It's serenity quiet today at the Capitol. There are through groups and some single one-off groups…read morehere. It's a beautiful day at the capital. The sun is drenching the capital building. There are runners and walkers everywhere. It seems exceptionally quiet for a Sunday, but perhaps of the pandemic or Sunday? This is probably the least amount of people the capitals ever seen on a given day. The structure is absolutely beautiful, loving the columns. Overheard a tour guide state that the dome wasn't put onto the capital until three years after it began being built.

Capitol Hill was nothing short of awesome. The rich historical significance of the area, coupled…read morewith its vibrant atmosphere, made for an unforgettable experience. The iconic architecture, including the Capitol Building and surrounding monuments, was awe-inspiring.

After leaving Theodore Roosevelt Island, we walked the 3.4 mile stretch of the George Washington…read moreMemorial Parkway between the island and the LBJ Memorial Grove. Confused at first, we figured out the route under the parkway, through the marina parking lot to the memorial. The LBJ Memorial Grove is dedicated to president Johnson and is located in this peaceful spot because it's where he and Lady Bird Johnson used to go to get away from the pressures of the White House. The central monolith is positioned where they would sit and watch the river. This memorial lacks the grandeur of the big marble ones on the National Mall, but if you collect NPS service units, you need to cross the river to see this one. Paired with TR island and the GW Memorial Pkwy, that's 3 units in one side trip.

Very nice and peaceful inside. Great view of the Washington monument. Great place to sit and relax.read more

Along the Takoma-Brightwood border in Northwest DC is one of the country's smallest national…read morecemeteries on one acre of land. It was created and dedicated by Abraham Lincoln himself after the Battle at Fort Stevens. It was there that the Union stopped the attack on Washington, DC and the only time Lincoln came under direct fire from the Confederacy. 41 Union soldiers gave their lives that day and this cemetery honors them. The cemetery is easy to miss, but once you're through the gate, you won't soon forget it. Take time to read the signs about its history and walk through the grass remembering the soldiers who defended Washington, DC at Fort Stevens nearby. The cemetery is run by the National Park Service so entry is free.

One of America's smallest national cemeteries, specially commissioned by President Lincoln for…read moreUnion soldiers who fought at the Battle of Fort Stevens - the battle that saved Washington. 41 soldiers were eventually buried here; the last veteran was interred in 1936. The cemetery really is tiny; you'd never know it was here unless you happened to see it while driving on Georgia Ave. It's well maintained, although picnicking is discouraged. Fort Stevens - one of 68 Civil War forts that once surrounded the District - is only a short drive away, and worth a visit as well. In July 1864, these soldiers held the fort against a surprise attack from Jubal Early, who was hoping to scare General Grant enough to abandon the Union siege of Petersburg and rush to defend Washington. Early's plan didn't work, in no small part to their sacrifice. What's poignant about the casualties is some of them weren't 'combat' soldiers; Grant pulled most of Washington's garrison away from 'easy duty' guarding the forts into the Army of the Potomac, which was suffering heavy casualties. All that were left to defend the city were trainees, semi-invalids, and a small number of veterans, augmented at the last minute with reinforcements sent by Grant. Despite that, they fought off a larger enemy force. Had Early even temporarily captured Washington, it potentially could have caused Grant to end his siege, scared the northern public enough to sue for peace, and ended Lincoln's hopes for reelection. US history would have been different. So...respect.

The guided tour were interesting. There isn't much original furniture to see here but you will…read morelearn so much about Clara Barton's life. This place is located next to Glen Echo Park.

I think this is a four star or four and a half (you can't give "halves"). It's steeped in very…read moreinteresting history. The park ranger was awesome (09/05/25) and knew everything about her. You got a real sense of what kind of person she was, how she was not perfect like people think but how she truly believed in what she did and she lived it literally, making her home a place to take in fire/flood and natural disaster victims/war victims. She truly did care and it weighed on her. The house itself is huge. However at this time, the furnishing are mostly in storage as they are awaiting rehab on the building. You can't go upstairs. If it'd of been rehabbed and all moved back in and you could go upstairs, I think this would be a 5 star review. Right now it needs TLC. Her stuff is still there though. I wish they' d of upkept the garden it's a jungle mess back there. However, it's in a cool area to check out and a lovely drive just outside of DC. Enjoyed the visit there and the park ranger was the highlight of the trip.

Plummers Island is an island covering 12-acres seated in the Potomac River approximately nine miles…read moreupriver from Washington, DC. Owned by the U.S. Nationals Park Service, the island purportedly holds the distinction of being the most scientifically studied island in North America. Every plant species present in this island has been catalogued and its DNA analyzed. Getting to the island is most easily done by boat or kayak, or you can attempt to forge the waterway at the island's southeastern tip, where there is a makeshift log bridge.

This 12-acre island is located in the Potomac River in Maryland. You have to do a short hike to…read moreget here through the forest and then cross some rocks or ride a small boat. A cabin is located at the top of the island and has some nice views. The Washington Biologists Field Club takes care of the island and conducts research there.

Cool discovery of little Falls…read more Four miles north of Georgetown on the Potomac River. According to one website, Thomas Jefferson visited Little Falls several times. The canal was made to get around this rapids. There are other spots to view it (like a Chain Bridge). I found an awkward viewing spot just downstream.

While spending the morning walking around DC, we came across Indiana Plaza, an attractive plaza on…read morethe intersection of 7th Street and Indiana Avenue. So-called because it honors the the state of Indiana, there are planters with different plants and grasses native to Indiana. There were also some monuments in the plaza. A pleasant little discovery. [Yelp collections: East Coast 2022; Washington, DC 2022]

Stumbled into this museum and history space directly across from the nat geo building in downtown…read moreDC. Came across some fascinating DC public schools archival documents and memorabilia they had on display. This venue also hosts programs and events on its various floors.

The Charles Sumner School Museum is a hidden gem; it is one of the first sites, historically, that…read morewas dedicated to African American education, and with links to Chinese American history as well since the earliest Qing-dynasty Chinese students also studied here. Highly recommend this place.