/19/17
When visiting the U.S. Capitol, you must include the
national monuments and museums on your to-do list. Here are some suggestions of
where to stay and what to see in Washington, D.C.
ALEXANDRIA, VIRGINIA
When I’m in Washington, D.C., I normally stay in a hotel near Alexandria, Virginia, since there is easy access
to Washington’s major tourist sites via the Metro, and many of the hotels here
offer free parking. George Washington’s hometown of Alexandria,
Virginia, charms visitors with its tree-lined cobblestone streets and
early 19th-century architecture. Designated a historic district, Old Town
Alexandria’s King Street features over 200 independently owned shops and
restaurants.
FRANKLIN DELANO ROOSEVELT MEMORIAL
Dedicated to the longest-running president in the USA, the
Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial is 7 acres in size with four rooms
representing each term in office. Staying in a hotel near the Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial provides
easy access to transit, but it’s also a convenient walking distance to the
other notable sites along the National Mall.
THOMAS JEFFERSON MEMORIAL
The Thomas Jefferson Memorial is dedicated to the third U.S.
president and principal author of the Declaration of Independence. The memorial
is the best spot to see the cherry blossom trees in spectacular full bloom if
you are visiting Washington in the spring. Better yet, book a hotel near the Thomas Jefferson Memorial so you can
wake up to the most beautiful view of the flowering trees! The area is within
walking distance to all the major tourist sites, but it’s also perfect to enjoy
the peacefulness and natural beauty of the Tidal Basin and surrounding
parkland.
THE WHARF DISTRICT
The Wharf District is
my favorite spot to go for seafood because it’s the location of the Municipal
Fish Market, also known as Maine Avenue Fish Market. Locals come here to do
their shopping, but most of the fishmongers offer freshly prepared seafood on
the premises. Staying in a hotel near the George Mason Memorial allows for easy
access to the Wharf District but also sights such as The National Mall, and the
more than 20 museums of the Smithsonian. With nightlife, shopping, dining,
water activities, and attractions, the Wharf District is a great area to check
out.
ARLINGTON NATIONAL CEMETERY
Arlington
National Cemetery is the largest military cemetery in the USA and is
open daily for visitors. This cemetery isn’t located in Washington, D.C., but
is across the Potomac River in nearby Arlington, Virginia. The location, out of
the busy downtown core of Washington, has some affordable hotel accommodations that are easily accessible
through a 15-minute Metro ride.
Arlington National Cemetery contains more than 400,000
internments. Guided tours, as well as free shuttle buses, are available to the
most significant visitor sites such as the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.
Washington, D.C., offers rich history, top-notch museums,
great shopping and food, and beautiful scenery. With so much to see and do in
Washington, D.C., you really can’t do it all in only one visit!
