Ken Cedeno
Go beyond the government buildings, public monuments, and museums to discover why a never-ending stream of travelers visit the nation's capital year after year. Here are 11 can't-miss experiences in D.C. that you'll remember even during non-election years.
Photo By: The Washington Monument during the Cherry Blossom Festival in Washington, D.C.
From the foot of the Lincoln Memorial, the view of the Reflecting Pool, the Vietnam and World War II memorials, the Washington Monument, and, in the distance, the Capitol Building -- is monumental. It may leave a lump in the throat of even a cynical onlooker.
Photo By: A view from the Lincoln Memorial of the Washington Monument and the Reflecting Pool on the National Mall in Washington, D.C.
Peer through the iron fence at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue for a glimpse of America's most famous address, The White House. Unless you reserved a tour months in advance, you can't get close, but the vision alone is enough to renew your patriotic spirit.
Photo By: The White House, home of the President of the U.S.A.
Marvel at the country's cultural and historic icons at the Smithsonian's National Museum of American History, home to the Star-Spangled Banner, Dorothy's ruby slippers, Kermit the Frog, and more.
Photo By: The original Star-Spangled Banner at the National Museum of American History in Washington, D.C.
Watch the American legal system in action at Congress or, just a few blocks away, at the United States Supreme Court.
Photo By: The Rotunda of the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C.
Roar right along with the lions, tigers, and bears at the National Zoo, then visit the famous giant pandas and Asian elephants. Don't miss the sweet Kids Farm and the nearby "pizza" playground for very young children.
Photo By: One of the pandas at the National Zoo in Washington, D.C.
Savor a piping hot coffee and flaky pastry as you scavenge for unique, secondhand baubles and retro clothing, colorful flowers, organic fruits and vegetables fresh off the farm, and one-of-a-kind arts and crafts at Eastern Market.
Photo By: One of the produce stalls at Eastern Market in Washington, D.C.
The energetic, youthful, bohemian energy in the newly regenerated sister neighborhoods of the U Street Corridor and 14th Street has reclaimed once-blighted streets. Now they're fairly bursting with one-off boutiques, cool cafes, and news-making art galleries.
Photo By: Ben's Chili Bowl is a Washington, D.C. institution.
Most of Georgetown's mansions are at least 100 years old; many were built several centuries ago. In Georgian and Federal styles, they bear grand architectural details
A legion of beautiful people, Georgetown undergrads, and D.C.'s elite are usually on parade on M Street and Wisconsin Avenue, incurring the same fiscal damages.
Photo By: Shops in the Georgetown section of Washington, DC.
The historic site of Ford's Theatre is a living memorial to President Abraham Lincoln, who was assassinated there in 1865. Along with an exhibit of collected artifacts, the theater is center stage for modern plays and musicals.
Photo By: The Presidential Box at Ford's Theatre where President Lincoln was shot. Washington, D.C.
Photo By: The Washington Monument during the Cherry Blossom Festival in Washington, D.C.
Photo By: A view from the Lincoln Memorial of the Washington Monument and the Reflecting Pool on the National Mall in Washington, D.C.
Photo By: The White House, home of the President of the U.S.A.
Photo By: The original Star-Spangled Banner at the National Museum of American History in Washington, D.C.
Photo By: The Rotunda of the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C.
Photo By: One of the pandas at the National Zoo in Washington, D.C.
Photo By: One of the produce stalls at Eastern Market in Washington, D.C.
Photo By: Ben's Chili Bowl is a Washington, D.C. institution.
Photo By: Shops in the Georgetown section of Washington, DC.
Photo By: The Presidential Box at Ford's Theatre where President Lincoln was shot. Washington, D.C.