Washington, D.C., sites wow first-timers and travel vets

Travel

Washington D.C. is the site of plentiful museums, historical attractions and more for people who travel there for inauguration parties or at any other time. Photos of Washington D.C. to follow.

THE ROAD to the White House is long and bumpy ... unless you're a tourist, in which case it's just long. If you're traveling to D.C., you won't want to miss the White House and other attractions.

CHERRY BLOSSOMS are the star attraction of their namesake festival, which runs through April 12, 2009.

LET'S START with the White House. Public tours are available, but you have to do some homework first: You'll need to request free tickets in advance through your congressman. For more information, call 202-456-7041 or go to www.nps.gov/whho/planyourvisit/white-house-tours.htm.

TOURS OF the Capitol are also free; you'll need to pick up tickets on the day of your tour. Information, 202-225-6827 or www.aoc.gov/cc/visit/index.cfm.

WASHINGTON, D.C., is a town of monuments, especially to this country's early leaders. One of the most famous is the Lincoln Memorial.

THE WASHINGTON MONUMENT is another presidential memorial; it's free, but visitors need timed tickets.

THE MONUMENT is near the National Mall, an open-area park that hosts concerts, rallies, protests and more.

ALONG THE Mall, you'll see plenty of museums of (or associated with) the Smithsonian Institution, such as the National Gallery of Art.

... AND THE National Zoo, where Tai Shan the panda is waiting for your visit.

FOR A quick horticulture lesson, drop by the U.S. National Arboretum, or just enjoy the view there. These Corinthian columns used to be part of the U.S. Capitol.

PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION in Washington, D.C., can get you to your destination quickly.

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THE ROAD to the White House is long and bumpy ... unless you're a tourist, in which case it's just long. If you're traveling to D.C., you won't want to miss the White House and other attractions.

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