The Capital Region shaped a nation and changed the course of world history. Experience the past and present of this fascinating destination, from iconic monuments and historic battlegrounds to world-class museums and cultural attractions.
Explore Washington, DC’s most famous monuments along the National Mall, a park-like promenade in the heart of the city. Admire the towering Washington Monument and get up-close to the massive marble statue of America’s 16th president at the Lincoln Memorial. Neighbouring monuments honour Thomas Jefferson, Franklin Delano Roosevelt and, most recently, Martin Luther King, Jr. The pillars and fountains of the World War II Memorial, the lifelike statues of the Korean War Veterans Memorial and the dramatic Vietnam Veterans Memorial offer moving tributes.
Just across the Potomac River in Arlington, Virginia, the green rolling hills of Arlington National Cemetery are the final resting place for more than 330,000 American patriots, including John F. Kennedy. A short drive away in Emmitsburg, Maryland, the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial salutes firefighters who died while serving. In Sharpsburg, Antietam National Battlefield commemorates the most violent one day battle in American history.
While it honours the past in grand fashion, the Capital Region also celebrates its ever-evolving art and culture.
Be entertained and inspired in the Washington, DC metro area, where the world-renowned Smithsonian offers 17 museums; the American Art Museum, Natural History Museum and National Air and Space Museum are popular stops. Other unique museums include the intriguing International Spy Museum and Newseum.
For concerts and live theatre, visit the historic National Theatre or the John F. Kennedy Centre for the Performing Arts.
In Maryland, explore downtown Baltimore’s Inner Harbor, a cultural hotspot known for street performances and historic attractions. Board the Civil War era ship USS Constellation, and learn about baseball legends and lore at the Babe Ruth Museum. Nearby, the American Visionary Art Museum and Walters Art Museum offer thought-provoking art for all ages.
Virginia’s notable art attractions include the ultra-modern Taubman Museum of Art in Roanoke and the glass collection of the Chrysler Museum of Art in Norfolk. In Richmond, visit the Virginia State Capitol, designed by Thomas Jefferson, and the Museum of the Confederacy.
The Smithsonian museums in Washington, DC offer free admission. Check out the Discovery Theatre, the Smithsonian’s official theatre for kids. Nearby at the National Archives, research family genealogy, historic documents and more.
In Baltimore, the Mount Vernon Cultural Walk winds past beautiful architecture, art and antiques, Historic Charles Street, America’s first Roman Catholic cathedral and more. The Pennsylvania Avenue Heritage Trail explores a historic African American neighbourhood known for art, music, entertainment and civil rights history. Visit Edgar Allan Poe’s Grave if you appreciate the master of literary macabre.
In Richmond, the expansive Virginia Museum of Fine Arts features everything from ancient Egyptian works to Faberge eggs. Look deeper into local history at the Virginia Historical Society, where exhibits span 16,000 years.