Washington, District of Columbia (D.C.) is the Capital City of the United States nestled between Maryland and Virginia on the Potomac River. It is truly a world-class city with museums, monuments, arts, and culture. Washington, D.C. can be a vacation destination or part of a larger vacation that includes visits to historic Maryland and Virginia. All visitors to Washington, D.C. should bring comfortable sneakers for walking, cameras, journals to taking notes, and dress clothes for an evening out on the town. Before traveling to the District, visitors should read about the history of the area, Congress, and the Presidents.

Washington, D.C. has wonderful hotels-many with suites that are family friendly. For vacationers, who would prefer to camp, can stay a Pohick Bay, Virginia and drive a short distance to Washington, D.C. to see the sites. Additionally, others find less expensive lodging in the outlying counties of Virginia and Maryland and drive into Washington, D.C. during the day. For those visitors, who arrive in Washington, D.C. by train, Union Station is conveniently located to access all the key sites and hotels of the District. In fact, while visiting Washington, D. C., all tourists should spend some time at Union Station. Airline passengers can access Washington, D.C. by its two airports or fly into Baltimore and take the train to the District. When flying into Reagan National Airport, plan on taking the Metro into the heart of the District. In fact, some of the hotels are on the Metro lines. Other hotels are located a short walk from the Metro stations.

All visitors to the District must see the White House, Capitol, and other federal buildings including, the U. S. Mint, Library of Congress, and Smithsonian Institutions. Visitors to the Smithsonian can spend days wandering its galleries and halls because the exhibits are always new and interesting. The monuments on the mall around the Reflecting Pool celebrate America's history. First, there are the famous monuments that honor our presidents: Washington, Jefferson, Lincoln, and Roosevelt. Franklin Delano Roosevelt's monument is the newest of the presidential monuments and is worthwhile visiting. The World War II Monument is the newest and centered in the Reflecting Pool. However, there are also the Vietnam and Korean War Memorial Monuments. While the Vietnam Memorial is understated and dramatic with the names of those who lost their lives in the conflict, the Korean War Memorial depicts the brave young men who marched along the lonely ridges of Korea. Because the context of the monuments is so unique, visitors need to see them at night as well as during the day. The Korean War Memorial is especially dramatic to view in the rain or as the fog rises from the Tidal Basin.

Walking in Washington, D.C. is the only way to see everything including, the various consulates, stores, and restaurants from China Town and Dupont Circle to Georgetown for shopping. Another walking tour is a stroll from the Capitol to the White House and Foggy Bottom-and then to Georgetown. Once in Georgetown, walkers should stroll to the Potomac where there are many quay-side restaurants and cafes which are great for a snack or full-course meal. The neighborhoods are beautiful in Georgetown with their interesting town houses.

Arlington National Cemetery is across the Potomac River from Washington, D.C. Hearty walkers can make the trip to visit the Cemetery and back in less than a half-a-day. There also are taxi cabs and tour buses that visit Arlington National Cemetery.

Washington, D.C. has many festivals. Starting with the celebration of the cherry blossoms in the spring, there are music and art festivals almost every weekend in the spring, summer, and fall. Wolf Trap has wonderful outdoor musical performances and the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts has many elegant plays, concerts, and celebrations throughout the year.

Visits to Washington, D.C. are incomplete without touring Arlington, Alexandria, and Mount Vernon. Again, tour buses are available for those who prefer guided interpretive tours. However, strolling around the historic streets of the old cities is pleasant and driving along the Potomac to Mount Vernon is scenic. After touring Mount Vernon, the beloved home of George Washington, the first President and father of the United States.

Other trip suggestions:

• Use Washington, D.C. as a base for exploring historic Civil and Revolutionary War battlegrounds in Virginia, Maryland, and Pennsylvania.
• From Washington, D.C., drive to Richmond and Williamsburg or Charlottesville and the Shenandoah Parkway.
• Visit New York and see the first capitol of the United States.
• Follow the I-95 corridor, north and south along the eastern seacoast.
• From Washington, D.C., go to Delaware and the Eastern Shore of Maryland and Virginia.