The extensive collection features diverse topics such as exhibits about Harriet Tubman, historical records of enslaved persons, a South Carolina plantation cabin, photographs of the Tulsa Race Riot, a collection of fliers about hip hop and jazz music events. The newest addition to the Smithsonian Institution is the National Museum of African American History and Culture. The Smithsonian Institution alone consists of 17 different museums, including the National Portrait Gallery, which exhibits portraits of the nation's most influential figures the popular National Museum of American History and the National Air and Space Museum, which chronicles the history of aviation and space travel. Memorial (unveiled in 2011) honoring the prominent leader of the 1960s Civil Rights Movement.Īrt lovers and history buffs could spend days just touring the museums in Washington D.C.

In view from the Jefferson and Lincoln memorials is the Martin Luther King Jr. Presidents, visitors should see the Jefferson Memorial and the beloved Lincoln Memorial on the National Mall, an expansive park space. To admire larger-than-life tributes to important U.S. The Jefferson Memorial during the Cherry Blossom Festival Guided tours of The White House must be scheduled in advance. Tours of the Capitol are available for individuals and groups (advanced reservations are recommended). Today tourists are inspired by the city's rich heritage, seen in its iconic landmarks, evocative memorials, and superb museums.Īmong the many tourist sites of Washington, D.C., two of the most emblematic are the magnificent domed Capitol building, seat of the House of Representatives and the Senate, and The White House, the U.S. were designed in lavish Neoclassical style, revealing an architectural and cultural influence from ancient Greece and Rome where democracy first flourished.

The government buildings of Washington, D.C. L'Enfant designed broad streets and avenues that recall the grand boulevards of Paris, the most elegant capital city of Europe at the time. The first president of the United States, George Washington, commissioned French-born city planner Pierre Charles L'Enfant to develop the nation's capital in 1791. is a city of epic proportions, in its architectural monuments, as well as cultural heritage. Learn about the best places to visit and things to do around the Big Apple with our list of the top day trips from New York City.ġ. Niagara Falls in Upstate New York is a seven-hour drive from New York City however, it's possible to visit for the day by taking a flight and organized tour. is over three hours away by train, but it has many impressive cultural attractions that merit the journey. Several of the attractions on this list are within greater New York City but are popular day-trip excursions, like Coney Island, Governors Island, and Rockaway Beach they're ideal for a fun day of recreation and relaxation.Ī few destinations on this list are considerably farther away and require a bit more effort to get there.

Even the unspoiled wilderness of Bear Mountain is only a one-hour drive or slightly over an hour train ride away from Manhattan. Many delightful places to visit are just a 90-minute train ride (or less) from New York City: the colonial-era village of Sleepy Hollow, the quaint rural community of Cold Spring, and the lovely Victorian-era city of Beacon in the Hudson Valley. Especially beautiful in late spring, summer, and autumn, the landscape features forested rolling hills and lush valleys. However, it is well worth escaping the urban jungle to spend time in the peaceful, picturesque surroundings.Ĭharming historic towns are scattered around the idyllic countryside of New York State and make great day trips from New York City. New York City has so much to offer that many tourists, and even the locals, never venture outside of Manhattan.

Day trip in nyc