District of Columbia destinations, parks and attractions

Are you going on a road trip to District of Columbia, looking for tips about the destinations so you and your party can enjoy it, be comfortable and not spend a fortune?

Here are some of the top destinations in District of Columbia and tips about visiting them. They are all within walking distance of the Mall, but it can be tiring, so you may want to rent scooters!

Top District of Columbia destinations

1. Washington Monument  - The easiest way to find the Mall is look for the Washington Monument! In the the center of the National Mall, in between the U.S. Capitol and the Lincoln Memorial stands the world’s tallest stone structure (an obelisk), made of marble, granite and bluestone gneiss, 555 feet tall and capped with an aluminum block (quite rare when it was made). Tickets for the Washington Monument are currently available online from www.recreation.gov (1-877-444-6777) ONLY; there is no onsite distribution of tickets. There are no walk up or "day-of visit" tickets available at this time. Tickets become available daily at 10 a.m. for the next day’s visits (for example, if you are planning to visit on Oct. 5, you can reserve tickets at recreation.gov beginning at 10 a.m. on Oct. 4). An individual may reserve up to six tickets per day. Each visitor over the age of two must have a ticket. There is a non-refundable reservation fee of $1 per ticket. Please note that demand for tickets is extremely high and all tickets for a day are routinely distributed in a few minutes.Built to honor George Washington, the United States' first president, the 555-foot marble obelisk towers over Washington, DC
2. Lincoln Memorial - Washington, DC. "In this temple, as in the hearts of the people for whom he saved the Union, the memory of Abraham Lincoln is enshrined forever." Beneath these words, the 16th president of the United States sits immortalized in marble as an enduring symbol of unity, strength, and wisdom.
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3. The U.S. Capital Building -Advance reservations are recommended, but not required. (Note, ever since Covid hit, tours have been suspended. This will probably continue indefinitely like all other government lockdowns and restrictions)) Individuals, families and small groups (of 15 and fewer people) can click here to create an account and reserve a tour date and time. You must be logged in to your account to see accurate availability. Reservations are available 90 days in advance.U.S. residents may also contact the offices of their representative or senators. Many congressional offices offer their own staff-led tours to constituent groups of up to 15 people, and most can assist you in reserving a tour of the Capitol.Tour services and organizations with groups of more than 15 participants should click here to access the group section of the online reservation system. Reservations for groups become available 120 days in advance. Same-Day Passes are available at the Information Desks located on the lower level of the Visitor Center. During spring, summer and some holiday periods, the availability of same-day tour passes may be limited. There may be a wait to acquire passes. Please plan accordingly and arrive early, if possible.
4. The Smithsonian Institute - These FREE museums are amazing. See the Hope Diamond, Spacecraft, trains, dinosaurs, live butterflies and so much more. The Smithsonian Institution is the world's largest museum, education, and research complex. They are all (except the zoo) located right on the National Mall.
   National Air and Space Museum Thursday through Monday 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. 
   National Museum of American History Friday through Tuesday 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
   National Museum of Natural History Wednesday through Sunday 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
   Smithsonian Institution Building (Castle) Open daily 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
   Smithsonian's National Zoo Open daily 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Reserve Free Passes.
5. The White House - 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20500. Phone: (202) 456-1111. The White House is the official residence and workplace of the president of the United States. It is located at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue NW in Washington, D.C., and has been the residence of every U.S. president since John Adams in 1800. The National Park Service does not schedule White House tours or provide tickets to enter the White House.Public tour requests must be submitted through your Member of Congress. These self-guided tours are generally available Friday and Saturday (excluding federal holidays or unless otherwise noted). Tours are scheduled on a first come, first served basis. Requests can be submitted up to three months in advance and no less than 21 days in advance. You are encouraged to submit your request as early as possible as a limited number of spaces are available. The White House tour is free of charge. Please note that White House tours may be subject to last minute cancellation. If you wish to visit the White House and are a citizen of a foreign country, please contact your embassy in Washington, DC, for assistance in submitting your request.
6. The Library of Congress - Thomas Jefferson Building, 10 First Street SE, Washington, DC 20540. Phone: (202) 707-8000. Email: veo@loc.gov.
   Directions and arrival: The Jefferson Building will be open to the public with timed-entry passes beginning July 8, 2021. Timed-entry passes will be available Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays from 10:00 am - 3:00 pm. Reserve your timed entry pass today.
7. The Supreme Court Building - The Supreme Court Building houses the Supreme Court of the United States. The Supreme Court Building, located at One First Street, NE, in Washington, DC, is the permanent home of the Court. Completed in 1935, the Building WAS open to the public (Closed indefinitely now) Monday-Friday, 9 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. and is closed on weekends and federal holidays. Also referred to as "the Marble Palace", the building serves as the official residence and workplace of the Chief Justice of the United States and the eight Associate Justices of the Supreme Court.
8. Vietnam Veterans Memorial - Honoring the men and women who served in the controversial Vietnam War, the Vietnam Veterans Memorial chronologically lists the names of more than 58,000 Americans who gave their lives in service to their country. Located near Constitution Gardens on the National Mall., it's a wall, made in 2 half's, each over 246 feet long,
9. Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial - A larger-than-life carving of the Civil Rights icon and quotes from his writings and speeches honor Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.'s legacy and the struggle for freedom, equality, and justice in America. 
10. Korean War Veterans Memorial - Dedicated in 1995, the Korean War Veterans Memorial's Wall of Remembrance and 19 stainless steel statues commemorate the sacrifices of the millions of Americans and allied partners who fought during the Korean Conflict. 
12. World War II Memorial - Through stone and bronze, the World War II Memorial recognizes the ways Americans served, honors those who fell, and recognizes the victory they achieved to restore freedom and end tyranny around the globe. The World War II Memorial honors the 16 million military personnel who served during World War II.
13. Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial
    Located along the west side of the Tidal Basin, this memorial chronicles FDR's four terms in office through quotes carved in stone and fascinating bronze artwork. 

District of Columbia District of Columbia Seasons, bugs, topography and climate

Hot and humid in the summer, cold with icy, slushy snows in the winter.

District of Columbia Camping tips

If you're not from District of Columbia, you may not realize that it would be INSANE to camp inside the Disctrict. Have yoiu seen the news in your lifetime? DC has a very high crime rate. Camp in VA or MD!

Nearby, there are private campgrounds close to the District of Columbia. .