Must See Sights and Landmarks in Bull Run Area

"Anchoring the Mall's west end is the hallowed shrine to Abraham Lincoln, who gazes across the Reflecting Pool beneath his neoclassical, Doric-columned abode. The words of his Gettysburg Address and Second Inaugural speech flank the huge marble statue on the north and south walls. On the steps, Martin Luther King Jr delivered his famed 'I Have a Dream' speech; look for the engraving that marks the spot (it's on the landing 18 stairs from the top)."

"The Lincoln Memorial is a giant monument that bears an imposing seated statue of Abraham Lincoln, the 16th President of the United States. Lincoln is often considered the greatest US President. From the stairs of the Lincoln Memorial you can look out towards the Washington Monument and the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool."

"After the Basilica, make your way to Mount Vernon’s epicenter, where you’ll find the 178ft-tall Washington Monument, with a statue of America’s first president sitting at the top. For an unbelievable view (and a chance to walk off all that food) climb up the 228 steps of the monument to get a look at the entire city of Baltimore!"

"Despite the fact that the tribute to America’s establishing father and first president isn’t totally receptive simply yet, you can in any case take off a cover and picnicking with your date adjacent the monolith. Washington Monument pic:flickr,lisa"

"The Washington Monument is located just off of Constitution Avenue, between the Capitol Building and the Lincoln Memorial. Washington Monument by Marc Andre"

"The Capitol building is a relic to behold in of itself, with its royal blue and deep brick Minton tiles and embellished bronze-cast doors. Marble and bronze statues of such luminaries as Rosa Parks and Helen Keller, the latter commemorated in a tactile sculpture that visitors can touch for its Braille writing, flank the building’s Emancipation and National Statuary Halls. Constantino Brumidi’s famed 1865 fresco, “Apotheosis of Washington,” illuminates the eye of the Capitol’s rotunda 180 feet above ground, depicting President George Washington rising toward the heavens among Greek and Roman gods."

"It is hard to believe it, but the Capitol is among the free things to do in Washington DC!. There is a free tour of the building if you book in advance!. Even if you aren’t able to book in advance, you can go into the lower level behind the Capitol and visit the museum."

"Hour-long tours take you through the hallowed halls of the Capitol – think busts, sculptures and that fabulous dome. To visit, it's best to plan ahead and book a tour online, but you can take your chances and try for a same-day tour pass at the Capitol Visitor Center."

"Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Josh used under CC BY 2.0. The Library of Congress is known as the “nation library of the U.S”. It is also the oldest federal institution in the U.S and it is so big that it is housed in three different buildings on Capitol Hill."

"Explore the world-famous museums and national memorials on the National Mall, see the iconic government buildings (the White House, U.S. Capitol, and Supreme Court) and check out the local food, arts and culture, history, or shopping destinations. Weekends are often busy, so be sure to check the schedule of events and know what to expect. Here is a two-day itinerary to help you plan ahead, determine what you really want to see and set your own personal priorities. Note, you will need to book a few tours in advance."

"1600 Pennsylvania Avenue The White House is the official workplace of the President of the United States. It was completed in 1800.* Be aware though, the White House is one of the most restrictive photo locales in DC. To photograph the exterior, you will be behind a huge fence and sometimes landscaping will obstruct your view."

"The Famous White House is perhaps one of the most symbolic and iconic structures of the USA. This place is the residence of the President of America which is the highest post of power in the country. Not only this, it is officially the headquarters of the president making it of vital strategic and political importance."

"Instead of water slides, stay dry in this park that features pools and fountains and beautiful view across the river to DC. // 1750 Crystal Dr., Arlington"

"On the morning of September 11, 2001, an American Airlines flight destined for Los Angeles out of Washington Dulles Airport was overtaken by hijackers and forced to plummet into the western side of the Pentagon Building. Such was one of the several catastrophic and tragic events that marked that day forever in the minds of those who were alive when it happened. The souls that perished on that fateful day both on the plane and on the ground are forever memorialized here."

"The Pentagon Memorial is a site designated as a mark of the tragic moments that occurred on the 11th of September 2001 where 184 lives were lost. The memorial unit benches represent the victims of the event. See the Age Wall surrounding the memorial unit which increases in height by one inch per year, as the ages of the victims."

"This grand edifice took almost 200 years (1327–1504) to complete. The right-hand part of the eastern facade, with its austere early-Gothic features, is the oldest, while the delicate carving in the section to the left shows early-Renaissance style; the astronomical clock in the centre, made of larch wood, was built in 1580. The southern facade, dating from the early 16th century, is the most elaborate, with a pair of ornate bay windows and carved stone figures."

"The original Four Seasons in the US, opened in the last days of the Carter administration, is as upscale as ever. The somewhat nondescript red brick façade belies lavish interiors, impeccable service, and a clientele of local and international political elites who come to wine, dine and recline in five star comfort."

"Transport yourself to a resort-like oasis at the Four Seasons Washington D.C. with its private fitness club and spa, along with luxuriously decorated rooms. Stay at the Georgetown Suite with Terrace for your private terrace area that boasts a lounge and dining set."

"The Georgetown outpost of the Baltimore-based bakery offers a savory ham and cheese croissant and a sweet variety stuffed with almond paste and topped with an almond glaze."

"Located outside of Washington, in Bethesda, Maryland, Mon Ami Gabi is a French bistro that takes a fresh approach to classic French favorites. This eatery features an art deco look..."

"Modeled after a French bistro and serving simple French comfort food is the Bethesda, Maryland outpost of Mon Ami Gabi. The classic onion soup au gratin, finished with Gruyere chee..."