Didn't do the tour this time. Like the White House, the interior isn't worth the wait (we didn't…read moresee the chambers of the deliberative bodies) Glad I did I it before though. My rating is for the building. This is architecturally the most breathtaking building in our great country. Worth going up to take a picture or just take it in If a natural beauty site can be five stars why can't this sublime building? Sigh

Very cool to see the US Capitol. It's located right in the center of everything, so everywhere you…read morelook there's something really cool to see. It was busy at the time because of some apparent construction, as well as the Great American State Fair going on, so some areas were blocked off. Years ago when I visited here, I was able to get a tour by going through my Representative's office. I'm sure that's probably still how it works. We weren't really interested in doing that while we were here this time, but it was still cool to see this during the day, and again during our DC at Dusk tour.

A lot of buildings around here are historic. In Georgetown is the oldest. The Old Stone House is…read morethe oldest building built in the city and preserved in the original state. It has a small gift shop inside. There's a large garden outside. It appears to be the oldest building in the city. It was built in 1765, while it was in the then separate town of Georgetown. This was also believed to be a place visited by George Washington. Even though it was proven that it wasn't true, this building was still an important piece of history. This was saved from destruction because people thought Washington came here, and so it accidentally became a museum. It doesn't lake long to look at. The museum also has a nice garden that has benches and it a popular place for people to sit and read. It's also cool the admission is free. There's not a whole lot to see inside but it's interesting looking around and seeing what it was like being in this. It often closes for several months. Renovations often seem to occur regularly. The admission is free so that's more than enough reason to make a visit.

Ive seen this place so many times in my life but almost everytime I have ever passed it, it was not…read moreopen. But, recently, while in Gtown on a nice day around 5:30pm, and strolling down M St, I saw the door was open to this place, and was pretty excited to check it out! I do like NPS sites and wil make every effort to stop at a site when I can. However, this place was a bit lackluster for me. I think the West has truly spoiled me as this place didnt do much for me. I get that its the oldest building in DC and that George Washington was mistaken to have slept here, but only the 1st floor was open and not much to see except a fireplace. The 2nd floor was also closed. The front room mainly had a bunch of souvenirs for sale. I bought a few postcards to support NPS. I didnt get a chance to visit the back yard as I have heard thats the best part of this visit. Ill try to visit this on another visit. I also thought that the front sidewalk could have been better paved and think more work can be done on sidewalks of M St to make it more appealing. Overall, a disappointing visit and experience but I was glad I finally saw the inside.

Right away: the people who complain about no furniture in the cottage . . . you have no…read moreimagination and lack vision. I've done almost all the history/nerdy stuff in DC. This is one of my favorites so far. First, I like the fact that there is little furniture in the cottage. For one, The Lincolns didn't furnish the cottage separately; they brought the furniture from the Whitehouse every trip. So the foundation has no idea of knowing how the cottage was set up, even if they wanted to buy reproductions (and really, why are we impressed with reproductions?) Secondly . . . the fact that they cottage is mostly empty, you really get to envision Lincoln, the man . . . you can form a picture in your head of what happened here, who he was . . . ESPECIALLY with the help of the knowledgable, passionate guides. This is not a 20 or 30 minute tour. You're going to be here at least an hour. Our tour was a little over an hour. Our guide, Haley, was enthusiastic and painted Lincoln clearly for us. She relayed multiple anecdotes and examples of how Lincoln was a man of the earth, a man of the people. A man who liked to tell stories and jokes. I was the only American from the US on our tour, and Haley related to everyone. Involved everyone. Challenged everyone to think about the various stories and scenarios she presented. And the house is GORGEOUS. I wish I could live there! I loved my visit. When I headed to the gift shop, the staff there were awesome too! (I wish I had gotten her name, but she had the coolest outfit on--a chunky sweater, a kerchief on her head, a Harriet Tubman tee-shirt, and colorful pants). Aside from her rad style, she was so enthusiastic and engaged with me and another group about area history. This isn't flashy. If you need bells and whistles, this isn't for you. If you really love history and those who have enthusiasm for it . . . this IS for you Again, one of my favorite things so far . . . if not the favorite thing.

I'd been meaning to visit Lincoln's Cottage for years and finally made the trip from downtown…read more Unfortunately, it really wasn't worth the time. We arrived just as a tour was starting so the check-in person hurried us outside, pointing to where the tour group was walking to the "cottage" ( actually a nice-sized home). We hustled to get there and reached the front door just as it was about half-closed. I stopped it and we stepped inside. The tour guide, Francisco, was just inside. I told him we'd been told that we should join his group. He told me, "Ok, but next time it would be better if you knocked." Huh? I said, "what do you mean? The door was open." "Well it was almost closed so you should knock." Uh ... ok. Once on the tour, Francisco didn't speak very clearly, so I got about 75% of what he said. His pitch, which may have been a script, was also very odd. We started in a room empty of furniture. F starts with "I'm curious: what kind of furniture do you think you would put in this room?" That turned out to be his favorite phrase, and he used that "I'm curious, what would you do" approach in just about every room of the house. But I didn't go there to learn how the other tourists would furnish a house. I came to learn about Lincoln. All in all a big disappointment.

Having visited DC at least three times over the past two and a half years, I had never been to the…read moreJefferson Memorial. If you have not been, it's fun to check out. It's a glorious, open-air white marble monument overlooking the Tidal Basin. We went there for the cherry blossom festival, but there weren't many blossoms when we went. If you do make the trek up the staircase to the main chamber area, there is a 19-foot bronze statue of Thomas Jefferson. But our focus was more on cherry blossoms. Despite that, it is a thrill to experience the architecture, with the Washington Monument being across the Basin. And if you're able to go when the weather is beautiful and pristine, with clear skies, it makes the experience all the better. Depending on where you're staying, try to check out the Jefferson Memorial. It's worth the visit.

I have so many pending drafts for years and I am now in my DC era. I have been to this memorial as…read morewell as all of the others, including all of the museums, many times in my life. The time has finally come to share my thoughts with all of you. The grounds on which this memorial sits are accessible 24 hours a day. This makes for a nice evening walk...lots to see. The marble rotunda is kinda big and Jefferson stands right in the middle of it, all 19' of him. His writings are engraved within the walls and that's pretty cool to see. The memorial can be found in West Potomac Park and during the right time of year, the cherry blossoms are in abundance here.

For night photography of this spectacular building, position yourself in front of the Capitol…read moreReflecting Pool, near the General Ulysses Grant Memorial, down the hill, on the west side of the U.S. Capitol Complex. That way, you'll capture the reflection of the whole Capitol Building in the water, provided there's enough moonlight and it's still outside, meaning not a lot of wind. Since it's named "Capitol Reflecting Pool" officially, you understand its true purpose, right?! It kinda took me a while to get it myself. I recommend going on a night when there's a full moon--and arrive there ahead of the moon's rise, to be prepared to shoot once it does. The moon doesn't stay near the dome of the Capitol for very long. The moon is your best friend to provide optimal light, so take advantage. Just shoot away, don't play it safe. Conditions can change quickly. You might have 5 minutes; might have an hour or so. Obviously, clear skies are needed--pray for that. You'll have company, too, as pro photogs will be shooting at this very spot. Since you're already on the National Mall, might as well walk it at night. So beautiful. I prefer to see the sights at night anyway, rather than in daytime. And it's safe. One of the most patrolled areas of DC, 24/7. I do this a lot.

United States Capitol Christmas Tree is a holiday tradition I look forward to every year. There's…read moresomething timeless about seeing it glow against the Capitol backdrop--elegant, balanced, and beautifully understated. Unlike the White House tree, it isn't wrapped in heavy netting, which makes all the difference. The lights aren't overdone; they glisten just enough to feel festive while letting the tree look natural. The result? A classic, picture-perfect moment that never disappoints and not as crowded as the White House Christmas Tree. Simple, stately, and quietly magical--an easy win for a winter photo op and a reminder that sometimes tradition gets it exactly right

The Korean War Veterans Memorial is one of the most striking and somber memorials I've visited. The…read more19 soldiers seem to be moving through difficult terrain, and some appear to look right at you. It's hard to stand there without imagining the fear and exhaustion of being on that patrol. The Korean War is often called the "Forgotten War," because it has received less public attention than World War II and the Vietnam War. Yet the Wall of Remembrance bears the names of more than 36,000 Americans who died. The memorial makes that loss feel personal. Look at the soldiers reflected in the black granite wall: the 19 figures appear to become 38, a reference to the 38th parallel (the line of latitude 38 degrees north of the equator, used to divide Korea into northern and southern occupation zones after World War II, and it became a symbol of the division between North and South Korea). It's a moving place to slow down, reflect, and remember the people behind a war we don't talk about enough. We got to visit once during the day and once during our dusk tour. Both experiences were equally moving.

It's hard to believe this memorial has been around for thirty years now. Seems as though it should…read morehave been in existence for a lot longer. Note that The Wall of Remembrance wasn't erected until 2022. You can find it in West Potomac Park (National Mall). The memorial has a few components: United Nations Curb (lists nations that provided medical and combat services) The Mural Wall (mural made of granite) Sculptures (19 statues of soldiers) The Wall of Remembrance (all the names of those who lost their lives in battle) This is a somber and poignant dedication that no one should miss out on.

It is amazing feeling standing in front of the Capitol Hill Building!! Before only see it on TV…read more What an experience! The architecture is so beautiful. Just can't get enough of it... and keep taking pictures! The whole area is clean. The grass is maintained nicely. Police Officers are walking around the building all the time. If you are visiting Washington D.C.... absolutely spend some time there!

Simply Amazing! Took my family for the tour of Capital…read moreHill building and was humbled. There is a free guided tour every day from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm. If you don't mind the security throwing all of your water and food out of your bag, than get ready for the greatest tour your have ever been on. 1st, they wisk your group of about a 100 into a theater and show you a short film on the history of the Capital Hill building narrated by Angelou Maya. From it's humble inception to its completion despite the hardship of the nation, brought tears to my eyes and pride in my heart. Felt very patriotic and knew the meaning of the country after this. 2nd part of the tour is a guided tour with you putting on a headset, so you and your group of 20 can follow him as he points out all the significant paintings, priceless statues and roman architecture and the story behind them , throughout the building. The amount of historical monuments inside this building could probably house several museums! The 30 minute tour will humble you and keep you in awe of our magnificent country and all the great leaders that sacrificed themselves for the good of the republic. Highly recommended!!!!!

Off the National Mall property but a beautiful memorial worth visiting. My favorite part was the…read moresculpture.

The WWI Memorial is one of the more descriptive memorials on The National Mall chronicling American…read morewar history. It seems to be perfectly located at the foot of many iconic landmarks in NW DC including The Willard and Marriott hotels, Freedom Plaza, Warner Theater, The White House, and other major landmarks. This memorial gives detailed account of the effort of the fallen from America's first world war. The design and architecture is very creative; utilizing uneven land, stone centerpieces and sculptures, and of course notable inscriptions. There is plenty of walking space to read the powerful inscriptions from President Woodrow Wilson and General of the Armies John Pershing among other notable quoters. You'll get a good history lesson at this memorial and this is certainly a quick-trip destination to place on your DC itinerary.