DK Travel : Washington, D.C. : Places of interest

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Old Town Alexandria

This lovely old city center, across the Potomac just beneath the capital, retains the charm and hospitality of its illustrious past while giving visitors all modern conveniences, including a metro station (King Street on the yellow and blue lines). Alexandria is noted for its historical and archeological museums, Gadsby’s Tavern (see Gadsby’s Tavern Museum), the evocative system of Civil War forts and defenses at Fort Ward, and its captivating residential architecture, civilized shops, and restaurants.
Rock Creek Park Nature Center

The short nature trail here is only 1-mile (1.5-km) long (see Rock Creek Park) so it is easily negotiated by children. Many native species can be spotted en route, including foxes, racoons and deer. There is also a small planetarium. A number of activities that appeal to children, including arts and crafts workshops, are scheduled throughout the year. On a sunny day, this is also a great place to bring a picnic, and enjoy one of the city’s truly natural environments. In other parts of the park there are also tennis courts and horse riding trails.
Sewell-Belmont House

Built in 1750 and expanded into its current mansion size in 1800, this house is one of the most historic in Washington. It is thought that one past resident, Albert Gallatin, Treasury Secretary for Jefferson and Monroe, may have worked out the financial details of the Louisiana Purchase – which nearly doubled the size of the United States – here. The house was the only private residence burned during the War of 1812 because only from here did Americans fire on the invading British (see War of 1812). The completely rebuilt home was bought by the National Women’s Party in 1929 and remains their home today. Visitors can see the elaborate but homey period furnishings of the house’s past, as well as the museum’s fascinating collection of objects and documents fundamental to the suffragist and feminist movements in the United States, and the oldest feminist library in the US.

Hallway, Sewall-Belmont House
Skylab Orbital Workshop

Kids love Skylab in the National Air and Space Museum because visitors can walk inside and see the tools, instruments, and living facilities of the actual 1973 spacecraft, although this is the backup module that never flew in space (see National Air and Space Museum).
Skyline Drive, Virginia

This delightful winding road passes 107 miles (170 km) through the mountain and valley scenery of Virginia’s Shenandoah National Park. Numerous hiking trails to isolated peaks, waterfalls, and rare forest environments begin from the main highway.
Smithsonian Carousel

In front of the Arts and Industries Building (see Best of the Rest) at the Smithsonian is a delightful authentic carousel with brilliantly painted hand-carved animals. It only operates in good weather, but don’t miss this bit of old-world fun if you have the chance. It also makes a refreshing break for kids beginning to tire of the surrounding museums.
Smithsonian Carousel

This lovely carousel with its fancifully carved steeds is a treat even for quite young visitors. The sounds of the band organ are very cheering.
Southwest Waterfront

This is a wonderful place for strolling, summer and winter. The diversity of Washington is on parade, the sailboats, yachts, and houseboats are picturesque, and the seafood – both cooked and raw – at the Southwest Fish Wharf is a showcase of what’s best in eastern waters. The Fish Wharf is the current raucous embodiment of colorful markets that have flourished here continuously since about 1790. It is famed for its crabs, oysters, and clams, and also specializes in river fish not widely available elsewhere, such as perch and bass.
Supreme Court Building

The home of the highest seat of the judicial branch of the US government is a solid and handsome Neo-Classical building designed by Cass Gilbert – the architect of the beautiful Woolworth Building in New York City – and completed in 1935. On its west pediment, above the marble columns of the main entrance, is inscribed in bold letters the famous motto “Equal Justice Under Law” (see Supreme Court).
Tudor Place

This house museum would be remarkable for its beauty even without its historic interest. Completed in 1816, the house was built by Thomas Peter, son of a Georgetown tobacco merchant, and Martha Custis Peter, granddaughter of Martha Washington. The Peter family occupied the house for six generations and provided hospitality to many prominent guests. The formal gardens are exceptional.