Everybody can list the big names to check off your first trip to Washington, D.C.: The White House. The Smithsonian Museums. The Lincoln Memorial. But if you’re on your second or third visit, or if you’re a local, there’s plenty of opportunity to get out of the mainstream and visit some other D.C. treasures.
- The Library of Congress is more than just the largest library in the world. It regularly features rotating exhibits like “Hope for America: Performers, Politics and Pop Culture” which looks at the role Bob Hope played in American political history. In addition, the amazing architecture and art collection of the Library is always on display.
- The United States Botanic Garden is a gorgeous piece of history dating back to 1816. Today, the Garden not only houses over 26,000 plants in a variety of categories, but also promotes sustainability and environmental concerns. Taking a journey through the gardens after visiting some of the more popular areas is a perfect way to reconnect with nature.
- Gravelly Point is located right across the Potomac and is a popular sightseeing spot for airplane aficionados. It’s just north of the Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport, and visitors can also see an exhibit of flight curiosities in the Exhibit Hall of Terminal A. However, the real thrill is standing at the end of the runway and feeling the rush as planes launch and come in for landings.
- The Oak Hill Cemetery in Georgetown was founded in the 19th century and provides a beautiful example of that era’s Romantic movement in Architecture. Visitors can see graves dating back to the Civil War and some even earlier. Founder William Wilson Corcoran wanted the Cemetery to be a respectful and popular site for visitors and family members alike, and his wishes have survived up to the present day.
