Capitol: The legislative branches of the U.S. government—the Senate and the House of Representatives—meet in this beautiful building. Public tours form on the east side of the Capitol (facing 1st Street) and include visits to the Rotunda and other chambers. Visitors can also view the Senate and the House from the galleries when Congress is in session. Supreme Court: In this formidable Greek-style temple, the nine Supreme Court Justices make final their interpretations of the Constitution and the laws of the land. In addition to viewing the building, you can see a film, hear a lecture or, if you are exceptionally lucky, sit in on arguments when the Court is in session.

Library of Congress: Originally intended as a small reference library, the Library of Congress now contains the largest collection of books in the world with 100 million items, including a Gutenberg Bible and first drafts of the Declaration of Independence and Lincoln's Gettysburg Address. The splendor of the magnificent Main Reading Room is worth the visit, but you should also browse the many excellent collections and exhibits in the library's three buildings.

National Archives: This bombproof, fireproof facility protects the nation's most treasured documents. The methods used for storing the documents safely are nearly as interesting as the documents themselves. Sealed glass vaults are raised into the exhibition areas for viewing each day but sink back into safety each night. Here, you will find the most significant of our national documents—the U.S. Constitution and Declaration of Independence. Among the other documents and artifacts housed here are copies of the Magna Carta and the Emancipation Proclamation, and the rifle used to assassinate John F. Kennedy.

White House: The second president, John Adams, was the first to live in the White House in 1801—George Washington never resided here. Originally called the "Executive Mansion," it earned the nickname "White House" after its marble exterior was whitewashed to cover burn marks from damage by the War of 1812.

White House Visitor’s Center: A collection of exhibits and films about the White House and the presidential families that have been its residents. This is also the location of the White House gift shop.

Washington Monument: The symbol of the city of Washington DC, this 555-foot marble obelisk on the National Mall honors the nation's first president. The cornerstone was laid in 1848, but construction was not completed until 1884. About one-third of the way up the obelisk is a visible change in the marble, evidence of the onset of the Civil War. Construction was halted during the war, and when builders returned to the same quarry to complete the project afterwards, enough time had passed to cause a significant change in the color.

Pentagon: Across the Potomac River in Arlington, Virginia is the headquarters of the armed forces of the United States, the largest office building in the world. Encompassing 29 acres, with a five-acre courtyard in the center, the five-sided structure has over 17 miles of hallways. Approximately 23,000 employees, military and civilian, come to work here each day.

Jefferson Memorial: Designed by John Russell Pope, this Roman-style monument to Thomas Jefferson, the nation's third president and author of the Declaration of Independence, is elegant and simple. Jefferson's 19- foot statue stands within, surrounded by some of his most inspirational writings. This is a perfect after-dinner destination. At night, the view of the Washington Monument across the tidal basin is one of the most attractive in Washington.

Lincoln Memorial: The Lincoln Memorial is a principal landmark of the city. It offers magnificent views of the city from several vantage points. Daniel Chester French's 19-foot statue of Lincoln seated and deep in thought, along with the carved text of the Gettysburg Address, provides a glimpse into a weighty period of American history. The 36 Doric columns represent the number of states in the union at the time of Lincoln's death.

Franklin Roosevelt Memorial: This monument is not only a memorial to the nation's 32nd president, but also a remembrance of the people of his time. The monument stretches along the Tidal Basin with four outdoor gallery rooms, connected by granite passageways. Each room exhibits aspects of Franklin D. Roosevelt's terms in office. The second room, for example, depicts the Great Depression with statues waiting in a bread line and of a man listening to a fireside chat. Another room contains a statue of Eleanor Roosevelt, the only memorial to honor a First Lady. The monument is glorified by waterfalls and pools.

Korean War Memorial: This monument features statues of 19 soldiers carefully making their way through unknown terrain. Photographic images on a 164-foot granite wall pay tribute to the thousands of others who contributed to the war—nurses, mechanics, crew chiefs and support personnel. Inscribed on the wall are the words: "Freedom Is Not Free."

World War II Memorial: Dedicated on May 29, 2004, the World War II Memorial is the first national memorial to honor "Americans who took up the struggle during the Second World War and made the sacrifices to perpetuate the gift our forefathers entrusted to us: A nation conceived in liberty and justice," as the announcement stone proclaims. The design by architect Friedrich St. Florian marks the Pacific and European Theatres of World War II with magnificent arches and remembers the 400,000 Americans who died with 4,000 stars (100 for each star) along the Freedom Wall.

Vietnam Veterans Memorial: When it was unveiled in 1982, nothing but controversy met the design of this memorial to the 58,000 Americans who died or are missing in action in the Vietnam War. Maya Ying Lin may have been no more than a 21-year-old graduate student when she won the design contest for this memorial, but her work is now etched in the memories of countless visitors who have walked along this black granite wall etched with names.

Law Enforcement Memorial: The nation's law enforcement officers—federal, state and local—who died in the line of duty are remembered with this memorial in Judiciary Square. Dedicated in 1991, the memorial's blue-gray marble walls contain the names of more than 14,000 officers, the first death dating back to 1794.

George Mason Memorial: The George Mason Memorial commemorates the neglected contributions of an important Founding Father. George Mason was the author of the Virginia Declaration of Rights, which served as an inspiration to Thomas Jefferson while drafting the Declaration of Independence. Mason later served as a delegate to the Constitutional Convention in Philadelphia in 1787. Perhaps Masons' greatest act was withholding his signature from the United States Constitution because it did not abolish the slave trade and lacked necessary protection for the individual from the Federal Government.

Iwo Jima Memorial: The image of five marines and a navy corpsman raising an American flag atop Mount Suribachi during World War II is known to every American schoolchild. Seen in person, the bronze 78-foot statue is sure to stir emotions. The sculpture near Arlington National Cemetery commemorates the 6,800 soldiers who died during World War II in order to capture the tiny Japanese island of Iwo Jima. Today, the memorial is dedicated to all U.S. Marines who died in battle.

US Navy Memorial: The U.S. Navy Memorial features scenes of Navy valor sculpted on bronze panels. The panels circle a map of the world carved into the sidewalk. Fountains outside the sculpture panels encircle the entire memorial. The nearby museum features a 35-minute film, "At Sea," and a ship store where military souvenirs are sold. Be sure to browse the names in the log book. The register contains names and pictures of former maritime servicemen and women.

Einstein Memorial: A 12-foot sculpture of Albert Einstein is seated on a bench in front of the National Academy of Sciences. The sculpture, by Robert Berk, is done in the same style as the artist's famous bust of President John F. Kennedy in the Kennedy Center. This is a great location for group photos.

African-American Civil War Memorial: Relatively new among the many monuments in DC, this memorial pays tribute to the 185,000 African-American soldiers who fought with Union troops during the Civil War. Appropriately, the memorial stands in the historic Shaw neighborhood, named after Robert Gould Shaw, the white colonel who led the 54th Massachusetts Infantry, a black regiment, in an ill-fated attack on the Confederates. The event was depicted in the movie "Glory." Across the street, a Visitors Center features a database for looking up ancestors' regiments and battle action.

Theodore Roosevelt Island and Memorial: This Potomac River island is an apt memorial to the conservation-minded Teddy Roosevelt, the nation's 26th president. The 88-acre wildlife refuge can be explored along winding footpaths. In a clearing at the island's center stands a 22-foot bronze statue of Roosevelt, accompanied by inscriptions of his eloquent thoughts on nature and conservation.

Arlington Cemetery: This is the final resting place of many who gave their lives in service to the country. Two US presidents—John F. Kennedy and William Howard Taft are buried here. The crew of the Challenger space shuttle, civil rights leader Medgar Evers and film star Audie Murphy are among the many honored here. The Tomb of the Unknown Soldiers, containing remains of unidentified soldiers from World Wars I, II, and the Korean Conflict, is guarded 24 hours a day. The changing of the guard ceremony is a moving tribute to them. Arlington house, the home of Robert E. Lee until the outbreak of the Civil War, is located on the cemetery grounds.

Old Town Alexandria: Long before the establishment of Washington DC, Alexandria was a town centered in politics and commerce. The founding fathers often met here to discuss freedom and revolution. Visit Robert E. Lee's boyhood home and that of his father, General "Lighthorse" Harry Lee, a Revolutionary War hero. Nearby Christ Church is where George Washington worshipped. Stroll down King Street with its many quaint shops and restaurants or duck down one of the side streets, many of which have their original cobblestones.

George Washington Memorial Masonic Temple: George Washington's affiliation with the Masons is remembered at this fascinating museum, which includes artifacts such as a Washington family Bible, the clock a doctor stopped when Washington died and a splendid Persian rug valued at over a million dollars. But the primary draw is the trip up the 333-foot granite tower, modeled after an ancient lighthouse in Alexandria, Egypt. The view of the surrounding Virginia and Washington skylines rivals the more famous vistas tourists regularly enjoy from the Washington Monument and the Old Post Office.

Mount Vernon: From beneath the 90-foot portico of Mount Vernon, visitors can gaze across an expanse of sloping lawn to the Potomac River, a mile wide, as its flows past George Washington's home. Costumed guides narrate the history of the elegant mansion and of the surrounding buildings, which have been preserved to reflect the days when the first president resided here. Visitors are invited to walk around the 500-acre estate, tour the buildings and participate in the "Hand-on History" exhibits that recreate farming techniques and colonial games.

Gristmill at Mount Vernon: Between Woodlawn Plantation and Mount Vernon lies yet another of the enterprising first president's projects. Built before the Revolution and in operation for 30 years, this grist mill was used to grind corn and wheat into flour. It was neglected for years, leaving little but its foundation in tact at the start of the 20th century. However, it was renovated in 1930 with parts from another mill of the same period. Today visitors may view the mill along with exhibits explaining its operation. Bureau of Engraving and Printing: The paper currency for the US is printed in this building. Kids and adults will love visiting this "money factory." The guided tour is brief, lasting 30 to 45 minutes, but the line can be daunting. At the moment tours on a first come basis. Summer evening tours require tickets, which are handed out at the visitor Center. Visitors can see a display with a million USD1 bills and view dollars at every stage of production. The bureau runs 24 hours a day and prints USD450 million daily.

National Zoo: This is one of the nation's finest zoos. It was created by Congress in 1889 and designed by Frederick Law Olmstead, who also designed the grounds of the U.S. Capitol and New York's Central Park. The zoo is famous for its giant pandas from China, Mei Xiang and Tian Tian, but you will find all sorts of critters, both familiar and exotic, crawling about the place.

National Cathedral: A frequent site of nationally significant memorial services, the National Cathedral is open to worshipers of all denominations. Under construction for most of the 20th century and completed and consecrated in 1990, this Gothic cathedral is the sixth largest in the world. Flying buttresses, gargoyles, crypts, a 98-foot vaulted ceiling and many intimate chapels contribute to this architectural masterpiece. The grounds invite exploration with curving walkways, well-kept hedges and spacious lawns from which to view the city.

National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception: This basilica, the largest Roman Catholic Church in the Western Hemisphere, was dedicated in 1959. Its architecture is mix of Romanesque and Byzantine styles. The Great Upper Church boasts fantastic mosaics, stained glass windows and individual chapels, and the lower level Crypt Church is smaller and darker, but equally impressive in atmosphere and ornamentation. Georgetown University: Founded in 1789, the same year the U.S. Constitution took effect; Georgetown University is the nation's oldest Catholic and Jesuit University.

Ford’s Theatre: The assassination of President Abraham Lincoln here on April 14, 1865, overshadowed this theater for most of its history. Ford's opened just four years before that fateful night. Restored to its 1865 appearance, Ford's is again a showcase for plays. The basement-level Lincoln Museum displays artifacts from the assassination, including the gun John Wilkes Booth used to kill Lincoln. Mementos from Lincoln's life also are on display. National Park Service rangers give talks 15 minutes after the hour. Across the street is Petersen House, the house where Lincoln died. FBI: In operation since 1908, the FBI has long been tracking the nation's "Most Wanted," using the best methods known to science. Learn about the fingerprinting process, the high-tech labs, and the history of the FBI, from its struggles with syndicated crime to Cold War adversaries. Among the notable items on display is gangster John Dillinger's death mask. A brief film describes the bureau's work. Public tours are temporarily suspended until further notice.

Botanical Gardens: This conservatory presents botanical variety from the desert to the tropics in a calm and gently meandering fashion. A waterfall and a garden display the flora of the dinosaur age. Seasonal displays include Christmas greens and poinsettias in December and January, chrysanthemums in autumn and blooming flowers at Easter. A National Garden is currently being developed on three acres adjacent to the conservatory.

Embassy Row: Drive along this famous stretch of Massachusetts Avenue, home to dozens of foreign embassies.

Frederick Douglass National Historic Site: From 1877 to 1895, this was the home of Frederick Douglass, the Nation's leading 19th-century African American spokesman. Visitors to the site will learn more about his efforts to abolish slavery and his struggle for Human Rights, Equal Rights and Civil Rights for all oppressed people. Among Frederick Douglass' other achievements, he was U.S. minister to Haiti in 1889. Authorized Sept. 5, 1962, as Frederick Douglass Home; redesignated Feb. 12, 1988 as the Frederick Douglass National Historic Site.

National Arboretum: Best known for its vast collection of azaleas, Washington's favorite shrubbery, this 444-acre garden park has much else to offer. Fountains, pools and open space separate a series of focused gardens. A gift from Japan, the National Bonsai Collection is a fascinating exhibit of tiny trees. Other notable sections are the aquatic garden and The National Herb Garden.

Kennedy Center: The immense Kennedy Center is a must-see for any visitor. Six theaters show productions including plays, operas, ballets, concerts and films. The Millennium Stage has free performances of varied styles at 6pm daily. Tours introduce visitors to the Hall of States, Hall of Nations, the main theaters and gifts from many countries honoring the 35th president.

Constitution Gardens: This 52-acre park is located north of the Reflecting Pool amid the capital's many famous monuments and memorials. A beautiful place for a stroll, the paths wind through the trees taking you to Vietnam Veterans Memorial, a lake and a memorial to the signers of the Declaration of Independence.

Hain’s Point: To cool down and relax, especially during DC's muggy summers, head to this riverside park. A favorite among Washingtonians, Hain’s Point is a peninsula of land jutting out into the confluence of the Potomac River and the Washington Channel. Let the cross breezes revitalize you as you stroll along the river, picnic or take the kids to the playground. Best of all; let them climb "The Awakening," a huge statue of a man seemingly climbing up out of the ground.

Folger Shakespeare Library: Rare books, paintings and other memorabilia, such as musical instruments, costumes and films, make this a most unique collection. A reproduction of an Elizabethan theatre is a perfect setting for one of the many special events, including concerts, plays and book readings. The Grand Hall, with its high ceiling and dark wood, is a frequent setting for literary and other events.

National Aquarium: The oldest aquarium in the country has an unlikely home in the basement of the Department of Commerce. The dark concrete space seems to cater to the preferences of the fish with its cool atmosphere. The 70 tanks of various sizes hold many species, including those native to this country. Piranhas, alligators and sea turtles are among the other popular creatures to observe.

Union Station: The elegant Main Hall with its vaulted ceiling more than 90-feet high and marble floors is reminiscent of the days when railway travel was fashionable. This beaux-arts building, opened in 1908, fell into severe disrepair in the 1940s. It underwent a monumental restoration project and reopened in 1988.

Old Post Office Pavilion: This historic landmark was built in 1899 and served as the main post office for the country. Saved from demolition it was renovated and reopened in 1983. Today, it provides a little of everything: office space for the National Arts and Humanities Endowments, shops and restaurants. Under the building's enormous atrium, visitors may browse, play a round of miniature golf and enjoy free concerts at noon. Do not miss a ride up the 315-foot clock tower for one of the most spectacular views of the city.

Washington Navy Yard: The Washington Navy Yard is the U.S. Navy's oldest shore establishment, in operation since the first decade of the 19th century. It evolved from a shipbuilding center to ordnance plant and then to the ceremonial and administrative center for the Navy. The yard is home to the Chief of Naval Operations and is headquarters for the Naval Historical Center, the Marine Corps Historical Center, and numerous naval commands. The Navy Museum welcomes visitors to displays of naval art and artifacts which trace the Navy's history from the Revolutionary War to the present day. You can also take a selfguided tour on the USS Barry, a decommissioned Vietnam-era destroyer.

Museum of American History: This eclectic museum is sometimes referred to as "The Nation's Attic." It houses numerous memorabilia and artifacts collected throughout American history. The American Presidency section exhibits the many facets of the nation's highest office and the impact it has had in those who have held it. Another section contains objects that highlight the cultural history of the country including Mohammed Ali's boxing gloves and the inaugural ball gowns of many of the First Ladies. Exhibits on science and technology, military history and much more can be found on the three floors of this fascinating museum.

Museum of Natural History: The dinosaur skeletons on the ground floor are sure to please the kids. But there is something here for everyone. The famous—and cursed?—Hope Diamond is on display as well as a live coral reef, a walk-through mine and an insect zoo with thousands of live specimens. The "Discovery Room" encourages kids to touch, smell and taste the exhibits.

Air & Space Museum: There are dozens of aircraft here, everything from the Wright Brothers' Flyer and Charles Lindbergh's Spirit of St. Louis to World War II planes and Apollo 11. In the Lockheed Martin IMAX Theater, you can view one of the ever-changing films on the five-story screen. After the film, you can touch a moon rock or visit the original Star Trek model of the Enterprise. Educational exhibits introduce the ideas of aerodynamics to children and track the influence of flight technology on our culture.

Udvar-Hazy Museum (Air & Space II): The Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center, an extension of the Smithsonian's National Air and Space Museum, opened December 15, 2003. The huge facility houses important icons of aviation and space history such as the space shuttle Enterprise, an SR-71 Blackbird, and the Enola Gay.. Special features include a soaring observation tower from which visitors can watch air traffic at Dulles, flight simulators, and an IMAX theater.

National Gallery of Art: The National Gallery houses an extensive collection of European and American art in two spectacular buildings. In the grand, neo-classical West Building, Rembrandt, Rubens and Gainsborough are well-represented. The permanent collection includes works from the 13th to 20th centuries including a section devoted to Impressionism. An underground concourse with a cafeteria, an excellent gift shop and a walled-in waterfall takes you to the East Building. Designed by I.M. Pei, this triangular building is a key city landmark and home to 20th-century art works and temporary exhibitions.

Museum of the American Indian: This museum showcases Native American objects from ancient pre- Columbian civilizations through the 21st century. Multimedia presentations, live performances and handson demonstrations will bring the Native American people’s history and culture to life.

Arts and Industries Building: Located beside the Smithsonian Castle, this museum contains artifacts from the 1876 Centennial Exposition in Philadelphia and provides a wonderful view into daily life a century ago. This is also the home of the African-American Museum Project, with continuously changing exhibits of African-American life and the Smithsonian Discovery Theater.

Hirshhorn Museum: Visitors stroll up a rising, circular incline and view works by Brancusi, Degas, Rodin and contemporary sculptors. American artists are represented by Thomas Eakins and Jackson Pollock, to name a few. The museum's collection includes 4,000 paintings and 2,000 sculptures. Do not miss the sunken sculpture garden.

Spy Museum: The International Spy Museum provides a unique glimpse into the innovative world of espionage and its impact throughout history and present day. The state of the art exhibits include artifacts and spy stories from all over the world.

Newseum: Dedicated to free press and free speech, the Newseum showcases the history of newsgathering. The displays include a video wall of live news broadcasts from around the world. Here visitors have the opportunity to anchor a news program; an exhibit especially popular with children. For a fee, children can also put their faces on the covers of famous magazines, including Life and Sports Illustrated. Interactive displays are the rule here, but there is much to see in a variety of dynamic formats.

Corcoran Art Museum: This is Washington's largest private museum of art, with a permanent collection that numbers more than 14,000 works. It includes paintings by the famous American portraitist Gilbert Stuart and works from the Hudson River school. Established in 1869 by William Wilson Corcoran, the museum also showcases fine European works, especially French.

National Portrait Gallery: Famous and distinguished Americans are honored here in portraits, photographs and other visual media. A wide variety of politicians, artists, scientists and social activists are represented. This gallery is a remarkable testimony to the diverse figures the United States has produced, from Grace Kelly and Boris Karloff to George Washington, Mickey Mantle and Gertrude Stein. Photographs, prints, drawings and sculptures supplement the paintings. Of particular interest is the Hall of Presidents, which features a portrait or sculpture of each chief executive.

Octagon House: The eight-sided, 19th-century home of John Tayloe III, a wealthy contemporary of early US presidents, offers an interesting glimpse into both history and architecture. President Madison resided here after the White House was burned in the War of 1812. The Treaty of Ghent was signed in the Octagon's study at the war's end. Architectural exhibits are integrated into the fine house with its period furnishings. The building itself is a masterpiece, designed by William Thornton, the architect of the U.S. Capitol and other highpoints of Federal-era Washington.

DC City Museum: In a city full of museums, the City Museum serves as the only institution dedicated to telling the story of the city of Washington, D.C. and its people. While some museums examine Washington as a federal city, none consider Washington as a vibrant community in its own right. Enjoy a historical orientation to the diverse city beyond the monuments.

Holocaust Memorial Museum: Visitors should come prepared for an experience likely to be disturbing and difficult to forget. At the start of the tour, each visitor is given an identity card of a Holocaust victim that matches the visitor's own age and gender. Ordinary reality is skewed through off-center stairways, weird angles and the shadows of other visitors on the glass walkways overhead. An elaborate audio-visual display includes interviews, films and photographs. The Hall of Remembrance provides a calm, empty space at the end of the tour where one can reflect on the experience.

Freer Gallery: The Freer Gallery houses more than 26,000 works from all points of the Asian continent, including China, Japan, Korea and India. These works include Asian porcelains, Japanese screens and Islamic art. The works of American artists influenced by the Orient are also featured. The most spectacular of these is James McNeill Whistler's Peacock Room, designed for a British shipping magnate and moved to the United States from London in 1904.

African Art Museum: This is the best museum in the United States for exploring the crafts and artwork of sub-Saharan Africa. Specific areas, such as the Kingdom of Benin and the city of Kerma receive special focus. The museum does an especially fine job of placing its collections into informative contexts.

Sackler Gallery: This underground museum's focus is the collection of early Chinese jades and bronzes donated by Arthur M. Sackler, a wealthy medical researcher and publisher. However, the museum houses a variety of Asian art dating as far back as 3000 BC. Displays of special note include Persian manuscripts, Indian paintings and Japanese prints. Works from China, Southeast Asia, Korea and Tibet are also featured. American Art Museum: Any fan of American art should stop by this fine museum. The George Catlin collection is especially extensive, but fine artists like James McNeill Whistler, Mary Cassatt, Willem de Kooning and Jasper Johns are also well represented. The museum is surprisingly eclectic. You will find a wide array of crafts from Native Americans and other ethnic minorities. Contemporary creations are especially intriguing. Do not miss the giraffe made of bottle tops or the Hampton Throne. Created in the garage of a local maverick, this foil-and-copper display includes a variety of household items and numerous religious symbols.

National Museum of Women in the Arts: The history of the female artist is a sub-theme in this museum, which houses the works of women artists from the 16th century to the present. The comfortable mid-range scale of the museum is ideal for leisurely viewing of the permanent and visiting exhibitions. Painting and sculpture are nicely balanced with the decorative arts and photography.

Phillips Collection: This Dupont Circle mansion retains the 19th-century grandeur enjoyed by the Phillips family. The gallery was opened in 1918 while the family was still living in the home. The collection displays mostly 19th- and 20th-century American and European paintings. Significant works by Degas, Renoir, Van Gogh, Cezanne, Bonnard and Klee are on display. One can browse at leisure and perhaps, catch an art student working on a sketch. Revolving installations occur frequently.

National Postal Museum: From stagecoach to Model T, learn about the techniques and technologies the U.S. Postal Service has employed to deliver mail over the years. Exhibits also demonstrate the important role that mail has played in the country's development. Interactive computer displays and videos of train robberies are especially popular.

National Building Museum: This palatial building contradicts its slightly dull and dusty name. Designed after Italian Renaissance palaces; the brick and terracotta building contains a massive 15-story interior with eight Corinthian columns that are 75 feet high. The space has been the site of inaugural balls and a popular Christmas television special. Several tiers of arcades ring the Great Hall, offering space for a variety of architectural exhibits. Foremost among these is a look into the planning and design of Washington, DC. Children will love the touchable model of the nation's capital.

Capital Children’s Museum: If you travel to Washington with children, this is an essential stop (and a fun one too). Catering to children from age four to early teens, this museum throws away glass cases and velvet cords and replaces them with "Please Touch" signs. Everything is built and arranged for hands-on, often full-body exploration, including a maze of pipes, shape puzzles, costumes, computer activities, a pyramid and a tortilla-making stand.

National Geographic Society: The many perspectives of the Earth are examined here, including geology, oceanography, astronomy and anthropology. Enjoy creative and educational exhibits including an 11-foot globe, a tornado simulator and a "time machine." Changing, lively special exhibits are also featured.

Renwick Gallery: Designed by architect James Renwick, who also designed the Smithsonian Castle, this gallery was the home of the Corcoran Art Collection until it outgrew the building. Currently, the Renwick is among the foremost craft museums in the country. It includes a full array of the art form, from hand woven rugs to Shaker furniture.

EVENING ACTIVITIES

Potomac River Dinner Cruise: Dandy and Odyssey Cruises are fine dining dinner-boat pioneers with over twenty years of experience; world renown for excellent food and service in an elegant atmosphere. Chair-rail to ceiling windows, plush carpeting, crisp linens, mahogany wood, brass accents, and marble dance floor create an Old World look.

Alexandria Ghost Tour: Creep through the darkest night following the lantern light of your 18th century guide hearing stories of ghosts, spirits & legends of Alexandria. And you'll be abandoned in a graveyard! Theatrical Performances: Enjoy a performance at Ford’s Theatre where Lincoln was assassinated, or in the Kennedy Center. Maybe catch a show in the round at the Arena Stage.

Sports Events: Catch a professional baseball game with the Washington Nationals, Baltimore Orioles or New York Yankees and Mets.