Washington National Cathedral
Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception
the bell chamber in the central tower. A
second option showcases the gargoyles
on the front towers (including the most
popular figure, a circa 1986 Darth Vader).
Both specialty tours (or a combo thereof)
venture outside onto the building’s
“gutter” for a one-of-a-kind perspective.
Either way, on a clear day, you get wrap-
around views that have you looking down on
the Washington Monument.
BASILICA OF THE NATIONAL
SHRINE OF THE IMMACULATE
CONCEPTION
At 329 feet, North America’s largest Roman
Catholic church is also the second-tallest
structure in Washington. The spectacular
Romanesque-Byzantine building is open
daily for tours, but timing is everything
when it comes to accessing the soaring
Knights’ Tower. It’s open just one day
annually, on a free, first-come, first-
served basis. (Sept. 8 this year.) Still, the
360-degree perspective, taking in D.C.’s
major monuments, the Virginia landscape
and an eye-level view of the shrine’s
intricate mosaic dome, is worth the wait.
THE OLD POST OFFICE PAVILION
AND CLOCK TOWER
The 19th-century post office, now the Trump
International Hotel Washington, has a clock
tower that rises 315 feet, making it the city’s
second tallest structure. You can venture
into the tower courtesy of a National Park
Service ranger from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on
Thursday through Sunday. Exhibits related to
the building’s history are on display. But the
city skyline views are the highlight.
HOLIDAY INN ROSSLYN
The aptly named Vantage Point Restaurant
on the hotel’s 17th floor lies just across
the Key Bridge on the Virginia side of the
river. Its glass-walled restaurant and lounge
bring in grand views of the city’s historic
Georgetown neighborhood and beyond.
SUMMER 2017 51 FLYWASHINGTON.COM