If you're planning a trip to Washington, D.C., plan to visit the new Capital Visitor Center, scheduled to open December 2. As the newest and largest expansion of the U.S. Capitol, the nearly 580,000-square-foot Visitor Center is located underground on the east side of the Capitol. The underground location means the new center won't detract from the appearance of the Capitol or its grounds. In fact, the Visitor Center project includes refurbishment of the grounds on the East Front Plaza, such as the restoration of historic fountains and the addition of skylights. Inside the center, visitors will look up through the skylights for a view of the Capitol Dome, which was built during the Civil War.

The Visitor Center includes two theaters, an exhibition hall, a cafeteria and gift shops. The theaters will present films about the history of Congress. The exhibition hall will include displays of rarely seen documents and artifacts from the National Archives and the Library of Congress. Virtual House and Senate chambers will feature live video feeds when Congress is in session.

The exhibits will also include a 10-foot-high scale model of half of the Capitol dome. The model includes meticulously replicated details of the interior and exterior of the dome, from its base to the Statue of Freedom on top. Visitors will be able to touch the model and look through its windows to see full-color replicas of the artistic treasures inside the Capitol rotunda.

While you're in the neighborhood, there are many other historic landmarks to see on Capitol Hill. These include the House and Senate Office Buildings, the U.S. Supreme Court, the Library of Congress, Union Station and the U.S. Marine Barracks, which include some of the oldest buildings in Washington.

With all that there is to see and experience in our nation's capital for free, it's no wonder that Washington, D.C. has once again vaulted into the top ten among all domestic destinations in the latest Travel Leaders Fall Travel Trends Survey. Ask your travel professional to help you plan a Washington, D.C. itinerary that will take in all of these sights and more.