3. Pay Respects at the War Memorials
While you stroll around the National Mall soaking in the art, nature and history, you’ll want to stop by the moving war memorials scattered throughout the park. You’ll find the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall, the National World War II Memorial and the Korean War Veterans Memorial all positioned around the rectangular Reflecting Pool in front of the Lincoln Memorial. Each one of these DC sights honors the millions of Americans who served or sacrificed their lives in the armed forces throughout the major wars of the 20th century. They are open for viewing 24/7 and free of charge.
4. Go Museum Crazy at the Smithsonian
The National Mall holds even more free and fabulous attractions through multiple museums of the Smithsonian Institution. There’s the National Museum of American History, The National Museum of Natural History, the National Air and Space Museum and the American Indian Museum, for starters, and plenty more scattered throughout the city. All in all, there are 19 Smithsonian museums, galleries, sculpture gardens and parks within Washington housing over 142 million eclectic items including the Hope Diamond, the Apollo lunar landing module, an 80 ft. dinosaur skeleton, the original Star Spangled Banner, Lincoln’s top hat, the Fonz’ leather jacket and Dorthy’s ruby slippers. You’d need a lifetime to explore it all, so save yourself the overwhelm and just hone in on a few highlights at a time. The rest can wait for subsequent visits to Washington.
