If you're looking for things to do in Washington, DC, take a look at these choices. The places below are relatively close to one another. The memorials are either on, or close to, the National Mall. The Washington, DC zoo (the National Zoo) is located in DC right near a metro station, and Gravelly Point is conveniently located across the river from the city in Virginia, which is not as far away as it sounds.

This article provides only sample of things to do in Washington, DC. I'll be adding more items soon.

1. FDR Memorial: On the West side of Washington's Tidal Basin, this memorial to Franklin Delano Roosevelt is divided into four areas. These four areas represent each of FDR's terms of office. The manmade ponds and fountains create a peaceful atmosphere. A ten-foot statue shows him in a wheelchair, a wall a bas-relief depicts him riding in a car during his first inaugural, and more sculptures depict people waiting in a bread line. You'll find this memorial near the National Mall and close to the cherry trees gifted to the United States from Japan. Since there's no roof to this memorial - as there is with the Lincoln Memorial - you'll want to go during decent weather. Free.

2. Vietnam Memorial: The designer of this memorial submitted it as a class project and received a C. Year later, this memorial serves as one of the most emotionally compelling memorials on the National Mall. Tucked away in a grove of trees near the Lincoln Memorial, the black stone wall is etched with the names of those who fought and died in Vietnam. To the creator's credit, the memorial does not mention the extreme controversy around this war. Instead, the memorial honors those who gave their lives in the war. On the National Mall. Free.

3. Washington DC Zoo aka National Zoo: Home to many animals, the zoo is beloved by children and adults alike. The lions gave from their - thank goodness! - far away perches, and seals gleefully swim through water to get fish from their handlers. On a cold winder day, the best place to be is in the Amazon exhibit, which offers a highly desired hot, tropical paradise to keep frostbite away. One end of the zoo is home to a small farm with cows and goats. Despite all of the exotic animals, this bard area is one of our favorite places. 3001 Connecticut Ave. NW Washington, DC 20008. Free.

4. Lincoln Memorial: One of the most beautiful views in Washington is from the back of this memorial Sometimes, the back is closed for repairs or construction. If you are lucky enough to be there when the back is open, take a walk around. You'll then be able to look over Memorial Bridge - the one that John F. Kennedy's funeral procession crossed on the way to Arlington Cemetery - towards the former home of Robert E. Lee, a Confederate General. Inside the monument, you'll see the statue of Lincoln that appears on the United States penny The famous speech Lincoln gave - "Four Score and seven years agoo.." -is engraved on one of the walls inside the monument. Sometimes, if you go in an entrance to the right of the memorial after the first set of stairs, you are allowed to look at the "belly" of the monument and learn more about the architectural construction. On the National Mall. Free.

5. Gravelly Point Park: This park, just off the George Washington Parkway, is located 400 feet from the Ronald Reagan National Airport runway. That means you can watch planes land or take off at 150 miles per hour. The planes are often as low as 100 feet overhead, causing a whistling noise and a small swirl of air above your head. Off the northbound George Washington Parkway, Arlington, VA 22201. Free.