Where in the GoMoWorld: Washington DC
As one of the most vibrant cities in America, Washington DC has it all. Incredible museums and historical buildings for history buffs, hikes and trails in wild National Parks for the outdoor explorer and exciting bars and restaurants to let your hair down. We’ve rounded up the best bits so you can live like a Washingtonian when you are in town!
1. The National Mall
If there’s one place you have to visit on your trip to D.C. make it the National Mall.
This two-mile long park is home to many of the most iconic monuments and memorials, including The Lincoln Memorial where civil rights activist Martin Luther King Jr delivered the iconic “I Have a Dream Speech”, the Washington Monument, you can reminisce (or recreate) all those iconic movie scenes like the one from Forrest Gump and the Vietnam Veteran’s Memorial.
Time your trip right and you can enjoy the sensational National Cherry Blossom Festival from March and see the city in all her unique glory!
2. The Smithsonian Institution Museums
You don’t need to be a history or culture buff to be enthralled by the array of topics offered by the Smithsonian Museums in Washington DC.
No trip to Washington DC would be complete without dedicating a morning or afternoon or several to visiting the Museums. A personal favourite was the National Air and Space Museum but you can choose from the National Museum of African American History and Culture to the National Museum of American History.
With something for everyone, children and adults alike will be amazed by being allowed to explore a history of planes from the Wright brothers and up and see artefacts such as Neil Armstrong’s actual Space Suit used for the moon landing and the Command Module for Apollo 11 used for the actual 1969 moon landing!
3. The Whitehouse & United States Capitol Building
The Whitehouse & United States Capitol Building: Whether politics or architecture is of interest a visit to see the Whitehouse and the United States Capitol Building offers some of the most beautiful historical architecture combined with an insight into the history of democracy in America. Generally you can only get to within a certain distance of The Whitehouse to get that all important selfie due to security, however, you can visit the United States Capitol Building and see democracy in action. If America is the land of the Free and home of the Brave then the United States Capitol Building is the beating heart of American Politics. With so much to explore from the Senate Wing to the Capitol Dome you won't be disappointed!
4. Arlington National Cemetery
OK so visiting a cemetery is not everyone’s idea of fun, but bear with us on this one. This 639 acres cemetery is one of two cemeteries maintained by the US Army with nearly 400,000 people buried there. You can step back in time, in a cemetery dedicated to fallen soldiers dating back as far as The American Civil War. You can pay respects at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, see the Changing of the guard or visit notable graves such as that of John F. Kennedy.
4. Where to eat and Drink in Washington D.C.
All of that trekking around museums and sightseeing can work up a hunger! It’s important to stop, refuel and enjoy some of the amazing local food and hospitality on offer. With great restaurants like Founding Farmer’s D.C. close to the White House and Mall servicing American-inspired food, made from scratch with the best local ingredients, or Old Ebbitt Grill to enjoy their historic Victorian surroundings while you dine. For a more relaxed vibe checkout Union Market D.C., located near the National Mall it’s the epicentre of the culinary heart of the city. You can find street food to suit all tastes and on a budget. Or you could do worse than checking out the nearest IHOP (International House of Pancakes) for breakfast or the iconic The Cheesecake Factory with something on the menu for all tastes, not to mention the best RedVelvet Cheese cake in the world. Fact! And after all that waking you have earned it. Just be sure to tip your server, they depend on their tips for their wages and great service deserves good tips. 15% - 25% depending on how happy you are feeling.
5. Shenandoah National Park Trust
While not technically in Washington D.C., if you have time and can get on the road this one is definitely worth a visit. Just 75 miles from D.C., Shenandoah National Park is a one of the most stunning natural wonders of the Americas. With cascading waterfalls, unrivalled vistas, woodlands and wild flowers, not to mention a fantastic array of wild birds and animals. Get out onto the hiking trails, go camping if you wish, but soak in the awesomeness of this beautiful natural landscape. It’s good for the soul and wont disappoint!
6. Georgetown & the Georgetown Waterfront Park
No visit to Washington D.C. would be complete without a trip to the Georgetown Historic District. Enjoy a wander through the streets of Georgetown, see the fabulous 19th Century architecture in one of D.C’s most uptown neighbourhoods, and check out the local bar and music scene. As a counterpoint for movie fans, Georgetown is also home to the tall stairs featured in the ending scene of horror classic The Exorcist. And when you are ready to blow off those cobwebs you can visit the Georgetown Waterfront Park that stretches along the banks of the Potomac River from 31st Street, NW to the Key Bridge. The park links 225 miles of parkland along the Potomac River stretching from Cumberland, Maryland to Mount Vernon, Virginia. Shenandoah National Park Georgetown Waterfront Park.
7. And there's so much more
Visit the vineyards and sample the finest local wines in nearby Harpers Ferry, don’t forget to designate a driver as the samples are generous! Sports fans have plenty to choose from and can catch all of the heart stopping action watching the Washington Capitol Hockey team in the Capital One Arena, or football fans can see the Washington Commanders in the FedEx Field. Or if you didn’t get quiet enough history in, take a trip to Gettysburg to see the location of the pivotal battle in the American Civil War.