Introduction
If you’re visiting Washington, D.C., the nation’s capital, you should make sure to check out these hidden gems. These are not well known or often visited by tourists because of their location; however, they have a lot to offer and are truly worth exploring if you have time!
The Library of Congress
The Library of Congress is the nation’s oldest federal cultural institution, established by an act of Congress on April 24, 1800. Located in the Capitol building in Washington, D.C., it is the world’s largest library and contains more than 160 million items including books, manuscripts and photographs; maps; sheet music; films; sound recordings; computer software; oral histories; posters and prints from around the globe.
The website for The Library of Congress is www.loc.gov
The National Archives
The National Archives is the nation’s record keeper, and it has millions of documents, photos and other historical records. The archive is a great place to learn about American history–and even better if you’re lucky enough to get a tour from one of its experts!
Ford’s Theatre
Ford’s Theatre is the site of President Abraham Lincoln’s assassination, but it has also been restored to its 1865 appearance. Today, visitors can walk through the theater and learn about its history through interactive exhibits and video presentations. If you’re interested in learning even more about Ford’s Theatre and its role in American history, you can visit their visitor center or gift shop.
Ford’s Theatre Museum is open daily from 9:30 am until 5 pm (except for Thanksgiving Day). Admission costs $15 per person; however, there are discounts available for seniors 65 years old or older as well as students with valid school IDs (you must be 18 years old).
The Kennedy Center
The Kennedy Center is located in the heart of Washington, D.C., and is home to many different performing arts organizations. It’s also an ideal place for visitors to enjoy the city’s cultural offerings with its theater, opera, ballet and other events that occur throughout the year.
The history of this impressive complex began in 1963 when President John F. Kennedy led a campaign for a national cultural center in Washington D.C., which would house all types of performing arts groups under one roof–a goal he was able to achieve just two years later when Congress passed legislation authorizing construction on land donated by developer Robert E Levi who had originally planned on building his own office tower there instead (you can visit it today at 6100 F Street NW). The site chosen was along Potomac River next door from Ford’s Theatre where Abraham Lincoln was assassinated during Civil War era; thus making it fitting tribute both historical significance while providing convenient location close access between downtown area where most tourists stay during visitations as well as easy access transportation via nearby Metro subway station just steps away from main entrance doors!
American History Museum (Smithsonian)
The American History Museum (Smithsonian) is a great place to learn about American history. It has a lot of exhibits, including the Star Spangled Banner and Martin Luther King Jr.’s Bible. The museum also has a nice view of the National Mall, which means that you can see all kinds of monuments while learning about them!
The best part? It’s free!
Lincoln Memorial
The Lincoln Memorial is a monument to the 16th president of the United States, Abraham Lincoln. It’s located on the National Mall in Washington, D.C., and was dedicated in 1922.
The memorial consists of a tall rectangular temple with 36 columns surrounding an open plaza with inscriptions from Lincoln’s speeches on its walls. At night, it can be seen lit up with floodlights against a backdrop of Washington’s skyline (minus all those skyscrapers).
There are some hidden gems in Washington, D.C.
If you’re looking for a way to save money and still see some of the best sights in Washington, D.C., there are plenty of options.
First, check out these free walking tours. One is called “DC by Foot,” which gives you an overview of all the major tourist attractions in town including the Lincoln Memorial and National Archives. Another option is “DC All Access,” which takes you on a longer tour that includes stops at several other popular destinations like Arlington National Cemetery and Georgetown University (which has its own free museum).
And if you want something more specialized? There are even more options: The Smithsonian offers free admission every day from 5 p.m.-8 p.m.; Mount Vernon lets visitors into its grounds without paying admission; Ford’s Theatre hosts performances every day from 11:30 a m -1:30 pm., but only charges $5 per person if purchased online ahead of time; And don’t forget about our favorite secret spot–the Library Of Congress!
Conclusion
There are some hidden gems in Washington, D.C. We hope this list has given you some ideas on where to go next time you visit our nation’s capital!
