The Pentagon – see the symbol of America’s military power on the Washington DC Bus Tour
You might not be able to get all the way inside, but the Pentagon is still worth hopping off and taking a look at. The sheer size of the place is just staggering. This is one of the world’s largest office buildings, and around 23,000 people are at work here at any one time.
You’ll find the main entrance for visitors on the southeast side. In the building’s main concourse is the Hall of Heroes, a room dedicated to people who have received the Medal of Honor, the United States’ highest military decoration. Look out for the heroes with asterisks next to their name – they received 2 Medals of Honor.
Fancy some shopping?
Here’s another reason to come out and see the Pentagon. Pentagon Mall is a huge retail outlet, with 172 stores and restaurants. There’s one whole level devoted to just the food court. But be prepared for the crowds. This is one of the busiest malls in the US, with over 1.3 million visitors a year.
See the Memorial
The Pentagon Memorial was built to remember the people who lost their lives in the attacks of 9/11. The memorial consists of 184 memorial units – each one is dedicated to a particular person. There are also benches dedicated to victims aboard the hijacked plane that struck the Pentagon.
Other interesting facts about the Pentagon
- The Pentagon contains more than 17 miles of corridors
- It’s one of the largest office buildings in the world
- It’s possible to walk from one point to any other in the Pentagon in just 7 minutes
- The Pentagon has its own 6 separate ZIP codes
