Washington D.C. is definitely not lacking in museums, monuments, exhibits, historic or landmarks. The District also offers a variety of cuisine and nightlife.
When DC was established, it was designed to serve the United States as the seat of government. However, after a dispute arose between Virginia and Maryland as to which state would be home to the nation’s capital, it was decided that Washington DC would be an independent, non-state entity.
Currently, the District of Columbia is home to thousands of college students, non-profits, and swarms of local and international government employees. Given that D.C. is just a short bus trip away from NYC, there is no reason to avoid experiencing this unique social climate. Additionally, Tripper Bus serves groups going from Arlington VA and Bethesda MD to NYC and was voted Best Bus to NYC by Washington City Paper…. so you definitely have some options.
While there will never be a shortage of things to do or see in D.C., there are several must-visits attractions in D.C.
The National Museum of African American History and Culture is a must-see museum in D.C., especially if you’re African American. “The National Museum of African American History and Culture is the only national museum devoted exclusively to the documentation of African American life, history, and culture. It was established by Act of Congress in 2003, following decades of efforts to promote and highlight the contributions of African Americans. To date, the Museum has collected more than 36,000 artifacts, and nearly 100,000 individuals have become members. The Museum opened to the public on September 24, 2016, as the 19th and newest museum of the Smithsonian Institution.”
The world-renowned Smithsonian Institution is a collection of museums and galleries, including the National Air and Space Museum, the National Portrait Gallery, and the recently added National Museum of the American Indian. From the Smithsonian collection, is the best view of the Capitol and the Washington Monument at either end of the grassy Mall
A tour of the Capitol Building allows you to see the several stages of democracy as they emerged throughout our nation’s history. The Capital building was partially burned (together with the rest of the city), in 1814 by British forces. Inside the Capitol Building, you can still see the remains of the old dome and the surrounding new, taller dome.
You should also visit the first Supreme Court, which was then housed inside the Capitol.
Get in touch with nature by visiting Washington DC’s Rock Creek Park and the famous National Zoo, home to America’s famous pandas.
Washington, DC, is also home to the famous Spy Museum, which covers the history of intelligence, espionage, and code-breaking in the United States and worldwide.
Beyond Washington DC
Many of Washington DC’s best attractions are beyond the limits of the District. Once you book your bus trip from NYC to Washington DC, plan to explore the outlying areas such as the Arlington National Cemetery. Additionally, you can bike the scenic green waterside of George Washington Parkway to Mount Vernon, which is the home and plantation of George Washington, the nation’s first president. Washington DC is bordered by several National Parks and recreation areas, including but not limited to the Shenandoah National Park and Anacostia National Park.
