Surrounding AreaWashington DC was founded in 1791 as the world's first planned national capital, the site of which was selected by George Washington. Although federal government buildings dominate the city, visitors can also enjoy excellent theatres, music, parks and gardens.The White House on Pennsylvania Avenue is Washington's most famous building. The president's Oval Office is in the West Wing of the White House and although this is not open to the public, visitors can appreciate the splendour of the elliptical Blue Room, the Green Room and the East Room.Washington is home to many memorials including the Jefferson and Lincoln Memorials and the Vietnam Veterans Memorial. There are many museums making up the Smithsonian Institution, so many in fact that a trip to the information centre is a must before visiting any of them. Many national museums are in Washington including the National Gallery of Art, the National Museum of Natural History, the National Air and Space Museum and the National Museum of American History. |