Touristy Things

Spotlight Events:

Historic Hauntings Ghost Tours
10/17/2008 - 11/23/2009

Explore the haunted past of the National Building Museum.  See a different side of the Museum on this lantern-light tour led by the ghost of Mary Surratt. Who are the irritable rider on horseback and the footless figure? Why are there mysterious faces swirling in the 75 foot Corinthian columns? And, why do these ghosts (and more!) call the National Building Museum their home? All will be revealed on this behind-the-scenes tour of the mysteries of the Museum.

Location: National Building Museum
Dates & Times: Oct. 17, 19, 24, 28 and Nov. 3, 16 & 23 at 8 pm.
Admission: Members $12, Non-members $18
Metro: Judiciary Square

The Annual High Heel Drag Race at Dupont Circle

Each year on the Tuesday before Halloween, spectators by the thousands head for 17th Street, between P and S Streets NW near Dupont Circle to enjoy Washington's unofficial, but fabulously raucous High Heel Drag Race.

FEATURED TOURIST SITES:

African American Civil War Memorial and Museum
1200 U Street, NW
A Wall of Honor lists the names of 209,145 United States Colored Troops (USCT) who served in the Civil War. The museum explores the African American struggle for freedom in the United States. Museum is open Monday to Friday, 10am to 5pm, Saturdays, 10am to 2pm.

Arlington National Cemetery
About ¾ mile from the Lincoln Memorial, across the Memorial Bridge
This is America's largest burial ground with the graves of President John F. Kennedy, Supreme Court Justice Thurgood Marshall, world champion boxer Joe Louis and the Tomb of the Unknowns. Hours are 8am to 7pm daily.

DC Ducks Tour
Union Station - Washington D.C.
See Washington DC on the land and water with this most unusual tour. Traveling in original WW II DUKW amphibious vehicles, this 90 minute tour will take you through the city of Washington before splashing down into the Potomac River for the most unique ride of your vacation!
                                     

Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial
At West Potomac Park near Lincoln Memorial on Ohio Drive, SW
This memorial is divided into four outdoor galleries, one for each of FDR's terms in office from 1933 to 1945. Several sculptures depict the 32nd President. Hours are 8am to 11:45pm.

George Mason Memorial
900 Ohio Drive, in East Potomac Park, SW
Monument to the author of the Virginia Declaration of Rights, which inspired Thomas Jefferson while drafting the Declaration of Independence. Mason persuaded our forefathers to include individual rights as a part of the Bill of Rights.

Iwo Jima Memorial
At Marshall drive, next to Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, VA
This memorial, also known as the United States Marine Corps War Memorial, is dedicated to the marines who gave their lives during one of the most historic battles of World War II, the battle of Iwo Jima.


Jefferson Memorial
Thomas Jefferson-political philosopher, architect, musician, book collector, scientist, horticulturist, diplomat, inventor, and third President of the United States-looms large in any discussion of what Americans are as a people. Jefferson left to the future not only ideas but also a great body of practical achievements.

Korean War Veterans Memorial
At Daniel French Drive and Independence Avenue, SW
Our nation honors those who were killed, captured, wounded or remain missing in action during the Korean War (1950 -1953). Nineteen figures represent every ethnic background. The statues are supported by a granite wall with 2,400 faces of land, sea and air support troops. A Pool of Remembrance lists the names of the lost Allied Forces. Hours are 8am to 11:45pm.

Lincoln Memorial
National Mall
The Lincoln Memorial is a tribute to President Abraham Lincoln and the nation he fought to preserve during the Civil War (1861-1865).


Monuments by Moonlight
Washington DC's spectacular monuments at night are not to be missed on this 2 1/2 hour fully narrated tour. With stops at the Iwo Jima Memorial, FDR Memorial, Lincoln Memorial, Vietnam Veteran and Korean War Memorials you will definitely want to bring your camera. Washington, D.C. is most beautiful after the sun sets.

National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial
On Judiciary Square at E Street, NW, between 4th and 5th Streets
This monument honors the service and sacrifice of federal, state and local law enforcers. A marble wall is inscribed with the names of more than 17,000 officers who have been killed in the line of duty since the first known death in 1792.

Old Town Trolley Tours
Named Washington’s Best Tour by Washingtonian Magazine. Discover the nation’s capitol during this two hour tour. See the best first and enjoy the stories of the men, women and events that shaped our nation. With well planned stops you can visit Georgetown, the Mall, the National Cathedral, Lincoln Memorial, the Smithsonian museums and much, much more!

Sewall-Bellmont House & Museum
144 Constitution Avenue, NE
The museum is the headquarters of the historic National Woman's Party and was the Washington home of its founder and Equal Right Amendment author Alice Paul.

United States Botanical Garden
100 Marland Avenue, SW
The United States Botanic Garden traces its beginning to 1816, when the constitution of the Columbian Institute for the Promotion of Arts and Sciences in Washington, D.C., proposed the creation of a botanic garden to collect, grow, and distribute plants of this and other countries that might contribute to the welfare of the American people.

United States Navy Memorial
701 Pennsylvania Ave. NW, between 7th and 9th Streets
The memorial commemorates U. S. Naval history and honors all who have served in the sea services. Open 24 hours, Naval Heritage Center is open Monday through Saturday 9am to 5:30pm.

Vietnam Veterans Memorial
At Constitution Avenue and Henry Bacon Drive, NW
A V-shaped granite wall is inscribed with the names of the 58,209 Americans missing or killed in the Vietnam War. Across the lawn is a life size bronze sculpture of three young servicemen. Hours are 8am to 11:45pm.
                        

Washington Monument
15th Street, SW
The memorial to George Washington, our nation's first president, took 40 years to complete its original construction due to lack of funds, but was finally dedicated in 1885.  Take the elevator to the top and see a wonderful view of the city. For free tickets, go to the kiosk on the Washington Monument grounds at 15th Street and Madison Drive. Hours are 9am to 4:45pm daily except for December 25. Advance tickets are available for $1.50 service fee.

World War II Memorial                       
At 17th Street, between Constitution and Independence Avenues
This beautiful structure serves as a peaceful place to remember those who served our country during World War II. The memorial is open 24 hours a day.
                         

Women in Vietnam Memorial
At Constitution Avenue and Henry Bacon Drive, NW
This sculpture depicts three women in the military with a wounded soldier to honor the women who served in the Vietnam War. The sculpture was dedicated in 1993 as part of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial.