With 231 stained glass windows, 112 gargoyles, high sweeping ceilings and incredible views of the city, the National Cathedral is a Washington, D.C., must-see. Its beauty and history make for an awe-inspiring visit, while the interesting tours ensure that visitors are both educated and entertained.
Best and worst time to go to the National Cathedral
When you want to visit the National Cathedral depends on what you want to get out of your visit. Sundays are free, but have fewer tours and are more crowded. Going in the morning on a weekday gives you more time at the Cathedral, but music and events tend to occur in the evenings. For the best visit, it's worth looking at the calendar, and then planning your visit around the events and tours that seem most interesting.
Must see/do at the National Cathedral
The tours are by far the best part of any visit to the National Cathedral. From the general 'Highlights Tour' of the main floor (free with admission, held every half hour) to the more in-depth 'Tour and Tea' to specialized tours such as the 'Gargoyles Tour' or the 'Behind-the-Scenes' tour there is something to appeal to everyone. Again, check the calendar for details.
Admission to the National Cathedral
Admission is around $10 per person, with discounts for students, seniors, children, and military. Admission on Sundays, and for any spiritual event, is free.
Parking and public transportation at the National Cathedral
Since the National Cathedral is on the outskirts of DC, it is one of the few destinations that is most easily reached by driving. There is an underground parking garage on the grounds (rates are between $5-$10 an hour, depending on how long you stay).
Food at the National Cathedral
Open City runs a café in the Old Baptistry with decent soups and salads fairly reasonably priced (for Washington). There are also a sprinkling of cafés and restaurants outside the Cathedral on Wisconsin Avenue.
Insider tip for visitors the National Cathedral
From a gargoyle of Darth Vader to an actual moon rock in one of the stained glass windows, the National Cathedral holds many surprising and amusing secrets. Check out the 'Facts and Figures' section of the website before visiting to find out about them, and then you'll be able to see and appreciate them during your visit.
Author's bio: Margaret Sessa-Hawkins has been living in DC since she was born, with the exception of a few brief residential stints in Malawi, South Africa, and the UK. When not writing, she spends her time working on aerial acrobatics and fostering kittens, both of which are really fun facts to bring up at D.C. cocktail parties.
Martin Luther King Jr. National Memorial
The Martin Luther King, Jr. National Memorial (MLK Memorial) is part of the National Mall and Memorial Parks. It is located on the northwest corner of the Tidal Basin at the intersection of Independence Avenue and West Basin Drive SW in Washington, D.C. The MLK Memorial was dedicated on August 28, 2011 -- the 48th anniversary of the historic March on Washington organized by Dr. King. The centerpiece is a solid granite carving of King, and it is the first major memorial along the National Mall dedicated to an African-American and a non-president.
Parking and public transportation at the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial
The Metrorail or biking is the best way to get to the MLK Memorial. Street parking is limited, and parking restrictions are enforced. Street parking requires payment at a meter for limited hours or you can spend at least $12 for a garage. The nearest station is Smithsonian (orange/silver/blue), and the closest Capital Bikeshare stand is at 14th Street and Jefferson Drive NW.
Best time and worst time to go to the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial
For a combination of good weather and beautiful landscape, visit the memorial in the spring or fall, and if you want to avoid the tourist crowd, visit in September and October. Peak tourist season and the summer months are the worst times to visit. Summer in D.C. comes with high humidity and temperature that can hit above 100 degrees, and coupled with huge tourist crowd, you might want to save your trip for later.
Admission to the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial
Admission is free, and it is open 24 hours and seven days a week.
Must see/do at the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial
An endearing aspect of the MLK Memorial, in addition to the solid granite carving of Dr. King, are his quotes carved into the solid granite and on the wall around the memorial. Walk the full length of the wall, and be inspired by the great words of a great man.
Other places to visit near the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial
Visit the Washington Monument, the Lincoln and World War II memorials and the museums of the Smithsonian Institution -- all part of the National Mall. If you are in the area on a summer evening on Friday, visit the Sculpture Garden for Jazz in the Park. It is an evening of lounging around in the garden enjoying a jazz band while sipping sangria, hanging with friends and meeting new people
Insider tip for visitors to Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial
MLK memorial and its surrounding memorials is best viewed at night. The monument, along with the other memorials on the Mall, is illuminated at night and offers a fabulous view of the city. In addition, early spring is a good time to catch the Cherry Blossom, and you'll be glad you saw this stunning view of Washington, D.C.
Author's bio: AdeOla Fadumiye moved to Washington D.C. from Minneapolis in 2007, and fell in love with its beautiful scenery, history and vibrant restaurant and night life. She graduated with a Mass Communication Degree from Winona State University, and is a freelance writer and editor, and the founder of JostWrite. She loves reading, dancing, working out, and traveling. She is currently working on her first book.
The Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C., is easily one of the world's most recognizable monuments. Filled with architectural details and nuances, the memorial pays tribute to the president credited with saving the Union. Part of the National Mall and Memorial Parks, the Lincoln Memorial is the most visited site on the National Mall. Started in 1914 and dedicated in 1922, people from around the world and the nation flock to pay tribute to Abraham Lincoln, surrounded by mentions of his most famous words and works.
Parking and public transportation at the Lincoln Memorial
The Lincoln Memorial is at the western edge of the National Mall, two miles from the Capitol Building. Parking for the area can be found at Ohio Drive, SW between the Lincoln and Thomas Jefferson Memorials, while accessible parking can be found adjacent to the Memorial at Daniel Chester French Drive SW.
The Lincoln Memorial can also be reached by public transportation and then walked to. The nearest Metro stop is Foggy Bottom (23rd St. &I St. NW) and Smithsonian (12th St. &Independence Ave. SW).
The National Mall is bike friendly and if you don't have your own, a Capital Bikeshare location can be found on Daniel French Drive SW.
Best and worst time to go to the Lincoln Memorial
As one of the most popular tourist destinations in the nation, the steps of the Lincoln Memorial are always crowded, especially during national holidays and school holidays. The National Mall is open 24 hours, so going at off times, like sunrise and sunset, not only afford beautiful lighting but also the chance of seeing fewer mass groups.
Admission to the Lincoln Memorial
Admission to the Lincoln Memorial is free. You can check out the details and stay on the steps for as long as you like. There is a small gift store where you can buy memorabilia pertaining to the area.
Must see/do at the Lincoln Memorial
If you are interested in American history and learning more about the Lincoln Memorial and other sites of interest on the National Mall, then check out the free walking and biking tours that are offered. An annual highlight is the Independence Day celebration. Crowds converge upon the National Mall for a day filled with activities, highlighted by a spectacular fireworks display in the evening.
Other places to visit near the Lincoln Memorial
The Lincoln Memorial is part of the National Mall, a vast park that includes the Washington Monument and many other memorials dedicated to wars, presidents and important leaders. At various points within the mall, you can find concessions such as ice cream and snack vendors.
Insider tips for visitors to the Lincoln Memorial
The National Mall is two miles long, from the Capitol Building to the Lincoln Memorial. Be sure to wear comfortable walking shoes and dress according to the weather, as it is also a walk from the nearest parking and Metro stations. Sunscreen and plenty of water are essential during D.C.'s hot summer months.
Author's bio: Carly Zinderman is a freelance writer from Los Angeles that loves to travel. She has written for many websites on topics including travel, food and drink.
The United States Capitol building is one of the world's most recognizable architecturally detailed structures. The large domed building has survived through centuries of fires, rebuilding, damage, expansions and restoration projects to remain a symbol of American government. Home to the Senate and the House of Representatives, the Capitol now also includes a spacious underground visitor's center for detailed descriptions about the Capitol's past, present and future.
Parking and public transportation at the U.S. Capitol
The Capitol is located at the far eastern end of the National Mall and doesn't have public parking facilities. Visitors can park at Union Station and then walk to the building. Three subway stations can be found in walking distance to the Capitol: Union Station, Capitol South and Federal Center, SW. The Capitol can also be accessed via tour bus.
When to go to the U.S. Capitol
As one of the world's top attractions, the U.S. Capitol is often filled with tourists. It is recommended that you plan your visit for early on a weekday, shortly after the visitor center opens. You should also plan ahead as tours must be booked in advance and you need to contact your Congressperson for looks at the Senate and House.
Admission to the U.S. Capitol
Admission to the U.S. Capitol visitor center is free, as is a tour of the historic Capitol building. However, tour tickets are required for the Capitol building and reservations are necessary.
Must see/do at the U.S. Capitol
Be sure to contact your representative ahead of time to get a tour of the building itself. Even when under construction, the domed building and architecture are worth a see, including the interior rotunda. Many visitors also enjoy using the tunnel system to get to the Library of Congress, which houses various art exhibits throughout the year. There are also cafeterias serving sandwiches and drinks and located in the Capitol Visitor Center as well as in the Library of Congress and Supreme Court buildings.
Other places to visit near the U.S. Capitol
Although the Capitol is located at the far end of the National Mall, it is actually quite far from the reflecting pool and Washington monument. The closest other activities are the Library of Congress, Smithsonian, the U.S. Botanic Garden and the U.S. Supreme Court.
Insider tips for visitors to the U.S. Capitol
Before visiting the Capitol, make an appointment for a tour in advance, either through the visitor's center or with your Congress person in order to get access to the Capitol building itself, although the center itself is certainly worth a stop. If possible, schedule your trip for a time during the year when your only fellow guests will be local school students, rather than the hordes of tourists from around the world that descend on the city each summer.
Author's bio: Carly Zinderman is a freelance writer from Los Angeles that loves to travel. She has written for many websites on topics including travel, food and drink.
