Sunday Morning Tourist in Washington DC
68Visiting Sites on a Sunday
My son, sister-in-law and I had to decide what to do on Sunday Morning in Washington DC, as my visit to their home was relatively short. We found this was a great time to visit monuments, see various areas of the city and find parking, which was much easier without all the typical traffic on a weekday. Traffic on any other day, let alone parking, is very crowded.
There are numerous museums and public buildings that are wonderful places to visit but not open on Sundays. I actually took the subway in DC on Tuesday to visit some of those places. There are also very good Washington tours available as well if you just want to get a good overview of this exciting city. Visiting on Sunday with other visitors from all over the world was very enjoyable.
Washington DC map
Driving to Lincoln Memorial
Abe Lincoln Monument
One of the monuments that I wanted to visit was the Abe Lincoln Monument. It was dedicated in 1922, and is very attractive with a Greek temple style with 36 doric columns. Abe Lincoln in his chair with the Gettyburg address posted by his statue is very impressive.
Abe Lincoln Monument
Capital Building
White House in Distance
Washington Monument
Iwo Jima Monument
Thomas Jefferson Monument
Pentagon
Vietnam Wall
Smalle Section of Wall
Visiting the Vietnam Wall
The picture above doesn't do justice to the length of the Vietnam Wall and all the names of our fallen soldiers. Emotions ran high with many visitors. I found the names of two of my friends with whom I grew up. I learned one was a Corporal in the Marine Corp., dying in 1967, and one in 1968. Several people used a paper and pencil to trace the name of their lost loved one. I grieved with the others for them and their families, but of course, history can't be changed. We should, however, learn from experience.
3 Soldiers Vietnam Monutment
Helicoptor Over Washington DC
In Conclusion
We visited a few other monuments and walked across the river from the White House. That day gave me great appreciation for all our forefathers had done for our country so we could be free. We even drove through the parking lot of the Pentagon, not that you are allowed to visit, but I wanted to see it close up.
This was a warm, sunny, perfect day to visit Washington and see some of the sites when the crowds weren't so large. I could easily spend a month in Washington just visiting museums and the opportunity for genealogy research, which is one of my passions, is also a plus. The Washington subway and all the buses makes transportation easy during the week. The leaves were just starting to turn in autumn, so maybe I will return for the cherry blossom festival.
The copyright to this article is owned by Pamela Oglesby. Permission to republish this article in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.
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I want to take my boys to DC one of these days. It's only about 6 hours away (they're four and almost six), so it would be easy to do. I love the monuments! When we first visited (pre-kids) I was surprised by the size of the Iwo Jima monument - it is huge!
I went to DC on my senior class trip, many years ago. Much has changed, so I need to return.
JY, Two good choices. Thank you for your comments.
leahlefler, I didn't know it was so large either as it had been years since I had visited Washington. It is a wonderful place for children as they grow. Thank you for your comments.
Will, It had been many years for me also and much has changed. I want to return when I have a bit more time to explore. Thanks for your comments.
Pamela, I never had time to explore DC like I wanted to. My husband and I were there in July for only 8hrs passing through and It was raining. So, I tell him it's on the list of places I want to go and spent more time there. You are very knowledgeable on many things. I love your hubs!!!
susan, I am glad you enjoy my hubs and I appreciate your comments.
This is great Pamela, love the pictures. I went to Washington about five years ago and saw all the sites. I would like a return visit..Thank you for sharing...
always exploring, I'm glad you enjoyed the hub and I appreciate your comments.
always exploring, I'm glad you enjoyed the hub and I appreciate your comments.
You are an excellent photographer, Pamela. Your photos made me feel like I was visiting DC again. But without the crowds and in perfect weather. Thank you.
drbj, Thank you for the complement and I'm so glad you enjoyed the hub.
My grandfather used to take me on mini-tours of various sections of DC every time we came to visit back in the 60's. Growing up, I didn't realize how special that was, until I began to run into folks who could not believe all the stories I had (from my grandfather and my mother) about these places. Too many stories, too young, and folks begin to think you're making it all up.
I still get opportunities to visit fairly regularly, and indeed, it is a special place where you can always find something previously undiscovered.
FitnezzJim, I think that is why so many people love to visit DC. It sounds like you could write some great hubs on those adventures. Thanks for your comments.
Hello Pamela, the Vietnam wall looks so long...
I have never been to Washington, I enjoyed reading and looking at your great photos, thank you for sharing.
Movie Master, The Vietnam Wall is very long, therefore a very somber visit. Thank you for your comments.
Voted up Pamela. There are many things to do and many things to see in DC. You did great! Voted up:) Have a good weekend!
I just love DC in the late spring time. I have been the many times. Thanks for the hub, great work Pamela!!!!!!
thelyricwriter, Thanks so much for the vote and your comments.
LydieRVgirl, It is a great place. Thanks for the comment.
Lovely pictures. I remember visiting DC a few years back, right after 9/11--when security was tight and it was relatively quiet. Love the visit and your hub brings back memories. Thanks and rated up.
Very useful hub and voted up. There are indeed many things to do and visit in D.C. We spent a few years there while posted at our Embassy and enjoyed our time there discovering the place and its attractions.
Parking is indeed difficult, especially on weekdays but as mentioned, the public transportation system is convenient and accessible to most of the major attractions and sights.
Anglnwu, I'm glad you enjoyed the hub and I appreciate your comments.
moiragallaga, Thank you for sharing your experience. I appreciate your comments.
It's funny, my husband just said he wants to visit Washington again. We've been there many times and love it, despite the number of fools who work there.
BPOP, One thing nice on that Sunday morning, there were no fools to be found! Thanks for your comments.
DC is a great place to go and see. I love to travel. well done!
Pam lucky you. I would love to visit. The images are great
That was a fantastic tour you took us. Brilliant writing and excellent photos. Thank you.
Linda, I agree. Thanks for your comments.
Ethel Smith, I hope you get to travel there some day. I appreciate your comments.
Hello,
Thank you so much for your comments. I'm so glad you enjoyed the hub.
Wow...this was so refreshing. Wonderful activity while visiting beautiful places in Washington. I wish I could come to Washington one day. Great job, Pam. Vote up as usual.
Prasetio
Prasetio, I hope you will get to make the trip. I appreciate your comments.
Having lived in Baltimore for many years before moving to the Jersey Shore...Washington was always a Fun, and of course an Educational Place to visit. This is a Wonderful Hub Pamela, along with Great Pictures, as well as helpful tips...For those who have never been, I'm sure now they are tempted!
b. Malin, I really enjoyed my visit to Washington and hope to return in the not-too-distant future. Thank you so much for your comments.
This is a great overview. I grew up right outside of D.C., so I guess I was spoiled. I like the fact that the museums are mostly free, and so is the zoo, so it is a great trip for families.
Great idea and it will be laid back too. (no rush hour traffic). The photos are beautiful. I hope I get to visit America some day...
Thanks.
Pamela99, I have never been to DC, before. Great pictures and a great writer.You are such a pro!! Anything you can't do.
Thanks
stephaniedas, That does make it nice. Thanks for your comments.
Lady E, I hope you do get to visit also. I appreciate your comments.
kellymom, I hope you get to visit there. Thanks so much for your comments.
Dear Pamela,
A most informative overview of a historical spot we try to get to along our travels. I am bookmarking for future reference- a million thanks.
Voted UP & UABI, mar.
Marie, I'm glad you enjoyed the hub and I appreciate your comments.
I haven't been there since 1985, and the pictures I got weren't half as good as yours. I think we were also there on a Sunday morning, but it was a hot day -- in July I believe. We were with friends and the friend insisted we should all walk from our hotel to a small French restaurant for either breakfast or lunch before we went to the Mall. We walked for what seemed miles in the heat, and, you guessed it. It was closed for Bastille Day. As I recall, it was on Sunday, but don't have the correct calendar handy to confirm it.
This was our second trip, but the only one with the kids. We spent close to a week in the area, spending time with our friends, who had moved across the country from us. Besides a couple of days in D.C. itself, we also went to Harper's Ferry, Gettysburg, and a living history farm in McLean, VA. So much to do -- so little time.
WannaBWriter. There is so much to learn and see in that area. It is a wonderful place to visit. Thanks for your comments.
WannaBWriter. There is so much to learn and see in that area. It is a wonderful place to visit. Thanks for your comments.
JY3502 Level 5 Commenter 7 months ago
Pam,DC is one place I always wanted to visit. The other is the Holy Land. Great pictures and hub.