Washington D.C.: A Visitor's Guide

By: Ananya Billakanti

A trip to Washington DC is nothing short of epic. Washington DC contains so much historical significance ranging from hundreds of years ago to the current day. It is remarkably well known for being the capital of the United States of America. Many grand buildings relevant to integral parts of the US government like the US Capitol, beautiful memorials honoring individuals and sacrifices, fun-filled museums, a botanical garden, and appealing buildings and restaurants are found within this enchanting and charming city.

Botanical Garden in Washington D.C..

Photo by Ananya Billakanti

A must-visit location is the botanical garden. It is filled with a wide variety of plants, trees, and flowers found across the globe. You can view a myriad of plants suitable for various types of environments. Some of these plants can be commonly found across the globe while others are more exotic. You can walk around the garden, stepping into rooms of greenery that resemble the rainforests of South America, Hawaiian forests, deserts, and even forests of Asia and Africa. Just with one stroll of the garden, it will feel as if you have traveled all across the globe with the sight of the diverse collection of plants ranging from cacti to cocoa trees to Native Hawaiin plants. The scenery and atmosphere of this garden are truly breathtaking, emboldening the beauty of nature. One is sure to be left wonderstruck upon a visit to this magnificent garden.

Other prominent landmarks in this city include breathtaking memorials such as the Lincoln Memorial which honors the contributions of President Abraham Lincoln to the US, the Jefferson Memorial honoring Thomas Jefferson’s contributions, the Washington Monument honoring America’s first President George Washington and his actions, and a World War II memorial honoring the sacrifices of American soldiers during World War II.

The Washington Monument towers behind the World War II memorial.

Photo by Ananya Billakanti

This mesmerizing city is also filled with a plethora of museums. Museums like the Air and Space Museum, the Smithsonian Museum of Natural History, the National Museum of the American Indian, the National Museum of African American History and Culture, the National Gallery of Art, and the National Museum of American History are some of the most well-recognized museums in the nation. One can immerse oneself in the rich history, arts, and facts while experiencing the beauty of interacting with the works of various cultures, individuals, and nature. One can open their eyes to the different time periods until it is almost like you are there yourself. The images, the text, the art, and scientific facts especially within the air and space museum about outer space and airplane breakthroughs as well as natural wonders within the Museum of Natural History will make it seem like these events, breakthroughs, and phenomena are occurring right before your eyes.

As you step out of the museum and into the streets, it will appear as if you have stepped into a movie. The tall and carefully crafted buildings will catch your eye and leave you wonder-struck. Every corner you turn, you will catch sight of an important government building that appears grand or an aesthetically pleasing building that you will simply adore. Restaurants are lined up at the sides of the streets, alluring visitors with their twinkling lights and brightly colored exteriors. Anywhere you look, any place you explore, this city will appear majestic and fill you with delight.