I'm flying out tomorrow for a week in D.C. with the in-laws. I was wondering what are some of the must see sites? I'm only going to get to suggest a couple of things since I will be out numbered by the sister-in-laws. I think we have tickets to go see the white house, but the rest is still up in the air.
Heading to D.C.
- Thread starter CIVILCY
- Start date
DC is one of my favorite cities to visit. I love it---I've been there 3 times and there are still things that I want to see or see again. And it is a great place to take kids. Most stuff is free and the public transportation is great.
Some of my favorite things:
1. Capital-get a tour.
2. Holcaust Museum
3. American History Museum
4. The Mall (all the monumnets, it is really nice to go up into the Washington Memorial)
5. Air and Space Museum (this is BY FAR my favorite thing, I love it)
6. Natural History Museum
7. Various Art Galleries
8. National Cathedral
If you have a car and time going to visit Mount Vernon is good. I have never been the zoo, but have heard great things. I also really enjoy Baltimore and it is a short train ride away. There is a lot to see and do in the Georgetown area as well.
I would go to the National Gallery of Art - it's amazing. When I went last, I was lucky enough that they were doing a traveling display of Picasso's art from his Blue period. It was amazing.
The presidential monuments and war memorials are amazing, too - and several are close to the capitol. I loved the Kennedy Center (especially if you can catch a show - looks like they're doing The Color Purple right now, so that should be great).
The presidential monuments and war memorials are amazing, too - and several are close to the capitol. I loved the Kennedy Center (especially if you can catch a show - looks like they're doing The Color Purple right now, so that should be great).
Depending on your interests, pick the appropriate Smithsonian. The Jefferson memorial does not get its due and is in a great location. The Lincon memorial in the mall is impressive. If you have time to get to Northern Virginia you might want to go check out Monticello (Thomas Jefferson's home). Needless to say DC and the surrounding area is great for American history buffs.
Hmmm I'm sitting in an airport waiting to fly back to Washington-Dulles right now... 
If you want to catch the Capital and/or Washington Monument tours, the tickets are free but are all gone within 15-20 minutes of starting to hand them out.. and the line forms before hand so if you get in line at 8 (or whenever it is they start handing them out), you are already too late
The walk around the Tidal Basin to the Jefferson Memorial is a bit long but pretty, and takes you past the FDR memorial which is pretty neat
If you want to catch the Capital and/or Washington Monument tours, the tickets are free but are all gone within 15-20 minutes of starting to hand them out.. and the line forms before hand so if you get in line at 8 (or whenever it is they start handing them out), you are already too late
The walk around the Tidal Basin to the Jefferson Memorial is a bit long but pretty, and takes you past the FDR memorial which is pretty neat
The monuments--but try to see if the people you are with are interested in going at night. They're cool during the day, but when they're lit up at night they're awesome! FDR Monument is a big open space that you can walk through, and one of my favorites out there.
Arlington National Cemetery--watch the changing of the guard. They do it every half hour IIRC.
I love DC...so much to see, so little time!
Arlington National Cemetery--watch the changing of the guard. They do it every half hour IIRC.
I love DC...so much to see, so little time!
The monuments at night are VERY cool. And the crowds are much lighter. Area is well lit and very safe. I thought National Archives are neat.
Is it safe to walk around at night. I've heard its better to try and drive by them at night.
I think my sister-in-law was actually up for going to a ball game, but no one really wanted to get good seats. The only problem is the Red Sox are coming to town I think and I don't know how bad the view is from the nose bleed section.
Definitely safe at night. The crowds aren't huge, everything is well lit if you stay in a fairly direct path between monuments, and there is plenty of police on bike, foot, and car.
Parking/driving in DC (esp around the Mall area) is a nightmare.
The only two that are isolated are Jefferson and FDR, and even they aren't a bad walk. I believe last time I went, we took the Metro to the Smithsonian station, then saw the monuments in this order:
Washington, WW 2, Vietnam, Lincoln, Korean War, FDR, Jefferson, then back to the Metro station.
The Metro is easy and my recommended mode of transportation.
Parking/driving in DC (esp around the Mall area) is a nightmare.
The only two that are isolated are Jefferson and FDR, and even they aren't a bad walk. I believe last time I went, we took the Metro to the Smithsonian station, then saw the monuments in this order:
Washington, WW 2, Vietnam, Lincoln, Korean War, FDR, Jefferson, then back to the Metro station.
The Metro is easy and my recommended mode of transportation.
Arlington National Cemetary - Tomb of the unknown soldier. Seeing the thousands upon thousands of white crosses and the guards at the tomb left me feeling in awe, inspired, sober, proud and sad all at the same time.
It's quite a moving experience.
It's quite a moving experience.
Besides all the popular sites like Air & Space, National Archives, National Gallery of Art, etc., which are nice, you should check out the International Spy Museum. By far one of the most interesting and interactive museums in DC.
INTERNATIONAL SPY MUSEUM
Also, have drinks on top of the Washington Hotel. Beers are a little pricey, but you get a great view of the Mall and the White House (you'll easily be able to see the snipers that patrol on the roof).
INTERNATIONAL SPY MUSEUM
Also, have drinks on top of the Washington Hotel. Beers are a little pricey, but you get a great view of the Mall and the White House (you'll easily be able to see the snipers that patrol on the roof).
The Washington National Cathedral is gorgeous, as well - it might be something to do if you're going to stay longer, but it's breathtaking even just as a piece of architecture.
We also did a tour of the FBI building. That was awesome - that was with a big group, though, so I don't know how that works.
We also did a tour of the FBI building. That was awesome - that was with a big group, though, so I don't know how that works.
There are no bad seats at Camden and the atmosphere for a Red Sox game will be worth it. Go up early thoughband spend some time in the inner harbor area, it's amazing!
In DC we loved the Holocaust museum and the spy museum. I would also recommend just walking around and shoppin in the Georgetown and Adams Morgan districts. Go to Grandville Moores on H street for sone moule frites.
Check out the rooftop restaurant/bar at the Hotel Washington. It overlooks the National Mall and the White House.
It all depends on what you like.
Cool Museums: Spy Museum
Air and Space Museum. There are 2 of them, the one on The Mall, and the one out by Dulles Airport. If you like this sort of thing definitely get out to the one by Dulles.
If you have a car and are there for a week, check out Great Falls Park. There are 2 sides of the national park, in Virginia and Maryland. Go to the Maryland side. Its only about 15 min from DC.
The Kennedy Center has free performances every day at 6pm.
Cool Museums: Spy Museum
Air and Space Museum. There are 2 of them, the one on The Mall, and the one out by Dulles Airport. If you like this sort of thing definitely get out to the one by Dulles.
If you have a car and are there for a week, check out Great Falls Park. There are 2 sides of the national park, in Virginia and Maryland. Go to the Maryland side. Its only about 15 min from DC.
The Kennedy Center has free performances every day at 6pm.
Last edited: