It may not be a state, but it’s not a city either, and its draw as a tourist destination qualifies it to be included with the states. Regardless of how they rate the destination, visitors to the District of Columbia agree that making a trip here is among the things every American should do. Most travelers to the nation's capital come away with the feeling that Washington not only belongs to the nation, but to each citizen individually, and there is no other place that speaks to us in that unique American voice. Travelers universally emphasize the historical significance of the city and its surroundings. They feel they are indeed walking in the footsteps of the founding fathers, from Washington and Jefferson to Lincoln and FDR, and remembering those who died in battle, from the Civil War to Vietnam.

The imposing size and scale of the public buildings — the Capitol Building, the Treasury, the Supreme Court, the FBI building, the Lincoln and Jefferson monuments and the Smithsonian complex — add to the sense of wonder and appreciation for this extraordinary place that houses and displays our history — and where history is still being made. When people say they're vacationing in Washington, they also usually mean adjacent areas in Virginia and Maryland, where important historical sites can also be found. Because this is a special place for all Americans, there are fewer differences among centrics, venturers and authentics in how they describe their trips. Across the personality scale, visitors remember how easy it is to get around the city, especially citing the clean, safe metro system. They agree on the quality and extent of the museums and exhibits. Many pairs of shoes are worn out touring the Smithsonian complex, and still there is always something new to see. Admission to most attractions is free or nominal, another very attractive feature for all.

Clearly, Washington will continue to be a magnet for American visitors who enjoy exploring their history, and perhaps also for international travelers who want a feel for what the United States is all about.

At the Thompson Boat Center, you can rent canoes and kayaks.

Go horseback riding. Horses are available in Rock Creek Park.

Climb all the stairs in the Washington Monument to get a panoramic view of the District. Warning: This is not for the faint-hearted or the physically unfit.

This beautiful city is a good choice for serious photography. For one recommended — and great — shot, cross the Potomac to the Iwo Jima Memorial Park in Arlington. Stand on the hill near the Netherlands Carillon and look across the river toward the Lincoln Memorial.

Go sailing on Chesapeake Bay.

Come for the Smithsonian Folklore Festival, which occurs over two long midsummer weekends and highlights traditions from around the world. Then, stay on to celebrate Independence Day in the capital.

Visit the International Spy Museum and test your skills as a spy.

Go hiking or biking on the Towpath Trail along the Potomac.

Go paddle boating in the Tidal Basin.

Ice skate at the National Sculpture Garden Rink.

Tour the U.S. Capitol Building; tickets are free on a first-come, first-served basis.

Groups of 10 may visit the White House for self-guided tours; request entry through your representative in Congress (see www.whitehouse.gov/).

Sign on for a walking tour, or a biking tour, of the city.

Take an unguided wander through Georgetown, a charming historic neighborhood. Keep an eye out for celebrities, and look for open houses, which will let you see more of Washington’s history.

Come to the nation’s capital for the two-week National Cherry Blossom Festival. The parade is huge.

For some of your trip’s more moving experiences, visit the Holocaust Museum and the Vietnam War Memorial.

Washington is surrounded by places of interest, and some are accessible by metro: Arlington National Cemetery, the Pentagon (which nowadays for security reasons only admits select groups for tours) and the historic center of Alexandria (see George Washington’s church, among other things).

Visit the Supreme Court and hear a lecture in the courtroom (when the court is not in session).

Spend some quality time at the National Mall, which encompasses the Washington Monument, most of the Smithsonian museums and the National Gallery of Art, plus the Capitol Building at one end of the mall and the Lincoln Memorial at the other.

Attend a performance at the Kennedy Center on the Potomac, one of the country's most beautiful venues for theater and music.

Go a bit farther afield to see the fine homes of two early presidents, those of Thomas Jefferson (Monticello) and George Washington (Mount Vernon). Drive or join a tour.

Drop in at the Ritz-Carlton Georgetown, a former incinerator. Eat in the Fahrenheit restaurant where you see the ceiling pulley that brought trash bins into the incinerator.

Visit the 10 acres of gardens on the Dumbarton Oaks estate in Georgetown. Or go for the gardens on the 40-acre grounds of the Franciscan Monastery. Still another idea: Look for the herb garden (and Herb Cottage to buy herbs and herb-flavored vinegar) at the Washington National Cathedral, which is on 57 acres and has other gardens, too.

For more information, consult the Washington, D.C., Convention and Tourism Corporation at www.washington.org

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