Washington, D.C. Historic Attractions
The Westin Washinton Dulles Airport hotel offers the perfect location near the best of our nation's capital. Explore Washington D.C. and experience the city's many historic landmarks, monuments and other exciting attractions.
Library of Congress: Originally intended as a small reference library, the Library of Congress now contains the largest collection of books in the world, with 100 million items, including a Gutenberg Bible, first drafts of the Declaration of Independence and Lincoln's Gettysburg Address. The splendor of the magnificent Main Reading Room is worth the visit, but you should also browse the many excellent collections and exhibits in the library's three buildings. Its collections are available for research to adults 18 and older.
Pavilion at the Old Post Office: The Pavilion at the Old Post Office was built in 1899 and served as the main post office for the country. Saved from demolition, it was renovated and reopened in 1983. Today, it provides a little of everything, office space for the National Arts and Humanities Endowments, shops and restaurants. Under the building's enormous atrium, visitors may browse, play a round of miniature golf and enjoy free concerts at noon. Do not miss a ride up the clock tower for one of the most spectacular views of the city.
U.S. Capitol Building: The legislative branches of the U.S. government, the Senate and the House of Representatives, meet in the Capitol Building. Public tours form on the east side of the Capitol and include visits to the Rotunda and other chambers. Visitors can also view the Senate and the House from the galleries when Congress is in session. Plan to have lunch at the Senate Refectory, a cafeteria where, by law, bean soup is always on the menu. Visitors can enter the U.S. Capitol Building through the U.S. Capitol Visitor Center and enjoy several historical exhibits.
Washington National Cathedral: A frequent site of nationally significant memorial services, the National Cathedral is open to worshipers of all denominations. Under construction for most of the 20th century and completed and consecrated in 1990, this Gothic cathedral is the sixth largest in the world. Flying buttresses, gargoyles, crypts, a 98-foot (30-meter) vaulted ceiling and many intimate chapels contribute to this architectural masterpiece. The grounds invite exploration with curving walkways, well-kept hedges and spacious lawns from which to view the city.
The White House: This house has served as residence, office, reception site, and world embassy for every U.S. president since John Adams. The White House is the only private residence of a head of state that has opened its doors to the public for tours, free of charge. It was Thomas Jefferson who started this practice, which is stopped only during wartime.