If a trip to Washington, D.C., is in the cards, then you have a lot to anticipate. Between the picture-perfect weather and beautiful scenery, you’ll never want for things to do when you’re in the nation’s capital. It’s most noteworthy trait, of course, is the fact that it’s deeply steeped in American history. Whether you happen to be a history buff or not, you can’t deny the meaning and reverence of these sites. Here are five historic destinations in Washington, D.C., that you can’t miss!
1. Ford’s Theatre
Many learn about the legendary Ford’s Theatre in school. It was here, on a night in April of 1865, when President Abraham Lincoln was assassinated in the Presidential Box. The theatre’s façade has not changed much since then, and it’s humbling to step inside the revered building and experience it in much the same way that over 1,700 visitors did on the night that changed American history forever. While you’re here, you can enjoy a self-guided tour, observe the President’s Box from the balcony, and, of course, catch a performance of a live show at any time of the year.
2. Lincoln Memorial
The Lincoln Memorial is iconic for its beauty alone. Accented by brilliant marble columns, the structure stands before the shimmering Reflecting Pool. There are 36 columns in total, each reflecting the States of the Union during the period of Lincoln’s passing. “In this temple, as in the hearts of the people for whom he saved the Union, the memory of Abraham Lincoln is enshrined forever.” So reads a plaque dedicated to the fallen American servant, whose 175-ton statue looms over the National Mall with a certain regality. It’s open 24 hours a day for visitors to enjoy, or you can book an engaging walking tour with a ranger to learn more about one of the most historic destinations in Washington, D.C.
3. Thomas Jefferson Memorial
A beautiful representation of neoclassical architecture, the Thomas Jefferson Memorial is a jewel surrounded by the waters of the National Mall’s Tidal Basin. If you happen to book your bus trip in the spring, you’ll want to make every effort to stop here and observe the city’s beloved cherry blossom trees in all of their glory. Inside the structure sits a 19-foot statue of the former president. The surrounding walls are etched with words from many of his most important writings concerning democracy and freedom. The Jefferson Memorial is open to the public 24 hours a day and well worth the trip if you want to take some unforgettable photographs.
4. Arlington National Cemetery
As the country’s largest cemetery for the military, Arlington National Cemetery holds particular reverence not just in the city, but all over the world. It is home to over 400,000 veterans and immediate family members. Although situated in Arlington, Virginia, it’s just across the Potomac River over Memorial Bridge. The cemetery provides bus tours of many of the grounds’ most esteemed sites, including the graves of President John F. Kennedy and General John J. Pershing. You can also visit the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and watch the Changing of the Guard, which occurs multiple times every day. It’s open every day of the year, but hours vary depending on the season.
5. National World War II Memorial
Created in honor of the 16 million service members and the over 400,000 who died during World War II, the National World War II Memorial is ideally situated in the National Mall and surrounded by the Lincoln Memorial on one end and the Washington Monument on the other. Open 24 hours a day, the exquisite memorial features 24 bronze bas-relief panels around the entrance. Around the water feature in the center are several granite columns that represent the states and territories in the United States at the time of the war.
Book Your Bus Getaway to the Nation’s Capital
If you’re ready to combine your love for travel with your passion for history, head straight to BusTickets.com to book your getaway to the nation’s capital. You’ll have the opportunity to visit the most historic destinations in Washington, D.C., and delve into the city’s vibrant culture.