1 of 20

Write now Article Tools

Traveling to the nation's capital is exciting. There is no end to the activities and excitement that await you. If you have only a few days to spend in the most influential city in the world, you want to make the most of it.

If you're concerned about your budget but want to be in close proximity to the attractions, a good hotel is the Harrington Hotel, located on the corner of 11th and E Streets NW. For 95 years, this hotel has provided its guests with the convenience of a great location for a value that will fit most budgets. With the 2009 seasonal discount rates starting at $99 per night and parking available for guests in an underground parking garage for only $15 a day, it's a great rate. Once the car is parked, you can walk to the attractions or take public transportation to your destinations.

If you're not limited by a budget, the Mandarin Oriental Washington on 1330 Maryland Avenue is a great option. With rooms starting at $535 a night, the Mandarin offers exceptional views of the Tidal Basin and the Jefferson Memorial. Not only does it provide the views and amenities of a five-star hotel, but it's also within walking distance of some of the greatest attractions. The best way to end your day is with a sensory experience at the hotel's restaurant, City Zen. With award-winning chef Eric Ziebold, you'll enjoy a creative meal, with the three-course meal starting at $75, at the only AAA 5-Diamond restaurant in Washington, D.C.

With a place to stay when you reach the city, it's time to plan your activities. There are an infinite number of things to do. Start your visit with the monuments. They're beautiful to see during the day, but the monuments are even more beautiful by night when they are lit up to their full beauty.

Taking a tour of the Washington Monument is free, but it does require a ticket. The last tour of the day starts at 9:45 pm. The line to reserve tickets starts forming at 7:00 am and the Washington Monument Lodge does not open until 8:30 am. Get there early so you can request up to six same-day timed tickets. If you claim tickets for the last tour, it's a great spot to start your evening walking tour of the monuments. From the Washington Monument, you can travel through the National Mall and Memorial Parks, stopping at the World War II Memorial, Vietnam Veterans War Memorial, the Lincoln Memorial and the Korean War Veterans Memorial. Once you have seen the beauty of the memorials around the park, you can tour the nearby Tidal Basin, which

• 1
• 2
• next page >>

Add your voice

Know something about Touring the national monuments and memorial parks of Washington, D.C.: How to make the most of your trip?
We want to hear your view. Write now!