Great Falls Park
Sights
9
1

With three overlooks to choose from, you can experience the falls from different viewpoints.The park offers a variety of activities including whitewater kayaking, horseback riding or walking the trails, and picnicking!
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Jazz in the Garden
Sights
6
1

If you're in DC between May-September, this is a great way to enjoy some free jazz music in a casual and fun atmosphere. It's a laid-back event to attend after a full-day of sightseeing where you have the option of sitting and chatting or even bringing a book while you listen.
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George Washington's Mount Vernon Estate, Museum & Gardens
Sights
5
0

Mount Vernon is a scenic American pastoral. It has a rich history (both of war and peace in America) for many Americans, particularly those with congressional and/or military roots. Besides being a piece of important history, the grounds also get you to Virginia where you can see the Potomac, and where you're a hop-skip from Arlington Cemetery.
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National Gallery of Art
Sights
6
2

Though there are favorite pieces at other American museums, this one is a vast national feat boasting America's great collections of work throughout history. West Building houses works by Europeans from the medieval through the late 19th century, as well as pre-Modernist works by Americans. East Building holds modern and contemporary works.
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Eastern Market
Sights
8
4

The market is alive on weekends, although some indoor stalls remain open on weekdays. Given its proximity to Capital Hill, one can easily combine a visit to the Hill with a stop at Eastern Market.
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National Portrait Gallery
Sights
7
2

The museum is large, but manageable, meaning you can walk through most of it in just a few short hours. While it hosts the kinds of staple items you'd imagine, like portraits of all of the American presidents, there are also spaces for rotating exhibits which include new media, contemporary photography and painting, and other interpretations.
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Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial
Sights
9
1

There are many important memorials and sights to see along the Tidal Basin and the National Mall. This is the first (of hopefully many) which commemorates a non-white figure in American history (let's hope the count of women and of diverse figures goes up as well). The monument features an MLK quote and a gorgeous view of the Tidal Basin.
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United States Botanic Garden
Sights
9
2

Established in 1820, this free attraction is well worth a visit and consists largely of a gorgeous enormous greenhouse located on the corner of the National Mall adjacent to the United States Capital and the National Museum of the American Indian.
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Politics & Prose Bookstore and Modern Times Coffeehouse
Things To Do
6
2

As much a cultural hub as it is a bookstore, Politics & Prose serves as a gathering place for people interested in reading and discussing book--a breed that many in America think is dead, and yet, this cultural hub is always filled with thinkers and readers.
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Meridian Hill Park
Sights
7
1

Because the park is on a hill's slope, the tiered levels provide scenic views, interesting architecture, and a variety of vibes in each pocket on any given Sunday, if you will. The upper mall has been used for concerts, gatherings, and even political rallies during the late 60's. Currently, drum circles are common.
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Lincoln Memorial
Sights
5
0

"In this temple, as in the hearts of the people, for whom he saved the union, the memory of Abraham Lincoln is enshrined forever", bears the inscription behind Honest Abe. And it is true, this memorial has become a kind of sacred space, especial with regard to civil rights. It is especially notable as the backdrop to MLK's "I Have a Dream" speech.
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National Air and Space Museum
Things To Do
5
0

The National Air and Space Museum is not just about displays and broad education. It is also a cornerstone for research. Research about the history of and science behind aviation and space, yes. But also, of planetary science, geophysics, and geology. Short of a visit to NASA, this is as close as many of us can get to these amazing innovations.
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National Cherry Blossom Festival, Inc.
Things To Do
5
0

Similar to New England's season of "leaf peepers", the Cherry Blossom Festival draws many tourists hoping to see the cherry trees "in peak". The festival lasts about two weeks, as more and more activities and celebrations have become part of the ritual of the seasonal ritual. Events include the big parade, tours on foot and bike, and more.
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National Museum of the American Indian
Sights
5
1

The curvilinear architecture of the building as well as surrounding landscaping and other design features were made in collaboration with Native American tribes across the Western Hemisphere. Open since 2004, this is the first museum dedicated entirely to Native Americans. The building opens to large high-ceiling performance space.
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Vietnam Veterans Memorial
Sights
5
4

The two walls meet at a 10 foot apex and descend into the ground as they extend away from each other, as in a wound. Near the main part of the memorial there are other features. First, a bronze statue named "The Three Soldiers" depicting American men of different races as equal soldiers. Also, women's memorial honoring nurses and a memorial plaque.
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