7 Wonders of the World That Are Actually Right Near Washington DC

The Tidal Basin is lined with cherry blossom trees and you can view some of the most well known monuments scattered in the distance. You’ll get a gorgeous view from any side of this reservoir. Or grab a paddleboat and get the full view. The Tidal Basin is worth seeing anytime of day but we recommend visiting just at sunrise so you can catch the golden rays glistening off the water waking up the city.

Imagine a giant digging his way out and arising from the ground. That’s what you will see when you visit The Awakening statue at National Harbor. It appears that this 72-foot statue is emerging from the sandy beach just in front of the waterfront. Kids loving playing on the giant and it’s perfect for Instagram photos.

The House of the Temple was built in 1915 and was actually modeled after one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, the tomb of Mausolus at Halicarnassus. It has been praised for its architecture and has been named one of the best public buildings in the country. Today, it is the headquarters of the Scottish Rite of Freemasonry, Southern Jurisdiction. The building is open to the public for tours.

At Great Falls Park in Northern Virginia, the powerful Potomac River picks up speed and flows over jagged rocks into the narrow Mather Gorge before flowing over a series of cascades into the gorge below. It is an ideal spot for hiking and adventure lovers will love whitewater rafting or kayaking over the falls.

The National Arboretum was established in 1927 but is still a hidden gem in DC! Explore over 400 acres of plants, gardens flora and fauna at the arboretum. The arboretum’s grounds are split into different collections including the National Bonsai and Penjing Museum, National Grove of State Trees, and the National Herb Garden. Another famous feature is the stunning National Capitol Columns, which were once a part of the capitol building.

You can’t deny the iconic Washington Monument from any list of wonders in DC! Completed in 1888, this is the world tallest obelisk and the world’s tallest stop structure standing at 554 feet and seven inches high into the air. Currently, you can’t get to the top as the monument is closed to visitors but it’s still an awe-inspiring view from the ground!

Holland in Haymarket is a bright and colorful celebration every spring at Burnside Farms at Haymarket, VA. Burnside Farms is one of the largest pick-your-own flower farms in the United States. Every spring over 100,000 tulips bloom across the farm creating a whimsical and beautiful sight. You can grab a basket and wander the fields, getting lost in the colors and springiness of the moment.