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Documenting your trip to Washington DC is important. There are so many monuments and memorials to see and take pictures of. The US Capitol is no different. Sitting atop capitol hill, you must take pictures in front of the iconic US Capitol in Washington DC.
Planning A Trip To Washington DC?
There is so much to see and do in Washington DC. Covering everything from Smithsonian museums to tours of The White House, you will not want to miss out on any of these exciting sights.
The complete guide for what to do in Washington DC covers the must-see landmarks in our nation’s capitol.
1. See The Capitol From All Over Town
The US Capitol has a dome that pierces the humid sky. You will catch glimpses of the US Capitol from throughout Washington DC. As you explore the National Mall and the various monuments, you will catch different views of the US Capitol building from a distance. If you can snap a picture from a distance, you can document this amazing piece of history.
2. Walk Up “The Hill”
According to Architect of the Capitol, this massive building was built on Jenkin’s Hill. Throughout time, the name has transformed into Capitol Hill. And let me tell you, this building is built on a HILL. It was humid on a May day and I felt every step up that hill. There are so many amazing pictures to take with this building sitting atop the hill. I loved the greenery shaping my photos.
3. The Building Is Massive
I visited the California State Capitol Building just a month before visiting Washington DC. They have similar white pillars topped with massive domes so I assumed they would be comparable. Buy, was I wrong! The US Capitol is huge. Massive. Gigantic.
It took some patience waiting for the right time to snap some photos without other tourists in the background.
When taking pictures, make sure to get as much of the building in the frame. I treasure these photos that show the magnitude of this structure behind me.
4.There Are Two Photogenic Sides
Something I never realized about the US Capitol is that you can take it in from two different angles. From the west, you will see the famous US Capitol sitting atop the hill. This direction looks over the National Mall and stands tall over the other monuments, museums and more.
The US Capitol also looks out to the east. This direction looks over the Supreme Court and Library of Congress.
5. Take Photos Of The National Mall
From the west of the US Capitol lives the National Mall. From the US Capitol you can snap pictures of the view. The Washington Monument and the Lincoln Memorial are two of the sights posing for you.
The US Capitol in Washington DC is one of the many places to take incredible photos. Make sure you check out the different memorials and monuments along the National Mall.
Here are all 10 of the monuments to see in Washington DC.
6. Say Hi To Its Neighbors
The US Capitol looks out to the east at some very famous neighbors.
Supreme Court
The Supreme Court sits outside of the US Capitol. Its famous pillars are a powerful sight set against the Washington DC streets. Oh, the protesting these steps have seen. As you are visiting the US Capitol, walk across the street to snap pictures in front of the Supreme Court. It is a historic building with incredible architecture.
The Supreme Court is currently closed to the public. They previously offered tours throughout the week.
Click here to check if the building is open when you visit Washington DC.
Library of Congress
The Library of Congress is neighbors to the Supreme Court and US Capitol. The massive building is home of the largest library of the world, according to its official website.
I enjoyed taking pictures of the Library of Congress because it is not depicted many places. The Supreme Court is always on the news and the US Capitol is on the $50 bill. In my opinion, the Library of Congress building is underrated.
Tours of the Library of Congress are FREE! Click here to book your tour up to 30 days in advance.
7. The Grounds Are Like None Other
There is a reason the US Capitol in Washington DC has developed the nickname Capitol Hill. The area is more than just this large white building. The surrounding area is complete with greenery and manicured grounds. The National Mall presents opportunity for photos, especially with the US Capitol in the background!
8. There Is So Much History
The US Capitol has seen so much history throughout its lifetime. I think of the inaugurals, the marches, and unfortunately, the recent insurrection. These walls have seen the good and bad of our country and now you get to experience it for yourself. Take photos that will document this incredible sight that has experienced so much history and will continue to throughout our lifetimes.
9. You Can Take A Tour Inside
Great news! You can tour the US Capitol and take photos inside. Make sure you submit a request through your representative. These are one-of-a-kind photos inside one of the most famous buildings in the world.
Need help requesting these FREE tours? Read how to book FREE tours in Washington DC.
10. The Location
The US Capitol is surrounded by so many museums and monuments to visit and take pictures of. The Smithsonian museums live on the National Mall nearby. Check out these FREE museums filled with historical artifacts.
Want to know more? Read 3 reasons to tour the Smithsonian National Museum of American History.
There is something for everyone on the National Mall. My boyfriend was interested in the Air and Space Museum so we stopped in for a look. We snapped pictures of Amelia Earhart’s plane, which I loved!
Learn more about this Smithsonian and read 5 reasons the Air and Space Museum is the best in Washington DC.
Book Your Trip Now
These photos of the US Capitol in Washington DC are my favorite from my trip. They document just how big and powerful the building is on the hill.
Have you visited the US Capitol in DC? Please share your favorite part.
Looking for to see more historic landmarks? Here are 25 things to see on the FREE tour of The White House.
Cheers!
