The easiest ways to get around DC is by foot, the metro, or the Circular bus that offers several routes throughout the city. This walking tour will start at the US Capitol Building and continue thru several points of interest along the National Mall and continue thru various national memorials. Suggestions on where to rest and eat will be given along the tour.
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The US Capitol Building
The Capitol Visitor Center is only open Monday - Saturday 8:30 am-4:30 pm and to take a tour, you MUST make reservations in advance through the Advance Reservation System or through the office of one of your Senators or your Representative.
Try to arrange the earliest tour possible to avoid long lines and to have the rest of your day to explore.
** Please note that back packs are not allowed in the Capitol and the tour will last over an hour.
** Please arrive 30 minutes prior to tour start time due to security screening.
Please visit: http://www.visitthecapitol.gov/ for free reservations.
US Library of Congress
After taking a tour of the US Capitol, use the underground walkway, located in the Capitol Visitor's Center, that takes you directly into the Library of Congress, thus avoiding the Library's long line for security screening.
When inside the Library, make sure to see the Main Reading Room and all temporary exhibits.
The stained glass windows, bronze statues, corridors and dome ceiling are breathtaking.
After this, make your way to the Ulysses S. Grant Memorial located on the west side of the Capitol in Union Square.
For more information visit: http://www.loc.gov/index.html
Ulysses S. Grant Memorial
I believe this memorial to be the most impressive sculpture group in the city and it's the second largest equestrian statue in the world! Union Square honors the Union soldiers of the Civil War and their commander, Ulysses S. Grant. This monument was designed by Henry Shrady, took 21 years to complete and was dedicated in 1922.
After this, walk south to the US Botanic Gardens at Maryland Avenue & 1st ave.
For more info: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ulysses_s._grant_memorial%20
National Mall
Get ready for one of the most breathtaking 1.3 mile walks!
Now since you only have one day in DC, you are going to be forced to make a few decisions on the Mall... Which museums and attractions do you want to see on your limited time schedule?
My suggestions are:
US Botanic Garden - a quick walk thru
National Gallery of Art - both wings with a few 'must see' pieces of art
National Museum of American History
and if you have kids, the National Air and Space Museum and the National Museum of Natural History
For some Mall info: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/national_mall
US Botanic Garden
A Quick Excursion:
In addition to the 12,000 plants in its permanent collection, this building's architecture is a must see, even if you only have time for a quick run-thru.
US Washington Monument
If you're visiting at the height of tourist season, you may have a long wait to get to the top of this 555 foot 5 1/8 inch monument to George Washington.
Ticketing information:
The Washington Monument Lodge, located along 15th Street, opens at 8:30 A.M. for distribution of free, same day, timed tickets on a first come first serve basis. One person may pick up as many as six tickets as well as select their preferred ticket time from what remains available for that operating day. All individuals (including children) must have a ticket.
During the spring and summer, tickets run out quickly and the line for tickets forms as early as 7:00 A.M.; please plan accordingly.
If you wish to reserve tickets, you may do so by visiting the National Park Service ticket website at http://www.recreation.gov, or by calling 1.877.444.6777 for individual tickets or 1.877.559.6777 for group reservations. There is a $1.50 service charge per ticket. These tickets may be picked up at the “will call” window of the Washington Monument Lodge on the day of your tour.
World War II Memorial
This beautiful World War II Memorial honors the 16 million who served in the armed forces of the U.S., the more than 400,000 who died, and all who supported the war effort from home.
After visiting, make your way to the Lincoln Memorial.
Official site: http://www.wwiimemorial.com/
Lincoln Memorial
Stand on the very steps where Martin Luther King said, "I Have A Dream!"
By now, it's 4pm and you're pretty tired. Keep going, because you're going to walk thru the Korean War & Vietnam Memorials and then make your way over to the White House.
Korean War Veterans Memorial
When these 19 steel statues, depicting a unit on patrol during the Korean War, reflect in the granite wall, they become 38. A metaphor for the 38th parallel, the longitude that was established as the border between North and South Korea in 1945.
US Vietnam Veterans Memorial
For me, this is the most beautiful and touching memorial in DC.
To be here, is to honor those who served. To be here with those who served, is truly an honor.
Bring Kleenex! It's an exceptional experience.
White House, Washington, DC
Tours of the White House can be obtained, but do require a lot of work.
Below is information from the official White House site regarding tours:
Public tours of the White House are available. Requests must be submitted through one's Member of Congress and are accepted up to six months in advance. These self-guided tours are available from 7:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. Tuesday through Thursday, 7:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Fridays, and 7:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Saturdays (excluding federal holidays). Tour hours will be extended when possible based on the official White House schedule. Tours are scheduled on a first come, first served basis. Requests can be submitted up to six months in advance and no less than 30 days in advance. You are encouraged to submit your request as early as possible since a limited number of tours are available. All White House tours are free of charge. For the most current tour information, please call the 24-hour line at 202-456-7041. Please note that White House tours may be subject to last minute cancellation.
Official site: http://www.whitehouse.gov/about/tours-and-events
Pavilion Cafe (Great and Cheap lunch on the Mall)
The Pavilion Cafe is only open from 10am-4pm, but it is the best and cheapest meal you can find on the Mall.
It is located within the National Gallery of Art's beautiful Sculpture Garden.
Their Salads are Served with Bread of the Day and are very reasonable.
Classic Caesar Salad $6.25
Grilled Chicken Caesar Salad $8.75
Poached Salmon Caesar Salad $9.25
Dijon-crusted Chicken Salad $9.95
Italian Vegetable Salad $9.50
Southwestern Cobb Salad $10.50
Their Signature Panini Sandwiches are served with Miss Vicky's Chips
Reuben Panini $9.50
Beef & Blue Panini $9.50
Pastrami Panini $9.50
Monté Cristo Panini $9.00
Spicy Rojas Panini $9.00
Spring Vegetable Panini $9.00
Their pizzas are Individually Cooked to Order
Chicken Fajita Pizza $7.25
Classic Cheese Pizza $6.25
Pepperoni Pizza $6.75
Vegetable Pizza $7.25
