During the summer of 2021, I went to D.C. to visit my family and it was an amazing experience. There’s so much to see and do in this place that isn’t a state but has around 200,000 more people than Wyoming. Keep reading to find out what you cannot miss out on during your trip!
What to see
1. White House
The White House is one of the most famous homes in the world, though it is much smaller in person. It has been the President’s official residence since John Adams took office. Currently, President Joe Biden is residing in the White House.
2. Supreme Court
The Supreme Court is the highest in the United States and has appellate jurisdiction over all federal cases. After Marbury v. Madison in 1803, the SCOTUS obtained the power of judicial review, allowing it to review the executive and legislative branches of government.
Image by Aditi Singasani
3. United States Capitol
The Capitol is where the legislative branch of the United States government is housed. This is where congresspeople write federal laws. I went to visit the Capitol recently after the January 6th Insurrection, so I wasn’t able to get very close.
Image by Aditi Singasani
4. Smithsonian Museum of Natural History
Admission to this museum is free of charge, but tickets sell out quickly. This is the most popular Smithsonian Museum with a variety of exhibits that are always changing. The fossil exhibit is my favorite and houses the bones of a Tyrannosaurus Rex.
5. National Archives Museum
This is where you can see the original Declaration of Independence and Constitution.
Image via archives.gov
6. National Mall
This is a long, grassy walkway between the Lincoln Memorial and the Washington Monument, complete with views of the Capitol. The National Mall is always filled with people and is a lively place to visit. The most beautiful time to visit is around sunset.
7. Lincoln Memorial
Across from the National Mall, you can see a great statue of the man who signed the Emancipation Proclamation himself, Abraham Lincoln.
Image by Aditi Singasani
8. Library of Congress
According to its website, the Library of Congress has 173 million items, including 51 million books, and houses the most extensive rare book collection in North America.
Image via worldbook.com
9. National Gallery of Art
This museum houses unique artworks by world-famous artists like Da Vinci, Velazquez, Raphael, Matsys, Rembrandt, and Van Gough. Admission is free.
Image via nytimes.com
10. Georgetown
This quaint town is home to Georgetown University, the waterfront of the Potomac River, cobblestone streets, and restaurants with delicious food.
Image via radiology.georgetown.edu
What to eat
1. Zaytinya
This Mediterranean restaurant by Jose Andres is my favorite place in D.C. The perfectly crispy Brussels sprouts and ultra soft pita are amazing. Servers walk around with steaming hot, fresh pita, and it takes all my willpower to focus on eating my main course.
Image via forbes.com
2. Sakuramen
Sakuramen is the best place to get ramen after a day of exploring. It’s warm, fresh, and flavorful. This restaurant is on a street filled with other shops and restaurants, though it’s a little off the beaten path and underground.
Image via washingtonian.com
3. Georgetown Cupcake
These cupcakes are delicious! They’re famous nationally, as the founders, who are sisters, were on a TLC show. I love their red velvet cupcakes!
Image via georgetowncupcake.com
If you’re in DC sometime soon, pop into any of the places I recommended, and you will not be disappointed!
