America’s capital city and home to the U.S. President, Washington DC has taken centre stage in the country’s political life since its founding in 1790. The city’s street grid interspersed by sweeping avenues was created by architect Pierre Charles L’Enfant and commissioned by President Washington. The District of Columbia is purposely sited between Maryland and Virginia, enabling the federal capital to have a dual location. Home to the White House, the Capitol Building and the famous National Mall, Washington DC’s rich cultural and architectural history is the backdrop to world-class restaurants, luxury hotels, a redeveloped riverfront, as well as beautiful parks and gardens.

Taking your private jet charter flight to Washington DC is a wonderful experience.

Here are 5 Washington DC attractions to visit during your stay in the American capital.

The White House and Capitol Hill

The iconic Neo-Classical White House has been home and office to all American presidents since John Adams, each of whom has remodelled and re-designed the interiors – and in some cases rebuilt the entire building. Designed by Irish-born architect James Hoban, the original structure was razed to the ground by the British in 1814 but rebuilt again four years later. Tours are only available to US citizens via their congressional rep, but great views can be had from Pennsylvania Avenue NW at Lafayette Square or the South Lawn views from the Ellipse. The White House Visitor Centre is a 1,600 sq. ft museum with galleries, exhibition space, and a model of the White House, as well as interactive exhibits and a shop. Capitol Hill is home to the Senate and the House of Representatives and is recognisable by its massive dome. The interiors are exquisite and contain priceless paintings, reliefs and frescoes: Constantino Brumidi – painted the ceiling rotunda. A tunnel leads from the Capitol to the Library of Congress – the world’s largest repository of books.

Washington Monument and the National Mall

The Washington Monument is the iconic obelisk dedicated to the memory of George Washington, America’s first President. Take the minute-long ride 50 stories to the observation deck with superb 25-mile views across Washington, Arlington Cemetery, the White House and beyond. Located at the centre of the 1.9-mile National Mall with the US Capitol building at one end, and the Lincoln Memorial at the other, the Washington Monument was once the tallest building in the world at just over 555ft. The National Mall is part of a 146-acre National Park and home to many of Washington’s major monuments and tourist attractions, including the Thomas Jefferson Memorial and the U.S. Botanic Garden. Its landscaped parks and gardens are ideal for picnic breaks in-between visits to the National Air and Space Museum, and the Museum of American History. Go early to avoid the crowds.

Georgetown and the Waterfront

Located on the Potomac River, the historic Georgetown district dates from the early 1700s and is home to Georgetown University. During the Colonial period, the area was Washington’s major port and commercial centre. Today it’s a bustling and popular tourist neighbourhood with beautiful row houses, funky boutique shops and cafes, upscale restaurants and bars, as well as several museums. Take a walk or cycle along the C&O canal here before a visit to the extraordinary Kreeger Museum with its collection of work by artists such as Picasso, Gaugin, Monet and many more. The Georgetown Waterfront Park provides a relaxing escape from the city with its tree-lined Potomac facing promenade stretching from Washington Harbour to Key Bridge.

Washington National Cathedral

Standing proud on Wisconsin Avenue, Washington’s spectacular Neo-Gothic cathedral boasts impressive flying buttresses, soaring vaulting, intricate stained glass windows and priceless carvings. Visit the website at www.cathedral.org to book tours in advance, and you can even join an online service. State funerals for four American Presidents, including Ronald Regan and Gerald Ford, have been held at the cathedral. After your tour, make time for a visit to the medieval-style Bishop’ Garden on the grounds. This charming walled garden is especially beautiful in May when the rose bushes, ancient boxwoods and herbs are in full bloom, and even boasts a fish pond.

US National Arboretum

Just a 10-minute taxi ride from the Capitol Building lies a 446-acre oasis of calm: the US National Arboretum. A welcome escape from the hustle of the city, this 446-acre site has an impressive selection of trees, plants and shrubs planted among formal landscaped gardens. The National Herb garden is here, together with the famous Gotelli Conifer Collection and the highlight: the National Bonsai & Penjing Museum which is home to a stunning display of miniature Chinese and Japanese trees. Visit in Spring for a spectacular display of cherry blossom. Take the 40-minute tram ride (with recorded commentary) around the grounds if you’re short of time. Available at weekends and public holidays.

Best time to visit Washington DC

Generally, the best months to visit Washington DC are between March and May – and later in the year during the autumn months between September and November. Summer in Washington can be very hot and humid making sightseeing sticky, with aircon in hotels on at full blast. Not particularly healthy. In autumn the fall colours alongside the nip in the air give an invigorating feel to the city. Likewise, Spring is a good time to visit Washington: the National Cherry Blossom Festival is in full swing during late March and early April, and the weather is ideal for taking in the sites along the National Mall. Winter in Washington can be mixed and although milder than some eastern seaboard states, visitors can expect heavy snow and frigid temperatures.

Why visit Washington DC

Washington DC is the political heart of America with a rich historical legacy. Home to the country’s most famous collection of monuments including the White House, Capitol Hill, Arlington Cemetery, and a plethora of world-class museums, Washington has an eclectic cultural life with superb galleries, a vibrant restaurant and a bar scene, alongside a redeveloped riverfront. Its location means day trips to Alexandria, Mount Vernon and the northern Virginian vineyards are all within easy reach.

Book your private jet charter and get to know this iconic city.