Washington D.C. Vacations

Overview

Washington D.C. is the capital of the United States. President George Washington chose the site along the Potomac River for the nation's capital in 1791 and entrusted Pierre Charles L'enfant with the task of designing it. In 1800 the U.S. government moved to Washington D.C. and by 1802 the area was placed under the jurisdiction of Congress, making it a self-contained government seat for the nation. The land was originally taken from Maryland but returned to the state so that no state could claim to hold the nation's capital. It is bordered by Maryland and Virginia and has no senator representing it in Congress.

Activities & Attractions

When you visit Washington D.C., the White House should be automatically included in your itinerary. It is located on 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue and you can schedule a tour of it up to 6 months in advance for groups of 10 people or more. All White House tours are free of cost and it is recommended you submit your request as early as possible because space is limited. Another interesting place to tour is the Pentagon, which is also free of charge. There are also several places of historical significance in the area like the National Air and Space Museum and the Library of Congress.

For those looking for something more adventurous, Busch Gardens and Water Country USA are theme parks located nearby in Williamsburg, Virginia. Busch Gardens has been voted the "Most Beautiful Park" by members of the National Amusement Park Historical Association for 19 consecutive years! A one-day ticket costs $59.95 for an adult and $49.95 for children 9 and under.

Lodging

Washington D.C. has many budget hotel and motel options for travelers. You can also choose from bed and breakfasts and historic inns, whose competitive prices attract many visitors. If you are prepared to spend a little more, then there are many luxury options like the Ritz-Carlton. Check out the links in the resource section below for more information,

Transportation

The Baltimore/Washington International Airport lies 30 miles from Washington D. C. The city's logical, straightforward design makes it one of the country's easiest to navigate. You will enjoy walking around the historic districts and viewing various national monuments. You can also take shuttles and buses to get around the city, and the Metrorail Subway system is an efficient mode of transportation as well. The Metro Bus system can you take anywhere the subway system does not reach.