I've wanted to write about visiting Washington DC for a while and there is no better time than the Celebrating the 100 years of the Gift of Trees.  There is so much to see and do in Washington, DC that you can't see it all in just one visit, it's best to just know that upfront.  A well-rounded trip should include exploring some of the most popular attractions and culture with some relaxation too! Here are some tips and information to help you with what to see, how to get around and the best places to camp in the region.

Tour the National Monuments & Memorials Landmarks & Historical Buildings
Washington, DC is a city of many monuments and memorials which all have a great stories including those who helped shape our great nation.  Although the most famous are on the National Mall and Tidal Basin, you will find statues and plaques on many street corners around the city.  The best way to see all the monuments is to take a sightseeing tour. Many of the monuments are open late at night and their illumination makes nighttime a memorable time to visit them. Here is a list of just a few of the most visited:
The Lincoln Memorial, The Reflecting Pool, Washington Monument, Jefferson Memorial, World War II Memorial, Vietnam Veterans Memorial and much more.

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Visit the Museums
The National Museum of Natural History is part of the Smithsonian Institution and houses a national collection of more than 125 million natural science specimens and cultural artifacts.

The Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum maintains the largest collection of historic air and spacecraft in the world.

The Holocaust Memorial Museum is a memorial to the millions who died during the Nazi regime in Germany during World War II. The museum is located just off of the National Mall in Washington, DC.

The Newseum in Washington, DC is a six-level, high-tech and interactive museum tracing the history of news reporting from the 16Th century to the present day.

George Washington's Mount Vernon Estate is located in Mount Vernon, Virginia along the shores of the Potomac River and is the most scenic tourist attraction in the Washington, DC area. The 500-acre estate of George Washington and his family includes a 14-room mansion that is beautifully restored and furnished with original objects dating back to the 1740's

The International Spy Museum showcases more than 200 gadgets, weapons, bugs, cameras, vehicles, and technologies used for espionage throughout the world.

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Tour the Three Houses of Government
The Three Houses of Government are key places to visit when sightseeing in Washington, DC.  The White House, the Capitol and the Supreme Court are impressive buildings and visiting them will help you understand more about the U.S. government and its history. Plan ahead and find out about how to take a tour of the three houses of government in the nation's capital.

Arlington National Cemetery
Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, Virginia, serves as a cemetery and a memorial to America's war heroes. More than four million people visit Arlington each year, attending graveside services and special ceremonies to pay tribute to veterans and historical figures.

The Pentagon
The Pentagon is virtually a city in itself. Approximately 23,000 employees, both military and civilian, contribute to the planning and execution of the defense of our country. 

National Cherry Blossom Festival
The National Cherry Blossom Festival commemorates the 1912 gift of 3,000 cherry trees from Mayor Yukio Ozaki of Tokyo to the city of Washington, DC. The gift and annual celebration honor the lasting friendship between the United States and Japan and the continued close relationship between the two countries.  In a simple ceremony on March 27, 1912, First Lady Helen Herron Taft and Viscountess Chinda, wife of the Japanese ambassador, planted the first two trees from Japan on the north bank of the Tidal Basin in West Potomac Park.
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How to get around:
DC by Foot
Trolley Tour
DC Duck Tour
DC Metro Subway
there is also Bike Tours, Segway Tours, Ghost Tours and many other options to meet your needs.

We took the Trolley Tour which was very convenient.  For one fee, we first road around town and than you can get off and back onto the trolley all day.

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Where to stay:
Aquia Pines
Duncans Family Campground
Capitol KOA
Harpers Ferry KOA
Cherry Hill Park
Greenbelt Campground

Have you camped in the Washngton DC Area, share your experience and tell us about the campgrounds?