The Washington National Cathedral The plans for this "church for national purposes" were conceived of more than a century before the foundation was laid. In 1964 the central tower was finished, but it was not until 1990 that the cathedral as a whole was complete. A variety of tours of the Washington National Cathedral and the grounds are offered frequently. Tel: 202 537-6200 Address: Mass and Wisconsin Avenues NW Washington DC 20016-5098

John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts National performing arts center. Six theatres and a beautiful banquet hall. Tel: 202 467-4600 Fax: 202 416-8425 Toll Free: 1-800-444-1324 Address: 2700 F St. NW  Washington  DC  20566

Union Station This monumental gateway to America's capital city opened in 1907, and today it is one of Washington, D.C.'s most popular attractions. As one of the premiere shopping areas in the country, there are shops, galleries, boutiques and restaurants are situated throughout the station. Union Station also serves as a major terminal for Amtrak rail services. Tel: 202 371-9441 Address: 50 Massachusetts Avenue NE  Washington  DC

The United States Capitol Standing as the central point of interest in the Capitol Complex, The United States Capitol is considered to be one of the most architecturally impressive buildings in the world. The Capitol is actively used by United States Congress and receives approximately 3.5 million visitors every year. Tours of the Capitol building and the grounds (which includes six congressional office buildings, the Supreme Court Building and the U.S. Botanic Garden) are offered frequently. Tel: 202 224-3121 Directions: The United States Capitol is situated on Capitol Hill.
Address: Washington  DC

Washington Monument This monument stands in appreciation of George Washington, the first president of the United States. It pays tribute to his role as a leader while the country struggled to gain independence from Great Britain more than 200 years ago.
Tel: 202 426-6841 Address: 15th & Constitution Ave. NW  Washington  DC  20001

Capital Children's Museum The Capital Children's Museum encourages children's love for learning through exploring the culture, nature and things of this world by touch, taste and sound. Visit prehistoric caves, see different countries, make hot cocoa, star in a cartoon and experience much more from the five permanent exhibits and traveling exhibits year round. Tel: 202 675-4120 Fax: 202 675-4140 Address: 800 3rd St. NE Washington DC  20002

African American Civil War Memorial 10th and U Streets, NW Washington, DC Phone: (202) 667-2667 This new memorial is a sculpture commemorating the more than 208,000 African American soldiers who fought in the Civil War. The memorial is appropriately placed in the Shaw section of the District. Shaw refers to Robert Gould Shaw, the white colonel of the first African American regiment -- the 54th Regiment featured in the film "Glory" -- to fight in the Civil War.

The Octagon Museum The Octagon was designed by the first architect of the US Capitol, William Thornton. This museum is recognized as the oldest museum in the United States devoted to architecture and design. Lectures, exhibits, tours and programs are available for children and adults. Tel: 202 638-3221 Fax: 202 879-7764 Address: 1799 New York Ave. NW Washington DC 20006-5292

The Phillips Collection The Phillips Museum is a publicly supported museum of modern art. Phillips include works of art by Cezanne, Bonnard, Braque, Daumier, Dove, El Greco, Manet, Matisse, O'Keefe, and Picasso. Also featuring Classical music programs, gallery talks and cash bars. Tel: 202 387-2151 Fax: 202 387-2436 Address: 1600 21st St. NW  Washington DC 20009-1090

Anacostia Museum Museum of African American history and culture. Tel: 202 357-2700 Address: 1901 Fort Place SE  Washington  DC  20560

Arts & Industries Building Changing exhibits. Tel: 202 357-2700 Address: 900 Jefferson Drive SW  Washington  DC  20560

DAR Museum Museum of the National Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution. Tel: 202 879-3239 Fax: 202 628-0820 Address: 1776 D St. NW Washington DC 20006 http://www.dar.org/

Corcoran Gallery of Art 500 17th St. NW Washington, DC 20006 Phone: (202) 639-1781 Fax: (202) 639-1785  Washington’s oldest art collection features Dutch and Flemish masterpieces, French impressionists and Postimpressionists and American art from colonial times to the present. Open Wednesday-Monday 10 a.m.-5 p.m. (to 9 p.m. Thursday). Donation: adults $3, families, $5. Free guided tours daily at 12:30 p.m. Group tours by appointment; call (202) 639-1730 Monday-Friday 10 a.m.-5 p.m

Frederick Douglass National Historic Site Home of the African American spokesman Frederick Douglass. Labored to abolish slavery and advocated for Human Rights, Equal Rights and Civil Rights for all oppressed people. Tel: 202 426-5961 Address: 1411 W Street SE  Washington  DC  20020-4813

Frederick Douglass Museum/Hall of Fame for Caring Americans 320 A Street, NE Washington, DC 20002 Phone: (202) 544-6130 Fax: (202) 547-4510  Frederick Douglass" first Washington, DC home showcases a collection of Douglass memorabilia and furnishings. Also home to the Hall of Fame for Caring Americans, this site offers seven galleries displaying photography, children’s art, and exhibits honoring National Caring Award recipients.

FDR Memorial 1850 West Basin Drive SW Washington, DC 20024 Phone: (202) 619-7222 A 7.5-acre site near the Jefferson Memorial, this memorial depicts the 12 pivotal years of Franklin Delano Roosevelt’s presidency through a series of four outdoor gallery rooms. The rooms feature ten bronze sculptures depicting President Roosevelt, Eleanor Roosevelt and events from the Great Depression and World War II. The park-like setting includes waterfalls and quiet pools amidst a meandering wall of reddish Dakota granite, where Roosevelt’s inspiring words are carved.

Freedman's Hall Gallery of Art Howard University Hospital Learn of African American contributions to medicine, health care and research. Tel: 202 865-1471 Fax: 202 865-6241 Address: 2041 Georgia Avenue, NW Washington DC 20060

Freer Gallery of Art Asian art and 19th and 20th century works from American artists.
Tel: 202 357-2700 Address: 12th & Jefferson Drive SW  Washington  DC  20560 h

Hirshhorn Museum & Sculpture Garden Sculptures and paintings from the 19th and 20th century. Tel: 202 357-2700 Fax: 202 786-2682 Address: 7th & Independence Ave. SW Washington DC 20560

Korean War Veterans Memorial Independence Avenue at the Lincoln Memorial Washington , DC Phone: (202) 619-7222  Built by the Korean War Veterans Memorial Advisory at a cost of $18 million in donated funds, this new memorial, located on a 2.2-acre site adjacent to the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool, features a sculptured column of 19 foot soldiers arrayed for combat with the American flag as their symbolic objective. A 164-foot mural wall is inscribed with the words, Freedom Is Not Free and is etched with 2,500 photographic images of nurses, chaplains, crew chiefs, mechanics and other support personnel to symbolize the vast effort that sustained the military operation. Open daily 8 a.m.-midnight. Free. For details, call the National Park Service at (202) 619-7222.

Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens Anacostia Ave. & Douglas St. NE Washington, DC 20019 Phone: (202) 426-6905 Fax: (202) 426-5991 Thousands of water plants, waterlilies, lotuses, water hyacinths and bamboo grow in ponds along the Anacostia River. Flowers bloom May-early fall. Open daily 7 a.m.-4 p.m. Visitors center open 8 a.m.-4 p.m. daily (9 a.m.-4 p.m. April-September). Free. Guided tours available. Metro: Deanwood.

Jewish Historical Society of Greater Washington 701 3rd St. NW Washington , DC 20001 Phone: (202) 789-0900 Fax: (202) 789-0485 Oldest synagogue building in Washington, dedicated in 1876, now houses the Lillian and Albert Small Jewish Museum. The building is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and features a restored sanctuary, a permanent exhibit on the history of the Washington Jewish community, plus changing exhibits. Open Sunday-Thursday 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Guided tours by appointment. Suggested donation: $2. Metro: Judiciary Square.

The Kreeger Museum Featuring the art of collection of Carmen and the late David Kreeger. African, Indian, and Pre-Columbian art. Tel: 202 337-3050 Fax: 202 337-3051
Address: 2401 Foxhall Road NW  Washington  DC  20007 http://www.kreegermuseum.com/

Lincoln Park 11th & East Capitol St. NE Washington, DC Phone: (202) 690-5155 This historic park celebrates the abolition of slavery in the District of Columbia. The park features the Emancipation statue and the Mary McLeod Bethune statue.

Lincoln Memorial West Potomac Park at 23^rd St. NW Washington , DC Phone: (202) 426-6841 This grand monument overlooks the Reflecting Pool, the Washington Monument and the U.S. Capitol. Inside, the 19-foot marble statue of the 16th president is flanked by inscriptions of his Second Inaugural Address and the famous Gettysburg Address. Open daily except Christmas. Free. Park ranger in attendance 8 a.m.-midnight.

Library of Congress 10 First Street, SE Washington , DC 20540-4990 Phone: (202) 707-8000 Fax: (202) 707-0190 The world’s largest library with almost 119 million items in three buildings. The Thomas Jefferson Building houses one of the world’s three perfect vellum copies of the Gutenberg Bible and changing exhibitions. On permanent display is American Treasures of the Library of Congress, a rotating exhibition of rare and unique items.

Lafayette Square 16th & Pennsylvania Ave. NW Washington, DC 20006 Phone: (202) 755-7798 Named for the Marquis de Lafayette following his triumphant visit to America in 1824, this meticulously landscaped park overlooking the White House features a statue of Andrew Jackson.

National Air and Space Museum The National Air and Space Museum of the Smithsonian Institution is home to the world's largest collection of historic air and spacecraft in the world. The museum's numerous galleries include important topics such as rocketry, lunar exploration and military aircraft. Tel: 202 357-1400 Address: 7th Street and Independence Avenue SW  Washington  DC

National Gallery of Art One of the world's finest art collections is contained within the National Gallery of Art. The collection spans from the Middle Ages to the Present, covering mediums such as sculpture, painting, graphic arts, architecture and decorative arts. Tel: 202 737-4215 Directions: The National Gallery of Art is located on the National Mall at Constitution Avenue between Third and Ninth Streets. Address: Washington  DC

National Museum of American Art Art from the 18th century to now, including paintings, sculptures, photography by American artists. Tel: 202 357-2700 Address: 8th & G Sts. NW  Washington  DC  20560

National Museum of Natural History The National Museum of Natural History features exhibits that focus on human cultures and natural history. Some of the museum's most interesting items include dinosaur fossils, the 45.5 carat Hope Diamond, a life-size model of a blue whale and a replication of a tropical coral reef. Tel: 202 357-2700 Address: Constitution Avenue and 10th Street NW Washington DC 20560

National Portrait Gallery Portraits of famous Americans from sports, literature, politics, to the silver screen. Tel: 202 357-2700 Address: 8th & F St. NW Washington DC 20560

National Postal Museum Airmail planes, stagecoaches, rare stamps and letters, Owney the Postal Dog, Pony Express exhibit, rare postage and revenue stamps. Tel: 202 357-2700 Fax: 202 633-9393 Address: 2 Massachusetts Ave. NE Washington  DC  20560-0570

Navy Museum Set in the old Naval Gun Factory featuring ship models, medals, uniforms, photographs and fine art. Hands on exhibits ideal for kids. Tel: 202 433-4882 Fax: 202 433-8200 Address: Washington Navy Yard 901 M St. SE Washington DC 20374-5060

Renwick Gallery Exhibition on American crafts. Tel: 202 357-2700 Fax: 202 357-3105
Address: 17th & Pennsylvania Ave. NW Washington DC 20560

Smithsonian Institution The Smithsonian Institution was established in 1846 with funds left to the United States by John Smithson. Today it houses more than 140 million artifacts and specimens that are held within the with Smithsonian Institution's 16 museums. Areas of interest range from African American History and Asian Art to Natural History and animals. Tel: 202 357-2700 Fax: 202 633-9353 Address: 1000 Jefferson Drive SW Washington  DC  20560

The Textile Museum Exquisite museum housing handmade textile art. Tel: 202 667-0441 Fax: 202 483-0994 Address: 2320 S St. NW  Washington  DC  20008-4088

National Archives & Records Administration 7th & Pennsylvania Ave. NW Washington, DC 20408 Phone: (202) 501-5000 Fax: (202) 501-5239 Houses the original Declaration of Independence, Constitution, Bill of Rights and more than 3 billion records. Open daily 10 a.m.-5:30 p.m. except Christmas; extended summer hours. Group tours by appointment, call (202) 501-5205. Free admission. Metro: Archives-Navy Memorial.

National Mall Surrounded by the Smithsonian Institution Museums, the National Archives, the National Gallery of Art and the U.S. Botanic Gardens, this beautiful verdent park spans from the U.S. Capitol to the Washington Monument. Tel: 202 485-9880 Directions: The National Mall is located between Constitution and Independence Avenues. Address: Washington DC

National Zoological Park The National Zoological Park of the Smithsonian Institution features more than 5,000 exotic animals ranging from Sumatran Tigers to Komodo Dragons. The zoo also hosts many exhibits such as the invertebrate exhibit, a plant reproduction exhibit, a cheetah exhibit and many others. Tel: 202 673-4717 Fax: 202 673-4836 Address: 3001 Connecticut Avenue NW Washington DC 20008

Potomac Park Potomac Park, divided into East and West Potomac Parks, covers more than 328 acres. Within the park visitors will find the Jefferson Memorial and Tidal Basin, as well as plenty of recreation including golf, swimming, tennis, pedalboats and more. The most fascinating feature of Potomac Park is the thousands of cherry trees which bloom in early April. Address: Washington DC

Rock Creek Park 1,754 acres of riding stables, tennis courts, picnic areas, golf course, art gallery, nature center an trails. Tel: 202 282-1063 Address: 3545 Williamsburg Lane NW Washington DC 20008

Bureau of Engraving and Printing Address: National Mall on 14th & C Sts. SW Washington DC

Folger Shakespeare Library Large selection of Shakespeare. Public events include theatre, readings, concerts lectures and family programs. Tel: 202 544-7077 Fax: 202 608-1719 Address: 201 East Capitol St. SE  Washington  DC  20003

International Trade Center/Ronald Reagan Building Washington's impressive conference and event facility. Tel: 202 312-1300 Fax: 202 312-1310 Address: 1300 Pennsylvania Ave, NW  Washington  DC  20004-3002 http://www.itcdc.com/

National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Visitor Center Marble monuments displaying the names of officers killed in the line of duty dating back to 1794. Tel: 202 737-3400 Fax: 202 737-3405 Address: 605 E St. NW Washington DC 20004

National Shrine of Immaculate Conception 400 Michigan Ave. NE Washington, DC 20017-1566 Phone: (202) 526-8300 Fax: (202) 526-8313  Roman Catholic Shrine containing the largest collection of contemporary Christian art in the USA in over 60 chapels and oratories, reflecting the religious heritage of America’s many cultures. Regularly schedule masses. Free tours. Book and gift shops. Open daily 7 a.m.-6 p.m. Call for special event information.

National Gallery of Art 4th & Constitution Ave. NW Washington, DC 20565 Phone: (202) 737-4215 Fax: (202) 842-2356 Permanent collection of European and American paintings, sculpture, decorative arts and works on paper, plus changing exhibitions of art from around the world. Open Monday-Saturday 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Sunday 11 a.m.-6 p.m. except New Year’s Day and Christmas. Free admission. Group tours by appointment.

Old Stone House 3051 M St. NW Washington, DC 20007 Phone: (202) 426-6851 The oldest house in Washington, built in 1765 by a cabinet maker. Tours given by park rangers. Open Wednesday-Sunday 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Closed all federal holidays.

Pope John Paul II Cultural Ctr 3900 Harewood Road, NE Washington, DC 20017 Phone: (202) 635-5400 Fax: (202) 635-5411 Description: Three gifts shops are located in the Center. One features fine art and religious icons. Another houses books, music and educational items. The third location focuses on Vatican Museum art. Call (202) 319-4100  for details.

Theodore Roosevelt Island Washington, DC Phone: (703) 285-2598 Description: This serene island, accessible by a footbridge from the parking lot off the northbound lane of the George Washington Parkway, is a wildlife refuge with nearly 2 miles of trails. A 17-foot bronze statue of President Theodore Roosevelt, early champion of wildlife and nature conservation, can be seen in the Statuary Garden. Open daily 8 a.m.-dusk. Free.

U.S. Capitol Capitol Hill Washington, DC 20515 Phone: (202) 225-6827 Fax: (202) 228-0603 Description: Under the magnificent white dome, senators and representatives meet to shape U.S. legislative policy. Free guided tours leave every 15 minutes in the Rotunda daily 9 a.m.-3:45 p.m. and include Statuary Hall, the original Supreme Court chamber and the Crypt, intended burial place of George and Martha Washington. Open 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m. (to 8 p.m. Memorial Day-Labor Day) except New Year’s Day, Thanksgiving, Christmas. Free admission. Metro: Capitol South, Union Station.

U.S. Navy Memorial & Naval Heritage Center 701 Pennsylvania Ave, #123 Washington, DC 20004 Phone: (202) 737-2300 Fax: (202) 737-2308 Toll Free: 1-800-723-3557  Description: The striking, outdoor Navy Memorial plaza honors all sea service personnel and hosts school and military concerts spring-summer. The adjacent Heritage Center offers videos, exhibits, a Ship’s Store and the wide-screen film, AT SEA, shown daily at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. Open Monday-Saturday 9:30 a.m. - 5 p.m., closed Sundays. Free admission. Movie prices: Adults $4.00, seniors and children $3.00, groups $2.50.

U.S. Military District of Washington Public Affairs 103 Third Ave. Bldg.#42 Ft. McNair, DC 20319-5058 Phone: (202) 685-2851 Fax: (202) 685-1999  Description: MDW is the home of the Army’s official ceremonial unit, the 3rd U.S. Infantry (The Old Guard) and The U.S. Army Band (Pershing’s Own). These units participate in ceremonies at the White House, the Pentagon and Arlington National Cemetery and offer free community events and concerts throughout the year. Call (202) 685-2851 for upcoming event listings or (202) 685-4989 to speak to a member of our marketing team.

Vietnam Women’s Memorial 21st & Constitution Ave. NW Washington, DC Phone: (202) 426-6841 Description: Located in a grove of trees across from the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, this 2,000-pound bronze statue by Sante Fe-based sculptor Glenna Goodacre depicts 3 servicewomen and 1 wounded soldier supported by sandbags. Open 24 hours.

United States Holocaust Memorial Museum 100 Raoul Wallenberg Place SW Washington, DC 20024-2150 Phone: (202) 488-0400 Fax: (202) 488-2695 Description: Located between 14th St. and Raoul Wallenberg Place SW (formerly 15th St.), this somber and moving museum tells the story of the Holocaust through artifacts, films, photos and oral histories. Open daily10 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Timed passes required to view the permanent collection. In metro DC area, call (703) 218-6500; Baltimore (410) 481-7328; out of state; 1-800-400-9373.

Vietnam Veterans Memorial Constitution Ave. & Henry Bacon Drive NW Washington, DC 20001 Phone: (202) 634-1568   Description: The black granite walls of this moving V-shaped memorial are inscribed with the names of the 58,209 Americans missing or killed in the Vietnam conflict. Frederick Hart’s life-size bronze sculpture depicts three young servicemen. Open 24 hours, park ranger on site 8 a.m.-midnight.

The Washington Design Center Over 70 showrooms of the world's finest home furnishings, fabrics, floor coverings and accessories. Tel: 202 554-5053 Fax: 202 488-3711 Address: 300 D St. SW #630  Washington  DC  20024

The White House Located at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, the White House stands as an omnipresent symbol for the entire county. As the residence of the President its architectural beauty is only surpassed by its historical and cultural significance. All White House tours, ranging from self-guided tours to tours for the visually and hearing impaired, are free. There are no tours on Sunday and Monday. Tel: 202 456-2200 Fax: 202 208-1643 Address: 1600 Pennsylvania Ave. NW Washington DC 20500

White House Visitor Center U.S. Dept. of Commerce Bldg., 1450 Pennsylvania Ave. NW Washington, DC 20230 Phone: (202) 208-1631 Fax: (202) 208-1643 Toll Free: 1-800-717-1450 All public tours are significantly enhanced if you first see the orientation and obtain a free brochure at the White House Visitor Center. The Center is open seven days a week, from 7:30 a.m. until 4 p.m. Allow between 20 minutes and 1 1/2 hours to explore the video and exhibits. The Visitor Center features many aspects of the White House, including its architecture, furnishings, first families, social events, and relations with the press and world leaders, as well as a thirty-minute video. The White House Historical Association sponsors a sale area. Rest rooms are available, but food service is not. Metro: Federal Triangle or Metro Center.

Washington Monument 15th & Constitution Ave. NW Washington, DC 20001 Phone: (202) 426-6841  One of the tallest masonry structures in the world, this majestic obelisk was dedicated in 1885 to the memory of the first U.S. president. Free elevator ride takes you to the top for a spectacular view. Open 9 a.m.-5 p.m. daily (8 a.m.-midnight April-Labor Day) except Christmas. Free timed passes required. To reserve passes in advance (for a $1.50 fee) call TicketMaster at 1-800-505-5040.

Washington Freedom 2400 East Capitol Street, SE RFK Stadium Washington, DC 20003 Phone: 202-547-3137 Fax: (202) 547-0176  Come see Mia Hamm and the new U.S. Women’s professional soccer league/WUSA. Season runs spring through summer at RFK Stadium. Tickets range from $12-$22; group and corporate ticket packages available through

Washington Dolls’ House & Toy Museum 5236 44th St. NW Washington, DC 20015 Phone: (202) 244-0024 Fax: (202) 237-1659 Carefully researched collection of antique dolls’ houses, toys and games, plus a comprehensive museum shop. Open Tuesday-Saturday 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Sunday noon-5 p.m. Birthday parties in Edwardian Tea Room by prearrangement.Museum Director Flora Gill Jacobs will autograph her books, The Doll House Mystery and The Toy Shop Mystery.

Washington National Cathedral Massachusetts & Wisconsin Aves. NW Washington , DC 20016 Phone: (202) 537-6200 Fax: (202) 537-2173  An Episcopal Cathedral welcoming visitors of all faiths, Washington National Cathedral is possibly the last purely Gothic building to be constructed. The Cathedral towers above the city fromits 57-acre site high on Mt. St. Alban. Sixth largest cathedral in the world, burial sites of President Woodrow Wilson, Hellen Keller, and her two teachers. War Memorial and Childrens Chapels, Space Window with moon rock inset. Observation Gallery offers magnificent views of Washington, Virginia, and Maryland. Bishop’s Gardens, Greenhouse, Herb Cottage and Museum Gift Shop. Visiting hours Mon-Sat 10 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Extended summer hours Mon-Fri. Sundays 12:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m. Group tour reservations and information (202) 537-6207. Donation requested.

Washington Capitals NHL in action! Seasons running from October to April.
Tel: 202 661-5050 Fax: 301 386-7010 Address: MCI Center 601 F Street, NW Washington DC 20005

Washington Sports & Entertainment Tel: 202 661-5000 Fax: 202 661-5106
Address: MCI Center 601 F Street, NW Washington DC 20001

Washington Wizards NBA action! Season going from November to April.
Tel: 202 661-5050 Address: MCI Center 601 F Street, NW  Washington  DC  20005

Woodrow Wilson House Museum 2340 S St. NW Washington , DC 20008 Phone: (202) 387-4062 Fax: (202) 483-1466   Description: Washington’s only presidential museum. The former home of President Woodrow Wilson and Edith Wilson following their White House years features original furnishings, presidential memorabilia and changing special exhibits. Open Tuesday-Sunday 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Admission: adults $5, students $2.50. Groups: adults $4, students $2.50. Group tour and luncheon by appointment. Available for private functions. Metro: Dupont Circle.

The George Washington University This is the largest University in Washington, DC. They offer many sports teams, including hockey, bowling, wiffle-ball, racquetball, volleyball, soccer, tennis and more. The University has a total of 7,000 undergraduates. Known for being the top 100 private research institution. Tel: 202 994-1000 Address: 2121 Eye Street NW  Washington  DC  20052