Washington DC is far more than just the White House. From monuments and landmarks that truly celebrate history and freedom in America to its very diverse neighborhoods, Washington DC attracts more than 20 million visitors from all over the world every year. The most famous of the monuments and museums offer free entry, and it is an especially child friendly city, with plenty for the younger generation to see and do.

More than a half million people call Washington DC home. Downtown areas such as the U Street Corridor and the Penn Quarter were very depressed in the 20th century, but as the new millennium has advanced they have enjoyed a great rebirth. The main streets of Georgetown have always been tony and trendy; the residential blocks that were once home to JFK and Jackie retain their traditional elegance.

The restaurant scene in Washington DC has heated up in the last few years as well. Great jazz can be heard in a number of small clubs, and the Kennedy Center and Wolf Trap play host to top musicians, actors and dancers.

The federal government is Washington DC's primary source of industry and income, but tourism comes in a close second. Washington DC is home to more trade associations than any other place in America and a number of large international corporation's offices are scattered throughout the metro and downtown areas.

There are many possible things that you could plan a trip to Washington DC around, from history to art, architecture to government, the military or technology. The city offers wonderful gardens, and the National Zoo is a great destination for young and old alike.

Once upon a time, Washington DC was considered a fairly stodgy, conservative place, filled with northern efficiency and lacking Southern charm. This is not so true anymore though. The Collection at Chevy Chase mall has shops that include Gucci and Jimmy Choo, and an innovative home design center called Cady's Alley. Visitors also stream to the newly opened Reynolds Center for American Art and Portraiture.

The Old Patent Office is a two block long Greek Revival structure that now houses both the National Portrait Gallery and the Smithsonian American art Museum.

For sport fans, there is plenty of action to take in. The Washington Wizards of the NBA play at the MCI Center and the Washington Redskins at FedEx Field. Without a baseball team to call their own for many long years, the new pride and joy of Washington DC sports fans are the newly franchised Washington Nationals baseball team.

For those just looking to relax for a while, this is possible all over the city, Rock Creek Park is the largest natural national park in the country and one of the oldest as it was first established in 1890, inspiring the creation of such parks across the land. There are plenty of other large parks in Washington DC too, and they all provide the chance to indulge in a range of leisurely pursuits.