Whether you're planning just a couple of days or a whole week or more in the nation's capital, there are many things to see and do. Visitors will never be able to claim boredom or hunger in this, one of the most exciting cities in America.
Washington DC is a highly diverse city of cultures and politics, intrigue and history. It is also a place of frightful traffic, so if you are planning a visit to the Nation's Capital, you may want to research alternate modes of transportation including the tour buses and the metro. There are many metro stops all over the city, so if you know which stop is closest to the attraction or restaurant you are planning to visit, it is by far the wisest choice for getting around this ever-busy metropolis.
I have eaten lunch with the senators on Capitol Hill and I have walked around the same Capitol Hill looking for breakfast at 5:30 a.m. I have seen homeless people sleeping on the sidewalk just around a corner from a glamorous section of the city with limousines and glitter. The landscape can go from rags to riches before you have a chance to blink. From the homeless to the world's most powerful leaders visiting the city, and all within a surprisingly short distance from each other.
'Tis a special place indeed!
Each trip to this city offers new and exciting things to do that I somehow missed before. I have even seen fireworks on the 4th of July over the reflecting pool from the steps of the Lincoln Memorial. Another thing to research before your trip is to see if any special festivals, concerts, performances, or shows will be happening during your stay in the city.
One thing to remember is that there have been some changes in the days since September 11 that will affect all visitors to the city. Some places have changed admittance policies and there are much stricter rules now about backpacks, large bags, and so on. The lines to certain places will also be longer now due to the added security, but fortunately most tourists take it in stride and are grateful that the extra security is in practice.
Ten of the best things to do in DC
1. The Smithsonian. There are numerous museums that are part of the Smithsonian complex. Choose your favorites and if you want to see a number of them, plan to visit over more than one day. Many people enjoy the Air and Space Museum, the Museum of Natural History, the Museum of American History, and the National Gallery of Art. What can you expect to see depending on which museum you choose? A moon rock, the Hope diamond, the plane that flew at Kitty Hawk, and the flag that flew over Fort McHenry are just a few of the countless artifacts offered by the Smithsonian.
One important thing to remember about visiting the Smithsonian is that parking is practically non-existent. Even if you plan to drive around the rest of the city, it is a good idea to find alternative transportation to the museums. Another item worth remembering is that although some of the museums offer cafeterias, the food is rather expensive, so be prepared if you will be grabbing a bite in the museums, or plan to eat before arriving. Admission is free to all Smithsonian Museums (there are 15 of them!).
2. The White House tour is one thing in the city that has changed dramatically since September 11. No more do people wishing to see the inside of "the people's house" stand in line for hours to be allowed admission as in the past. Only tours of ten or more people are now given and must be arranged well in advance. They must be arranged through one of your congressional representatives and the schedule is planned a month ahead of the date you request, so if this is still on your agenda, be sure to arrange it far enough before your visit.
3. The Memorials and Monuments. There are very many memorials and monuments all over the city, so decide which you want to see. Some of the major sites in this category include:
Lincoln Memorial
Jefferson Memorial
Iwo Jima
Washington Monument
WWII Monument
Korean Monument
Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial
4. The Vietnam Veterans Memorial is also known as "The Wall." A steady stream of visitors files past this memorial every day. There are more than 58,000 names etched into the wall and represent the thousands of veterans who lost their lives during the Vietnam War. The "Three Soldiers" statue and a memorial for the women who went to Vietnam are also found near The Wall. Look for this memorial near the Lincoln Memorial. If you know someone who was lost in Vietnam, by all means find out what section of The Wall holds the name and do not go there hoping to find a name blindly. That task would be nearly impossible without any idea of where the name is located.
5. Tours of the Capitol are being given again after a short stoppage after September 11. You will buy tickets at a kiosk near the Capitol. Be advised, though, that they are "first come, first served" tickets. Be sure to check out the list of items that are prohibited in the building. Something like the size of bags and backpacks is expected, but there are some regulations that may catch you off-guard such as no aerosol cans are allowed. Many things are prohibited in the galleries whether congress is in session or not.
6. Museums Galore! Washington DC offers many museums covering topics from art to history and everything in between. A few of the larger ones will be listed here, but keep in mind that you will need to see which of the countless museums in town will be of interest to you.
Holocaust Museum
International Spy Museum (Interactive exhibits feature all things dealing with spying.)
Dumbarton Oaks (Byzantine and Pre-Columbian art and history)
Hillwood Museum and Gardens (Russian imperial art)
National Museum of Women in the Arts
7. Arlington National Cemetery. To reach Arlington, you will need to cross the Potomac, but it's still very close to downtown DC. Catch one of the complementary shuttle buses from the visitor center if you wish. It is an uphill walk if you decide to do it by foot. You will see rows of stones that will remind you of soldiers standing at attention. Also found at Arlington will be the resting places of the Kennedy family including JFK, Jackie, Robert, and John, Jr. There is an eternal flame at the former president's resting place.
Be sure to wait for the changing of the guard at the Tomb of the Unknowns and look for the many special monuments here such as a memorial to the astronauts of the Challenger and a memorial to the lives lost on Pan Am Flight 103 (Lockerbie, Scotland). Arlington House found on these grounds was the home of General Robert E. Lee. The Washington Monument can be seen from Arlington and view is quite impressive.
8. The Pentagon is in Arlington, VA, but like the cemetery is just a short distance from the city. This is a walking tour that will last an hour and a half, so be prepared with the footwear you choose as well as remembering the security issues. These include needing a valid photo ID for ages 16 and over and you will need to be scanned for security purposes. No cameras, tape recorders, video cams, etc. are allowed inside of the Pentagon.
9. The National Zoo on Connecticut Avenue is yet another spot that offers "nightmare level to non-existent" parking, so once again I will say that it is vital to research before your trip. Know which metro stops are for which attractions and your vacation will be a lot less stressful. The zoo is situated on more than 160 acres and houses about three thousand animals.
10. The National Cathedral. I won't try to think of too many words to describe this incredible building, but "awe-inspiring" "breathtaking" come to mind immediately. If you have a moment to visit the Cathedral and are near Massachusetts and Wisconsin Avenues, NW, it is certainly worth the visit. There are 215 exquisite stained glass windows and the tower rises 30 stories in height.
As if all that wasn't enough
If you would like a relaxing night after a busy day of sightseeing, check out what might be going on at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts.
Other options in DC are limitless but you may enjoy the U.S. National Arboretum, a tour of the Bureau of Engraving and Printing, Ford's Theater, the Supreme Court, and the National Aquarium.
The best piece of advice that can be given is to plan out your trip in advance so that you will know which places you would most like to visit and even which restaurants you may enjoy. It eliminates a lot of wasted time looking for something to do or finding food at mealtime when there are almost overwhelming possibilities available.
Speaking of food
Naturally in a city of this size and one so culturally rich, you will be finding innumerable selections for dining. There are just as many diners and mom and pop establishments as there are very extravagant and expensive upscale restaurants. Many of the eating places in the city are award winning and the range of cuisines that can be found is remarkable.