George Washington chose the location for the city that bears his name and which serves as the seat of government for the United States of America. The Capitol building stands at the center of the city, providing views of the best known attractions and government buildings. The giant open space of the Mall is bordered by the various museums of the Smithsonian Institution, the largest cluster of museums in the world.

The National Museum of the American Indian pays tribute to the original American settlers. The National Air and Space Museum celebrates the nation's achievements in flight and space exploration, from the Wright brothers first biplane to the Apollo moon mission and beyond. The Natural History, American History, and Science Museums explore the wonders of history, science, and technology. The Smithsonian Institution also includes the world-famous Sackler, Freer and Hirshhorn galleries. Art lovers appreciate the nearby National Portrait Gallery and National Museum of American Art.

At a central point on the mall, the Washington Monument rises 505 feet above the city. It was the tallest man-made structure in the United States from its completion until the early 1900's. Beside the monument is the reflecting pool and the memorials dedicated to President Abraham Lincoln and to those whose lives were lost in World War II, the Vietnam War , and the Korean conflict. Near the Tidal Basin and the Jefferson Memorial, a memorial to Franklin Roosevelt lies on the Potomac River. Not far from there, the National Holocaust Museum hosts millions of visitors each year.

The annual Cherry Blossom Festival is scheduled to (try to) coincide with the blossoming of the trees in late March or early April. The majority of the beautiful pink and white lacelike flowers surround DC's Tidal Basin and are a long-ago gift from the people of Japan. This yearly sign of spring is one of Washington, DC's natural highlights. The two-week festival features concerts, special exhibits, a street festival, a parade, the Smithsonian Kite Festival, performances, athletic competitions and other events at various DC locations.

The "national pastime", baseball, returned to Washington DC in 2005 and the Major League Baseball's Nationals currently play at RFK Stadium, located at the eastern end of the axis created by the Lincoln Memorial, Washington Monument and Capitol building. Like many of the attractions in the city, RFK stadium is easily accessible by Metro, the region's subway system.