(BPRW) In January, Washington, D.C. will experience heavy tourism due to the inauguration of President-Elect Barack Obama. If your only knowledge of the D.C. area comes from watching political news coverage, there’s more to learn. An inauguration is not the only reason to visit this city, and the D.C. area has much to offer travelers of all ages and interests beyond politics.
The National Mall is a large open-area park in downtown Washington, containing some of the most renowned landmarks of American government and history. They include the United States Capitol Building, the White House, the National Gallery of Art, the National Museum of African Art, and several other notable points. The National Mall is a historic icon in its own right for being the site of notable protests and rallies. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. gave his famous “I Have a Dream” speech there during the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom.
For educational purposes, the whole family can enjoy attractions like the National Aquarium, the National Zoo, the National Air & Space Museum, and the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History. College-bound teenagers may be interested in exploring the campuses of prestigious schools in the area, including Howard University, Georgetown University, American University and George Washington University.
The environmentally-minded can visit the U.S. National Arboretum, a museum of trees and other plants; and Kenilworth Park and Aquatic Gardens, a national park containing a unique marsh ecosystem.
While African Americans make up the city’s largest ethnic group, Washington is a melting pot of cultures and cuisines brought in by immigrant communities. The dining scene gives options of Thai, Chinese, Latin American, Ethiopian, Caribbean, and just about every taste imaginable.
There are far more attractions in Washington than can be summarized briefly, so check out a variety of sources to decide your travel itinerary. Summer will be here before you know it, so it’s not too early to begin planning for your capitol getaway.
