DIGITAL NEST | Best of Washington DC in 36 Hours
By: Tennie Sumague, EBC New York Bureau
I have traveled to Washington D.C. numerous times since childhood but never appreciated what the nation’s capital had to offer a budget traveler until now. A round-trip bus ticket from New York costs roughly around $40 or less, and one can spend less than $100 in 36 hours. How so? Most of D.C’s popular attractions are FREE. Here is a list of attractions to see in a span of 36 hours.
NATIONAL MALL
National Mall isn’t a mall filled with stores. Rather, it is a national park where D.C.’s iconic memorial sites, museums and landmarks are located. The park stretches 2 miles from the Lincoln Memorial to the U.S. Capitol and is the most visited national park in America.
Some of my favorite sites at the National Mall include the following:
THOMAS JEFFERSON MEMORIAL
Stroll along Tidal Basin early morning and pay the third president of the United States a visit. Carved into the walls of this memorial are writings by Jefferson including an excerpt from the Declaration of Independence.
FRANKLIN DELANO ROOSEVELT (FDR) MEMORIAL
This 7.5 acre monument dedicated to the only U.S. president in history to serve more than three terms, takes visitors through four outdoor galleries filled with bronze sculptures and events depicting his presidency from the Great Depression to World War II. Waterfalls, pools, and inspirational quotes engraved in granite also make up this beautiful memorial. The FDR memorial is the first memorial to be wheelchair accessible.
MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR. (MLK) MEMORIAL
The memorial of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. is adjacent to the FDR memorial. Dr. King led the African American civil rights movement to end racism and his “I Have a Dream” speech still inspires people to this day. One of the newer memorials, quotes of freedom, equality and justice are engraved on the side along with a sculpture of civil rights leader.
LINCOLN MEMORIAL
The most popular memorial overlooks the Reflective Pool, the Washington Monument, and the U.S. Capitol. Modeled after the Parthenon in Athens, Greece, the memorial honors the slain 16th U.S president with inscriptions from two of his most famous speeches – the Gettysburg Address and his second inaugural address.
WORLD WAR II MEMORIAL
The memorial that honors the Americans who served and supported the war effort and the victory that was achieved because of their sacrifices. Granite columns representing each U.S. state and territory during the time of the war surrounds a plaza with a sunken pool and fountains. Quotes, relief images of wartime scenes and a wall of more than 4,000 gold stars fill up this popular memorial.
WASHINGTON MONUMENT
The monument that is an iconic landmark of the city honors the first president of the United States, George Washington. At the center of the National Mall standing 555 feet high, the monument is the world’s tallest stone structure and obelisk.
SMITHSONIAN MUSEUMS
The Smithsonian is the world’s largest museum, education and research complex. I still have not been able to explore all 19 museums that make up the institution, but I highly recommend the National Museum of American History. My favorites include the Invention, Creativity and Enterprise exhibit, and the Food Exhibition on the first floor. The museum is also the permanent home of the original American flag.
Other places to visit outside the National Mall include these amazing attractions:
LIBRARY OF CONGRESS
Any bookworm, like myself, would enjoy the nation’s largest federal cultural institution and the world’s largest library. Free guided tours are available where guests can learn about Thomas Jefferson’s contributions to the library and other exhibitions in U.S. history.
SMITHSONIAN ZOO
Attention all animal lovers! This is a must-see attraction and it is FREE. If you can’t afford to see giant pandas in China, Asian elephants in Thailand, birds in the Amazon rainforest, and other wild animals, this zoo offers it all without spending a dime.
WHITE HOUSE
Though it’s gated, it is a must-do for any traveler whether you’re in favor of America’s current president, Donald Trump, or not.
GEORGETOWN
If you wish to take a break away from American history, then flock to this neighborhood filled with trendy shops, restaurants, street art and cool chic houses.
