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Washington Holidays, Hotels & Travel Guide
Travel guide to hotels & holidays in Washington
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Washington Holidays Overview
A guide to holidays in Washington - Chosen by George Washington for its tactical
location between the South and the North, and for its accessibility
to the sea via the Potomac River, the capital of the United States
is situated in a district specifically created to avoid the
establishment of the capital city in any one state. Washington, DC
(District of Columbia) with its low-profile skyline, is a city of
green parks and open spaces, grand buildings, historic landmarks,
marbled monuments and impressive museums, with character-filled
neighbourhoods that support a thriving cultural scene with scores
of top-notch restaurants, shops and night time
entertainment.
This thriving cosmopolitan city
is an international hub of power and diplomacy, commanding the
political centre stage for one of the most powerful nations in the
world, and representing all the democratic ideals that the country
takes pride in. Washington, DC was one of the targets of the
terrorist attack on the USA on 11 September 2001, when a hijacked
plane crashed into the Pentagon, the heart of national and
international security. Since then security has remained high
around Washington's key monuments and police checks at top city
attractions have lent a sober air to this pleasant city.
After politics, tourism is the capital's main industry.
The city plays host to millions of people annually who come to
explore famous sights such as the domed US Capitol, the stately
White House, Lincoln Memorial and the soaring Washington Monument.
The most well-known sights are located along the National Mall, a
green park stretching from the US Capitol to the Lincoln Memorial
on the Potomac River, and include several memorials to great US
presidents of the past, as well as the outstanding museums of the
Smithsonian Institute. Almost all major attractions are
free. Besides political sights, Washington is
also a city of interesting neighbourhoods, each with its own
character and culture. The most famous of these is historic
Georgetown, with elegant colonial houses, boutiques, fancy
restaurants, and a lively nightlife. One of the most colourful
neighbourhoods is the bohemian district of Adams-Morgan with an
assortment of funky shops and ethnic stores, while the arty suburb
of Dupont Circle is an affluent business and residential area, with
excellent restaurants, art galleries and shops that makes up the
centre of DC's gay community.
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Washington
holidays - Top Places To Go
1. National Mall
www.nps.gov/nama |
What is it? Extending for over two miles (3km) from the
US Capitol to the Potomac River, the tree-lined grassy strip known
as the National Mall is the central hub of tourist activity in the
city, containing many of Washington DC's most famous attractions.
It is home to the tapering Washington Monument, the Lincoln,
Roosevelt and Jefferson Memorials, the Capitol, White House, the
museums of the Smithsonian Institution, and the National Gallery of
Art. The Mall is at the heart of the city's social life, the site
for many celebrations and festivals throughout the year, and used
by scores of joggers, picnickers, food vendors and strollers daily.
The Tidal Basin, a beautiful lake famous for its spring show of
blossoming Japanese cherry trees, lies to the
south.
Hours of Operation: The park is open 24 hours daily
Phone:(202) 426 6841 (Visitor information) |
2. US Capitol
Capitol Hill
www.aoc.gov |
What is it? The heart of American government is also
Washington, DC's most prominent landmark, the US Capitol, which is
sited on the top of Capitol Hill, its giant white dome visible from
all over the city. It is the city's top tourist attraction, as well
as the most recognised symbol of democracy, and contains the Senate
and the House of Representatives, as well as the Supreme Court and
the Library of Congress, the largest library in the world. Under
the magnificent dome, US governmental policy is shaped and the law
of the land is practiced. The interior is richly embellished, with
hundreds of statues filling Statuary Hall in honour of important
people in the country's history, while paintings and murals
decorate the hallways and walls of the Rotunda, depicting 400 years
of American history. The enormous circular hall capped by the 180ft
(55m) high dome is the hub of the Capitol, with a symbolic fresco
masterpiece at its centre. The Rotunda links the north and south
wings, the two halves of the Capitol that contain the Senate and
House of Representatives respectively, and flags flying over either
wing indicate which part of Congress is in
session.
Hours of Operation: Open from Monday to Saturday between 9am and 4.30pm.
Closed Christmas Day and Thanksgiving Access is by guided tour
only, every 30 minutes and tickets are on a first-come,
first-served basis. To view Congress in session, Americans can get
a free pass from their senator or representative valid for two
years, and foreign nationals can get a free day pass from the House
or Senate appointment desks. Due to increased security it is
advised that all visitors phone ahead for up to date information
regarding tours
Phone:(202) 224 3121 (general information), (202) 225 6827
(tour information) |
3. The White House
1600 Pennsylvania Ave, NW
www.whitehouse.gov |
What is it? The White House has been the private
residence and administrative headquarters of every President of the
United States since 1800. Today an American flag flies over the
house whenever the president is in residence. Situated at the edge
of the National Mall, the palatial building has undergone numerous
alterations over the years, which have included refurnishing and
expansion, the addition of the first toilets by Jefferson, and
electricity added during Harrison's presidency, as well as personal
inclusions by each of its presidential occupants. The White House
was adapted to the needs of Roosevelt who suffered polio and a
swimming pool was installed; Jacqueline Kennedy developed the
famous Rose Garden; Clinton added a jogging track, hot tub and
humidor; and the most recent addition is Bush's horseshoe-throwing
lane. Tours visit several rooms on the Ground and State Floors,
including the Oval Office, the State Dining Room with seating for
140 dinner or luncheon guests, and the Gold and White East Room
that is the publicised scene of presidential receptions and other
social events. The top two floors are private. The custom that
allows free public tours of the president's private home is only
stopped during wartime, and since the events of 11 September 2001
the US considers itself to be fighting a War on Terrorism; public
tours have been suspended for the time being. The visitor centre
provides interesting historical information about the residence and
its occupants.
Hours of Operation: The White House is usually open for free tours from
Tuesday to Saturday from 7.30am to 11.30am, with additional tours
in summer, but visitors need to queue early at the visitor centre
to get a ticket. At present tours are limited to certain groups due
to increased security and all visitors are advised to phone ahead
for up to date information regarding tours. The White House Visitor
Center is open daily from 7.30am to 4pm
Phone:(202) 208 1631 (White House Visitor Center), or (202)
456 7041 (for up to date, 24-hr tour information) |
Washington
holidays - Top Events
1. National Cherry Blossom Festival
From 2007-03-31
To 2007-04-15
|
What is it? One of Washington DC's most famous events,
the annual National Cherry Blossom Festival celebrates the arrival
of spring, and commemorates the original gift of 3,000 cherry trees
to the city from the people of Tokyo in 1912 as a symbol of
friendship between the two countries. Visitors flock to the city to
admire the beautiful pink and white blossoms that surround the
Tidal Basin and to join in the festivities that include a cultural
blend of music, dance and art demonstrations and performances from
Japan and Washington, a fireworks display and parade. The Parade is
the festival's biggest event with spectacular floats, marching
bands, costumed dance groups and giant helium balloons. A Japanese
Street Festival after the parade exhibits the traditions, arts and
food of Japan.
Where is it? Tidal Basin |
2. Smithsonian Folklife Festival
From 2007-06-30
To 2007-07-06
|
What is it? The Folklife Festival is a unique Washington
DC tradition and is the largest annual cultural event in the city.
It is a living cultural exhibition that celebrates the heritage of
different states and regions as well as international communities,
and includes music and dance performances, craft demonstrations,
storytelling, exhibits, traditional food and cooking
demonstrations, and workshops.
Where is it? National Mall |
3. National Independence Day Celebration
From 2007-07-04
To 2007-07-04
|
What is it? One of the largest Fourth of July
celebrations in the country, the capital puts on a grand show to
celebrate the nation's birthday, with the city's biggest and most
impressive parade, music concerts, arts and crafts, an evening
performance by the National Symphony Orchestra on the steps of the
Capitol building, and one of the country's largest fireworks
displays.
Where is it? National Mall |
4. Chinese New Year Parade
From 2006-11-18
To 2006-11-18
|
What is it? Welcoming in the Chinese Lunar New Year are
spectacular lion and dragon dancers accompanied by the celebratory
sounds of drummers, musicians and firecrackers. The colourful
festivities wind through the streets of Chinatown where authentic
food is laid on by the local restaurants. For more information
contact the Washington DC Convention and Tourism Corporation on 202
789 7000. In 2007 begins the Year of the
Boar.
Where is it? Chinatown |
5. St Patrick's Day Parade
From 2007-03-18
To 2007-03-18
|
What is it? Due to its increasing popularity this annual
event has been dubbed 'The Nation's St Patrick's Day Parade' and is
a family day in celebration of the Irish culture. The festivities
include Irish musicians, dancers and singers, marching bands, pipe
bands and floats.
Where is it? Constitution Avenue |
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