Must See Sights and Landmarks in Bethesda Area

"Often featured in movies and TV shows as the location is symbolic in American history, the Lincoln Memorial is housed in an impressive Greek-style columned building at the west end of the National Mall. This memorial can get incredibly busy with tourists during the day, so it’s best to arrive here at dawn to make use of the early morning light, or late in the evening when the memorial is lit up. Take along a wide angle lens to capture the monument up close, and experiment with different angles while inside."

"A 19-foot-tall (5.7-meter-tall) marble statue of President Abraham Lincoln dominates the Lincoln Memorial, situated at the edge of the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool on the National Mall in Washington DC. The most visited National Park Service site in the city is an homage to the 16th president of the United States, who helped to preserve the Union during the Civil War and delivered the Gettysburg Address and the Emancipation Proclamation.More"

"Washington, DC is home to many famous monuments and memorials. Visit the Lincoln Memorial, Vietnam Veterans Memorial, Korean War Memorial and WWII Memorial. If you can’t fit in a tour of the monuments during the day, try our Monuments by Moonlight tour to see them fully illuminated at night."

"Danita Delimont/Gallo Images Collection/Getty Images (cropped). Architect Robert Mills' initial design for the Washington Monument honored America's first president with a 600-foot tall, square, flat-topped pillar. At the base of the pillar, Mills envisioned an elaborate colonnade with statues of 30 Revolutionary War heroes and a soaring sculpture of George Washington in a chariot."

"Erected in honor of the nation’s first president, the Washington Monument is the tallest building in Washington DC, reaching 555 feet (169 meters) high. The white, marble obelisk is also one of the capital’s most famous structures, made even more remarkable when seen with its mirror image reflected in the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool.More"

"Standing 555 feet high and anchoring one end of the National Mall, the Washington Monument is especially beautiful at sunset or sunrise (there are fewer crowds as well). The base of the monument is ringed by 50 American flags (one for each state)."

"Crowning Capitol Hill and on a perfect axis with dozens of monuments on the National Mall is a worldwide symbol of democracy, visible across Washington. The Capitol Building is the home of the Senate and the House of Representatives, and the seat of the legislative branch of the Federal Government of the United States. For much of its past it has also housed the Library of Congress and the Supreme Court."

"The United States Capitol is both a monument and a working office building. You'll enter the building through the Capitol Visitor Center which is open to visitors from 8:30 a.m."

"The world's largest library – with 164 million books, manuscripts, maps, photos, films and other items – awes in both scope and design. The centerpiece is the 1897 Jefferson Building. Gawk at the Great Hall, done up in stained glass, marble and mosaics of mythical characters, then seek out the Gutenberg Bible (c 1455), Thomas Jefferson's round library and the reading room viewing area. Free tours of the building take place between 10:30am and 3:30pm on the half-hour."

"One of the world’s most important libraries; all the books housed here are alongside stunning architecture. The view from the balcony and the Instagram shot you get here will be stunning. View this post on Instagram"

"When it was created in 1800, the Library of Congress was primarily a resource for Congressmen. The library was located where the legislators worked, in the U.S."

"Since 1800, the White House has been a symbol of the United States government, the president and the people of America. It has also served as the home of every U.S. president except George Washington. Remodeled and restored many times over the years, the White House is recognized around the world as an emblem of American democracy."

"One of the most visited buildings in DC has to be the White House. You can get pretty close to the White House on either the north or south side. Periodically public access will be closed if there is a special event; typically you can get pretty close all-day."

"Popular stops include the White House, Capitol Hill, Jefferson Memorial, and the Lincoln Memorial. You can click here to learn more."

"Washington, DC. Located just steps from the White House, one of the oldest homes in Washington, DC features Federalist and Victorian style furnishings and exhibits that explore 200 years of Washington, DC history. Continue to 13 of 25 below."

"Today it is a historic house museum managed by the White House Historical Association. The house is open to the public for scheduled tours on Mondays."

"This historic 22-acre burial ground is a prime example of the 19th-century rural, or garden style, cemetery. It is the final resting place of numerous politicians, entrepreneurs, diplomats and military personnel, including Edwin Stanton, Katherine Graham, Dean Acheson and General Thomas Jessup. The cemetery grounds feature a number of Victorian style monuments including the Oak Hill Cemetery Chapel."

"These unique and beautiful gardens are one of the most delightful things to do in Washington, DC. Festivals celebrating different seasons and plants happen year-round, such as the Lotus and Waterlily Festival. The longest path or trail in the park is about half a mile, so there is no need to worry about getting overheated. You can stop at any time."

"Located along the east bank of the Anacostia River, this beautiful spot is filled with hiking trails and boardwalks enticing visitors year round. Play a round of golf, test your skill at the driving range, bird watch, hike, canoe, or enjoy the company of a friend. Visit in summer for the beautiful spectacle of the water lilies in bloom."

"If you’re looking for unusual tourist spots in Washington, DC, consider the Kenilworth Park and Aquatic Gardens. They’re captivatingly beautiful, but they’re definitely not your average park!. What sets them apart is their water-based plant life."

"Located on the National Mall in Washington, D.C., the Hirshhorn is one of 19 Smithsonian museums. It is the national museum of modern and contemporary art and one of the world’s leading voices for 21st-century art and culture. The permanent collection is comprised of approximately 12,000 artworks, including paintings, sculptures, works on paper, photographs, collages, and decorative art objects."

"A cylinder with a hollowed out middle, the Hirshhorn Museum is a visually stunning building from the outside as well as the inside. Its location set amidst a number of more traditional buildings makes it stand out even more. The structure, housing an incredible modern art collection, should be on your list of places to see."

"Located on the National Mall, the Smithsonian Institution's only modern art museum boasts the United States' most comprehensive collection of 20th-century art, with more than 12,000 paintings, sculptures, and photographs."

"National Mall, 1050 Independence Avenue SouthwestWashington, DC 20560. What's more romantic than kissing in a garden inspired by Beijing's Temple of Heaven?"

"The Blagden Alley in DC’s Shaw district offers Instagrammers a wide range of colorful murals to choose from for their potential photo backgrounds. The murals painted on buildings and garage doors include Lisa Marie Thalhammer‘s LOVE mural and an oversized tribute to musicians Sun Ra and Erykah Badu. The hip alley used to be home to working-class immigrants, African Americans, and the city’s underground artists."

"Blagden Alley is loaded with interesting murals, make sure to stop by La Colombe which is one of DC’s best coffee shops. Blagden Alley, Washington, DC 20001"

"Visit the Catacombs of Washington, DC at the Franciscan Monastery of the Holy Land in America. This hidden gem is mostly for show, but it is interesting and fun. The monks at the Monastery are happy to give visitors a tour and explain the history of the Catacombs."

"Described as "an oasis of peace," the Franciscan Monastery is the perfect place to see some architectural beauty in the District that's not a memorial or a monument."