As you plan your trip to Washington DC, consider some of the top things to see and do. Many of Washington's best attractions are found in historic Capitol Hill, a neighborhood perched on a hill. From anywhere in the city, you can see them and feel the democratic spirit of the city.
Parks
The state of Washington is home to numerous national and state parks. From glaciated mountains to active volcanoes to alpine lakes, Washington offers a variety of recreational opportunities. Explore the state's natural resources, and learn about its rich culture. You'll also find plenty of wildlife in Washington's parks.
If you're looking for solitude, try North Cascades National Park, which has fewer than 30,000 visitors a year. Its landscape is characterized by endless sawtooth-like peaks and stunning blue alpine lakes. The park is also home to a small population of grizzly bears. While this is a rare sighting, you can also view gray wolves, black bears, and mountain lions.
Museums
Museums in Washington, DC offer a wide variety of art forms. From modern to impressionist, Washington is home to the Phillips Collection, which opened in 1921. This collection includes more than 3,000 works of art by more than 1,000 artists. There's also the Old Stone House, which is one of the oldest buildings in the city. The interior is furnished to resemble a late-18th century home, with period furniture and artwork.
The Library of Congress lost its original collection during the War of 1812, but Thomas Jefferson offered up his personal library to replace it. There's a massive collection of priceless artifacts here, including war maps, city plans, recordings of famous musicians, and speeches from iconic presidents. Another popular attraction is the Torpedo Factory, which is a massive artist commune, which has the largest open art studios in the world.
Historic sites
Historic sites are among the best things to do on your vacation in Washington. You can visit Fort Nisqually, which was the first European trading post on Puget Sound, and Fort Vancouver. The former is now a living history museum. Fort Vancouver's former buildings are on the National Register of Historic Places. Fort Vancouver was an important fur trading outpost during the 19th century. In 1866, it burned down, but the hotel was rebuilt. It still contains the country's only preserved Japanese bathhouse.
You can also visit Independence National Historical Park. This is where George Washington helped form the nation. This site is only open during daylight hours.
Outdoor activities
If you love outdoor activities, you'll love visiting Washington, D.C. The city is home to some of America's most iconic sites and national treasures. The mild climate makes the area ideal for outdoor activities, including walking and biking trails. You can also go boating or fishing in one of Washington's beautiful rivers.
For a more peaceful and meditative hike, consider heading to the beautiful Rock Creek Park. This urban oasis offers a variety of activities, including a hike that focuses on the healing nature of the park. Along the way, you can participate in reiki healing and oracle card readings.
Attractions
If you are planning a trip to Washington DC, there are many places you can visit to enrich your experience. There are museums, parks, and national monuments to visit. Those who are interested in history can visit the Smithsonian National Museum of American History. It is located in L'Enfant Plaza and features the world's largest collection of international espionage artifacts. Visitors can enjoy interactive exhibits, fascinating displays, and fascinating photos of famous spies. Other Washington attractions include the International Spy Museum and Arlington National Cemetery. Both museums are located near the Smithsonian Castle and cover the history of espionage over the centuries.
For those interested in art and history, the Fairhaven Historic District has galleries and a patio to sit and enjoy the view. Visitors can also visit Western Washington University's Outdoor Sculpture Collection, which includes numerous sculptures. There is also a beautiful park for walking, with four sets of falls. There are many trails to take to explore the park's beauty.
