Top Tourist Attractions in Downtown DC Near Dupont Circle

National Museum of Crime & Punishment.

 Experience the notorious history of crime, crime fighting and punishment - from medieval knights and pirates to modern white collar criminals and computer hackers. At the National Museum of Crime & Punishment, you can test your Wild West shooting skills, crack a safe, hack into a computer, see a life-size model police station, discover heroes of law enforcement, enter an intact crime scene with fresh evidence, and walk onto the actual television set of America’s Most Wanted. Discover the interesting characters in America’s colorful history of crime at one of Washington, DC’s most intriguing museums. Visit www.crimemuseum.org/.

Madame Tussauds Wax Museum.

 Get up close with your favorite celebrity wax figures at the world-famous Madame Tussauds in Washington, DC. Enjoy an interactive, sensory experience of touch, sight and sound as you learn about key historical events and the people who shaped our world. Go back in time and sit face to face with Abraham Lincoln. See Duke Ellington play during the “heyday” of jazz. Practice your swing with PGA extraordinaire Tiger Woods. See hundreds of incredibly lifelike wax figures of cultural icons, famous personalities, sports stars and Hollywood celebrities, including George Washington, John F. Kennedy, Martin Luther King Jr., Ronald Reagan, Barrack Obama, Babe Ruth, and Madonna. Visit www.madametussauds.com/Washington/. [Top]

Bureau of Engraving & Printing.

 The Bureau of Engraving and Printing prints billions of Federal Reserve Notes (U.S. currency), and is the largest producer of security documents in the US, including portions of U.S. passports, materials for Homeland Security, military ID cards, and Immigration and Naturalization Certificates with counterfeit deterrence. The BEP advises federal agencies on document security, and processes claims for the redemption of mutilated currency. BEP’s research efforts focus on automation in the production process and counterfeit deterrent technologies for currency and documents. Visit www.bep.treas.gov/section.cfm/2.

National Zoological Park.

 Set amid Rock Creek Park in the heart of Washington, D.C., the Smithsonian’s National Zoological Park is one of the city’s most popular family destinations. A leader in animal preservation, care and sustainability, the 163-acre zoological park features over 2,000 animals of 400 different species, including the giant pandas, Tian Tian and Mei Xiang, and their cub, Tai Shan. Animal lovers are welcomed free of charge to marvel at exotic animals, learn about wildlife, and explore beautiful, peaceful gardens. Don’t miss the Sumatran tigers and African lions, great apes, Asian elephants, rescued California sea lions, and massive Aldabra tortoise. the National Zoo's newest exhibits The National Zoo's newest exhibit, the Kid’s Farm helps families learn about alpacas, cows, donkeys, hogs, and goats. Visit http://nationalzoo.si.edu. [Top]

National Aquarium.

 Experience the magical mystery of the gigantic world beneath our waters. Located one block from the Washington Monument, the National Aquarium and fishery museum displays more than 1,500 specimens and 250 species of freshwater and marine animals. Encounter alligators, piranha, shark, eel and Japanese carp. The National Aquarium in Washington, DC introduces “America’s Aquatic Treasures,” highlighting the animals and habitats of ecosystems of the United States and significant conservation spots through the National Marine Sanctuaries Program. Visit www.nationalaquarium.com.

Library of Congress.

 The nation's oldest cultural institution and the federal research arm of Congress, the Library of Congress is the largest library in the world with more than 130 million items on 530 miles of bookshelves. Library collections include over 29 million books and printed materials, 2.7 million recordings, 12 million photographs, 4.8 million maps, and 58 million manuscripts. An agency of the legislative branch of the U.S. government, the Library preserves a universal collection of knowledge and creativity in three buildings on Capitol Hill - Thomas Jefferson Building (1897), John Adams Building and James Madison Memorial Building - and includes the U.S. Copyright Office and Law Library of Congress. Visit www.loc.gov. [Top]

RFK Stadium.

 Located in southeast Washington, DC, Robert F. Kennedy Memorial Stadium has been one of Washington's leading sports and entertainment venues since opening in 1961. Home of Major League Soccer’s DC United, the historic 56,000-seat stadium is a popular venue for concerts, sports tournaments, events and festivals. One of the top soccer venues in the country, RFK Stadium has hosted two MLS Cups, including the 1997 match that saw United capture its second consecutive championship, the 2002 MLS All-Star match, 1994 World Cup Finals games, and 1996 Olympic matches. Visit www.rfkstadium.com

Washington Nationals Stadium.

 Opened in March 2008, Washington Nationals Stadium is the new home of Major League Baseball’s Washington Nationals. Located in Southeast Washington, and the cornerstone of the mixed-use Capitol Riverfront, the modern, cutting-edge 41,888-seat stadium with its innovative design of steel, glass and concrete uniquely reflects the architecture of Washington, DC. Fans will witness panoramic views of the riverfront, Navy Yard, the surrounding city and landmarks such as the Capitol and the Washington Monument. In addition, the new ballpark will feature a variety of entertainment, concerts and compelling fan-interactive alternatives. Visit http://nationals.mlb.com/was/ballpark/index.jsp. [Top]

U.S. Botanic Gardens.

 The oldest botanic garden in the country, the newly-renovated U.S. Botanic Garden is a beautiful and fascinating living plant museum. Located on the National Mall at the foot of the U.S. Capitol grounds, the USBG features the U.S. Botanic Garden conservatory, the National Garden, Bartholdi Park and an outdoor amphitheater Centered around the beautiful Bartholdi Fountain, a stunning landscape of classical and demonstration gardens, ever-changing plant and flower exhibits and greenhouses reflect modern trends in American horticulture and new plant exhibits that include 4,000 living specimens. A living laboratory for environmental, horticultural, and botanical education, the National Garden features the Rose Garden, the Butterfly Garden, the Lawn Terrace, the First Ladies' Water Garden, and Regional Garden. Visit www.usbg.org.

Ford's Theater.

 Reopening in 1968, over 100 years after the assassination of President Abraham Lincoln, Ford’s Theatre is one of the most famous attractions in Washington, DC. With a unique place in US history, Ford’s Theater celebrates the legacy of Abraham Lincoln and the American experience through exceptional theatre, excellent artistic programming and rich cultural experiences. A tribute to Lincoln's love of the performing arts, the historic stage in downtown Washington presents world-class theatre, eloquent plays and the nation’s top talent. With works including the nationally-acclaimed Big River, the regional premiere of Trying and world premiere of Meet John Doe, Ford’s Theatre is etching its mark on the American theatre landscape. Visit www.fordstheatre.org. [Top]

National Geographic Museum.

 Experience the world at the museum at National Geographic's Washington, D.C. headquarters, where past and current expeditions, adventures, and scientific research come to life. The National Geographic Museum at Explorers Hall presents a wide variety of changing and permanent exhibitions, cool interactive displays, archeological treasures, amazing photographs, concerts, lectures, and film screenings that reflect the richness and diversity of our world. Find unique products and gifts in the National Geographic Store. Visit www.nationalgeographic.com/museum/

Georgetown.

 Packed with history and culture, Georgetown is Washington, DC’s most charming and vibrant neighborhood. This hip, energetic urban oasis is the city’s hottest shopping, dining and entertainment area, lined with unique boutiques, popular retailers, high-end design and antique shops, over 100 restaurants, sensational spas and salons, gourmet bakeries and cafes, specialty markets, historic attractions and an exciting nightlife scene of upscale lounges, vibrant bars, hip hangouts, and swanky jazz clubs. Enjoy wine tasting and street wide festivals, including October’s Taste of Georgetown and April’s French Market. Explore century-old homes, beautiful gardens, paths and waterways that mark our nation’s rich history. With its trendy, but quaint ambiance, Georgetown is the perfect destination to mingle with travelers from around the globe and locals from around the block. Visit www.georgetowndc.com. [Top]

National Cherry Blossom Festival.

 The Cherry Blossom Festival celebrates the 96th year of the gift of 3,000 flowering Japanese cherry trees to the people of Washington, DC in 1912. Enjoy the spirit of the spring and the fun festivities at this annual event in Washington, DC. One of city’s most cherished traditions, the spectacular Parade of the National Cherry Blossom Festival along Constitution Avenue includes marching bands, dance and drum teams, choir performances, horses, antique cars, mascots, clowns, and the cherry blossom queen. Enjoy a festive mix of American and Japanese performing arts on the steps of the Jefferson Memorial. From sushi to origami, sumo to sake, the annual Sakura Matsuri Japanese Street Festival on Pennsylvania Ave. presents Japanese arts, crafts, dance, music and a Taste of Japan. Visit www.nationalcherryblossomfestival.org.

Mount Vernon Estate.

 Preserved on the banks of the Potomac River, the 500-acre estate, gardens and farm of Mount Vernon is America’s most historic estate. Tour the magnificent home and gardens of our nation’s first president. Visit 20 historic structures and 50 acres of gardens as they existed in 1799. See the Mansion House Farm where George Washington and his family lived and get a glimpse of George Washington’s surroundings over 200 years ago. Explore the breathtaking landscape of magnificent gardens, meadows, serpentine walkways, and flowering cherry trees. Visit a museum, tombs of George and Martha Washington, Washington's greenhouse, a memorial to18th-century slaves, and a collection of decorative and domestic artifacts. Between the Mansion and the Potomac River is a beautiful park. Visit www.mountvernon.org. [Top]