Washington DC

Washington, DC: history

George Washington chose the site for the capital in 1790, and the French engineer Pierre L'Enfant drew its plan of wide avenues the next year. The government moved here in 1800. British troops burned the Capitol and the White House in 1814, and both were rebuilt.

The Smithsonian was founded in 1846. The Lincoln Memorial opened in 1922, and Martin Luther King Jr. gave his 'I Have a Dream' speech from its steps in 1963.

Washington, DC: tourist attractions

• Lincoln Memorial & Reflecting PoolThe seated statue of Lincoln, looking down the National Mall.
• Washington MonumentThe 555-foot obelisk. Tickets for the lift are timed.
• US CapitolFree guided tours, booked in advance.
• White HouseSeen from the outside. Tours inside must be requested long ahead.
• Smithsonian museumsAir and Space, Natural History and American History. Entry is free, and some need timed passes.
• Arlington National CemeteryThe Changing of the Guard and President Kennedy's grave.
• Jefferson Memorial & Tidal BasinFamous for cherry blossom in late March and early April.
• War memorialsThe World War II, Korean, Vietnam and Martin Luther King Jr. memorials.

Washington, DC: excursions nearby

• Old Town Alexandria about 8 milesCobbled streets and a waterfront on the Potomac.
• Mount Vernon about 16 milesGeorge Washington's home and farm.
• Udvar-Hazy Center about 28 milesThe Space Shuttle Discovery and hundreds of aircraft, near Dulles airport.
• Annapolis about 32 milesThe US Naval Academy and an old harbour town.
• Shenandoah National Park about 75 milesSkyline Drive along the Blue Ridge.

Distances are approximate. Tell us which excursions you want and we add them to your quote.