Where are the best views of the city in DC at?

Answer 1

There are several great options for you. Some are rather inaccessible (just like an invitation for dinner at the White House), while others are free and easy (like a 14th street crackwhore).

* Dome of the U.S. Capitol: this is the golden view of the city, since nothing but the Washington monument is higher and you are in the middle of the diamond (the city's shape). It's much better than the Washington Monument because you're outside and can walk around to get a 360 degree view of the area. Awesome, awesome, awesome, and I've done it a half dozen times. The downside is that it's very hard to do. A member of Congress has to escort you up. Is your uncle a senator?

* Kennedy Center roof: free and beautiful! You should see the Kennedy Center, anyway, and much of it is free, except for certain venues and performances, which still are sensibly priced. Anyway, you can take the elevators up to the roof for free. It is massive, and you can walk around the roof deck and enjoy the sites. The view of the river, Rosslyn, Georgetown, the Watergate, and downtown DC cannot be matched.

* Old Post Office Pavillion: free view of the Federal Triangle. The Old Post Office is very cool, anyway, with a decent food court. It's the ideal place for lunch when visiting the Smithsonian museums. You can take a free elevator up the clock tower and see excellent views of the National Mall, the White House, the Capitol, and the downtown area.

* The terrace of the Hotel Washington: this is the best view of the White House from above, since it stands over it. You may be able to get up there without buying a meal, if you don't mind the stares. Dinner's reasonable, though, so dine with a view.

* The Washington Monument: the "obvious choice." By all means, do this. Yet, it's not the best view. It's relatively inexpensive, as long as you're able to secure tickets early in the day. At the height of the tourist seasons, you need to arrive early to get tickets.

* From the Jefferson Memoria's steps: a free great view of the tidal basin, the White House, and SW.

* From the Capitol terrace: a free great view of the Mall.

* From the Lincoln Memorial's steps: a free great view of the Mall from the opposite direction. Imagine the "Jenny" scene from Forrest Gump.

* The Custis-Lee Mansion at Arlington Cemetery: a free view next to the designer of city's grave, Pierre L'Enfant. This is an extraordinary view of the city . . . you can see Virginia, the river, and DC all together. It's great to see the Lincoln Memorial, the Washington Monument, and the Capitol all lined up.

* The Iwo Jima USMC Memorial: another free superb "line-up" view of the city

* The National Cathedral: a free view from one of the towers of the National Cathedral (donation requested). This is a nice view of the northwestern part of the city, where the beautiful people live.

* The new Air Force Memorial: free view of the Pentagon, Crystal City, the river, and downtown DC.

* The Benjamin Banneker Memorial or L'Enfant Plaza: free views of the souther end of town. These include some intrusive highways, but there are still some nice perspectives.

* The Alexandria Masonic Temple (the "Lighthouse"): free views of Alexandria and the river

* The National Building Museum: free great views of the eastern part of downtown, especially the courts.

Those are all views "higher up." Some nice views from the ground are:

* Anywhere on the Mall or around the Tidal Basin . . . all free.

* Anywhere at Haines Point, especially the tip where the Anacostia meets the Potomac.

* On the edge of Theodore Roosevelt Island: great free views of the river, Georgetown, the Kennedy Center, and downtown.

* On the Arlington Memorial Bridge: free great views of downtown and the river

* Anywhere along the Potomac river along the bike path

Other scenic sites are:

- The National Arboretum
- The Hillwood Estate and Gardens
- Dumbarton Oaks
- The National Cathedral campus
- Mount Vernon
- The Basilica of the Immaculate Conception
- The Franciscan Monastery
- Capitol Hill's row houses

Have fun!

Answer 2

- Want a great view of the city but don't want to wait in long lines for the washington monument - ride to the top of the old post office pavilian for a spectacular view. http://oldpostofficedc.com/

- During the summer I strongly suggest having a drink or a snack at the outdoor rooftop restaurant called the "sky room" at the famous hotel washington (it's ONLY open from spring through october). The food there isn't great so don't waste your money on the overpriced food - but drinks are yummy. The view is spectacular - you can even see directly into the white house! There is also an indoor section of the "sky room" restaruant which is open year round - I've never tried it but if the view is anything like the rooftop then it's amazing http://www.hotelwashington.com/dining.php

Answer 3

To see the entire cityscape go to the new Air Force Memorial by the Pentagon, from there you will be able to take in the whole view. If you don't want to go quite that far, just crossing the Memorial Bridge or a subway ride to Rosslyn will provide a nice view. For an interesting view of Georgetown to Watergate trek to Roosevelt Island and walk to the opposite side of the island from the connecting bridge. For a less than safe option the above mentioned Annocostia recommendation will provide a great view (especially from Saint Elizabeth's - but they might keep you if you are there for sightseeing).

Answer 4

As published above - there are actually not any ocean seashores from Philly to DC except you quite burst off the direct course from one to the different. Havre De Grace is an particularly great determination - certainly one of my admired cities - even though that's a small city kinda area. in case you like organic international and nature, get off Rte ninety 5 at go out a hundred in Maryland and stick to 272 South till you won't be able to force any further (that's going to be approximately 13 miles, in the direction of the tip is amazingly twisty turny by way of a State Park). as quickly as driving in the path of the community of Chesapeake Isles, you will come to a small parking area. From there take the three/4 mile hike out to Turkey element Lighthouse. that's a proper view of the pinnacle of the Chesapeake Bay. there is super birdwatching and a butterfly backyard. on the previously provide up on the Nauti Goose in North East and have a funky drink on their marina view deck at a similar time as the sunlight instruments.

Answer 5

One of my personal favorite views is taking the Yellow Line over the Potomac into Washington from the Airport. Great view of the Jefferson, Lincoln and Washington Monuments.

Answer 6

The top of the Washington monument is a great view. Also, the bell tower at the old post office and Arlington house in Arlington cemetery provide nice views.

Answer 7

I like a view from the Washington Monument.

But for a bit of an alternative, try the Potomac River Cruises ( I know one sails out of Old Town Alexandria).

Answer 8

It has been several years since lived I there but the best view is from the top of the Washington Monument....if it is still ope to the public.

Answer 9

depends i like to go down by anacostia.you get a great view of the memorial and the monument without the crowds

Answer 10

Anything above the 10th floor of an office building in Arlington.