George Washington himself chose the location for the city
that bears his name, and which serves as the seat of government for the
United States of America. Over the course of 200 years, Washington, D.C.
has grown with the nation, and it now represents the very best of America.
From its majestic monuments to its incomparable museums, from the Mall
to the steps of the Capitol, Washington offers visitors one-of-a-kind
attractions.
The majestic Capitol building stands at the center of the city, allowing
unobstructed views of the city's most famous attractions. The giant open
space of the Mall is marked off by the various museums of the Smithsonian
Institution, the largest cluster of museums in the world. The National
Air and Space Museum celebrates the nation's achievements in flight and
space exploration, from the Wright brothers first biplane to the Apollo
moon mission and beyond. Visitors also line up for the Natural History
museum to learn about the sciences and to view the famous Hope Diamond.
The Smithsonian Institution also includes the world-famous Sackler, Freer
and Hirshhorn galleries. Art lovers should also appreciate the nearby
National Portrait Gallery and National Museum of American Art.
Looking past the mall, the Washington monument stands 505 feet above the city. It was the tallest man made structure in America from its completion until the early 1900's. Behind this monument is the reflecting pool and the trio of memorials dedicated to remembering President Lincoln and the wounded and killed of the Vietnam and Korean conflicts. New to the area of the tidal basin, and facing the Jefferson Memorial, a memorial to Franklin Roosevelt lies on the Potomac River. Not far from there, the new National Holocaust Museum hosts millions of visitors each year.
The offices of the various government agencies take up most of the space of the city, and most offer free tours to the public. The White House also offers free tours to the public, and the lines can sometimes stretch around the block to visit "the people's house." Just outside of the city, the National Zoo houses thousands of animals on 163 acres of park. Among its residents are two giant pandas given to the United States as gifts from the People's Republic of China. Across the river in Arlington, the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier stands amidst the somber majesty of Arlington National Cemetery, where John and Robert Kennedy are also buried.
Washington has many other distractions from politics. Washington's theatre life is thriving; it is second only to New York in number of theatre seats. The National Symphony and other musical companies play full schedules. As a temporary home to diplomats from around the world, Washington's restaurant offerings are the finest and most diverse around.
The beauty and grandeur of the nation's capital continue to captivate
the millions of American and foreign tourists who visit Washington, D.C.
each year.