The Iconic Sights and Monuments of the Nation’s Capital

It’s not often that you can travel a little over two hours west and experience the beauty of Washington, D.C. Unlike most American cities, where large buildings often dominate the skyline, Washington’s cityscape is surprisingly underwhelming with its low density and many green spaces. The view from the top of Capitol Hill is also quite impressive, with its National Mall and beautiful architecture from various historical periods. There are plenty of iconic sights to be seen in this nation’s capital, so here are some of my favorites:

The White House

The first home for President John Adams in 1800 remains today as one of the most recognizable structures in America. The beautiful structure is not just a home, though. In 1809, it became the executive mansion for President James Madison and served that purpose for eight additional presidents.

The United States Capitol

The United States Capitol Building is the meeting place of the House of Representatives in the west and the Senate in the east. The U.S. Capitol houses all three branches of our government: legislative (Congress), judicial (Supreme Court), and executive (President).

Anacostia River Walk

This 1.8-mile walkway over a historic underground aqueduct is one of the most beautiful routes in Washington, D.C. This waterway was used to transport fresh water to the capital city of Washington, D.C., and its route runs alongside monuments, parks, and hallowed ground such as the Lincoln Memorial.

National Air and Space Museum

This museum provides hands-on opportunities for all ages in its space dedicated to aviation and space exploration history—and it’s even a working aircraft repair facility! Its exhibits offer insight into our country’s past through photos, artifacts, and interactive technology as you walk through this airy building filled with fascinating historical artifacts.

If you are planning a trip to Washington, D.C., check out the Historic American Buildings Survey (HABS), one of the country’s premier resources for studying, researching, and preserving historic architecture.