{"id":804,"date":"2011-03-27T22:02:10","date_gmt":"2011-03-28T03:02:10","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.kuulstuff.com\/blog\/?p=804"},"modified":"2011-03-27T22:17:39","modified_gmt":"2011-03-28T03:17:39","slug":"washington-d-c-the-mystical-city","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"http:\/\/kuulstuff.com\/blog\/washington-d-c-the-mystical-city\/","title":{"rendered":"Washington D.C.: The Mystical City"},"content":{"rendered":"

The nation’s capital and the most popular tourist destination – Washington D.C. is famous for its attractions, cherry blossoms, memorials, and museums. Some find the city mystical and get mesmerized by its grandeur. If you are visiting the nation’s capital, planning ahead saves time and money while enhancing your delight!!<\/p>\n

Preparation<\/strong><\/p>\n

Washington D.C. has many attractions including the Capitol <\/a>and the White House. For visiting the Capitol you may need to take a prior appointment online and take a print out. For visting the Congress in session and tour the White House, you will need a written permission from the office of your local Representative or Senator. In case of immigrants, they may have to seek permission from their embassy too.<\/p>\n

All memorials and all Smithsonian museums are free to public. But, your tour depends on how much time you can spend and what you want to visit when. Be prepared to walk miles and miles with a good pair of shoes to enjoy the tour.<\/p>\n

Next, you may have to think of\u00a0accommodation\u00a0and mode of transport depending upon your vacation time. Washington D.C. has hotels<\/a> ranging from $125 to $6000 per night. You may decide based on your preferences. Public transportation<\/a> or hop-on<\/a> hop-off trolleys are suggested for local tours. Free walking tours<\/a> that are tip based are also available. Booking online saves money and AAA members can avail extra discounts!!<\/p>\n

Note that public parking lots charge around $25 from 9 am to 6pm. Free parking lots are available along the Ohio Drive SW and near the Jefferson memorial. The Smithsonian’s charge $15 per day during working hours.<\/p>\n

Attractions<\/strong><\/p>\n

The popular memorials and attractions in Washington D.C. are:<\/p>\n

Visitor Centers<\/a><\/p>\n

    \n
  1. The White House<\/li>\n
  2. The Capitol<\/li>\n
  3. Library of Congress<\/li>\n
  4. Supreme Court<\/li>\n
  5. Department of Treasury<\/li>\n
  6. Union Station<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    Memorials and Monuments<\/a><\/p>\n

      \n
    1. Lincoln Memorial<\/li>\n
    2. Jefferson Memorial<\/li>\n
    3. World War I and II Memorial<\/li>\n
    4. Korean War Memorial<\/li>\n
    5. Franklin Roosevelt Memorial<\/li>\n
    6. Arlington Cemetery<\/li>\n
    7. Boy Scouts Memorial<\/li>\n
    8. Washington Monument<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

      Smithsonian Museums<\/a><\/p>\n

        \n
      1. Natural History<\/li>\n
      2. National Archives<\/li>\n
      3. American History<\/li>\n
      4. Natural Art<\/li>\n
      5. Modern Art<\/li>\n
      6. African-American Art<\/li>\n
      7. Asian Art<\/li>\n
      8. Sculpture Garden<\/li>\n
      9. Holocaust Museum<\/li>\n
      10. Natural Zoo<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

        What to Expect<\/strong><\/p>\n

        All the guides and tour operators are\u00a0friendly\u00a0and explain the sites. You will be surprised by the facts in Washington D.C. For instance,<\/p>\n