Local Attractions

Click Here to see the Capitol Mall Museum Tour Map

Museums:

The Capitol Mall Museum Tour
Completed in 1855, the museum was founded by British scientist James Smithson to increase and diffuse knowledge within the United States. A 24-minute video gives an overview of the many Smithsonian museums and the National Zoo. Plan your day with the interactive touch-screen information available on the display screens.
1000 Jefferson Dr. SW, The Mall
www.si.edu

National Air and Space Museum – You can be one of 9 million people expected to visit one of the most popular museums in the world. Twenty-three galleries tell the story of aviation from the earliest human attempts at flight to our jet propelled present. Some of the museums’ historic aircraft include: the Wright 1903 Flyer, Charles Lindbergh’s Spirit of St. Louis, and the X-1 rocket plane in which Chuck Yeager broke the sound barrier.

Independence Ave. and 6^th St. SW

www.nasm.si.edu

United States Holocaust Memorial Museum – Man's inhumanity to man is documented in this solemn tribute to the millions of Jews, Gypsies, Jehovah’s Witnesses, homosexuals, political prisoners, the mentally ill, and others killed by the Nazis between 1933 and 1945. Timed- entry passes are distributed on a first-come, first-served basis at the 14^th Street entrance starting at 10 a.m. or available in advance through tickets.com.

100 Raoul Wallenberg Pl. SW

www.ushmm.org

Cultural & Historical Sites:

White House - Based on the Georgian design of Leinster Hall in Dublin, Irishman James Hoban's plan for the Executive Mansion was selected in a 1792 contest. The building has undergone many structural changes since then. Due to heightened security, you'll need to make arrangements to tour the White House at least three months in advance through the office of your member of Congress.
1600 Pennsylvania Ave. NW, Downtown
www.whitehouse.gov

J. Edgar Hoover Federal Bureau of Investigation Building - A brief film outlines the bureau's work, and exhibits include everything from John Dillinger's death mask to a poster display of the most current 10 Most Wanted criminals. (Take a good look; two criminals were apprehended as a result of a tip from tour takers!)
10th St. and Pennsylvania Ave. NW, East End
www.fbi.gov

Arlington National Cemetery - Long known as the final resting place of more than 250,000 American war dead, as well as many notable Americans. Arlington National Cemetery sprawls over 612 acres. Divided into sections, the staff can consult microfilm records and give you directions to a specific grave.
West end of Memorial Bridge, Arlington, VA
www.arlingtoncemetery.org

Mount Vernon - The sprawling plantation and the surrounding lands had been in the Washington family nearly 90 years by the time our nation's first president inherited it all in 1761. Well worth the short 16 mile trip from Washington, DC, you can stroll the estate's 500 acres and three gardens, visit the workshops, the kitchen, and appreciate the breath-taking riverside porch that sits under a 90-foot portico.
Southern end of George Washington Pkwy.,Mt. Vernon, VA
www.mtvernon.org

Alexandria, VA

Nationally recognized for its early-American architecture, variety of hotels, unique boutiques, award-winning restaurants and inexpensive historic attractions, Alexandria is the perfect getaway to shop, dine and celebrate.

Torpedo Factory Art Center - The Torpedo Factory Art Center is the highlight of Alexandria's Potomac River waterfront, attracting approximately 500,000 visitors annually. Journey through three floors of open studios and galleries to observe 82 artists' studios, six galleries, two workshops, and the Alexandria Archaeology Museum. Then stroll along the waterfront, shop and sightsee on nearby historic streets, have a picnic on the dock behind the art center, or eat in the area's many fine restaurants.
www.torpedofactory.org

Fort Ward Museum & Historical Site - In the heat of the Civil War, Fort Ward was created to protect the nation's capital from Confederate troops. Still almost entirely in place, visitors can examine forts, batteries, the officer's hut, and a unique fort built out of earth. Take a self-guided tour, examine the collection of Civil War artifacts inside the museum, and then explore the surrounding 45-acres of city-maintained parkland.
http://oha.alexandriava.gov/fortward/

Gadsby's Tavern Museum - Take a 30-minute tour of the 1770 tavern for an accurate depiction of colonial life in Alexandria. Gadsby's has been a town gathering place and watering hole for more than two centuries, and has hosted well-known locals - including former presidents George Washington, Thomas Jefferson and James Madison - at its various parties, events and performances. Each room, including the ballroom, taproom, dining room and the bedrooms, has been meticulously restored to its original condition.
http://oha.alexandriava.gov/gadsby/

George Washington Masonic Memorial - George Washington's affiliation with the Masons is remembered at this fascinating museum that features artifacts such as a Washington family Bible, the clock a doctor stopped when Washington died and a splendid Persian rug valued at over a million dollars. But the primary draw is the trip up the 333-foot granite tower which is modeled after an ancient lighthouse in Alexandria, Egypt. The view of the surrounding Virginia and Washington skylines rivals the more famous vistas tourists regularly enjoy from the Washington Monument and the Old Post Office. Tours begin every 45 minutes. Admission is free.

http://www.gwmemorial.org/