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Places

Places of Interest

Union Station
Union Station attracts more than 40,000 visitors daily. Its renovated halls contain specialty shops, movie theaters and eateries, as well as the Union Station Metro and Amtrak terminals.

(202) 289-1908
Shopping mall is open 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Saturday
12 p.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday

Old Post Office Building Observatory and Pavilion
The renovated Old Post Office Building offers a spectacular view of the nation’s capital from atop its 315 ft. clock tower. The Pavilion houses over 50 shops and restaurants, and a performing arts center.

(202) 289-4224
10 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Monday through Saturday
12 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. Sunday

Georgetown
Georgetown was a commercial center during the colonial period. Located here are the Old Stone House, the C&O Canal, historic St. John’s Church (different than "The Church of the Presidents,") Georgetown University and Dumbarton Oaks. The streets of Georgetown offer a lively mix of sightseeing, dining and shopping.

Octagon House
Eight sides make this Washington landmark an architectural and historical treasure. Built in 1800 by Dr. William Thornton, designer of the U.S. Capitol, the Octagon House once served as a residence for President James Madison while the White House was being repaired following the War of 1812. A donation is suggested.

(202) 638-3105
10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday
Closed Thanksgiving, Christmas, Easter, and New Year’s Day

Old Stone House
The oldest home in Washington, this 1795 Georgetown house is furnished with pieces from 1765-1810 and is surrounded by a beautiful garden.

(202) 426-6851
12:00 p.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday
Closed Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year ’s Day, and July 4th

Gunston Hall
The Colonial plantation home of George Mason, father of the Bill of Rights, is located near Mount Vernon and overlooks the Potomac River. At this house, Mason met with Washington, Jefferson and Madison. Admission is charged.

(703) 550-9220
9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily
Closed Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Day

Decatur House
The home of Commodore Stephen Decatur, a naval hero of the War of 1812, is an example of the Federalist style of architecture and furnishings. Adjacent to Decatur House is the Truxton-Decatur Museum. Admission is charged.

(202) 842-0920
10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday
12 noon to 4 p.m. Sunday
Closed Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year ’s Day

Woodrow Wilson House
The red brick Georgian Revival town house is filled with mementos of President Wilson’s historic career and is Washington’s only presidential museum. Group tours by reservation. Admission charged.

(202) 387-4062
10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday
Closed Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year ’s Day

Mount Vernon
George Washington’s estate, overlooking the Potomac River, has been restored to its 18th century colonial grandeur. The mansion, slave quarters, stables and the tomb of President and Mrs. Washington are among the points of special interest. Admission is charged.

(703) 780-2000
8 a.m. to 5 p.m. April to August
9 a.m. to 5 p.m. March, September, and October
9 a.m. to 4 p.m. November to February

Old Town Alexandria
Old Town, founded as a seaport, is the hometown of George Washington and Robert E. Lee. Today, shops and restaurants are located in restored 18th and 19th century buildings and colonial homes line the cobblestone streets. Points of interest include the Old Presbyterian Meeting House, Christ Church, Gadsby’s Tavern, the Carlyle House and the Torpedo Factory Art Center.

(703) 838-4200 Visitor Center
9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily – Visitor Center

List from the National Register of Historic Places