ABOUT THE CITY OF WASHINGTON DC:The capital of the Unites States, Washington DC, sits between Maryland and Virginia. It is home to some of the most iconic buildings and monuments in America, but is also full of areas of charm and some of the best museums on the planet.
The National Mall is an area of parkland, which joins the White House, and the buildings of the Capitol. At its heart is the Washington Monument, while the Vietnam Veterans Memorial is in nearby Constitution Gardens and other monuments include the Lincoln Memorial, the Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial and Korean War Veterans Memorial and the United States Navy Memorial.
The Smithsonian Institution is a vast collection of museums, including the National Air and Space Museum, the Smithsonian American Art Museum, the National Museum of Natural History, the National Portrait Gallery, the National Museum of the American Indian and the National Zoo, among others.
Among Washington’s historic districts, Georgetown is worth an especial mention for its pretty brick town houses and cobbled streets. It is also a good place for fine dining and upmarket boutique shops. The Adams Morgan district is another good place to head for, with a wide variety of places to eat.
Among the green areas of the city are the US National Arboretum, Rock Creek Park, Theodore Roosevelt Island and the areas near the Potomac River, especially the Potomac Gorge. After years of work, the last is now once again providing a breeding ground for America’s National bird, the Bald Eagle.
Arlington National Cemetery, just across the border in Virginia, is the resting place of tens of thousands of Americans, from casualties of the American Revolutionary Wars onwards, as well as explorers, astronauts, writers and presidents.
Washington DC is a rich cultural and friendly city filled with historical and political stories in a beautiful waterfront landscape.
LOCATION OF WASHINGTON DC:Close to (and almost halfway down) the east coast of the United States, the artificial "city state" of the District of Columbia is bounded by Maryland State on 3 sides and by Virginia State south of the Potomac River. Ronald Reagan national airport is just 3 miles south, in Virginia State; Dulles international airport is 26 miles west. BWI (Baltimore Washington international airport) is 30 miles northeast.
SERVING AIRPORTS:Washington Dulles International [IAD]
Ronald Reagan Washington National [DCA]
Baltimore/Washington International [BWI]
Flight time from the UK: approximately 8 hours 30 minutes
BEACHES WASHINGTON DC:The nearby Delmarva Peninsula (a word combining Delaware, Maryland and Virginia) has some of the best beaches in the country. Chesapeake Bay and the Atlantic coast provide popular areas in summer for sunbathing, swimming and sailing.
SHOPPING IN WASHINGTON DC:Stylish malls are found in the suburbs and are about as good (and expensive) as in any great city. Many of the country's best stores have branches here; Tysons Corner, Virginia, and Chevy Chase, Maryland, are two of the most upmarket areas. Perhaps the best choices in DC itself can be found at Georgetown Park and Connecticut Avenue. Options in Downtown are limited, although Union Station is well worth a visit, if only for the architecture. Outside the city itself are 2 huge shopping outlets: Potomac Mills (25 mls S) and Arundel Mills (30 mls N), both with over 200 shops including brand names, cinemas and restaurants.
EATING OUT IN WASHINGTON DC:A world-class restaurant city, although the major choice is found outside Downtown. Besides fine dining in some of the country's best restaurants, ethnic eateries – from Ethiopian to Central American, Russian to Vietnamese – are scattered throughout, with the highest concentration in the Adams Morgan district. Nearby Chesapeake Bay is noted for its seafood.
DON’T MISS IN WASHINGTON DC:- A tour of the Capitol Buildings
- The 4th July celebrations
- or Emancipation Day
- A show at the Lincoln Theatre
YOU SHOULD KNOW:Getting one of the White House tours is incredibly complicated even for US citizens.
Disclaimer:
By its very nature much of the information in our destination guides is subject to change at short notice and travellers are urged to verify information on which they are relying with the relevant authorities. Corona Holidays [UK] Limited cannot accept any responsibility for any loss or inconvenience to any person as a result of information contained above.
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