Hilltop Golf Club

Considered by many to be the ultimate must-see museum in DC, the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum is nothing short of an emotional and educational experience. When you arrive, you are given an "identity card" of a real Holocaust victim that deeply personalizes your trip through the various exhibits. You'll view an astounding collection of film clips, photographs, artifacts and unflinching first-hand accounts. There's even an exhibit for the kids that treats the subject matter in a highly sensitive manner; this exhibition will inspire questions and answers that will no doubt lead to a better understanding of this horrible passage in our world's history.

When you think of the skyline in our nation's capital city, immediately the Washington Monument comes to mind. This 555-foot obelisk juts out into the sky to stand as a tribute to our first President. The monument, along with the Capitol Building and the Lincoln Memorial, is part of the areas trio of must-see landmark attractions. It is located at the western end of the Mall and the free elevator ride will take you to the top floor for a truly breathtaking view. The admission is free, but you need a ticket to enter. The ticket kiosk is located at the base of the monument on 15th Street and opens at 8:30am. Tickets are given out on a first-come, first-served basis.

The National Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony is a Christmas tradition that every American looks forward to. All eyes are on the President and First Lady as they light the tree, followed by the President's holiday wishes to the crowd and the millions more watching the event on television. There's a band playing holiday favorites, and in addition to the large tree that is the focal point of the festival, there are also several smaller trees that represent our states and territories. The trees stay lit and this celebration begins a month-long schedule of various entertainment that helps to keep the Christmas spirit high.

The Capital Crescent Trail is one of the area's most popular. This 11-mile trail begins in Silver Spring, Maryland, curves westward through Maryland into Washington, DC and ends in the heart of historic Georgetown. Captivating, beautiful scenery marks this as an exceptional recreation trail for walking, hiking and biking.