Travel

Fall in Love with Washington, D.C.!

washinton-monument
Washington Monument

Washington, DC, the capital of United States is flocked with tourists almost all year round. Last week we had been to D.C. with our family… but what do you do when you are crunched for time? Well, you decide to take the middle route – we shortlisted only a few main places that we wanted to see there.

I had read that the best time to visit DC is either during Spring (bonus points for the beautiful cherry blossom that you get to see there during that time) or during Fall when the weather is much cooler. We’d been there last summer and trust me, it was so unbelievably hot that you could possibly fry an egg on my head! (ok that may be an exaggeration but you get the point, right?)

The weather this time around was indeed cooler and pleasant although the sun was in its full glory.

We first headed to the Lincoln Memorial as it was the closest to our parking spot. Upon climbing a short flight of stairs, you get to see the magnificent statue of Abraham Lincoln.

Lincoln-memorial
Lincoln Memorial
Lincoln-memorial
Lincoln Memorial

From atop the stairs, the Washington Monument and its splendid reflection in the water can be seen.

washinton-monument

washington-monument

A short walk ahead takes you to the World War II memorial. 

world war memorial
World War II Memorial

world war 2 memorial

After spending some time over there and giving a break to our legs, we made our way to the White House. On the way, we also saw the Department of Treasury. There is something so elegant about all the buildings in D.C which can be reflected in their construction and overall architecture.

dept-of-treasury
Department of Treasury
white-house
White House

After clicking loads of photos and a much-needed coffee break, we headed back, got our car and drove towards the U.S. Capitol. The Supreme court and the beautiful Library of Congress are just opposite to the US Capitol. I was kind of intrigued by the massive Library of Congress and wondered what it would be like from the inside.

Capitol Hill
U.S. Capitol

court

library-of-congress
Library of Congress
library of congress
Library of Congress

In addition to the national monuments and federal buildings, there is a lot of distinctive collection in the museums and galleries as well.

Many people stay there for a night if they want to cover the museums and a few other places; but since we didn’t plan on doing that, we came back the same night itself.

Tip: Parking is a major hassle over there and I had found a few places online where we can park easily. So always do your study before going to such crowded places if you want to avoid wasting time in finding a parking spot.

Keep in mind that you end up walking for a fair amount of time, (unless of course you take a hop-on-hop-off bus or take the Segway or rent bikes) so wearing comfy shoes really helps.

Wander Mum

XOXO

Smiling Notes

 

 

59 Comments

  • Reply

    anroworld

    October 21, 2015

    What an interesting post! As if I walked there with you…

  • Reply

    Erika Kind

    October 21, 2015

    We’ve been to Washington D.C. in 1999. My daugher was 4 and my first son 3 months. We have some remarkable photos at all those places with them. We even bought a T-Shirt for my son which said: Future President. Because he was born in the States. Thank you for bringing up beautiful memories!

  • Reply

    Haylee

    October 21, 2015

    Great photos and such a beautiful day it looked for you too 🙂

    • Reply

      Smiling Notes

      October 21, 2015

      Yes it was a wonderful day indeed!! Thank you for checking out my post ?

  • Reply

    Gabriela Yvonne

    October 21, 2015

    Amazing photos! My boyfriend is from there, but I have yet to visit again (my last time was in middle school). He talks about us possibly moving there one day, but I never quite got the “home feeling” from it, perhaps that’ll change though 🙂

    • Reply

      Smiling Notes

      October 21, 2015

      Glad you liked the post?you should visit someday again…maybe that will change your thoughts about living there?! I bet it would be a lovely play to stay! ???

      • Reply

        Gabriela Yvonne

        October 21, 2015

        Yes I need to visit soon! I do love the Virginia area as well. I will have to report back when I visit! 🙂

  • Reply

    Freda @ Aromatic essence

    October 21, 2015

    Lovely post Shanira 🙂

  • Reply

    Creative Crafts DIY

    October 21, 2015

    Marvelous photos and post…. Thanks for sharing 🙂

  • Reply

    youthfoodblog

    October 21, 2015

    Love D.C.!

  • Reply

    Love Served Daily

    October 21, 2015

    Beautiful pics. I have lived there for a really long time before moving here. Thoroughly enjoyed the refresher.

    • Reply

      Smiling Notes

      October 21, 2015

      Oh that’s so great to know Ritu! Glad your memories were refreshed because of this post ???

  • Reply

    Herl

    October 22, 2015

    Stunning pictures! The last time I was able to visit Washington was like 5 years ago. And that’s a very long time. You made me miss it a lot now. ?

    • Reply

      Smiling Notes

      October 22, 2015

      Aww..wish you visit it someday again soon? glad you liked the post!

  • Reply

    Sadie's Nest

    October 22, 2015

    Looks and sounds just like I remember! (without the construction on the capital building) Good description!

    • Reply

      Smiling Notes

      October 22, 2015

      Glad you liked it..?yeah unfortunately there was some construction going on the capital building this time.

  • Reply

    Antonia

    October 23, 2015

    Gorgeous photos! It looks like you had a wonderful time 🙂 I just love Washington, DC!

    • Reply

      Smiling Notes

      October 23, 2015

      Yes this time around it was so much fun partly because of the cooler weather ?thank you so much for your sweet comment.

  • Reply

    Pernnille Oberg

    October 26, 2015

    Lovely photos!

  • Reply

    Elizabeth W

    October 28, 2015

    Great photos! Hope I get to visit sometime soon 🙂

  • Reply

    tareakrahman

    November 19, 2015

    love is a things that touch but can’t find
    realized only from feeling dear may be not go that place
    but feel…..
    like touch……

  • Reply

    tareakrahman

    November 19, 2015

    sweet is word that only comes from creativity
    that’s possessed not of nine dear but thanks a lot
    coz I am new here
    actually I am inexperienced and in my life also…..

  • Reply

    tareakrahman

    November 19, 2015

    not of mine error type… nine

  • Reply

    runadventurouslee

    November 20, 2015

    Your day in DC looks like it was amazing! I’m hoping to visit there sometime this spring and it’s definitely helpful to know that the spring time is a less busy time of year to visit!

    • Reply

      Smiling Notes

      November 20, 2015

      Yeah I did find that the summer time was the most busiest time over there…spring would be an awesome time to visit since you can get to see cherry blossom too! ???glad you liked my post!

      • Reply

        runadventurouslee

        November 20, 2015

        I’m hoping that’s why I can go! I hear they are amazing to see, but are only around for a short time span, so hopefully I’ll make that small window!

        • Reply

          Smiling Notes

          November 20, 2015

          Yup check the dates when they will be in full bloom! ???

  • Reply

    Urska @ Slovenian Girl Abroad

    February 10, 2016

    Lovely photos! Washington DC seems like a place full of majestic buildings and monuments. I would love to visit. 🙂
    #citytripping

    • Reply

      Smiling Notes

      February 10, 2016

      Thanks for stopping by! It is indeed a lovely place ?

  • Reply

    fifi + hop

    February 10, 2016

    We love D.C. My husband’s from baltimore so we’ve been a bunch..such a pleasant city to just walk around and stroll. #citytripping

  • Reply

    Cathy (MummyTravels)

    February 11, 2016

    What gorgeous blue skies – Washington DC is definitely somewhere I’d love to visit one day, and the monuments always look amazing. I don’t think I could restrict myself to one day though, with all the museums, especially the Spy Museum! #citytripping

    • Reply

      Smiling Notes

      February 11, 2016

      Oh I think next time even I would love to spend more than a day in beautiful DC! They say the museums are not to be missed! Thank you so much for stopping by and giving the opportunity to share! ?

  • Reply

    travelingchristie

    February 11, 2016

    I so want to visit Washington there are so many amazing museums I want to visit and the Lincoln Memorial must be incredible to get close up to x

    • Reply

      Smiling Notes

      February 11, 2016

      Yes definitely feels amazing to get up close to the memorial… Thanks a lot for stopping by! XoXo

  • Reply

    kateonthinice2012

    February 12, 2016

    Wonderful pics and makes me want to visit. Why do the buildings remind me of wedding cakes?

    • Reply

      Smiling Notes

      February 12, 2016

      Hahaa interesting way to look at those buildings!! ?thanks for stopping by.

  • Reply

    Washington DC was one of the first city stops we did with our first tot and although there was a lot of walking involved surprisingly easy to do, she actually loved the museums and keeping it interactive, great place to visit. #citytripping

    • Reply

      Smiling Notes

      February 13, 2016

      Wow that is so nice to know that your tot enjoyed the trip although there is a lot of walking involved in DC!! It is indeed a beautiful city! Thanks a lot for stopping by. #citytripping

  • Reply

    beatravelling

    February 13, 2016

    I liked Washington DC a lot! The neighborhoods are so different. Also went to Alexandria, which was super cute!

    • Reply

      Smiling Notes

      February 13, 2016

      Yup DC is really nice and a class apart from the rest of the cities. Haven’t been to Alexandria… Maybe someday. Thanks a lot for stopping by! ?

  • Reply

    Wander Mum

    February 15, 2016

    Beautiful photos. It’s so fab to see all the historic building and monuments I see a lot in the movies as they really stand. Must visit Washington D.C next time I go to the East coast #citytripping

    • Reply

      Smiling Notes

      February 15, 2016

      Yes it truly is a magnificence city with all the monuments!! Thanks a lot ?#citytripping

  • Reply

    Sharon Beauty Prime

    February 24, 2016

    Great pictures. I have been to Washington DC a decade ago and it was an interesting place to visit. Took some photos with Abraham Lincoln and many remarkable photos too hahaha! Looks like you have an enjoyable time.

    • Reply

      Smiling Notes

      February 24, 2016

      It is a lovely city isn’t it?! We too had some fun time there. Thanks a lot for stopping by Sharon!

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