Every tourist who visits Washington DC will go to the White House and the Washington Monument. However, if you like to walk, these four places are bound to please you. Spring and the Fall are the best times to visit.

Down by the Potomac River
One of the most peaceful places in Washington DC is the area adjacent to the Potomac River. You get there by walking toward the Lincoln Memorial on Independence Avenue. Across the Potomac River lies Virginia and Arlington Cemetery.

If you go the left, you can walk all the way to the Jefferson Memorial or just stop and picnic. There's a steady procession of jet aircraft following the river as they land at Reagan National Airport. If you continue walking, you go over a bridge.

To the left is the Jefferson Memorial and to the right a long way off (you'll need a bike or car) is Hains Point with its famous sculpture called "The Awakening." At Hains Point, you can see Virginia and Reagan National Airport. The area is also popular with fisherman.

If you follow the Potomac River upstream, you see the Kennedy Center and the famous Watergate Hotel, the scene of the break-in of the headquarter of the Democratic Party during the Nixon Administration.

Union Station
Union Station is one of the busiest and best-known places in Washington, DC. Over 20 million people visit it each year. The terminal is served by Amtrak, MARC (Maryland) and VRE (Virginia) commuter railroads and Washington's Metro subway trains.

Union Station has seen a lot of changes since it opened in the early 1900's. A $70 million make over did wonders. The "Pit" was transformed into a new basement level, and the Main Hall floor was refitted with marble. While installing new ventilation systems, crews discovered antique items in shafts that had not been opened since the building's creation. The decorative elements of the station were also restored.

Union Station is a good place for lunch. You'll find over 35 eateries in the food court downstairs and several restaurants on the main level. If you are going to New York City by train, you'll leave from Union Station. The trip takes 3 hours and 45 minutes.

Library of Congress
The Library of Congress has spectacular architecture. It also boasts being the largest library in the world. You'll find it very close to the US Supreme Court and front of the US Capitol. Take the Metro to Union Station and walk toward the capital.

Of course if you are a student or researcher, this is the place to be. But if you're visiting, go there for the architecture, both inside and outside. Just wonder around even if it's for just 30 minutes or so.

National Gallery of Art Sculpture Garden
This outdoor garden was opened by former fist lady Hillary Rodman Clinton who wanted to introduce American sculpture to Americans. The garden contains about 14 sculptures and has a wonderful fountain in the center of it. There is also a restaurant. Food is rather pricey though.

During the winter, the fountain is shut down and turrned into a skating rink.