Washington D.C. Things to Do Tips by Yaqui Top 5 Page for this destination

Iwo Jima War Memorial ~ U. S. Marine Corps Iwo Jima Memorial Review

The United States Marine Corps War Memorial stands as a symbol of our nations's highest regard for the honored dead of the Marine Corps. Although the statues depicts one of the most famous events of WWII, the memorial is dedicated to all Marines who have given their lives in defense of the United States of America since 1775. Shortly after the release of Associated Press Photography Joe Rosenthal's famous photo, sculptor Felix W. de Weldon, then on duty with the U.S. Navy, constructed a scale model followed by several life-sized statues inspired by the scene.

It was then proposed that the symbolic scene be immortalized in bronze. The Marine Corps War Memorial Foundation organized the fundraising and creation of the monument. After years of effort, Felix de Weldon and his assistants completed the statue. The memorial designed by Horace W. Peaslee, was officially dedicated by Presidents Dwight D.Eisenhower on November 10, 1954. The entire cost of the memorial was $850,000 - all donated by Marines, Naval Service members and friends. The 32 foot high bronze figures are shown erecting a 60 foot flagpole at the top of the Mount Surbachi on Iwo Jima. Burnished in gold on the Swedish granite are the names and dates of principal Marine Corps engagements since the founding of the Corps.

Ira Hamilton Hayes (1923 –1955), Franklin Sousley (1925-1945~killed on Iwo Jima), John Bradley(1923-1994), Michael Strank(1919-1945~killed on Iwo Jima), Rene Gagnon (1926-1979), and Harlon Block(1924-1945 ~killed on Iwo Jima).

Directions: Marshall Drive, between Route 50 and Arlington National Cemetery, in Arlington, VA. The Iwo Jima Memorial is located about six blocks from the Rosslyn Metro Station. The Netherlands Carillon, a bell tower and park are adjacent to the memorial.

Phone: 703-289-2500.

Website: http://www.nps.gov/gwmp/marinecorpswarmemorial.htm

Library of Congress~Jefferson Building Library Of Congress Review

What a absolutely beautiful building. The wall and ceiling paintings and sculptures carved into the pillars and stairways are stunning. What is great about this building is it belongs to US Congress and any U.S. citizen. Yet, it is Free for everyone to get in and explore pretty much the whole building. I highly suggest you take one of their FREE tours because you learn so much from them and will make sure you see the items that are most significant, although it was all wonderful. There are many wonderful rooms with significant exhibits such as Exporing The Early Americas (the first map with the name America on it), Bob Hope Exhibit (brings back some wonderful memories of a great man), The Creating The United STates Constitution(Jefferson Book Collection ~Awesome), and one that touches my heart is The Last Full Measure (Civil War ambrotype and tintype photographs). Oh, you get to peak from above the library room, which by the way, anyone can get a library card too;)

You will have to go through security screening in and out!

Address: 10 First Street, SE

Directions: Metro: Capitol South. Next to the Supreme Court, just behind the Capitol Building.

Phone: (202) 707-8000

Website: http://www.loc.gov/

National Archives National Archives Review

On July 4, 1776 We had taken the first step to becoming a free nation, but without its toll on our lives and economy. Yet, we prevailed and have become a nation I am very proud to be part of.

"The Declaration announced to the world the separation of the thirteen colonies from Great Britain and the establishment of the United States of America. It explained the causes of this radical move with a long list of charges against the King. In justifying the Revolution, it asserted a universal truth about human rights in words that have inspired downtrodden people through the ages and throughout the world to rise up against their oppressors."Retrieved from:The National Archives Experience

Security is a must here too and will go through the process as if your going through an airport so be prepared.

The documents are on displayed and protected by sealing cassings to preserve them.

Photo's are welcome, but "No Flash!" Hehehehe, I click off one and you'd thought the world ended, but after they calmed down I reminded them they were not clear and their was no signs posted. So they started reminding everyone - Ok, I am bad:^)

The Rotunda of the National Archives Building in downtown Washington, DC, reopened on September 18. The Constitution, the Bill of Rights, and the Declaration of Independence have returned to public display. For more information, see the National Archives Experience.

Hours
Research Hours
Monday & Wednesday 8:45 am - 5:00 pm
Tuesday, Thursday & Friday 8:45 am - 9:00 pm
Saturday 8:45 am - 4:45 pm

Closed Sundays and Federal Holidays
Pull times for files
Rotunda Hours
Fall & Winter Seasons (Day after Labor Day through March 31)
10:00 A.M.–5:30 P.M. (every day, except closed on December 25)

Spring Season (April 1 through the Friday before Memorial Day Weekend)
10:00 A.M.–7:00 P.M. (every day)

Summer Season (Memorial Day Weekend through Labor Day)
10:00 A.M.–9:00 P.M. (every day)%f*

Address: 700 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW

Directions: The National Archives Building is located between Seventh and Ninth Streets, NW, with entrances on Pennsylvania and Constitution Avenues.

Phone: (202) 501-5404

Website: http://www.archives.gov

U.S. Capital Building U.S. Capitol Building Review

This is one of the most important foundations of our beloved democracy. Senators and representatives shape our U.S. legislative policies from here.

Hours: The Capitol Visitor Center is open to visitors from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Saturday except for Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, New Year's Day and Inauguration Day. Tours of the U.S. Capitol are conducted from 8:50 a.m. to 3:20 p.m., Monday through Saturday. Visitors with official business appointments may enter the Visitor Center as early as 7:15 a.m.

Address: Capitol Hill Washington, DC 20515

Directions: The Capitol Visitor Center, the new main entrance to the U.S. Capitol, is located beneath the East Front plaza at First Street and East Capitol Street, NE.%c

Phone: 202-225-6827

Website: http://www.washington.org

Freer Gallery of Art Freer and Sackler Art Galleries Review

Another Free museum to explore. My travels are on a budget, so being able to enjoy beautiful pieces of art Free always works for me.

HOURS AND ADMISSION
The Freer and Sackler Galleries are open 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. every day except December 25.
Admission is free.

Address: Independence Avenue at 12th Street, SW

Directions: Metro Stop: 1200 Independence Avenue SW Washington, DC 20004

Phone: 202.633.4880

Website: http://www.asia.si.edu/

U.S. Botanic Gardens U.S. Botanic Garden Review

Another wonderful place that gets overlooked and it is FREE!

ADMISSION, HOURS, AND ENTRANCE LOCATIONS

Admission to all public areas of the U.S. Botanic Garden is FREE.

Conservatory Hours: open 10 a.m - 5 p.m. daily, including all weekends & holidays.

National Garden Hours: open 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. daily.

Bartholdi Park Hours: open dawn to dusk, daily, including all weekends & holidays.

Directions/Location: The Conservatory's main entrance is located at 100 Maryland Avenue, SW, Washington, DC 20001 (use this address for Internet mapping searches). The National Garden is adjacent to the Conservatory, with entrances from Independence Avenue, from Maryland Avenue (at 3rd Street), and from the Conservatory Terrace. Bartholdi Park is located across Independence Avenue from the Conservatory, with access from any of the three bordering streets - Independence Avenue, Washington Avenue, or First Street.

Map of the U.S. Botanic Garden.

CELL PHONE TOURS

Bring your cell phone and learn more as you walk through the Garden. Just call 202-730-9303 to get started

Address: 100 Maryland Avenue SW

Phone: (202) 226-4082

Website: http://www.usbg.gov/

Hirshhorn Museum Hirshhorn Museum Review

We didn't get a chance to go into here because we were runnning out of time. I did not know about this museum. I think it is another museum that gets overlooked and it is FREE! It has a lovely garden area with many beautiful and interesting sculptures to enjoy just on the outside of building.

The building itself is suppose to be a sculpture of art designed by Gordon Bunshaft. It was completed in 1974 and contains the extensive collection of nearly 6,000 paintings, sculptures, drawings, and mixed media pieces donated by Joseph H. Hirshhorn (1899–1981), financier, philanthropist, and well-known collector of modern art.

HOURS
Open daily except December 25
Museum: 10 am to 5:30 pm (EST)
Plaza: 7:30 am to 5:30 pm
Sculpture Garden: 7:30 am to dusk
Admission is free

Directions: The Hirshhorn is located on the National Mall at the corner of 7th Street and Independence Avenue SW. The closest Metro station is L'Enfant Plaza (Green, Yellow, Orange, and Blue lines).

Phone: 202-633-4674

Website: http://hirshhorn.si.edu/#

National Museum of American Indian The National Museum of the American Indian Review

Sadley we were running out of time, so we only got to see the first level and made our way up to the 4th Level ~ Our Peoples exhibit. What a wonderful display of history, information, and very educational. I will admit this exhibit hit home for myself and my sister. It is a must see for anyone interested in Native history.

HOURS: 10 AM–5:30 PM daily; closed December 25. (Exhibition spaces, cafe, and store begin closing at 5:15 PM)

ADMISSION
Admission is free, and the building is fully accessible. Photography is not allowed in certain galleries, so ask the desk up front to be sure.

Address: Fourth Street & Independence Ave Washington, DC

Directions: Metro: L’Enfant Plaza (Blue/Orange/Green/Yellow lines). Exit Maryland Avenue/Smithsonian Museums.

Phone: 202-633-1000

Website: http://www.nmai.si.edu/

Chinatown Chinatown Review

This is called the Friendship Arch a traditional Chinese gate, which was an entrance to a historical neighborhood, but sadely replaced by the Verizon Center and Metro. Yet, there are loads of wonderful Chinese and Asian restaurants. We came here to just see it and we found a neat Starbucks to have some tea.

They have walking tours of the area, so contact the Chinatown Community Cultural Center

Address: Chinatown

Directions: Chinatown is located east of downtown Washington, DC between H and I Streets and 5th and 8th Streets, NW. Metro Station Near Chinatown: Gallery Place/Chinatown

Website: http://www.ccccdc.org/

George Washington Masonic Memorial

We didn't go up and explore this beautiful building. Yet I wanted to share you because it gets lost among all the other memorials people tend to visit. It is on my list to explore more the next time I come here.

"The George Washington Masonic Memorial was built in the 1920s by the more than two million American Freemasons who wished to: “express in durability and beauty the undying esteem of the Freemasons of the United States for him in whose memory it shall stand throughout the coming years.” "This magnificent structure is privately funded through the grateful contributions of Freemasons and others, yet remains open to the public, free of charge, seven days a week.

The George Washington Masonic Memorial is more than a colossal memorial and museum. It is a tourist attraction and destination; research center and library; community center; performing arts center and concert hall; banquet and celebration site; and meeting site for local and countless visiting Masonic lodges and organizations. However, first and foremost, it is a memorial to honor and perpetuate the memory, character and virtues of the man who best exemplifies what Freemasons are and ought to be, Brother George Washington."http://gwmemorial.org/index.php

Address: 101 Callahan Drive Alexandria, VA 22301

Directions: By Metro: Take yellow or blue line to the King Street Metro Station in Alexandria;
Use the DASH bus for a free shuttle ride up to the George Washington Masonic Memorial. Check your program for bus routes. Link to Dash Bus: http://www.dashbus.com

Phone: (703) 683-2007

Website: http://gwmemorial.org/index.php