Washington, DC: A great travel destination throughout the year

January 13, 2:15 PMCarolinas Travel ExaminerPaul McDaniel

Washington, DC is a city that routinely appears in the news week after week. The world’s attention will certainly be focused on this city next Tuesday, January 20, for the inauguration of Barack Obama as the new President of the United States. In fact, over a million people are expected to travel to Washington just to be there for the inauguration ceremony.  While they are there, I would certainly hope that they will take the opportunity to see some of the many sights that the nation’s capital is famous for.

Washington, DC is a great travel destination any time of the year. As the capital city of the United States of America, it is a popular travel destination for both domestic and international travelers. The nation's history is literally embodied in the many monuments, memorials, and buildings throughout the city. When you do decide to take a trip to Washington, whether your travels take you there for business or for a vacation, you'll certainly want to take some time to look around the city and see some of the sights. 

Most first time visitors, as well as returning travelers, will enjoy exploring the National Mall area, which stretches about two miles between the Lincoln Memorial and the U.S. Capitol, in the heart of the District of Columbia. The National Mall contains many famous sights, monuments, memorials, and museums that are well-known by most people. Many of these sites are administered by the National Park Service. These include the Lincoln Memorial, Washington Monument, World War II Memorial, Vietnam Veterans Memorial, Korean War Memorial, the Smithsonian Institution and many of its associated museums (such as the National Air and Space Museum, the National Museum of American History, National Zoological Park, National Portrait Gallery, National Museum of the American Indian, and the National Museum of Natural History), the U.S. Capitol, the White House, the U.S. Botanic Garden, and much more. Other nearby sights of interest in DC include the Jefferson Memorial, the Roosevelt Memorial, Arlington National Cemetery, the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, the National Archives, the various U.S. Federal Government entities, Chinatown, Dupont Circle, Embassy Row, Ford's Theater, the Holocaust Museum, the National Geographic Society and Explorer's Hall, the International Spy Museum, the Newseum, and much more.

All of these points of interest may be enjoyed throughout the year. However, you might enjoy visiting Washington DC in different seasons of the year. Late spring, for instance, is famous for the cherry blossom trees in bloom. Traveling to DC during a national holiday, such as Memorial Day, Independence Day, or Veterans Day, is also popular. There is, of course, a spectacular Independence Day (July 4) celebration held annually in Washington DC.  The holiday season - including Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year - is also popular with visitors who enjoy seeing the nation’s capital decorated for the holidays.

Whenever you do decide to go, take advantage of the many online sites to help you plan your trip and to find out about places to stay and eat, how to get around the city (the DC Metro is very efficient and inexpensive), and the many exciting things to see and do. So, start planning your trip and enjoy your travels to Washington DC!

For More Information:

• Travel to and Visit Washington, DC
• Official Tourism Site of Washington DC
• MetroRail (Subway)
• National Park Service - Washington DC Area Parks, Monuments, and Memorials