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The Crystal Gateway Marriott is located just a short distance across the Potomac River from Washington D.C. and near other great attractions in Arlington, Alexandria and Georgetown. The possibilities are nearly too numerous to list, so be sure to research ahead of time what you would like to see. Tourism sites like http://washington.org/ or www.frommers.com/destinations/washingtondc/ are a great place to start, but feel free to explore online about all that the area has to offer.
Top Things to Do in the Washington, DC Area
Tour the National Monuments and Memorials
The national mall and memorial parks' major memorials honor presidents, war veterans and more. The monuments are truly spectacular and best viewed at night when they are illuminated, less crowded and parking is easier. The major attractions can bee seen by foot in the following order: the Washington Monument, Jefferson Memorial, George Mason Memorial, FDR Memorial, Korean War Memorial, Lincoln Memorial, Vietnam Memorial, World War II Memorial
Tour the Three Houses of Government
The buildings housing the executive, legislative and judicial branches of the U.S. Government are among the most visited sites in Washington. All three - the White House, the Capitol, and the Supreme Court - offer a stunning experience and fascinating lessons in American history and government. Plan ahead and note that some tours must be scheduled in advance through your Congressional Representative.
Visit the Library of Congress and National Archives
The Library of Congress is the world's largest library with 532 miles of shelves and 138 million items. Interactive features are available throughout the Great Hall exhibits. Visit the National Archives and you will have the opportunity to view the United States Government's Charters of Freedom, the U. S. Constitution, the Bill of Rights, and the Declaration of Independence.
Visit the Smithsonian Institution Museums
Start at the Smithsonian Institution Building where you can pick up a map and information on all of the museums. These national treasures cover a wide range of subjects from art to space exploration. Plan to explore those you are most interested in, but don’t try to see everything at once. Be sure to save time to see an IMAX movie at the Natural History Museum or the National Air and Space Museum.
Visit Arlington National Cemetery
This shrine, located on nearly 624 acres on the high hills overlooking the capital, honors national heroes and more than 300,000 war dead. President William Howard Taft, Secretary of State John Foster Dulles and many other public servants are also buried there. Check out the Tomb of the Unknowns and the Arlington House, home to Robert E. Lee for 30 years.
Take a Tour Through Georgetown
Georgetown is the capital’s historic waterfront that today is bustling with activity. The area is a shopper’s paradise and the streets are lined with restaurants of every nationality. Take a tour of historic sites, do some shopping and enjoy a meal at a local restaurant.
Take a Tour Through Old Town, Alexandria
Old Town Alexandria is a quaint historic town just on the other side of the Potomac River from Washington, DC. Dating back to 1749, Alexandria’s riverfront was an important colonial port during the colonial, revolutionary and Civil War periods. Today Old Town Alexandria is a revitalized waterfront with cobblestone streets, colonial houses and churches, museums, shops and restaurants.
Explore Mount Vernon
Only 16 miles south of the capital, George Washington's southern plantation dates from a 1674 land grant. With the recent addition of the new museum and education center, Mount Vernon is now a full day excursion. Explore the state of the art galleries and theaters, visit the 500-acre estate of George Washington and his family, tour the 14-room mansion that is beautifully restored and furnished with original objects dating back to the 1740's.
See a Show at the Kennedy Center
Live theatrical productions at the John F. Kennedy Center for Performing Arts are entertainment at its finest. Purchase tickets in advance for performances ranging from musicals to concerts by the National Symphony or see a free show at the Millennium Stage.
Guided tours are available at:
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General Convention