Jun 26, 2020
If you’re looking to experience some must-see attractions in Washington, D.C., but you don’t have a lot of time to spare, we have some suggestions. Choose one or more of these ideas for a respite from your busy day. All are free, which keeps things simple.
Lincoln Memorial
The Lincoln Memorial is one of the top attractions in Washington, and it only takes about an hour to experience. The majestic larger-than-life monument of President Abraham Lincoln seated in a chair is a stunning sight, as are his second inaugural address and the Gettysburg Address, which are etched into the walls in the also-majestic building. You can visit the Lincoln Memorial either during the day or at night. Many visitors say they enjoy seeing the memorial at night because of the lighting and the smaller crowds.U.S. National Arboretum and National Bonsai & Penjing Museum
If you love gardens and the outdoors, The U.S. National Arboretum and the National Bonsai & Penjing Museum will take your breath away. A visit to these two sites should take between two hours and half a day, but you can shorten the time by going for the big draw: the National Capitol Columns and the bonsai collection. The columns, built in 1828, decorated the Capitol Building until 1958. They were added to the arboretum in the 1980s and are a popular destination for photography and picnicking. The bonsai collection is in the National Bonsai & Penjing Museum, where you can see 300 miniature trees that get rotated within three pavilions and the gallery of special exhibits. If you have more time, you can take in the beautiful outdoor gardens along the many walking trails that wind through the arboretum and museum grounds.U.S. Capitol and Library of Congress
If you have a couple of hours, you can get the full experience at the U.S. Capitol and the Library of Congress. It’s free to tour the Capitol, but you’ll need to reserve your spot ahead of time. There, you can explore the north and south wings and the central Rotunda, where you can see paintings, sculptures, and frescoes that illustrate U.S. history. The 150-year-old cast-iron dome is also a beautiful sight. If you want a free tour of the galleries of the Senate or the House of Representatives, you’ll need to contact a senator or House representative for passes before your visit. You can also get same-day passes to the U.S. Capitol Visitor Center. Outdoors, enjoy a walk outside the building, where you’ll be treated to powerful views of the Washington Monument and Lincoln Memorial. When you’re done enjoying the Capitol, walk to the Library of Congress, whose three buildings contain more than 164 million books, manuscripts, photos, and more in the “largest library in the world.” Check out the 1897 Thomas Jefferson Building and its Main Reading Room, where you’ll see a grand domed ceiling and desks of rich mahogany. You can also get a free one-hour guided tour of the building. These destinations offer unforgettable experiences that will fit into a busy schedule, and when you’ve tried all three of these, you know you can find many more.
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