When you think of the skyline in our nation's capital city, immediately the Washington Monument comes to mind. This 555-foot obelisk juts out into the sky to stand as a tribute to our first President. The monument, along with the Capitol Building and the Lincoln Memorial, is part of the areas trio of must-see landmark attractions. It is located at the western end of the Mall and the free elevator ride will take you to the top floor for a truly breathtaking view. The admission is free, but you need a ticket to enter. The ticket kiosk is located at the base of the monument on 15th Street and opens at 8:30am. Tickets are given out on a first-come, first-served basis.
Located between the U.S. Capitol and the White House, Newseum offers a fresh take on the traditional museum experience. You and your date will be pleasantly surprised at how much fun you'll have absorbing the exhibits that are as informative as they are entertaining. Over the course of 14 galleries you'll see how the free press has been the cornerstone of democracy. Various mediums are the subjects of the many exhibits. They include radio, newspaper, photography, photojournalism, contemporary history and much more. There's plenty for the two of you to do and to talk about on your romantic date at Newseum.
Take the family on an incredible safari the next time you're in Washington, DC. How? By visiting the National Zoological Park that's part of the Smithsonian Institution. The kids will marvel at more than 5,000 animals that are presented in their natural habitats. The zoo sprawls out over 163 acres and includes informative displays and attractions placed throughout the grounds. Don't forget to see two of the zoo's most popular residents, Mei Xang and Tian Tian, the two giant pandas that are on loan from the China Wildlife Conservation Association. The kids will absolutely love it!
Walking tours would be great if weren't for all that walking. Luckily, there's A Tour De Force: Guided Tours of Washington to the rescue! See some of the city's most popular sites like the White House, the US Capitol and the Lincoln and Vietnam Memorials, all from the comfort of a Segway cycle. You'll be supplied with a helmet and a Segway scooter as well as all the information you need to truly absorb and appreciate the incredible sites that make Washington such a vital place in so many ways. And, you'll see it all without tiring out your feet.