Things To Do in Washington D.C.

Located on the National Mall. Built to honor George Washington, the first President of the United States. Building began in 1848 but was halted in 1854 because of lack of money. Nothing more was done on the monument for more than 20 years. Work began again in 1876 when Congress assumed the duty of finishing it. The original quarry was no longer available so they tried two other quarries before completing it so you can see the three different colors of stone today. The marble monument is 555 feet tall and was the tallest building in the world when it was completed in 1884. Tickets are required to go to the observation deck at the top.

Located next door to the Natural History Museum on the National Mall. Open every day except Christmas and admission is free. There is so much to see here and so much variety. Plan to spend at least half a day but plan ahead because they close at 5:30. Visit the transportation hall and view the more than 300 objects that take you on a journey from the railroads to cars. Visit the American Stories exhibit and see a fragment of Plymouth Rock, the ruby slippers from The Wizard of Oz movie and Apolo Ohno’s speed skates from the 2002 Winter Olympics. Visit the Dolls’ House exhibit that has a five story dollhouse with over 1300 miniature pieces in the model. There is also a steam locomotive, the Vassar Telescope, one of the original elephants from the Dumbo the Flying Elephant ride in Disneyland, Julia Child’s home kitchen and a Civil War Draft Wheel.