Here is but a small list of some of the great places you could see during your visit.
The United States Air Force Memorial
The United States Air Force Memorial is located directly in front of the Air Force Memorial Foundation at 1 Air Force Memorial Drive, Arlington, VA 22204. LAT:LONG = 38.869284,-77.066456
A very unique piece of art, it can be shot from up close as well as from afar. Because of its minimal construction, having an interesting sky, whether ir be during the day or after dark, helps in creating a great shot. As with any military location, make sure you check their event calendar, so that you're aware of any large groups who might be using it for a keynote speeh or an honorary get-together.
The National Archives
The National Archives and Records Administration is located at 700 Pennsylvania Avenue Northwest
Washington, DC 20408. LAT:LONG = 38.893271,-77.023026
The National Archives holds the Charters of Freedom, the three documents that defined the United States and the freedoms that its citizens enjoy. The Declaration of Independence, The Constitution and The Bill of Rights is on display, but due to the immense importance of the three, flash photography is not allowed. (See The Gear for tips). The Rotunda in which they are housed is also stunning.
Arlington National Cemetery
Arlington National Cemetery is located at King Dr, Arlington, VA 22202. LAT:LONG = 38.881846,-77.065151
Arlington National Cemetery's rolling hills mark the final resting place for more than 14,000 veterans, including those who fought in the Civil War. The most popular site is the burial plot of President John F. Kennedy and family, as well as the Eternal Flame that was first lit by his wife during his funeral ceremony. The Tomb of The Unknown Soldier has an armed guard watching over it at all times, and is another popular site at the Cemetery.
The United States Botanic Garden
The US Botanic Garden is located at 100 Maryland Ave SW
Washington, DC 20001 LAT:LONG = 38.888695,-77.012898
The US Botanical Garden was established by the US Congress in 1820, and is one of the oldest botanic gardens in the United States. A plan museum, it has similar rules when it comes to photos, and flash photography is not permitted. The beautiful building that houses these natural wonders is almost as gorgeous as the plant life within, but take a moment to photograph each.
Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial
The Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial is located at 1850 W Basin Dr SW
Washington, DC 20024 LAT:LONG = 38.886156,-77.044559
One of the most beautiful monuments, it is broken up into four "rooms" to represent his un-precedented four terms in office. Each room poses its own unique challenges to a photographer, but also allows for more creativity in how you choose to capture it. As a main stop for tour buses, it can become quite crowded during the day. If its too crowded to get the shot you'd like, wait a few minutes, as the bus will be leaving for its next stop soon.
The Lincoln Memorial
The Lincoln Memorial is located at Lincoln Memorial Cir SW
Washington, DC 20037 LAT:LONG = 38.891434,-77.050309
The Lincoln Memorial is one of the most popular memorials in America, due in part to his place in history, as well as the beautiful neo-classical building that houses it. It's also located at one end of the Reflecting Pool, which makes for excellent photos when shooting the memorials at the opposite end from where you're located. If crowded, us a zoom lens to get some up-close images of the statue of Lincoln, or even of the beautiful architecture. There's always something to shoot, don't let a big crowd keep your shutter from firing.
The Pentagon Memorial
The Pentagon Memorial is located at the 1 Rotary Road, Arlington, VA 22202 LAT:LONG = 38.870922,-77.059096.
The Pentagon Memorial was made in honor of the 184 people who died on Sept. 11th, either aboard American Airlines flight 77 that crashed into the Pentagon, or those who were working in the Pentagon. It's comprised of 184 benches, and each bench has running water under it and a name inscribed on it. It's very unique, and provides for some humbling photography. NOTE: only the memorial areas are allowed to be photographed, due to National Security Protocol. Don't get yourself arrested!
The Thomas Jefferson Memorial
The Jefferson Memorial is located at 701 West Basin Drive Southwest
Washington, District of Columbia 20242 LAT:LONG = 38.882164,-77.036544
The Thomas Jefferson Memorial is another Neoclassical design, one that Jefferson himself brought to America when designing the University of Virginia's rotunda. It's located at the Tidal Basin, a small man-made lake thats flanked by cherry-blossom trees (which are in full bloom at around April 1st of each year). The body of water also gives the photographer opportunities for mirrored images.
