Washington Dc Attractions

"One of the city's least discovered, most beautiful" memorials is this "thought-provoking" "tribute" to "FDR's astounding" presidency, which took place during one of the most "trying times in U.S. history"; set on the Tidal Basin with "views of the Potomac" and "filled with quotes" and "lifelike, touchable statues", it might "move you to tears", particularly during cherry-blossom season in March and April; P.S. it's a "very long walk from the Metro."

"Fans of Maxwell Smart and James Bond" "find themselves immersed in the spy world" at this "way-cool" Penn Quarter museum that you infiltrate via relatively "pricey" tickets; at this "interactive", "interesting look at the history of espionage", you'll "assume an identity prior to entering", gain intelligence from more than 600 "neat artifacts" and "devices used to snoop" and then complete your mission by staking out the "great" gift shop.

"Honest Abe would be proud" to see this "magnificent temple of liberty" (and "famous site of MLK Jr.'s 'I Have A Dream' speech") that was built in "awe-inspiring" ancient Greek style on the western end of the National Mall; it includes a statue of the 16th president looking "majestic" as he appears to take in the "breathtaking" view of the Washington Monument, and the walls are inscribed with "excerpts from many of [Lincoln's] speeches", evoking a "powerful, meaningful message" that "will never be forgotten."

Perhaps the "best attraction in DC", the Smithsonian's aviation museum charts the "spectacular progress" of "an industry that went from a few hundred feet" of flight "to landing on the moon in 66 years"; the flagship National Mall structure is "packed" with everything from Lindbergh's Spirit of St. Louis to "rockets, spaceships and moon rocks" (no wonder it's "always crowded"), while an "awesome" companion facility near Dulles Airport offers plenty more, including the space shuttle Enterprise, a Concorde and the B-29 bomber Enola Gay.

Some of the "most treasured art in the world" is "displayed in top-flight manner" at this "good use of our tax money" on the National Mall; spanning the Middle Ages to the present, the "superb" collections are housed in "two beautiful, distinctive buildings" (including a newer, I.M. Pei–designed structure) plus a landscaped Sculpture Garden; what's more, "it's free", and the restaurants are "among the best" in the area; P.S. for special exhibitions, "be prepared to stand in line."

After a two-year, $85 million refurb, this massive museum on the National Mall reopens in November '08, complete with a new home for the original Star-Spangled Banner and the addition of a central atrium to make the space more crowd-friendly; look for all the old favorites, though, from Revolutionary War memorabilia and steam locomotives to political souvenirs and Fonzie's jacket.

"From things we know to things we can only imagine", the "beauty of the universe is on display" at the Smithsonian's "grande dame", this National Mall museum that's home to an "incredible collection" of more than 126 million "fascinating" animal, mineral and plant specimens; you'll find everything here, from dinosaurs and diamonds to "excellent" IMAX movies and a butterfly exhibit – just don't forget to visit the "fabulous" hall of mammals; N.B. Ocean Hall, an immersive exploration of the sea, opens in September '08.

More than 2,000 animals representing 400-plus species reside at this "world-class zoo" near Cleveland Park that's free and "easy to get to by Metro"; while the "playful" giant pandas "are the stars", the elephants are also "a big draw", and the Amazon exhibit is a "must-see"; nevertheless, critics complain about "outdated" displays, "long lines for refreshments" and "really expensive food."