Washington offers a range of highlights for your trip: expansive green spaces, plant and animal life, outdoor art and insights into history. When comparing hotels in Washington, it’s best to first decide which of these interests you want to shape your stay.
Green spaces, plants and outdoor art
National Mall and Memorial Parks protects the National Mall and more than 1,000 acres of green space in Washington, D.C. The grounds within National Mall and Memorial Parks are free to visit. Visitors can reserve tickets for the Washington Monument in advance; check current access information before your trip.
The Conservatory at the U.S. Botanic Garden features a collection of plants from across the United States and around the world, including desert plants, tropical forests and orchids. This broad range of plants and environments offers a different view of nature from the expansive green space of the National Mall.
The Bartholdi Fountain and Gardens also have clearly defined visiting hours: they are open daily from sunrise to sunset. Check current opening hours before your visit. Outdoor art, on the other hand, is the focus of the Sculpture Garden at the National Gallery of Art. The six-acre grounds feature more than 20 modern sculptures, a central fountain and a café. Its size, artworks and café give a visit there a distinct focus.
Animal life with different highlights
The Asia Trail at the Smithsonian’s National Zoo is home to giant pandas, sloth bears, red pandas, Asian small-clawed otters, clouded leopards and marbled cats. The same zoo’s Kids’ Farm offers a different selection: you can see cows, alpacas, pigs, donkeys, goats, chickens and fish there. Comparing the two makes the different animal groups in each area clear. Since animal collections can change, it’s a good idea to check which animals are currently on view before your visit.
Lincoln’s story at the museum and theater
The museum at Ford’s Theatre covers several aspects of the history surrounding Abraham Lincoln: exhibits explore his presidency, important events of the Civil War and the conspiracy to assassinate Lincoln led by John Wilkes Booth. This lets you explore the historical focus through the exhibits.
Ford’s Theatre also offers a self-guided tour year-round. From the balcony, visitors can see the Presidential Box; access may vary depending on theater operations. Historical talks are also offered year-round, where National Park Service rangers answer questions and explain the events surrounding Lincoln’s assassination. Schedules may change, so it’s a good idea to check the latest visitor information in advance. The main difference between the tour and the talk is whether you explore the theater on your own or ask questions of the rangers.
Plan your visits effectively
To arrange tours of the White House, you can submit a request through a U.S. representative or senator. The process may change, so check the current steps in advance. A request does not guarantee availability or admission. For the other places mentioned here, their respective highlights can help you choose: green space, plants, sculptures, animals or history. Plan your visits around these interests, and check the latest information for attractions with changing access conditions.
For the broader travel overview: District Of Columbia.
