Why You Should Visit Washington DC
Start writing a post
Politics and Activism

Why You Should Visit Washington DC

With so many exhibits to visit and choose from, you'll never get bored!

388
Why You Should Visit Washington DC
Washington DC.com

When you tell people you're going to visit Washington DC for a few days, you often get the question of "Why?" And what I really want to ask them is, "Why not?" So many people have visited DC for a school day trip or with their family but I don't know many people that have actually picked Washington DC as their getaway spot for a few days. I decided to go visit DC just last week for three nights with my cousin, and I loved it.

When you go to visit Washington DC with your school, you tend to mainly hit the main touristy locations; the Washington Monument, Air & Space Museum, Museum of Natural History, and the Lincoln Memorial. When I went, I decided to go see some of the other exhibits and places that I have never been too. Don't get me wrong, the Washington Monument and the other main exhibits were still on my list, but they weren't a main priority for me.

I went and made sure to visit the United States Botanical Gardens and the Holocaust Museum. These two places aren't top tourist locations but I really think they should be. Granted, I'm sure some of you have seen one of these spots from past school visits, but did you get to really go and enjoy them and take your time through them? Or were you rushed by your classmates to go to the other main exhibits? I'm going to give you a little insight on these two and hopefully you'll plan to visit DC and see them for yourselves.

United States Botanical Gardens

The Botanical Garden is located just to the right of the Capital Building, right off of 3rd Street. It was established by Congress in 1820 and maintains approximately 65,000 plants. The Garden contains a beautiful outside walkway with the First Ladies Water Garden, a Rose Garden, Butterfly Garden, and so much more. Right next to the outside garden, is a Conservatory filled with ecosystems from around the globe. It highlights plants from Hawaii, World Deserts, Mediterranean, Rare & Endangered, etc. I have never seen such a beautiful exhibit to walk around and explore. The Conservatory even has a second floor in the Tropics area. The Botanical Garden is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

United States Holocaust Memorial Museum

The Holocaust Museum is located right off 15th Street, to the left of the Washington Monument. This museum contains memorabilia from people who were alive during the Holocaust as well as a timeline taking you from beginning to end of the Holocaust throughout four floors. There is a main exhibit that requires you to get free tickets for. However these tickets run out very quickly unless you are a firefighter, policeman, marine, or anyone else working for the government. If you can't get a ticket during your visit, there are still some exhibits you can walk through that don't require a ticket. Some of the exhibits in this museum aren't recommended for children to walk through. "Remember the Children: Daniel's Story" is a walk through of a child named Daniel and his life before and during the Holocaust. It shows us what it was like for a child during this time. The entire museum, including the main exhibit, will take you roughly three or more hours to walk through. The Holocaust Museum is open from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

Washington DC is a wonderful place to walk around and explore. If you are looking for a good, couple day getaway from home, I recommend visiting Washington DC. I have two quick tips to share. One, find a hotel somewhere near Washington DC to stay, it'll be a lot cheaper. I recommend staying in College Park, that's were we stayed and it was only a 30 minute drive to DC! Two, research parking garages before making your way into DC, it will make driving around a lot easier. I hope you go and enjoy these sights!

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

50770
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less
a man and a woman sitting on the beach in front of the sunset

Whether you met your new love interest online, through mutual friends, or another way entirely, you'll definitely want to know what you're getting into. I mean, really, what's the point in entering a relationship with someone if you don't know whether or not you're compatible on a very basic level?

Consider these 21 questions to ask in the talking stage when getting to know that new guy or girl you just started talking to:

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

Challah vs. Easter Bread: A Delicious Dilemma

Is there really such a difference in Challah bread or Easter Bread?

32488
loaves of challah and easter bread stacked up aside each other, an abundance of food in baskets
StableDiffusion

Ever since I could remember, it was a treat to receive Easter Bread made by my grandmother. We would only have it once a year and the wait was excruciating. Now that my grandmother has gotten older, she has stopped baking a lot of her recipes that require a lot of hand usage--her traditional Italian baking means no machines. So for the past few years, I have missed enjoying my Easter Bread.

Keep Reading...Show less
Adulting

Unlocking Lake People's Secrets: 15 Must-Knows!

There's no other place you'd rather be in the summer.

955710
Group of joyful friends sitting in a boat
Haley Harvey

The people that spend their summers at the lake are a unique group of people.

Whether you grew up going to the lake, have only recently started going, or have only been once or twice, you know it takes a certain kind of person to be a lake person. To the long-time lake people, the lake holds a special place in your heart, no matter how dirty the water may look.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Top 10 Reasons My School Rocks!

Why I Chose a Small School Over a Big University.

180754
man in black long sleeve shirt and black pants walking on white concrete pathway

I was asked so many times why I wanted to go to a small school when a big university is so much better. Don't get me wrong, I'm sure a big university is great but I absolutely love going to a small school. I know that I miss out on big sporting events and having people actually know where it is. I can't even count how many times I've been asked where it is and I know they won't know so I just say "somewhere in the middle of Wisconsin." But, I get to know most people at my school and I know my professors very well. Not to mention, being able to walk to the other side of campus in 5 minutes at a casual walking pace. I am so happy I made the decision to go to school where I did. I love my school and these are just a few reasons why.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments