Washington D.C.
T
his city is the Capitol of the United States of America. It is where the pulse of the nation begins. It's importance to the world is apparent as you listen to and watch the flow of international travelers making their way through the streets, buildings, and transportation hubs. They come to see and touch the places where history is being made and laws of the greatest nation in the world fashioned. Washington D.C is bulging with “must” things to see and do. For most visitors some method of prioritizing their activities is required since it would take months to really get to know this city. Fortunately, there is good public transportation and tours available to assist you. Many of the sites you will likely be visiting are close together so walking is also a very good option, especially if your daily excursions are planned out in advanced.
Government Buildings
The Capitol and White House are high on the list of places to see. To see them contact your Senator or Representative and give them the dates you desire. It is suggested that you make your requests as early as possible. Tours are scheduled approximately 2 weeks ahead. To make arrangements for these tours contact your legislator, or phone the congressional switchboard at (202) 224-3121. Give your legislators name and ask to be connected to his or her office. Picture taking is limited, at times, in these buildings but seeing in person these famous structures will be remembered for a lifetime. There are many other of the “peoples buildings” that are available for viewing, including the State Department, Bureau of Engraving and Printing, Supreme Court Bldg., and the Library of congress.
Museums
The Washington D.C. Area is a “museum heaven”. The Smithsonian Museums actually consist of many separate museums in separate buildings. Many are located on the Washington Mall and are within walking distance of each other. The focus of the museums vary from the very spacious Air and Space Museum, the American Indian Museum, the Natural History Museum, to the African Art Museum and many others. In addition to the Smithsonian Museum system there are dozens of others in the area that that are unique and very educational.
Washington Mall
The famed Washington National Mall is approximately 2 miles in length extending East from the U.S. 
Capitol Building to the Lincoln Monument. The park is home to the Smithsonian, a huge collection of the nation's best (and free) museums, as well as most the country's most famous memorials and monuments. It is the number one destination for visitors in the city, and one of the biggest destinations in the country. the monument to the founder of the republic, George Washington, at the center; and the monument to the leader who saved the republic, Abraham Lincoln, on the west. The collection of monuments has expanded with the times to include enormous constructions for other presidents, the most notable being those for Thomas Jefferson and for Franklin Delano Roosevelt, as well as recent wars: World War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War (arguably the most moving memorial in the city).
Arlington Cemetery
Arlington National Cemetery, in Arlington County, Virginia is a military cemetery the United States of America, established during the American Civil War on the grounds of Arlington House, formerly the estate of the family of Robert E Lee's wife, Mary Anna (Custis) Lee a descendant of Martha Washington The cemetery is situated directly across the Potomac River from Washington, D.C. and near the Pentagon. More than 300,000 people are buried in an area of 624 acres. Veterans and military casualties from every one of the nation's wars are interred in the cemetery, from the American Civil War through the military actions in Afghanistan and Iraq. Pre-Civil War dead were reinterred after 1900.
Tomb of unknown Soldier
The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier also known as the Tomb of the Unknowns stands on top of a hill overlooking Washington, D.C. It is one of the more popular sites at the Cemetery, the tomb is made from Yule marble quarried in Colorado. The Tomb of the Unknowns is perpetually guarded by the U.S. Army. The 3rd U.S. Infantry Regiment ("The Old Guard") began guarding the Tomb April 6, 1948. There are no actual soldiers in the tomb. It is just a symbol to signify all the soldiers that were lost. The Tomb of the Unknowns (also known as the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier) is guarded 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, and in any weather by Tomb Guard sentinels. Sentinels, all volunteers, are considered to be the best of the elite 3rd U.S. Infantry (The Old Guard), headquartered at Fort Myer, Va. The guard is changed every hour on the hour Oct. 1 to March 31 in an elaborate ritual. From April 1 through September 30, there are more than double the opportunities to view the change because another change is added on the half hour and the cemetery closing time moves from 5 to 7 P.M.
