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Jun 10 2013
How to do a Washington, D.C. Trip
UPDATE: Thank you all SO very much for your incredible D.C. perspective! I'm still reviewing all your comments and they're incredibly helpful. Taking notes! –Ree
As a parent, I sometimes have these sudden revelations, followed by sweeping statements about the way things are going to be from now on.
Yesterday, I decided the next trip we take as a family is going to have cultural and historical significance. After temporarily losing my mind and considering places outside the United States, I came to my senses and settled on Washington D.C., which seems like the perfect destination to begin our new era of educationally rich family vacations.
My baby wanted to know if Universal Orlando would fall into that category. I didn't have the heart to tell him no.
My mom took my oldest brother and me on a trip to D.C. when I was in fifth grade and he was in eighth. It made a profound impression on me, and I still remember some of the things I saw, took in, and learned. But it's been a long time, and I don't remember every detail.
I want to take the time to plan a trip to Washington that will allow Marlboro Man, the kids, and me to see all there is to see, to make the most of our time, and to come away with a breadth and depth of knowledge about our nation's capital…well, and our nation in general. So I have a few questions for those of you who've been to D.C. in recent years:
1. What are the absolutely essential, not-to-be-missed things to do and see in Washington, D.C.?
2. What are the more "Tier 2″ things to do in Washington, D.C.—things that are added bonuses?
3. In order to do it right, how many days in Washington, D.C. are necessary?
4. Is it best to plot your own course and see things according to your own schedule? Or is it better to—gulp—use some kind of tour company? I should tell you I don't like appointments or the feeling of being trapped. Ha.
5. Where is the best/most centrally located area to stay in Washington, D.C.?
I started looking into how to plan the trip, but was quickly overwhelmed by the information on the internet. So I thought I'd reach out to you D.C. aficionados and see if you could point me in a few directions. I want this to be a great experience for these children I gave birth to.
Thanks so much, guys! I'll keep you posted on our Griswald Family Vacation plans.
702 Comments and 115 Replies
Christine On Monday, June 10 at 5:47 pm
I've seen several other posters mention Monticello. It is a ways from D.C., but if you go there, be sure to head down the road to Ash-Lawn, which is James Monroe's home. We were in the last tour of the day, led by a costumed interpreter. He WAS Monroe. Since there was no tour after us, he just talked. I think we went almost 2 hours and didn't even realize. Best tour guide I've ever had, and we've been to a lot of presidential homes.
christinemb On Monday, June 10 at 5:48 pm
There is so much to do and see in DC. Be sure to bring good walking shoes and water bottles. You will be walking a lot and the humidity here is killer.
I recommend Big Bus Tours. The hop-on/off ticket is good for 24 hours. You can buy tickets at Union Station. The food court in the basement there has lots of great choices. Check out Dangerously Delicious Pies at the very far end of the court nearest the metro entrance–you won't regret it.
As far as a place to stay–downtown DC is very expensive. You might find cheaper rates in Arlington/Rosslyn, Crystal City or Pentagon City, and these are all metro accessible.
The Washington Monument is closed for repairs. A good substitute is the Old Post Office, and Astro Doughnuts and Fried Chicken is only a three block walk. The White House isn't too far away either.
The National Archives is a must, in addition to the Declaration and Constitution exhibit, they have rotating exhibits which are interesting as well. The Navy Memorial plaza is right across the street and is a wonderful place to take a few photos and people watch; the museum there is small but good. Ford's Theater and museum is only a couple of blocks away, and very, very good. The Smithsonian American Art Museum and Portrait Gallery is also in this neighborhood–fantastic and varied art. Chinatown is nearby and lots of yummy places to eat. Cowgirl Creamery is also in this neighborhood, as is H&M for shopping for your girls. The Spy Museum is also nearby which your men folk would really like. You might want to split up in this neighborhood and do things that interest each of you.
The monuments and Smithsonian museums are of course a must. To see them without walking too much, you can use the Big Bus Tours. Bring some snacks and water as the food places are few and far between. The best food is found in the National Gallery, but it's a little pricey. The Natural History Museum is a kid favorite–check out the butterfly exhibit with live butterflies. The American History and the Aerospace museums have a ton to see and get lost in. The Jefferson Memorial is best seen at night as it's not as crowded. You can use Big Bus to visit Arlington Cemetery as well–lots and lots of walking inside the cemetery.
Capitol Hill has lots to see and EAT! If you want to tour the U.S. Capitol beyond the regular tour, it's advisable to book in advance on their website. Honestly, this is the highlight of the whole visit. The Library of Congress is across the street and open for tours. The Supreme Court is next door to the Library and closed to the public. While you're on Capitol Hill a few places to eat… Good Stuff (shakes and burgers to die for), We the Pizza (Michelle Obama and the girls have eaten here), Sweet Lobby (skip the cupcakes and go straight for the macarons), DC3 (hotdogs and fried pickles), Ted's Bulletin (people love the homemade pop tarts), 7th Hill Pizza (very authentic good pizza), Acqua al 2 (perfect for a romantic dinner for two, the filet mignon sampler is to die for as is the dessert sampler). If you're on Capitol Hill on Saturday or Sunday, check out Eastern Market, it has the indoor market with butcher and fish stalls, the outdoor farmers' market, artisans, food stalls and flea market. It's a true DC experience.
If you can, visit Mount Vernon. It's my favorite place to visit year round. George Washington's estate is beautiful with breathtaking views of the Potomac River. The learning center is fantastic. The Mount Vernon Inn restaurant is really nice as well.
You will have a fabulous time! Enjoy.
Kandi On Monday, June 10 at 5:51 pm
I've been a number of times – great place. Here's my stuff to do and see:
1. What are the absolutely essential, not-to-be-missed things to do and see in Washington, D.C.?
Jefferson Memorial – a lot of people pass this up, for some reason. But standing in the rotunda and reading some of his writings . . . takes you back to the Founding Fathers.
Holocaust Museum – be sure to prepare your kids. Make sure they know how many millions of kids their age and younger were killed. Difficult to hear, but necessary. And make sure they know – "Those who forget history, are doomed to repeat it."
Smithsonian – as you may know, there are a LOT of different Museums that are part of the Smithsonian. For your kids, I'd recommend American History and Air and Space.
Lots of other things others will recommend – but I'd NOT pass these up.,
Oh, and skip the Washington Memorial. It's beautiful from the outside – no need to try and get in.
White House – can't get in (don't EVEN get me started on that), but it's worth seeing.
2. What are the more "Tier 2″ things to do in Washington, D.C.—things that are added bonuses?
Arlington Cemetary – do some online research first. Different areas of the cemetary are "home" to heroes from different wars. See what might interest your kids most. And do NOT miss the changing of the guard. Do some online research of this before you go – some youtube videos, and the guards themselves. Their dedication is unsurpassed.
3. In order to do it right, how many days in Washington, D.C. are necessary?
5 days – believe it or not, there is more walking that you realize. The "Mall" (around which everything is situated) is LONNNNNNGGGGG.
4. Is it best to plot your own course and see things according to your own schedule? Or is it better to—gulp—use some kind of tour company? I should tell you I don't like appointments or the feeling of being trapped. Ha.
Plot your own course – some online searching will help you see what days are busiest at various places. And a tour group will move you at THEIR pace – not yours. You want to be able stand for 10 minutes and just LOOK at the Declaration of Independence, or the flag that the national anthem was written for.
5. Where is the best/most centrally located area to stay in Washington, D.C.?
To be honest, you don't need to be IN the city proper. They have a GREAT metro system that you can take and come up literally in the Mall. Most hotels around the circle of the city have free transport to the metro. And the metro is part of the city to enjoy!
Eating – walk down side streets . . . try to find people in suits and well dressed eating in diners. These are the people who work there, and they'll know what's good and what's not.
Enjoy your stay. Honestly, it's my favorite place to go on vacation (outside of Disney World!)
Jenny B. On Monday, June 10 at 5:54 pm
Mt. Vernon
Monuments at night, and no one has mentioned the Korean War Monument. It is haunting. Very moving.
I would think long and hard about taking your younger kids to the Holoucaust Muesum. Everyone should go at sometime in their lives, but, I was 50 years old and could hardly make it through. Very moving.
Patty D On Monday, June 10 at 6:03 pm
If you want to visit the White House or the Capitol you need to contact your Congressman/Congresswoman to get tickets. The White House requires a lot of personal information on each of the family before they will give you tickets.
Mz V On Monday, June 10 at 6:04 pm
Oh, Ree, I just KNEW you were gonna need me some day! I'm in north Texas (Sherman) and I've been planning trips and travel for more than 30 years. I've done lots of Washington D.C. trips, including leading a number of group tours there.
From my point of view, I think every student should be required to visit Washington, D.C. as a prerequisite to graduate. It's more than a tourist spot….it's the seat of government, history and importance for our culture.
There are SO many places that you MUST visit….starting with the Smithsonian museums. Air and Space are mandatory for a visit, and of course the natural history building as well. The Holocaust Museum is a full-day requirement, but you simply cannot miss it. And one of the best kept secrets in Washington is the International Spy Museum.
One of the best values in the city is the hop-on, hop-off bus tours that circle all the main attractions throughout the day. You can hop off at any time, visit places at your own schedule then hop on the next trolley that arrives at your stop. I ALWAYS encourage my clients to buy a 2 day pass so you can really enjoy all the stops.
Included is, of course, Arlington National Cemetery, and it's a must-see as well. The Library of Congress should be on your list as well as the newer monuments like the World War II memorial and MLK memorial. Also, you must visit Mount Vernon, right outside the city itself. It's unforgettable. And more and more and more!!!
I would be happy to help you with scheduling and/or suggestions for accommodations and/or transportation. As I said, I've been doing this now for more than 30 years, and would love to help you make the most of your time in this wonderful city.
You can email me if you wish, or link to my website for my telephone number. All contacts and clients kept confidential of course.
Your family will be changed forever with a visit to Washington, D.C. I can hardly wait to hear your plans!!!
Laura On Monday, June 10 at 6:06 pm
Dear Ree,
What a fantastic voyage this will be for you and your family! I am a native to Washington DC and there is certainly a lot for you all to do here. The first thing you need to do is write your local congressman/woman to get white house tickets-typically you need 3 months advance notice to get these. The must see/do is 1) White House Tour 2) Smithsonian-Natural History Museum, Air & Space Museum followed by the carousel on the Mall 3) National Gallery of Art & dont forget the outside sculpture garden 3)National Zoo & get there early in the AM. Other things to do are the Holocaust Museum (I have never been, I am too sensitive and I already know how horrible it was) and a show at Ford's Theatre, The Kennedy Center or The Washington Ballet. A side voyage that would be fabulous to go to National Harbor for their restaurants and shops, and if you get the time right you can see a great fireworks display that they do every weekend. Best way to get there is by water! River taxi from Georgetown Waterfront down the water which is one of the best kept secrets of Washington. The views from the river are unparalleled and your family will love it. So actually I would put the water taxi to National Harbor as must do #4. Another amazing to do is to go to George Washington's estate Mount Vernon which is about 20 minutes from DC. It is in Alexandria, which is my hometown born and raised, and I still live on part of his original property. If you really want to pop some eyes open you could add historical Williamsburg to your agenda which is about 3 hours away and worth staying 2-3 days to get the proper dose of history, shopping and water park fun in…Great Wolf Lodge and Busch Gardens are both minutes from Williamsburg.
For your beef lovers I would recommend Capital Grille where they age the beef and it has one of the best reputations in town. You must try a Stoli Doli pinapple martini there at the bar from my friend Abby Spanu. They are divine and strong! To see celebs and get a taste of Washington night life go to Peacock Cafe or Cafe Milano in Georgetown.
Here are a few links that I hope you find helpful! Cheers!
http://nationalzoo.si.edu/ there are upper and lower entrances, just get there early!
I forgot about the fabulous Obama administration and sequestration, so you may not be able to get tours for the White House.
Bring your walking shoes. Not sure if you can walk this much in cowboy boots, so maybe play it safe and bring sneakers.
Hope this helps! Welcome to Washington!
CindyMac On Monday, June 10 at 6:11 pm
Never went to DC as a kid, but my son decided to go to law school at UVA in Charlottesville, VA, 3 years ago. (By the way he takes the bar in July)! Anyway, we have grown to love DC and we stayed all of our times at the Hyatt across from the Capital. We walked everywhere. Some good places, The Air and Space Museum, all the War Memorials, Lincoln Memorial, Supreme Court, Capital, Georgetown, and you can not go in the White House unless they have brought back the tours, but you can certainly see it.
We went to the National Archives and saw the Constitution, but there is usually a long wait.
I would go to Mt. Vernon across the river and we loved Monticello, which is about 2 hours from DC.
There is so much history out east and I did not appreciate it until I was an adult. I hope your kids enjoy!
Melissa A On Tuesday, June 11 at 7:11 am
GOOD LUCK to your son! We have some lawyers in the family and know how hard that exam can be.
Suzanne Christensen On Monday, June 10 at 6:12 pm
Our family loved the Smithsonian but your could easily spend a month there and not see everything. If we ever do it again, we will research the different museums and find out what would interest us most and focus on those buildings. Another favorite was the changing of the guard at Arlington Cemetery. Very moving. We stayed in Alexandria and used the Metro to get around. That was fun.
Kendra R. On Monday, June 10 at 6:13 pm
I'm from Frederick MD- just north of DC and go into the City a lot.
Beyond the Smithsonians (which are amazing), I also recommend the Koshland Science Museum- they tend to have interactive exhibits geared towards getting kids to think. The museum is constantly changing too.
I love just walking around the city and poking around. Each time I go I tend to find something new, and I've been living by it for years.
If anyone is interested in theatre, and you are coming in the summer- check out the Capitol Fringe Festival, which is where various groups put on their own works in hopes to gain recognition.
If you have time to explore the area outside of DC, try to go to Annapolis and visit the Naval Academy or Baltimore to go to the Aquarium. There are many battle fields around too!
Kim Brown On Monday, June 10 at 6:15 pm
I went two years ago with my son on his 8th grade trip. It was AMAZING. We also did some things in VA, but on the DC part I would say Pentagon (my favorite), Newseum, and the Smithsonian's are a must. The worst part for us was actually the capital. Long lines early in the morning (with appointment) and rushed in and out in 15 minutes and really only got to see hallways. We also went to Gettysburg in PA and if you could squeeze that in I would. It was such an awe inspiring moment to think history really took place there. Also, Fort McHenry in MD was amazing.
kim brown On Monday, June 10 at 6:17 pm
Sorry, forgot about Holocaust Museum and Arlington Cemetery. Both very good!
Sheila M. On Monday, June 10 at 6:19 pm
We have stayed at the Georgetown Inn (in Georgetown) on both of our trips to D.C.. It's about a 10-15 minute drive from D.C., and it's a very charming and fun town to visit. it's less congested than the DC area. After spending a busy day in DC it's a nice place to retreat to.
Our favorite places to visit were the Capital Building (write your local congressman for tickets), changing of the guard at Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Arlington, Washington Mall, Smithsonian Natural History and Space Museums, Smithsonian Art Museums, Ford Theatre, Holocaust Museum,Vietnam and WWII memorials.
Some interesting side trips are Mount Vernon (George Washington's home), Williamsburg and Gettysberg.
To really be able to take the time to see a lot and if taking some side trips, would need about a week. Summertime is super hot and humid. Fall is a nice time to go.
Sophie On Monday, June 10 at 6:21 pm
I used to live near D.C., so am pretty familiar with the city.
Absolute musts with kids:
Jefferson, Lincoln, Washington Monuments
Air and Space Museum
Natural History Museum
Museum of American History
National Archives
Capitol building
Second tier:
Newseum (packed with historical info)
National Gallery of Art–West bldg has Impressionists, etc.; East bldg has Modern Art; both buildings have nice places to eat.
Spy Museum (takes a long time, but very interesting for older kids)
Vietnam Memorial (you just walk by it, but very moving experience)
Arlington National Cemetery
Washington National Cathedral
Library of Congress
Old Post Office has great view and decent food court
National Zoo (if the weather is hot and humid, you'll be miserable; go to San Diego's Zoo instead)
Mount Vernon in Virginia–definitely worth the trip
The Smithsonian Museums are HUGE and you will walk your feet off, even taking the Metro.
I would not take kids under the age of 16 to the Holocaust Museum—too traumatic for some adults.
Don't stay in Va. or Md.–too time-consuming driving in all that traffic and parking in D.C. is a nightmare. Stay downtown near a metro station (Metro Center is good) and take the metro everywhere, except Georgetown (no subway there).
Ask the hotel concierge which areas you should avoid, esp. at night. D.C. is pretty safe during the day, but I would never walk there alone at night.
Be sure to fly into Reagan Nat'l Airport–Dulles is way out in Virginia and the ride is long and expensive into D.C.
Have fun!
Border Collie Mom On Monday, June 10 at 6:24 pm
I would find a place near a metro station. One of my favorites is Embassy Suites near the King Street station- plenty of restaurants and shopping around that area.
I would not do a tour bus, but I would plan LOTS of time for the museums. (don't rush it, and don't forget their GIFT SHOPS! I do a lot of Christmas shopping there!)
Don't forget the National Archives and the National Gallery of Art.
Arlington/Changing of the guard is a must see, and outside the gates, take time to see the Marine memorial (raising the flag on Iwo Jima sculpture) and the Netherlands Carillion. It is not spectacular itself, but it is heartwarming to know that people in other countries appreciate the assistance given by the US.
Have dinner in Old Town Alexandria and wander the shops.
And if the boys are interested, the NRA museum is actually pretty cool, and I don't even care about guns.
But above them all, see the Vietnam Memorial and the surrounding statues. Dare you not to cry…
Michael and Mary Anne DeWitt On Monday, June 10 at 6:26 pm
Hi Ree,
We went to Washington, DC last summer. We really think that you MUST see: The Lincoln Memorial; The WWII Memorial; as well as the Smithsonian Air and Space Museum and American History Museum. We stayed at the Hilton Alexandria Mark Center in Alexandria, VA…(we have attached a link) https://ssl.hotels.com/profile/hotel_reviews.html
It was a very nice hotel, that offered a shuttle bus to the nearest METRO station (Pentagon Station) as well as the airport. The free shuttle allowed us to get to the Mall and all the monuments. It was great fun to be able to walk all the way from the Capitol to the Lincoln Memorial (hot but fun!). There are so many things to see in between.
We were only there for 2 days and we needed probably 3 or 4 more to see all we wanted to see without rushing and skimping on time for the sites.
Hope you and the family have a super great time if and when you go!!!
The DeWitts
PS: DO NOT eat at the McDonald's at the Air and Space Museum….it was all we could find at the time….kind of killed our love of McDonald's for a while
Lisa On Monday, June 10 at 6:27 pm
The Smithsonian – My personal favorite is the American History Museum, although the Air and Space and Natural History are very close behind. Then, of course, there is the National Portrait Gallery. Honestly, you could spend a day in each one, so it really depends on what your family enjoys. You cannot go wrong with any of them.
The monuments – Lincoln, Washington, Jefferson, Vietnam War, World War II, and so on. A must see.
The White House – You can probably only see it from the outside, but it still is amazing.
The Capitol – I don't know about tours during the sequester, but it's an awesome site even if you can't get inside. I believe you have to check with your federal senator or member of Congress for tickets. Don't forget the Supreme Court too.
Arlington Cemetery – So moving. Fit it in if you can. The changing of the guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier is worthy of your time.
Mount Vernon – Beyond lovely, and so much to learn at our first president's home. Technically not in DC, but it's not too far away.
Bureau of Engraving and Printing – The whole darned place smells like money, and seeing people pick up sheets of bills is quite the site. I believe your member of Congress can help with tickets.
The Holocaust Museum – Brilliant in its design, heartbreaking in its content. It deserves your attention. And it's made so that the most disturbing images are not visible to the littlest ones.
The Newseum – I've never been to the new one, but absolutely loved the original. I imagine it would be well worth your time.
I know others have mentioned the Spy Museum, but to tell you the truth, I was not terribly impressed.
I know you didn't ask, but I cannot keep from mentioning my favorite restaurant, Carmine's. The eggplant Parm is an absolute out of body experience. Go there, please. I will make me green with envy, but it also will make me happy to know you're eating such outstanding food.
Can you tell, I love Washington?
Sarah Z. On Monday, June 10 at 6:29 pm
When we went a few years ago, we got all the tickets we could from our state representative. One of his interns gave us a personal tour of the capitol building, using the tunnels from his office to get the the capitol.
kay On Monday, June 10 at 6:30 pm
It's been several years since we did our (most likely favorite) vacation to the DC area. We stayed in Fredricksburg, Va. with family and drove in daily. If you are driving or renting a car, take an afternoon to Fredricksburg for additional history of the civil war. We loved Arlington, the changing of the guard, all the memorials, especially since our 'tour guide' was a Marine at the time.
Could have spent DAYS at all the Smithsonian's. My boys loved the Air and Space. I'm ready to go back and see the Holocaust.
Georgetown is a great shopping area.
Touring the White House required a 6 month reservation and security clearance, but because I work in a Political Science department at our University, we were able to get passes. Side story to that, my son was wearing an OU t-shirt w/ upside downs Texas Longhorns, so the secret service gave him a hard time since they were SS for George W. Bush and all Texas residents. He still loves that story.
If you have the time, Monticello and Mt. Vernon were both great sights and the Shenandoah Valley is beautiful and a great day out of the city.
Ok,now I'm ready to go back myself. Have Fun!!
Rachal On Monday, June 10 at 6:33 pm
I live in Alexandria, VA, just outside D.C. Here are my two major tips:
1) Use the Metro system to get around. It's easy and cheap. Don't pay $20 a person for the tour bus stuff unless you go at night, but even then you can Metro it.
2) The best food is at the Mitsitam Cafe at the National Museum of the American Indian. I didn't think I would care for it but it.was.awesome. Everyone raves about it!
Oh – and bring lots of deodorant – it's really humid here!
Joy On Monday, June 10 at 6:46 pm
Absolutely must do things in DC- Smithsonian, Holocaust museum, Vietnam Wall and a trip on the Metro to Arlington Cemetery.
I've been on weekend trips to DC and it isn't enough time to do everything and still have time for extras. I really think you need at least a week.
Jenn K On Monday, June 10 at 6:46 pm
We just got back from Washington D.C. It was so much fun! I'm looking forward to going back when my children are a little older. Most of my suggestions have been mentioned.
I'm not a big fan of tours, either. However, there is an advantage that you don't have to worry about driving and parking.
If you do go to the National Zoo, there is a little frozen yogurt place (www.frozenyo.com) across the street from the entrance. The frozen yogurt is yummy AND they have cold bottles of water for $0.29! Can't beat that price!
I would also suggest eating at some food trucks. Try the Bulgogi Sub at Wassub! I got a side of Hottie Sauce. You won't be sorry! They were parked in L'Enfant Plaza.
Liz On Monday, June 10 at 6:48 pm
Lots of great suggestions about museums / cultural destinations, but I also suggest some purely "fun" stuff – like a Nationals game ( the parks is almost as nice as Camden Yards), and an afternoon /evening checking out the shops and restaurants in Old Town Alexandria. DC is also known for a strong Ethiopian community and while I don't have any recommendations it might be really cool for your family to try something completely different that you won't find at home.
Rebecca On Monday, June 10 at 6:54 pm
Don't miss taking in a play @ the Kennedy Center. The Old Post Office is a great place to visit & have some lunch. Iwo Jima monument is a must not miss either.
Randy On Monday, June 10 at 6:56 pm
Mount Vernon, where Geoge Washington was born. Also Williamsburg gives you a good in costume era treat.
Daphne On Monday, June 10 at 7:00 pm
I live here. There's so much to see and do, I haven't done it all yet, and I've been here 16 years! If I were doing it with kids, and my objective was to learn about the city from a historical and governing point of view, I would:
Take a tourbus. There is a double decker bus that you can get on and off as much as you want, so you travel at your own pace.
Be sure to see the Capitol and the monuments. I would include the Vietnam War Memorial with that. The White House is closed to tours because of sequestration.
Best place to stay downtown: The Willard Hotel or J W Marriott. Both are well located so you can get around easily.
2nd tier: The Archives, Library of Congress, the Smithsonian Museums (pick what you want to see), Museum of the American Indian.
If you have time: check out Mt. Vernon in Alexandria, see a free concert by one of the military bands, I could go on and on.
Stay at least 4 days, or make it a week.
Have fun!
Elaina On Monday, June 10 at 7:02 pm
Timing is important. We went a few months ago during our spring break. It was the only time available for us to be gone for 2 weeks but it was extremely COLD! We have also been during the summer when it was hot. Obviously, fall or later spring would be my recommendation. We stayed in Alexandria and rode the Metro everyday. http://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowUserReviews-g30226-d114534-r162162837-Homewood_Suites_Alexandria-Alexandria_Virginia.html This was a great hotel for large families. Free breakfast and dinner (weekdays).
We really enjoyed the Grayline Tour (hop on and off) that allowed us to see the city yet gave us the freedom to explore on our own timetable. We did so much walking in DC and it was nice to have a warm place to sit for a few minutes.
We spent 8 days in the DC area and could have been there for triple that and not seen everything. Know going in that you will not be able to do it all! My kids (ages 5-14) enjoyed the Bureau of Engraving, Arlington, Ford's Theater, Smithsonian museums, walking the mall , visiting the memorials, paddle-boating on the Potomac. My 9 year old loved the National Park Service's 'scavenger hunt' where we visited each memorial, gathered information and in return received a junior ranger badge. Check with your senator to set up tours of the Capitol, Library of Congress, etc. I could have stayed all day at Arlington Natl Cemetery (Kennedy, Tomb of Unknown, Arlington house, Iwo Jima). There were many interesting places that we could have gone like ' Newseum' or 'The Spy Museum' but we did all free things. We would have loved to go to the zoo and Mt. Vernon but there just wasn't enough time! Wish we had time to visit the memorials at night but it was too cold this trip.
We learned that there's not much to eat around the Mall, White House, Smithsonians without really looking for it or it being really expensive. One day, we ate pretzels from a vendor since that's all we could find. The least expensive food was in the Smithsonian Castle (but it was still expensive). If you can, its worth packing fruit, snacks and sandwiches just in case you need them.
There's SO much to do! Don't worry too much about doing it all; you can't!
Elaina On Monday, June 10 at 9:14 pm
Also, the Supreme Court building has reasonably priced lunches!
Linda Willson On Monday, June 10 at 7:17 pm
Besides the obvious choice of the Smithsonian, my highest recommendation is the Holocaust Museum (its not easy but its a MUST for everyone to see this) and the Library of Congress….
Amy On Monday, June 10 at 7:34 pm
Which items are "must-see" really depends on your interests. Here's a list of worthwhile sites to choose from:
Visit the Capital Building
Visit The White House (be sure to make a reservation, as it is required)
Visit the Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden
Visit the Library of Congress which contains 145 million items including The Gutenberg and Mainz Bibles (PDF)
Don't miss seeing The Wall, which is The Vietnam Veteran's Memorial
See the National WWII Memorial which opened in 2004
Go check out the Thomas Jefferson Memorial
Visit the Lincoln Memorial and see the Reflecting Pool
Look at the Washington Monument
Visit the Interactive Museum of News: The Newseum
Tour the place where Lincoln was assassinated, Ford's Theatre
Relax in Constitution Gardens (the National Mall)
Check out the National Building Museum and learn about architecture and construction
See some hockey or basketball at the Verizon Center
Visit the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum
If you like gardens, don't miss the United States Botanic Garden
Take a tour of the U.S. Supreme Court
Visit the Smithsonian American History Museum
Explore your world at the Smithsonian Natural History Museum
Explore flight at the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum
Check out the Smithsonian Castle, the first building of the Smithsonian (with information about all museums)
Tour the National Museum of African Art
View fine paintings and art at the National Gallery of Art
Visit the National Museum of the American Indian
Go to the Smithsonian National Zoological Park
Visit the Korean War Veterans Memorial (southeast of the Lincoln Memorial)
Go walking in Georgetown, the capital's historic waterfront
The Chesapeake & Ohio Canal National Historical Park is a waterway with a long history during the Civil War
Catch a concert, opera, or symphony at the Kennedy Center
Great Falls Park has beautiful views (15 miles from the capital)
Tour Mount Vernon where George Washington lived and see beautiful views of the Potamic
Just across the Potamic is Old Town Alexandria, VA
The National Archives displays the Constitution, the Bill of Rights, and the Declaration of Independence
Visit the Washington DC National Cathedral
The first ever espionage museum is the Spy Museum
See the Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial
See great art at the Corcoran Gallery of Art
Visit Arlington National Cemetery (America's largest burial ground, J.F.K.'s memorial, and Tomb of The Unknown)
The National Aquarium is the nation's oldest aquarium
Don't miss the National Zoo (free) which has over 2,000 animals including pandas
Learn all about the postal service at the National Postal Museum
Check out The National Museum of the American Indian in Washington, D.C.
Make an appointment to see the Department of State Visitor Center and National Museum of American Diplomacy
Cool down by visiting one of the Smithsonian's three IMAX theaters!
If you are looking for an outdoor hike, check out the Theodore Roosevelt Island (88.5-acre park on the Potamic)
Learn about African American's role in the U.S. Civil War at the African American Civil War Memorial and Museum
See the World War I memorial at District of Columbia War Memorial
See the George Mason Memorial (he was a founding father)
See the Iwo Jima Memorial near Arlington National Cemetary (see photos)
Relax along the Potamic River in a beautiful setting at the Lyndon Baines Johnson Memorial Grove
Visit the Martin Luther King, Jr. National Memorial (near FDR Memorial)
Honor fallen officers at the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial
Don't miss the National Pentagon 9/11 Memorial
See the United States Air Force Memorial near the Pentagon (on the grounds of Fort Myer)
Visit the The Naval Heritage Center and the U.S. Navy Memorial (right next to each other) to learn about the U.S. Navy's history
MEG IN N.C. On Monday, June 10 at 9:33 pm
noelle d On Monday, June 10 at 7:36 pm
all the Smithsonian's were AMAZING…. and if they still have it… see FACES OF THE FALLEN. It was at the national cemetery, I think… a real eye opener of those lost in the war… i am not sure if it is still there or not…
joanna On Monday, June 10 at 7:41 pm
Spend the money on a riding tour–DC ducks or a bus. You can see the whole thing and maybe see where you want to explore more. Mt Vernon is nice and set apart from town, just enough. You go through the house and then explore Washington's land. The Smithsonians are nice and friendly to all. The art museum food is the only nice food though. The National Mall is beautifully laid out. The National Cathedral in NW can give the kids a good idea of the massive cathedrals of Europe. You could comfortably see the sites in 3-4 full days not including its a your travel days. It is a fun city to see. We go regularly, as we live in Fredericksburg. Have fun and enjoy your time together.
Heather On Monday, June 10 at 7:42 pm
I just moved back to my hometown after spending nearly 8 years in DC (4 for school, almost 4 for work). My first trip was with my family the summer before my senior year of high school and I was dreading it- it would just be boring history stuff. Boy, was I wrong! I fell in love and never wanted to leave. It is a phenomenal city that merges so many things!
1) There are so many must sees!
*I agree with many of the museum recommendations. The Smithsonians are free and it is easy to spend at least a day in each. Most are located along the National Mall, but there is an annex for the Air and Space Museum at Dulles Airport in VA. The other museums (Spy Museum, Crime Museum, Corcoran Art Gallery) do have an admission fee. The Holocaust Museum is very worthwhile and is free- unless you reserve tickets ahead of time. It's recommended to do so during the busy seasons.
*If you contact your U.S. Senator or Representative's office, they can set you up with tours of the Capitol, Supreme Court, and Library of Congress (something that is often overlooked, but amazing!). Unfortunately, the White House is currently closed to tours. If you are holding off on the trip until the fall, there is a weekend where they open the grounds up for garden tours. Tickets are first come, first served and this is probably also dependent on sequestration. I do believe they held the spring garden tours this year, though.
*The monuments along the mall (Washington, WWII, MLK, Vietnam, Korean, Jefferson, Lincoln). Most of them are on the west side of the mall, but there is still considerable walking distance between them and not really that close to a Metro station. Wear comfortable shoes and bring a bottle of water during the day. I'd actually recommend seeing these at night when they are all lit up. There are tour groups that drive you from one to the next so that you're not wandering around at 2:30 am trying to figure out how to get back to your hotel.
*Arlington Cemetery. An amazing monument to the sacrifice of our troops. It takes my breath away any time I went there.
*The 9/11 Memorial at the Pentagon.
2) Added bonuses: Mount Vernon (George Washington's home- it's about 40 minutes outside of DC), the National Cathedral, the Basilica of the Immaculate Conception, Eastern Market, Pentagon City Mall (who doesn't love some shopping? It's a giant mall), Georgetown (also shopping), and Union Station (another shopping area, but also the train station used in Mr. Smith Goes to Washington). I'd also recommend attending a Nationals baseball game. Tickets are cheap, there are giant bobblehead racing presidents in the 4th inning, and it's usually a fun crowd (unless the Phillies are playing).
3) I feel that nearly 8 years wasn't enough to see it all. 10-14 days would probably be a good introduction- you won't feel rushed, but you'll still have time to see and accomplish a lot.
4) Plot your own course! It's more exciting because you never know what you will find. The only thing I'd use a tour for is if you decide to tour the monuments at night. Armed with a good map and the willingness to ask people for directions when needed, you'll be fine! By the way, people are very nice and helpful. Don't let their zoned out look intimidate you. I loved helping people when asked because I loved being able to share the city with them.
5) The areas I'd recommend for hotels are Georgetown (in DC), and Silver Spring (MD) or Crystal City (VA) for more affordable areas.
Like I said, I love, love, LOVE this city and want others to as well. Please let me know if you need help planning or have questions.
Lara On Monday, June 10 at 7:44 pm
We went to DC in 6/06. DD was 7, DS was 13. It was the year of the monsoon! We got into DC during a horrific rainstorm that flooded the Metro and several museums, so we didn't get to see all we wanted to. We DID get to see the Air & Space Museum (AWESOME!), the Library of Congress (kids were bored, hubs & I loved the architecture), the Lincoln Memorial (he's not as big as he looks on TV), the WWII memorial (cried and cried, don't know why), the Vietnam Memorial (very sobering), the Korean memorial, and walked by the Washington Monument, the White House, Congress, I can't remember what else.
Make sure to get on the Metro AFTER rush hour. It's cheaper. We stayed in Maryland and our hotel had a shuttle to the Metro. Easy, peasy. We can't wait to go back one day!
Oh, and you can buy a Metro pocket map that we found very handy. Let your kids decide what they want to see and make sure to get to at least one of everyone's choices. I could spend weeks there and not get bored!
Carolyn On Monday, June 10 at 7:53 pm
Hi Ree!
I live in the Northern Va/ DC area and here are my suggestions. I think the Spy Museum would be interesting for you and MM but not the kids. Plus, you used to have to get tickets ahead of time. Not sure you still have to now. These are my recommendations:
1. The Capitol and the Visitor's Center underneath.
2. The U.S. Botanic Gardens right next door in case you need a break from the hot weather. It is free.
3. The Air and Space Museum is on the Mall area and kids love it.
4. The American History Museum with all the stuff people have mentioned above.
5. If you can get tickets, the White House tour.
6. The Vietnam Memorial
7. Einstein's statue right across the street from the Vietnam Memorial and is good for pictures.
8. The Korean Memorial is worth seeing with the larger than life statues.
9. The WWII Memorial is one of my favorites and you might even see one of the veterans walking around.
10. Of course, the Lincoln and Jefferson Memorials, and the Martin Luther King Memorial is close by as is the FDR Memorial. Take your walking shoes!
11. Arlington Cemetery and changing of the guards.
12. The Museum of the American Indians, on the Mall, has great gift shops.
13. If you have time, the National Cathedral or taking a walk in Georgetown with the stores and restaurants. Mount Vernon is a great trip but will consume a large part of one day as it is south of D.C.
The metro is safe and clean. I still struggle with getting tickets from the machines so make sure you have lots of small bills with you. D.C has beautiful hotels but many people stay across the river in Virginia. Rosslyn and Crystal City have hotels and are metro accessible. The Iwo Jima Memorial is right in Rosslyn with a nice view of the District.
Have a wonderful time!
Lee Harrison On Monday, June 10 at 8:06 pm
I grew up in DC and always loved the National Zoo, National Cathedral and Great Falls, VA. Haven't been to any of them in decades. The branch of the Air and Space Museum at Dulles Airport is not to be missed. Totally worth the drive out there.
My daughter and her family went to DC a few years ago and rented a house in the North West section of the District. It worked out great for them. Not sure how she found the place…but I trust you're a savvy enough Googler that you can do this!
I agree with the fall timing…after school is in session and the humidity drops down below gummy levels. Have fun.
Jenn On Monday, June 10 at 8:07 pm
I lived in DC for several years and still travel there for business several times a year. I highly recommend staying in Crystal City, VA. It's very close to a metro line that is just a short ride into the city, but you're away from the craziness of the city.
I did the guided tour thing when I first got there, and while it was fun, I didn't love it. I would recommend the night tour though, because it is amazing to see all of the monuments lit up.
My tier one recommendations are:
1. Arlington National Cemetery. It's very powerful to visit. Especially the changing of the guard at the tomb of the unknown soldier. (It's a lot hillier than you might expect, so be prepared!)
2. All the monuments on the mall. This is an all day affair to wander to all of these. Bike rentals are recommended. (A tier two activity is paddle boating in the tidal basin. SO FUN!)
3. The Smithsonian. I like the American History and Natural History the best. You can lose an entire day in just one of them, so I would map out a bit of what you want to see, and try to stick to a schedule.
4. Ford's theater.
Tier two:
1. The International Spy museum. It's so fun, and so interactive. Your kids are the right age to enjoy it.
2. National's baseball game. (Our nation's pass time in our nation's capital) The new stadium is great!
3. And finally, if you have a couple of extra days, Colonial Williamsburg is about 2.5 hours south in VA. It is so quaint and just packed full of history. Go on the haunted history tour!
I agree with the other posters, go in the fall! You'll melt in the summer.
Sydney K. On Monday, June 10 at 8:08 pm
I'm so excited you are going to come to DC!! I grew up around there and LOVED it! As for what to see:
Must see:
– Arlington National Cemetary (Changing of the guards that the tomb of the unknown soldiers is amazing)
– American history museum
– Natural history museum (they have dinasaurs, live bugs, and sooo much more!)
– one of the art gallery's
– Holocoust (MUST)
– tour of the capitol (you can have a tour with your congressman if you plan in advance)
– **White House tours are currently not happening at all due to the sequestration… Bummer!**
– monuments (Jefferson, WW2, Lincoln, FDR, Martin Luther King, Washington,
If you have time: (if you want to schedule more time for day trips and such there are SO many places around DC about our nations history…
– *****Harper's Ferry (just over an hour, adorable historic town PLUS you can float down the river in innertubs, http://harpersferryadventurecenter.com/)*****
– Gettysburg (1.5 hours north and so worth it. You can buy a CD and put it in your car and have a self guided tour through the whole battlefield)
– Bull Run/Manassas battlefield (30-45 min west)
– Antietem battlefield (1.5 hours north)
– Philidelphia (3 hours north, Constitution Hall, Cheesesteak subs!!, the new museum across from Constitution hall)
Can't wait to hear where you are going to go!
Sydney On Monday, June 10 at 8:09 pm
OH! and Mt. Vernon. George Washington's mansion and plantation. It is VERY well preserved.
Tammy Elrod On Monday, June 10 at 8:11 pm
Our favorite place to stay is L'Enfant Plaza which is about 2 blocks from the Smithsonian Castle (information center) and has a Metro station located in the hotel. It is easy to walk to the Smithsonian and the Mall from this hotel.
As far as how long, it is very hard to say! It depends on how many museums and other attractions you plan to take in. Highly recommended – American History Museum, Vietname War Memorial. There are so many others, the Spy Museum, the Ford Theatre and the building across the street where Lincoln was taken after being shot and then died there (the bed he died on is still there). Have dinner at the Willard Hotel – it is not to be missed.
Have a great time and let us know how it goes!
Kathryn On Monday, June 10 at 8:12 pm
As someone whose lived in 4 countries in the last less than 10 years of my life, I want to recommend not giving up so easily on the idea of taking your family abroad to another country. Seeing how things work in another country — even basic things like public transportation — can be a real eye opener about your own country (USA). It can really change your mind and see things that can be improved at home, as well as make you appreciate simple luxuries that Americans *do* have. I was incredibly fanscinated by Germany the first time I went: by the trains, buses, bicycles everywhere, different scale of town designs (so you don't have to drive everywhere), the recycling system, the free university, and the lack of crime! Likewise, traveling to Nepal made me really appreciate how wonderful a simple sink is with clean running water (oh how easy it is to brush teeth!) and safe, paved roads!
I do hope you get to take your family abroad one day, too!
Angela in KY On Monday, June 10 at 8:23 pm
BE SURE to get a hotel near the Metro that way transportation is a breeze. Also we always go to the Halocaust Museum. Very humbling but a must see.
cassife On Monday, June 10 at 8:24 pm
We love using the double decker bus to look at sites. It gets you close and helps save your feet! We love the zoo, Spy Museum, White House Tour, all of the monuments, Georgetown, Air and Space, just to name a few
Sydney On Monday, June 10 at 8:26 pm
It looks like so many people have mentioned what I would do in DC… If you are up for day trips think about these:
– Mt. Vernon, George Washington's mansion and plantation
– National Aquarium and Children's Science Museum in Baltimore (45 min – hour north)
– Bull Run/Manassas Battlefield (45 min west)
– Antitem Battlefield
– ****Harper's Ferry (just over an hour north west- cute historical town from cival war, PLUS there are lots of adventure things to do around http://harpersferryadventurecenter.com/ (SO FUN!!)******
Shandell V On Monday, June 10 at 8:27 pm
I was in D.C. a week and a half ago for vacation. I would reccommend the Holiday Inn Capitol on C street. VERY close to the Capitol. (2 blocks I believe). We walked everywhere from there. Except we did rent bikes one day our feet hurt too much to walk anymore.
I LOVED Mount Vernon and the Library of Congress. I would not do a tour company for the majority but if you want to see stuff like Mount Vernon or Gettysburg do a tour company. This website: http://www.dctours.us/?gclid=CLmt4s6mrZECFQSOFQodz12Cdw had good tour information. We did two from them.
Also, I would reccommend the museum of American History. They have Julie Child's kitchen!!!! The International Spy Museum was fun as well. Plus, a trip to Union Station is also pretty cool.
When you do the monuments I strongly STRONGLY recommend renting bikes or some form of transportation other then walking. The bikes were really fun and there are many locations to rent them.
Finally, I would scout out lunch and dinner locations online ahead of time so you don't end up wandering around starving trying to find food.
AnokaMom On Monday, June 10 at 8:27 pm
The Peacock room at the Freer Gallery- very cool.
Bake and Wired (great cupcakes and coffee drinks) in Georgetown and way better than D.C. Cupcakes
The Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center (how can one pass up seeing a space shuttle and the Concord up close?!)- bus tours drop off and pick up
Arlington Cemetery
Pentagon memorial-a little bit of a hike from the metro stop but worth it
Depending on the time of year-Ghost tour through Alexandria, VA (a bit cheesy but has some cool historical buildings to see) and dinner at La Tasca (good tapas)
All the memorials on The Mall- especially Lincoln and the Korean war memorials at night
National Archives
Ted's Bulletin for breakfast- Capitol Hill (not far from a metro stop) Good food, good drink, cool building, homemade pop tarts.
Michelle P On Monday, June 10 at 8:28 pm
1. What are the absolutely essential, not-to-be-missed things to do and see in Washington, D.C.?
National Monuments- go at night; something special seeing them when they glow and you beat the crowds.
Smithsonian's- Natural History, American History
2. What are the more "Tier 2″ things to do in Washington, D.C.—things that are added bonuses?
Native American Museum- even if you only go for the food; best cafeteria on the mall hands down and NOT a chain.
National Portrait Gallery, National Archives, Supreme Court, Zoo
And don't forget some time to eat, walk and shop thru Georgetown.
3. In order to do it right, how many days in Washington, D.C. are necessary?
I lived there 3 years and didn't see everything. Go for a week. Do NOT go in the summer- the heat and crowds are gross. Spring time if you can time it for the cherry blossoms- but you will still deal with the crowds. Otherwise the fall is best.
4. Is it best to plot your own course and see things according to your own schedule? Or is it better to—gulp—use some kind of tour company? I should tell you I don't like appointments or the feeling of being trapped. Ha.
I hate tours; I wouldn't bother with it. Always went everywhere by metro and never had a problem no matter the time. Great public transportation.
5. Where is the best/most centrally located area to stay in Washington, D.C.?
Dupont Circle- right on the red line and great food options to walk to. I would avoid staying in VA or MD; you will be commuting in with the hordes and there isn't the same feel as the city.
Michelle P On Monday, June 10 at 9:16 pm
Oh I forgot the LIbrary of Congress- love that place. Beautiful.
Lisa On Monday, June 10 at 8:36 pm
We are there right now! Fabulous trip!
Unlike many others, I would definitely recommend a bus tour. We took dc tours bus to all the monuments. We would have spent all our time trying to find our way around and trying to find parking. They took care of all of that! Our guide was very knowledgable. We learned things that we would not have learned on our own. The monuments are wonderful!
We really enjoyed the National Archives and the American History Museum. My husband and 15 year old son enjoyed the Air and Space Museum.
We took a boat trip down the Potomac to Mt. Vernon. It was great! Again, the guide was very good and we learned much. The grounds at Mt. Vernon were beautiful!
Tomorrow we are going to Arlington Cemetery and the Museum of Natural History.
I must say that my family is really into history so that had a huge influence on what we saw and enjoyed.
We have hit it hard and done lots of walking. Exhausting, but worth it! Wear comfortable shoes!
Carinn On Monday, June 10 at 8:42 pm
We have been to DC over a dozen times and we still haven't seen it all. I also used to travel there for work.From all our travels my best advice is to get a hotel near a subway stop. My favorite place to stay was the Wardman Park Marriott which is near a subway stop and is a short walk (just a couple blocks) from the national zoo.
June On Monday, June 10 at 8:49 pm
Someone may have suggested ths, but try the DC Duck Tours. You go on an amphibius tour vessle that drives you around the highlights of Dc, then takes you into the Potomac for a river cruise. The best paort–everybody gets a duck-beak shaped duck call. It's a lot of fun.
One place that doesn't sound like much but is actually pretty interesting is the Natinal Postal Museum. It's right next to Union Station in the Old Post Office Building.
Remember, if you want to visit the White House you need to go through your Congressman or Senator to get tickets. I would go if possible.
Jenna On Monday, June 10 at 9:00 pm
I am a rare breed: born, raised and still live in DC. Let me know if you want a personal tour guide.
Do a night tour of the monuments. The city is at its most beautiful.
Eastern Market on the weekend. Crafts, artisanal cheese, and gourmet sausages for you, pig heads and feet for the boys.
Union Market has good, local eating
Skip the zoo
Native American Museum AND Cafe
National Arboretum
Note that some exhibits at the Smithsonian will be closed due to the sequester.
But seriously, email me and I'll show you the non tourist DC some of us know and love.
PS Random DC Fun Fact-we pay taxes but do not have representation in Congress.
Tamara Cox On Monday, June 10 at 9:10 pm
I haven't even come close to reading all the comments so I may be repeating what someone else has said, but I wanted to try and answer some of your questions. How long? There is no way you will come close to seeing everything while you are there in one visit, so the length of time you spend there should be based on how long you think your family can last. Try to see the things you are most interested in and plan to go back some other time. Forget about a car. Find a hotel close to a Metro entrance and use the subway to set around. ( We stayed in Georgetown and the entrance was right outside the Hotel) It is clean and easy to use. Just find out what entrances are closest to where you want to go. You will do a lot of walking so take comfortable shoes. Since there is so much to see on the Mall that is where you will probably spend the most time. They do have a bus to take you to some of the things that are a little further away. Such as FDR Memorial, Jefferson Memorial and Arlington. (We bought a ticket and got on and off as we wanted) As far as the Smithsonian Museums I highly recommend the Museum of American History (I had no clue how huge the Star Spangled Banner Flag was). As for the rest of them pick the ones that you and your family have the most interest in. (All of them are good) Even if they resume White House Tours it takes months to get into one of those because you have to go through security clearances. So if you might want to wait until a later trip to try for that. We also took a boat ride down to Mt. Vernon and toured it. The problem with this was that you do have a limited time at Mt Vernon, the boat has a set time it returns. But you don't need a car, and Mt Vernon was very interesting and I did not feel rushed. It made a nice change from walking around DC. I also enjoyed Fords Theater and the talk the Park Ranger gives about the night Lincoln was killed. Except for the Panda's I wasn't impressed with the Zoo. The one in Wichita KS. was much better when I went to see it. (I will admit that it has been awhile since I was at the zoo in Wichita so I can't say how good it is now) The problem is that I don't know if there are still panda's at the Zoo. I know China insisted on at least some of them being sent back a few years ago. But if there are still some panda's there they were worth seeing. My favorite thing was the Lincoln Memorial. I did not expect to be moved by it but I was. And standing on the steps looking across the Mall where Martin Luther King gave his I Have A Dream Speech is something I will never forget. Of course I am assuming that while you are on the mall you will tour all the other Memorials. I don't know how they are doing it now but when we toured the Capitol you went stood in line for hours (first come first get in) and after a certain time they cut the line off because the line was so long that you wouldn't be able to get in that day. If this is still true you want to get up early to get in line. It is hot and humid in DC. I know it is also hot and humid in OK in summer but why walk around in it if you don't have to. Since your kids are home schooled I myself would wait until it is cooler. I hope this has helped.
Fairly Odd Mother On Monday, June 10 at 9:11 pm
We were just in DC this past September—we found a gorgeous and awesomely located home on VRBO.com which we rented for less than the cost of a hotel room in the city. We had two bedrooms, a kitchen, a backyard, and we were on a quiet street in Capitol Hill. With three kids, there is no question that renting a home is preferable to squishing into a hotel room.
We enjoyed the Native American Museum, the Botanical Gardens in the Smithsonian, and the Spy Museum.
To see the monuments, we did a bike tour with these guys: http://bikethesites.com/ , and it was the so much fun. The kids loved getting off their feet and we saw so many monuments in a short time. We had friends do this on our recommendation and they loved it too.
Linne On Monday, June 10 at 9:13 pm
I went to Washington, DC, in 1997. I took with me a pocket-sized guide from my local (then Victoria, BC, Canada) library, which I read on the plane to Virginia Beach, VA. I was there for five days, after taking the Greyhound from Virginia Beach.The highlights (for me, anyway) were these:
I stayed at the Hostel, a huge apartment-sized building that does have rooms for families. If you are going in summer, it's a good idea to book ahead of time. At that time, it cost me only 10$ US per night, a huge improvement over a hotel room (I hate hotels!). The hostel is within walking distance of everything I wanted most to see, except Arlington Cemetery. I took the LRT (not sure what they called it; here in Edmonton, AB, it's the Light Rapid Transit) to the cemetery.
Highlights for me (and remember, I was on my own, so didn't have to consider the tastes of children or other adults):
Arlington Cemetery
Washington Monument
Lincoln Monument
Korean War memorial site, with bigger than life statuary of soldiers
Vietnam Memorial wall (I made the mistake of going with two girls from the hostel, who chattered the whole time, diminishing the impact; Next day, I went back, this time alone, to contemplate the waste of young lives from my generation; in silence and prayer)
The Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial, an outdoor site beautifully designed, with waterfalls, rocks, walls with carven quotes from his writings. And a room with a large picture window. Inside are Mr. Roosevelt, Eleanor Roosevelt and the little dog Fala. As I recall, Roosevelt is making a radio broadcast to the nation. I spent a lot of time walking around here, taking pictures of the quotes and thinking about Eleanor Roosevelt, one of my heroines.
The Smithsonian Museums (I have read all of Anne Lindbergh's books and a couple of those by her husband, so it was especially moving to stand almost within arm's reach of the 'Spirit of Saint Louis', which hangs from a ceiling at second floor height)
The Art Galleries (sorry, I don't recall the exact names just now, but the work was awesome)
The White House (didn't have time to take a tour, but did walk by it every day and look through the fence)
The Hoover Building (that was a bit scary, all black and blind windows; but worth seeing anyway for its historic value)
The Ford Theatre, where Lincoln was shot and the house across the way, where he later died.
On the last day, I discovered that the Holocaust Museum was also on the Mall; I only had half a day and it deserves at least two full days. It's not recommended for most children under 11. I didn't have time to read very much of the printed materials, but I could tell the collection was more than impressive. I've read a great deal about that time in history, as my Dad was with the Canadian Army for four years, fighting from Italy up to the Liberation of the Netherlands. And, of course, I'd read "The Diary of Anne Frank" and John Hersey's "The Wall", as well as other works, fiction and non-fiction. The Holocaust Museum should be seen by everyone, so that we stay vigilant against racism, dictators, hatred, genocide and extremism of all sorts. There, in the Hall of Rememberance, I was able to light a candle and spend a while in prayer. Forgot to say, but on entering the Museum, I was given an identification card with the photograph and data of a real person who died in a camp.
Most moving displays at the USHMM:
a real cattle car once used to transport Jewish people and others destined to be gassed. It is set up so you can stand it in; I was lucky to be there alone and to have time to feel the impact of the people who once spent days in it.
A set of wooden bunks from one of the concentration camps. Again, it was very moving just to touch the wood and to think about all the people who lay there night after night.
The Tower of Faces, a huge vertical display of family photographs from Eishishok in present Lithuania. An SS troop murdered every one of the villagers.
A large display containing hundreds of shoes from Majdanek, Poland. Everything from baby shoes to old lady button-up fancy boots. It made me cry.
The Children's Tile Wall, or the Wall of Remembrance. Over 3,000 tiles hand-painted by children from the USA, in remembrance of the children who died in the Holocaust.
For more information, go to:
If I could only see one thing in Washington, this would be it; if we do not remember and work to effect change, we will be doomed to go through this again. So, not a happy thing, but well worth it for its historic and teaching value.
Hope this helps. I didn't include any places to eat, 'cause I bought food I could eat out of my hand, fruit, buns, etc. But the hostel has a huge kitchen, with restaurant style fridges, where you just label your stuff and leave it. So far as I know, no one ever takes any that is not theirs. When you leave, there is a 'free' shelf in the fridge, where you can put things for others, say a half-litre of milk, piece of cheese, etc. Everyone was super friendly and I got to meet people of all ages from all over the world. It was an awesome experience.
joan a On Monday, June 10 at 9:22 pm
The Smithsonian is a must (all of it) as is the National Zoo. Not sure how much time to budget for those, but they are both must sees.
kate-v On Monday, June 10 at 9:22 pm
without a doubt Washington DC and surrounding area is our favorite, favorite, favorite vacation spot!. BE sure to WEAR COMFORTABLE SHOES as every walking surface in Washington DC is either marble, concrete or granite and you will walk around a lot and your feet will hurt if you don't take care. ALL the USA Government buildings including the many, many Smithsonian buildings are free!!! We recommend: all the Smithsonian building but the Museum of Natural History is my favorite and the Air and Space Museum is my husbands favorite; the US Mint, riding the Metro anywhere and then pick your families favorite government building. We got to see the White House, but I don't know if tours are available anymore. Outside, but near DC, be sure to visit Mount Vernon to the south, the Luray Caverns to the west (about 1 1/2 hr drive) and Gettysburg, PA to the north (again, about 1 1/2 hours drive). Each thing I have mentioned can take a full day!!! You will not need a car in DC because the bus and/or metro go everywhere, including Mount Vernon. You may want to rent a car to go to to the Luray Caverns and to Gettysburg. Look these places up on line — there are many others, but if you want to know what to do – that is what I would recommend for a first time visit. You really don't need to leave DC, but as long as you're back there, get a good variety. The other recommendation I would make is to go in the spring or the fall – spring with cherry blossoms and fall with colors changing. We have never been there in the dead of winter or in the summer so can't comment on those seasons in DC. You will love it, no matter what you see – it's all good.
MEG IN N.C. On Monday, June 10 at 9:24 pm
Linne On Monday, June 10 at 9:29 pm
I couldn't find my original post to amend it, so will just add on here:
I forgot to mention the Smithsonian Air and Space Museum, which is where I saw Lindbergh's plane. I also saw the Columbia; I remember going to my inlaws' place to watch the landing on tv.
And the Wright brothers' 1903 Flyer . . .
There is also The Albert Einstein Planetarium. Fascinating for anyone even a bit space and science minded. Easy to doze off in the comfy seats and the darkness, though, so schedule this stop early in the day. LOL
diane r On Monday, June 10 at 9:29 pm
You could spend days just going to all the Smithsonian museums. Definitely take a half hour to see the Albert Einstein monument. It is so cool and not well known but very close to all the museums. See all the monuments. Remember that everything it's accessible via the clean easy to navigate metro, so get a hotel blocks from the metro. In fact a trip to DC isn't complete without a metro ride. Dupont circle is nice to see. Maybe head there for lunch/dinner one day. There is a sweet bead shop right near the circle where the girls can buy beds to make their own jewelry! Also do a lunch/dinner in Georgetown.the houses are so cool.
jess On Monday, June 10 at 9:33 pm
The Library of Congress is the most beautiful building on the inside…and it has a Gutenberg Bible. It's right next to the Supreme Court, so there's no reason to not stop in to the Library if you're right there.
Lincoln, Vietnam & Korea (all together).
Go during cherry blossom time. Don't go in the summer.
Susan T. On Monday, June 10 at 9:34 pm
I am a DC native. There have been tons of great suggestions posted here. I will just reiterate that summer is an extremely busy and crowded time. If you could wait to visit until Sept/Oct the crowds will be lighter and you won't spend so much time waiting in lines. Plan for a week, if possible. In addition to the Smithsonian museums and monuments around the mall, Mt.Vernon and the Newseum are tier 1 and should not be missed as is Arlington National Cemetery. Also, do not attempt to drive in downtown DC! The metro is easy to use and you will be doing a lot of walking also. Some of the downtown hotels already mentioned would be good places to stay if you want to stay in the city- JW Marriott, the W hotel, the Willard. Have a great time!
Janice On Monday, June 10 at 9:48 pm
I suggest renting bikes to get around. My husband and I rented tandems a few years before we had kids and had so much fun riding around from attraction to attraction. We even rode out to Arlington and back to the Mall.
Paetyn V On Monday, June 10 at 9:57 pm
Mrs Ree I hope you read this! My boyfriends dad has lived in DC for years now. My bf is 21 and his little brother is 14 if that gives u an idea and these are their favorite things to do…..also be prepared to walk EVERYWHERE even after taking the metro you will walk for miles.
George Washigtons house Mt Vernon first and foremost. This one is mine and the boys favorite. Outside of DC but worth the drive
The "mall" is a must
The Smithsonian museums (there are so many you can't see everything in any of them so I suggest going to what your kids like bc all are extremely informative!) The animal one was my favorite but all are amazing.
Fords Theater
All of the monuments and memorials
Arlington cemetery and the tomb of the unknown soldier
The Library of Congress
Someone suggested the old post office but Donald trump bought it and is turning it into a hotel so don't plan on that one!
And there is a bass pro in case you need a "taste of home" as my man says. Hope this was helpful!
a fellow southerner
AlysonRR On Monday, June 10 at 10:02 pm
I don't know if you'll get to this (I stopped after ~30 replies), but in those I read I didn't see one of my kids' favorite thing.
There's a park on the Potomac that shows the now defunct but historically important C&O canal. Here's a link: http://www.nps.gov/nr/travel/wash/dc6.htm
It's a cool, shady and pleasant walk along the Potomac, and there's a spot where you can look across a huge cataract and see people waving from a park in Virginia
Otherwise, Native American Museum has the best restaurant of all the Smithsonian Museums. Agree about the other museums recommended.
I also agree with the recommendation to take a day and head to Mount Vernon, or a couple days to go to Colonial Williamsburg and Jamestowne (which we actually enjoyed more than Williamsburg, but both were worthwhile). Get out of town, then head back for another couple museums before you go back home where, hopefully, it is a dry heat instead of the swamp that is DC
Joanne On Monday, June 10 at 10:16 pm
I personally enjoyed when I was younger and still, the FBI building and tour. Also where Lincoln was shot. I have never been to pentagon but would love to see it. Tour bus where you get on and off where you want is a must. Lincoln at night Jefferson. Top of Washington Memorial. We went up in the Old Post Office building at dusk and night BEAUTIFUL view's with the light and can see the eternal flame on John Kennedy's grave from there. The cemetary and Kennedy's grave and the changing of the guards at the tomb of the Unknows around there also is the challenger's marker. Iwo Jima is great but soon you will be saying oh there is the tomb of the unknown goopher, largest bowling ball in the world and making up your own memorials. Riding the subway is great also. The museum of American History is fantastic, and The Natural Science one. I hope that helps we were stuck in American History meseaum due to a tornado 3 summers ago, great times for this California girl, I wanted to go outside and take pictures, umm the police with guns convinced me that was not going to happen. Looked safe to me, after that blew through it was beautiful with clouds and beautiful colors. Have fun I will be jealous of every picture, White house is okay on the outside, not much to see on the inside. Very hard to get tickets. I would also suggest winter or some cold time but enjoyed the summer storms because we don't get those in Cali, so order up a couple of them for entertainment!
BrendaH On Monday, June 10 at 10:19 pm
A must: Smithsonian, Spy Museum and the Holocaust Museum… take a box of tissues to the last one.
Gayle On Monday, June 10 at 10:28 pm
I have lived in Northern Virginia, Capitol Hill, and nearby in Maryland, and I think you should plan your trip for when you can get tickets/tours for the White House and the Capitol. Then I would focus on narrowing a list that appeals to your gang:
Library of Congress: Can you call and request to see/read/enjoy their reading room with their copies of your books? Not sure if it's all digital or not, but it would be worth asking.
pick the Smithsonian museums that sound the most interesting or make a list of what
you want to see in each…they are easy to run in an out of if you are here in the off
Old Town Alexandria
Pro Sports: soccer, baseball, hockey, basketball, football
night tour of the monuments
don't forget the steps from The Exorcist
National Zoo
Eastern Market (the pancakes on the weekends are AMAZING)
Supreme Court
Kennedy Center
Mount Vernon
Arlington Cemetery
Annapolis: great city, Naval Academy
Baltimore: Orioles, Ravens, Fort McHenry, Maryland Science Center, National Aquarium
Depending on time of year: concerts by the military bands
I do like the idea of heading out for a day or two to visit Monticello or another historic site. You could also head south a couple of hours (watch out for traffic) for Kings Dominion if the kids are itching for an amusement park fix. Busch Gardens is also next to Williamsburg.
Kristen On Monday, June 10 at 10:32 pm
This is funny, because my family just did D.C. last month. my kids favorite part? The day we swam in the pool! Lol..
I have just one recommendation…my hubby went on a private tour of the Capitol by an amazing congressman, Louis Gomert. He told me that he shared so many wonderful stories, how truly he loves his country…he told them stories about so many paintings, etc…that have their roots in Christianity. It was his high point. (These tours are after hours, I think you can just contact his office have fun!!! I love D.C….
AZ Michelle On Monday, June 10 at 10:37 pm
Oh we loved visiting there! Every time we take a trip we gather as much info as possible then each pic one or two things we want. When we went my daughter picked the spy museum. It was fun. My husband picked the National Archives, amazing! I wanted Arlington. It was well worth the visit although it was well over 90 degrees and way more humid that AZ. We didn't find any water for sale and walked all the way out to the tomb of the unknown soldier. Big mistake!!! We saw a play (Phantom of the Opera) at the Kennedy Center. It was a nice extra.
FAVORITE Thing was visiting the monuments to take photos after the play. It was so pretty all lit up and very little crowds!!
Allyson On Monday, June 10 at 10:38 pm
This is a coincidence! We had a family meeting and decided we would also like to go to Washington, DC this year! I'm interested to hear everyone's ideas. (My son stated that he is also interested in going to Universal Orlando just in case we decided to change our minds!)
JoAnn K. in Nebraska On Monday, June 10 at 10:40 pm
My husband went to DC a couple of years ago for a work trip and it coincided with the kids' spring break, so we all tagged along. While he was doing his thing during the day, the kids and I (ages 5 and 8 at the time) went on our little excursions together. I have to say that, I was able to very easily navigate the DC subway system, which is really saying something because I get lost very easily in unfamiliar places. If we were ever riding during rush hour, commuters would offer to give up their seats so the kids and I could sit together on the crowded train. We bought a week-long pass, which gave us unlimited use. Our hotel was near the Crystal City stop (can't remember the name of the hotel) and it was very convenient.
High points from our trip – I highly recommend visiting the Library of Congress – it was really incredible. We saw Thomas Jefferson's personal collection and there was an amazing Civil War exhibit. Arlington National Cemetery is a must-see. The tour of the Capitol was well worth the wait on line. Another cool thing is to visit Alexandria, VA (we went in the evening – fun atmosphere). King Street in historic, old town Alexandria had a lot of neat shops and restaurants. The place we ate at was an old civil war hospital back in the day.
Would love to go back again. Would have loved to go to the national archives and Ford's theatre, but we just ran out of time. Hope you have a great trip when you go!
Franny On Monday, June 10 at 10:53 pm
Since you are a cradle Episcopalian and because the docents are so wonderful I would suggests a trip to the National Cathedral, perhaps attend a service and then do a tour. It was the highlight of my first trip to DC.
Pamela H On Monday, June 10 at 10:54 pm
I'd stay in Alexandria near the Metro so you can ride that into the city. Lots of great restaurants in Old Town Alexandria. The Spy museum was boring. The crime and punishment museum was kind of neat. You HAVE to see the Museum of American History. Love the first ladies gowns, the original flag, etc. If you email your Congressman in advance you can do a tour of the White House.
Also venture out to the Udvar-Hazy Air/Space museum at Dulles Airport. You should see the Space Shuttle Enterprise it's HUGE and the Air France Concorde among other things. Got to eat MD Blue Crabs while you are here. If you venture 1 hr south I live among many Civil War Batllefields in Fredericksburg, Spotsylvania, Chancellorsville area. Another hour south of here is Williamsburg. Plenty of great places to eat too. Have fun!!
Sara On Monday, June 10 at 10:56 pm
The American History museum is my absolute favorite of all the Smithsonians (with Air and Space a close second). I LOVE it! I also agree with a recommendation for the Holocaust Museum, but plan plenty of time for it, and be prepared to need some downtime to process afterwards. It's powerful. I really want to go to the Spy Museum, but it didn't open til after we moved away. All the monuments/memorials are worth seeing, and the Vietnam War on is particularly powerful. Also worth checking out the changing of the guards at the Tomb of the Unknowns at Arlington National Cemetery.
Depending on how much time you want to spend in the area, a day trip to Baltimore is worthwhile. The Baltimore aquarium is amazing, and it's always fun to just walk around the Inner Harbor, maybe have some fun in the pedal boats And Baltimore is definitely the place to sample some Maryland crab cakes! And if you wanted to take a trip within a trip, a couple of days in Colonial Williamsburg (a couple hours away) is also fun.
Cindy L. On Monday, June 10 at 10:59 pm
We have been to DC lots of times. Right now I feel like it is my husband's second home.
I would stay as close to a Metro station as possible and buy Metro cards for everyone. It may seem expensive but it is much easier than trying to find a place to park. We stayed in Alexandria one time and that worked out well. We used to live in Springfield and there is a Metro station there as well. It is easy to navigate and color coded.
Must do: Arlington Cemetary for the changing of the guard, We like all of the Smithsonian musuems. Go on your own and that way you can spend as much or little time as you want in each one. National Archives is very interesting. All of the monuments and memorials are a must see. You may be able to do them all in a day. FDR, Jefferson, Lincoln, Washington (when we were there last year we were not able to go in because of the damage from the earthquake), World War 2 memorial is one of my favorites. The Korean War memorial is so impressive at night. You have to see that! Vietnam and Iwo Jima memorial too. And the new MLK Jr memorial is impressive as well. Did I miss one? Oh well, see them all!
If you have time: Newseum not free like the Smithsonian but very interesting. Pentagon tour (need to call at least a week ahead of time) the Sept 11 memorial there is moving and you do not have to go through the Pentagon to see it. just take the Metro there. I have heard the Holocost Musuem is good but we have not been there. You have to call ahead to that as well. Also to tour the Capital and White House you need to call. do y'all like airplanes? We went to Udvar-Hazzy Air and Space musuem at Dulles Airport. We spent an afternoon there. It was very cool. If you have time to drive to Mount Vernon was lots of fun too and it only about 10-12 miles but there that means close to an hour :). It is worth a day to spend there.
Do it all on your own. That way you can move at your own pace.
My husband's favorite place to eat is Hard Times Cafe in Old Town Alexandria. You can take the Metro there from where ever you are. I hope you have a great time! I never get tired of DC. I feel like I see something new everytime. My favorite museum is American History. I love the display of The First Lady's gowns and the White House china. Talke to the lady from the Smithsonian that works in that area. She is a wealth of information. I could have talked to her all day but my son wanted to see the dinosaurs.
Libby On Monday, June 10 at 11:05 pm
If the Air Force band, the President's band, still gives concerts on the steps of the Capitol Building every Wednesday during the summer….do not, do NOT miss it. It is amazing. It was free when we went in 1995. I remeber that and our visit to the Basilica of the Immaculate Conception the most. Also, go to Georgetown Cupcake!
Jessa On Monday, June 10 at 11:16 pm
One thing we did while were were there that we're both glad about, we made a day trip out to Mt. Vernon, George Washington's estate. Make sure you get a house tour and then stop and have a nosh in the restaurant – they have a peanut soup that will knock your socks off. Talk to a docent about the kids being able to lay the wreath at George & Martha's tomb.
When we went to DC in December, my husband and I didn't have much time, so we hopped on one of those double-deck red tour buses. We saw so much of the city and didn't have to worry about driving or parking in an unfamiliar city (something neither of us is a fan of). We have our must-see list for when we go back and #1 on the list… the Spy Museum. EVERYONE asked if we went, so I'm hoping it'll be super awesome.
Next trip, we'll plan better and sign on for a White House tour (advance planning – not just for tickets, but where are you going to stash your stuff?). We also want to go back and check out some of the Smithsonian museums – they're all free, too. For me, I want to see about going into the IRS building. Personal happy moment.
MikeW On Monday, June 10 at 11:18 pm
Stay in VA, a hotel close to the Metro. A good tradeoff between accessibility & cost.
Contact your Senator or Representative's office (usually they'll talk to one another). Find out what tickets are available to the free things to do and schedule them. It will save a lot of time and be a better experience. With the tickets, which are still free, you will save time, be more comfortable, and have a better time.
EG We went to the FBI. For the unscheduled free tours folks were in line for hours in the summer heat, and the tours took 200 people at a time. Get a ticket from your congressperson and you get to walk right past the long line, wait in comfortable chairs in an air-conditioned room, and take the tour with a group of 25!
JoEllen On Monday, June 10 at 11:28 pm
Because our time was limited (5 1/2 days), I planned our trip for my husband and parents like a travel agent might. It sounds like a lot of time, but when you see the magnitude of the area to cover, you realize it's gonna be tough. One smart thing I did was to book one of those tours, actually two of them, the same things, but one was daytime and one nighttime. It was a fabulous way to see a lot of the monuments and such a different way day/night. The tours were hosted with guides that told you so many neat, funny and interesting facts. We got a lot more out of the trip going this route. I know they keep you moving, but that is actually good. Also, you don't have to worry about parking, just jump out and enjoy. We chose a museum like science and industry, National Art Museum, etc. for 1/2 days. We also had a couple 1/2 days that were free times for us to see what we were interested in.
I can't find the hotel name. As long as it is near the metro you should be able to access the mall. Google for restaurants near the mall areas, or your hotel. We were there in 2007 and unfortunately didn't get to see the White House (no, not sequester :-)).
The trip was Awesome and so thrilled I did it then before my life changed due to health. Have fun Ree! Can't wait for your pics.
Sharon On Monday, June 10 at 11:35 pm
We spent a week there and did not go near everywhere. We really enjoyed our night tour of the national monuments. We took a gray line tour to Getysburg, PA, which was awesome. Go to the museum of American History. We stayed in a hotel with the Metro below and we were one stop away from all the mall area. Where comfortable shoes!
KathyS On Monday, June 10 at 11:46 pm
I must admit that I haven't read through all of the suggestions, but my husband and I just got back from DC where we went to our daughter's graduation.
My big tip: they have bike shares where you pick up bikes using your credit card at any station, then you can return them any station anywhere. The advantage? You can take in A LOT of memorials (and there are a lot of memorials in DC) without either wearing out your feet or going on a tour. It would be at your own pace and you would pick the memorials that appeal to you.
Carolyn S On Monday, June 10 at 11:48 pm
Hi Ree, this is a link to a two page article on our website regarding D.C. It heavily features food. Go figure.
Run, don't walk.
sandi, skippy On Monday, June 10 at 11:48 pm
Bureau of engraving- see where our money is printed! Buy bags of shredded money souvenirs!
Sandy On Tuesday, June 11 at 12:00 am
One thing I haven't seen mentioned that we did when we took my parents was to take a day trip and drive to Annapolis and tour The Naval Academy. Very interesting and it's good for the kids to see one of the Service Academies and their many fine traditions.
Kathy On Tuesday, June 11 at 12:05 am
We have visited twice, and we still haven't seen it all. The first time we were able to get tours of the Capitol, White House, and Pentagon through our congressman. We also included a side trip to Colonial Williamsburg and Virginia Beach, which were great. Our second trip was in late March when the cherry blossoms were blooming around the Tidal Basin near the Jefferson Memorial. Don't miss Mount Vernon! One of our favorite places to eat was the Gatsby Tavern in Alexandria. It is a 17th century restaurant that was frequented by George Washington and has servers in period dress. We stayed at the Mayflower, and it was within walking distance to several attractions. The Metro allows easy access to the rest. Another interesting place to visit is the Supreme Court, especially if you are lucky to listen in on their oral arguments. So many things to see in DC, and every American needs to go!
Andreamatrix On Tuesday, June 11 at 12:11 am
Hi Ree,
We took our two kiddos a year ago and this is what we discovered.
Do NOT take a tour, go on your own. It's very easy to get around in DC.
When in doubt, hail a cab.
The Omni Shoreham hotel is awesome place to stay. It has a "haunted" history, along with a lot of other historic events that have happened there. I would stay there again in a heartbeat.
There is a restaurant right on the corner of Connecticut & Calvert
(kiddie corner from the Omni Shoreham) that was fantastic! We ended up going there multiple times just to try their fun and very delicious food. There is also a wal-greens where I stocked up on chocolate for me and my daughter's late night cravings…..
It is within walking distance to the Zoo or to the National Cathedral. The Metro is right around the corner and, much to my surprise, the people on the Metro were so nice and helpful! I get all freaky…not in a sexy way… when I get in crowds, but I felt like the people we met in DC were fantastic!!!
The MUST see's: In our order of favorites
The Mall Hirshhorn Museum & Sculpture Garden
PADDLE BOATS by the FDR Memorial
Air & Space Museum
Museum of Natural History
National Museum of American History
National Gallery of Art Sculpture Garden
National Museum of the American Indian
Lincoln Memorial
WW II Memorial
FDR Memorial
MLK Memorial
National Cathederal OPEN 10-5
We got there at 5:15, but still loved it.
The Zoo
AND we spent a day at Hershey Park on the way home.
That was 3 days and we could have easily spent more.
Have fun!!!!
Beth T. On Tuesday, June 11 at 1:15 am
I'd vote for the Newseum and the Smithsonian Museum of American History (or whatever the official name is–too lazy tonight to check, but it has all the cultural artifacts and is interesting, educational, historical, and so much fun.)
Beth T. On Tuesday, June 11 at 1:18 am
Oh, and for a great meal and excellent atmosphere, check out Fado Irish Pub, near the Verizon Center and the Convention Center, very close to Chinatown.
Pegi On Tuesday, June 11 at 2:07 am
I grew up right outside DC, although I haven't been back in several years. Tours bore me, so I say do it on your own. If you can go for the 4th of July, do. It's a full day of concerts and events that are just amazing.
The #1 most important thing to do there is to go to the Museum of Natural History. No matter how many times I have been there, I always love to go back. #2 is the History & Technology Museum, which is almost as good. From there, branch out to all the other museums along the Mall. You could easily spend two weeks exploring just the Mall area, but you can get a lot of in in two days. The original Air & Space Museum is also at the Mall, and most kids love it. To decide which museums you really have to see, look at the Smithsonian website.
There's another Air & Space Museum, the annex, about 45 minutes away in Herndon, which is bigger, and really cool. While you're out there, check out the beautiful Dulles Airport, designed by Eero Saarinen. It's been ruined a bit by the modern security measures, but still well worth seeing.
Still at the Mall, there are several art museums. The Hirshorn is probably the best for kids, but the National Gallery is worth seeing for IM Pei's pyramid design.
From the Mall, work your way out. The Kennedy Center is worth going to whether you see a show there or not. Georgetown is fantastic for window shopping and people watching, and eating. From there you can walk across the bridge into Arlington just because everyone should walk across the bridge. The area around the bridge on the Arlington side used to be full of pawn stores, and legend has it that more than one gambler was disposed of in those woods.
Take the subway to Arlington National Cemetery to see the Eternal Flame and wander the grounds. Then go out to Alexandria and wander around Old Town. You can follow the self-guided walking tour for the history, but there is also a lot of shopping to do.
For a more active time, go to Great Falls and climb around on the rocks. It's not rock climbing like sheer cliff rock climbing, but it is a lot of fun. There used to be a carousel there, but I'm not sure if it still is.
Down in Bealeton, there is a Flying Circus on Sundays that is a lot of fun. There are wing walkers and bi-plane rides, and acrobatics.
On the other side of DC, go out to Glen Echo and see Clara Barton's house and the amusement park that closed rather than admit blacks. Over the years, there have been various states of repair. It is mostly a cultural, artsy place now, but there is a beautiful carousel there that's worth taking a ride on.
Take a trip to Baltimore and go to the aquarium. It is huge and wonderful and beautiful. Babe Ruth's birthplace and museum, as well as Edgar Allen Poe's home.
If you have time, Harper's Ferry is just over an hour away and well worth the trip. It's a the site of John Brown's Raid, and ha houses, shops, etc., preserved to wander around in. At the top of the hill is a graveyard with the ruins of a church. If you go in the fall, be sure to buy apples from one of the orchards in Charles Town. You can also do whitewater rafting, hiking, and bungee jumping in Harper's Ferry.
There are lots of educational things that most kids will find boring. I hated the White House, which you have to arrange in advance now, with tickets obtained through your Congressman. National Archives is important, but really only about 10 minutes worth of interesting. Stop in to look at the Declaration, but don't expect to stay long. The Washington Monument was mostly boring, with lots of waiting in line, but very little doing.
As for how long to stay, it's impossible to do it all. Take as much time as you can; you aren't going to get bored.
Although a lot of what you'll want to do is right at the Mall, I would stay near the subway in either Virginia or Maryland. You can easily take the subway into the city, but there are places you will need to drive, and it's easier to drive anywhere but the city.
Have a great time with it! I wouldn't plan too much; there will be history lessons everywhere. And shopping. And eating. And Starbucks.
Ann On Tuesday, June 11 at 3:07 am
Took 8th graders to DC for 15 years…do not go in the summer! October, March, or early April is best weather wise, plus you may luck out and get to see the cherry blossoms in bloom. They really add to the total experience.
I haven't seen anyone mention Gettysburg, but it is definitely worth the trip. Every group of students loved it. Once we had a wonderful docent named Joy, who lived in Gettysburg, and she had an entire bus of eighth graders in the palm of her hand for two hours. She was absolutely amazing. You can hire a docent to drive with you in the car, or maybe now that have things downloaded. Plus, it's only about an hour away, through rolling hills, close by the Hershey chocolate plant and Amish country. Lots to do in that direction.
You can also tour, for free the Kennedy center, and go to the roof. There is a bust of Kennedy, made by the same man who made the Einstein statue. This is especially wonderful at night, and after you get your bearings you can usually see JFK's memorial lamp in Arlington Cemetery, which is a definite must do.
I also suggest a visit to all the memorials during the day and again at night. The lighting is very moving and each child will have a favorite. Another little tip…if you visit the Iwo Jima memorial, if you can, drive around it slowly, having the children watch the flag. As you travel around the memorial, the flag appears to raise….totally a cool insight from one of my many tour bus drivers.
Tammy On Tuesday, June 11 at 3:37 am
I won't comment on places… Most people mentioned the good ones… But please go eat a cupcake at Baked and Wired!
Lee w On Tuesday, June 11 at 5:27 am
Newseum is def #1 museum and I think all of your kids will enjoy it. I'd recommend a good 3 to 4 days for the trip & would plan it yourself. Metro center area is downtown and in the middle of it all. You can also walk to the Mall from here. Can't wait to see what you pick for your trip!
Cheri On Tuesday, June 11 at 6:24 am
I grew up in Richmond VA, which is about 2 hours from D.C. So I went on many trips to D.C. throughout the years….So many posters wrote some spot on advice, and it's true… The D.C. and the area can be a vortex of so many wonderful places to see – it can be overwhelming. The D.C. area is within 2/3 hours of so many additional must see places, but that will depend on what you're interested in.
It is very true many of the sites in D.C. are shut down occasionally for maintenance, but we were often caught off guard by last minute closings due to whatever reasons – so a word to the wise, keep back up plans. Wear good walking shoes and be aware it's very very hot in D.C. in the Summer and early Fall.
If you have never been to D.C.,visits to the Vietnam and Korean War memorial walls are something you will never forget. Another unexpected thing that will happen as you visit D.C. no matter where you go or what you do, will be the cosmopolitan atmosphere. People all over the world and the U.S. visit D.C. and you may find 2 war veterans from opposite sides of the conflict (such as Vietnam or Korea) at the wall talking, shaking hands or hugging with tears running down their faces and yours. Be prepared to be surprised by D.C. it holds many secrets if you are open to looking. We have been in the Smithsonian only to turn around and a Hollywood star was there with his family doing what we were doing.
There is not enough time to really take in all the wonderful museums, memorials and sites, but visits to places like this may spark a flame of the love of History in one of your children, patriotism or appreciation for freedom.
A great choice of a vacation place Ree…………. D.C. never disappoints.
Janet On Tuesday, June 11 at 6:31 am
1. Come in September/October – all public schools are back in session – less crowds and weather will hopefully be nice, but maybe hot.
2. See the Washington Monument. Wish you go to the top and see all of DC, but due to an earthquake you can't. This is the most recognized Monument after the White House.
3. Take a Duck Boat Tour – pick up from Union Station. This tour gives you a great overview of Washington, DC (WDC) and you takes in the Potomac River. Everyone gets a duck whistle!
4. Visit the Capitol Building – great new visitor's center and tour inside. (No liquids or food allowed here).
5. Botanical Gardens (near the Capitol) – sign up for tour – it is amazing! The tour I was on was about spices and how and where they are grown.
6. Natural History Smithsonian – Wonderful – Something for very age from the dinosaurs to the Hope Diamond.
7. If you come during the summer months – See the Marine Corps Band at Marine Corps Memorial at Arlington Cemetery or at The Commandant of the Marine Corps Home for the Evening Parade.
8. Arlington National Cemetery – see the changing of the guards at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and visit the Arlington House and JFK Gravesite– great history! From the JFK Gravesite you can see the Washington Monument and Capitol – great view.
9. For an easy day – visit the reflection pool and all the memorials around it and at least see the White House (try to get a tour – but you have to plan ahead, maybe you could ask to tour the White House Kitchen garden and see their bees.)
I would allow at least week to enjoy many of the sites, you will not be able to see everything – there is just too much.
As for hotels, we live south of WDC by about 40 miles near the Quantico Marine Corps Base. Maybe try places in Arlington or Roselyn to be close but not in WDC.
Lauren On Tuesday, June 11 at 6:58 am
The Newseum is truly amazing, so make time to go there! Also the national galleries are gorgeous (and their cafeteria has surprisingly great gelato). You can arrange for a tour of the Capitol and the House gallery (where you can watch lawmakers debate on the House floor) through your Representative or Senator for free. Give the local office a call and they can help direct you.
As a DC resident for 7 years, the key thing to know about DC is that there are two sides of the city. There are politicians who come to DC for few years and then move on, and then there is the group of people who lovingly call DC home. There's quite a difference between the well-groomed Mall and the spots DC locals frequent. The city has undergone tremendous change in the past 20 years, and I think celebrating DC as an important cultural city in its own right, not just the home of America's artifacts and monuments, is equally important. For example, check out places like Ben's Chili Bowl, a DC institution that President Obama has visited, on the U St corridor (where you must eat a half smoke), and enjoy the amazing culinary scene that's popped up in that city! 14th St has some amazing restaurants that might interest/inspire you as well. If you're willing to drive for a meal, head to Volt (top chef bryan voltaggio's) restaurant in Maryland. It'll be a trek, but well worth it.
Stay at the Willard if you can. It's centrally located, gorgeous, and it's where MLK wrote his "I have a dream" speech – talk about reliving history!
Also, avoid the city in August if you can. It will be blazing hot, most DC locals are on vacation themselves, and it is absolutely choked with tourists. The weeks immediately following the 4th and immediately following Labor Day seem to be the best for touring around.
Have a blast!
mom of girls On Tuesday, June 11 at 7:01 am
Wear comfortable shoes. You will be doing A LOT of walking.
Trasherati On Tuesday, June 11 at 7:48 am
Try vrbo.com to see about staying at a home/condo in the area. Cheaper than a hotel, more room to spread kids out, plus a kitchen for making your own coffee/breakfast in the mornings.
I lived in the D.C. area for years and still have my work home office there, so we still visit a few times a year.
I'll add that the Phillips Collection is a lovely, smaller art museum with a lot of variety. You can also walk around the "Embassy area" of the city and see some gorgeous buildings…my boys were always tickled to walk past an "exotic" embassy building.
Deborah E On Tuesday, June 11 at 7:59 am
we were in DC for the cherry blossom season. We stayed at the CRYSTAL CITY Marriott. The metro is accessed via a small underground shopping/food area. It was PERFECT. The concierge at Crystal City Marriott will supply you with metro guide and tourist maps and info. Do not try to drive anywhere you will regret it. Parking is limited and not easily accessible. The CS Marriott is located in the heart of a nice area for restaurants.
When you go to the monuments are I strongly advise using the red bike rentals located throughout the area. Use your credit card and get bikes for all. Otherwise it is A WHOLE LOT of walking…which is exhausting. Don't try to look shiek just be comfortable.
We were there 5 days and went to the monuments with camera and then again with out (my BIG NIKON was a burden). We went to the National Archives (constitution + bill of rights). We went to the History museum. We were in there 7 hours and only went to the early history gallerys. We went to the Capital bldg (must be prearranged to get in)and the Supreme court (while in session). First come first serve to go in. We also spent some time in the DC downtown. Many, many fabulous restaurants. Tourist clothes are normal attire. Go to Arlington Cemetary early before it is too hot. Spring for the tour bus up to President Kennedy's grave. Also, wait to watch the solemn ceremony of the changing of the guards. We have not yet been to the national zoo or the air and space museums. Did go to the holocaust museum. Any of the places are well worth while. I always buy lots of postcards as souveneirs. have fun.
Sharon On Tuesday, June 11 at 8:02 am
My hubby and I just got home from DC last week after taking our thre middle school age granddkids on a grandkids trip. Had a great time, but now hte grandparents are ready for a vacation! Came home tired. We did go through our congressman to get the special tickets needed for Congress, etc. Be sure and take them to National Cathedral, and if you can, get a tower tour. They will love that!!! We even did an impromptu stop in Madam Trausau (Sp??) wax museum by the Ford Theater, They loved it, Sort of corny, but loved taking pictures by celebrities! We also noticed that they started to "wander" when we put too many museums into one day. The first museum, Great, the second, they were not that into it! They need a diverse daily schedule, for sure! The night tour of the monuments is great, but defintiely do the monuments as well. Give them a name to look up on the Vietnam Memorial, They will love the Search for their particular War victim. Dont forget Arlington Cemetary. You might see what it requires to have your kids place a wreath at the base of the Unknown Soldier. That would be a life remebrance for the kids!! Another fun different event—we stayed in Old Town Alexandria because it got them away from DC at night, so we took them on a ghosts and graveyards tour. They LOVED it. YOu can take a boat from Old Town Alexandra and spend the day at Mount Vernon. That is a fun educatoinal day. Anyway, we were there one week, saw lots of stuff, needed more time, but they were ready for a non education time at that point, so time to go home! Would do it all over in a heartbeat! Enjoy!!
Claire On Tuesday, June 11 at 8:06 am
Eveyone seems to have provided great ideas on places to visit – so I will focus on some tips:
* Each person needs to bring 2 pairs of comfortable walking shoes and swap them each day (be kind to your feet).
* Familiarize yourself with the Metro before you go. You can go to their website and check the routes and have a great understanding of the sytem before you get there. We even printed a map prior to going and marked our visits, so it was easy to figure out.
* Each person needs to carry a water bottle (some places don't allow you to bring liquid in, but you can carry an empty one and fill it up when you get in). Street vendors sell it, but it is pricey & a few are questionable.
* We rented a car one day, drove to Gettysburg and spent the day there, including 3 hours with (previously booked) guide – best decision we ever made.
* Bring blister band-aides, sunscreen, visors, sunglasses, snacks, etc. Carry small backpack with items.
* We booked some visits online prior to trip to make sure we got to visit (Holocaust Museum, etc.), we also made a schedule ourselves before going by grouping visits together, always allow more time than you think you need
* Once you think you have the trip planned well and days allotted, see if you can add one or two days, you will need it – that way you can take more time and enjoy the visit instead of running around with only a minute to spare
* Make sure you have plenty camera cards, back-up battery for cameras, etc. Fantastic photo opportunities are everywhere!!
Have fun!
Jodi D On Tuesday, June 11 at 8:14 am
We are going to DC in a couple of weeks. So glad you asked this question, so I could also gain some insight on what to do! Thanks!!