Washington Travel Guide
Washington Guide
Washington State Travel Guide
Washington State Brief History
Washington, or Washington D.C., as it is more popularly known, is the federal capital of the USA. It was founded on July 16, 1790 and has served as the capital ever since. The city is legally named as the District of Columbia.
| Washington State Demonym | Washingtonian |
| Washington State Capital | Olympia |
| Washington State Largest City | Seattle |
| Washington State Largest Metro Area | Seattle metropolitan area |
| Washington State Area | Ranked 18th in the US |
| - Total | 71,300 sq mi (184,827 km2) |
| - Width | 240 miles (400 km) |
| - Length | 360 miles (580 km) |
| - % water | 6.6 |
| - Latitude | 45° 33′ N to 49° N |
| - Longitude | 116° 55′ W to 124° 46′ W |
| Washington State Population | Ranked 13th in the US |
| - Total | 6,664,195 (2009 est.) |
| - Density | 88.6/sq mi (34.20/km2) Ranked 25th in the US |
| - Median income | $58,078 (10th) |
| Washington State Elevation | |
| - Highest point | Mount Rainier 14,411 ft (4,395 m) |
| - Mean | 1,700 ft (520 m) |
| - Lowest point | Pacific Ocean 0 ft (0 m) |
| Washington State Before Statehood | Washington Territory |
| Washington State Admission to Union | November 11, 1889 (42nd) |
| Washington State Governor | Christine Gregoire (D) |
| Washington State Lieutenant Governor | Brad Owen (D) |
| Washington State Legislature | State Legislature |
| - Upper house | State Senate |
| - Lower house | House of Representatives |
| U.S. Senators | Patty Murray (D) Maria Cantwell (D) |
| U.S. House Delegation | 6 Democrats, 3 Republicans |
| Washington State Time Zone | Pacific: UTC-8/-7 |
| Washington State Abbreviations | WA US-WA |
| Washington State Website | http://access.wa.gov |
More About Washington
You can visit Washington anytime of the year because the weather is fair all the year round. However, spring and fall are the best times. If you are particularly interested in politics, visit when Congress is in session.
The city has an exquisite array of interesting places and attractions that have a uniqueness of its own! Memorials and mountains, museums and zoos, art galleries and heritage buildings grace the capital.
Things to Do and See
If you are planning a trip to Washington, no matter whether you are coming alone, or with your family, you will always have plenty to do and see – so much so that it is not at all possible to cover everything in one trip. Washington is a land of memorials and monuments that reflect its much enriched cultural heritage. The Vietnam Veterans Memorial, Thomas Jefferson Memorial, the Franklin D. Roosevelt Memorial, the Korean War Veterans Memorial, the Abraham Lincoln Memorial, the Vietnam Veteran's Memorial, the World War II Memorial and the Washington Monument are some of the most famous names. You can also visit the museums and the National Zoo of the Smithsonian Institution. The other national museums in Washington D.C. are the National Air and Space Museum, the National Building Museum, the National Gallery of Art and the National Postal Museum. You will also enjoy seeing the United States Capitol and the United States Supreme Court.
Here are some must-visit places and must-do things put together for making things easier for you:
The White House
If you are in Washington, you can never afford to miss a tour of the White House. Stand before it, and the architecture itself will reflect the power of the Presidency. You can contact a Member of Congress and tour the east wing if you are a group of at least ten. But for doing so, you have to schedule the tour six months prior the visit.
| White House Coordinates | 38°53′51.61″N 77°2′11.58″W |
|---|---|
| White House Town | 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue NW Washington, D.C. 20500 |
| White House Country | United States |
| White House Started | October 13, 1792; 218 years ago (1792-10-13) |
| White House Architect | James Hoban |
International Spy Museum
This is one of the most famous museums of Washington. Join the crowd of thousands of visitors to whom the world of double agents seems so intriguing. Try to visit the museum on weekdays, because the crowd may be too dense on weekends.
US Capitol
It is a very exquisite piece of architecture in Washington apart from being the significant place that houses the Senate and the House of Representatives. The tour is free, but be sure to get the tickets quickly as they are really in high demand.
Georgetown
If you are a shopaholic and want to have a wonderful dining experience as well, Georgetown is the place for you. It also has a 200 year old elite university campus. Walk on the age-old cobblestone road, and feel the vibes of history.
Arlington National Cemetery
Arlington National Cemetery is home to more than 260,000 graves. It will remind you of the struggles and freedom movements of the country. When you stand in front of the flame at President John F. Kennedy's gravesite, you will feel your whole existence paying homage to the great personality. The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier is also as famous. The place is always filled with a somber tranquility.
Old Town Trolley Tour
This is really a great way to explore the city. Your ticket accommodates your day-long on and off privileges. So, don’t miss out on the Old Town Trolley Tour
US Botanic Gardens
If you want to see paradise on the earth, visit this flowering haven. The recent renovations and the First Ladies Garden have made it all the more beautiful. With seasonal flowers in winter, it is the best time to visit the garden. They also bring out the electric train exhibit during that time. Whatever your age is, you are certainly going to enjoy the place.
US National Zoological Park
This park is actually a part of the Smithsonian Institution. It has more than 400 species of animals and birds. Visit the place during weekdays, because on the weekends, the lines are excessively dense.
