2006-07-09 14:11:01 · 10 answers · asked by muybonita28 1 in Travel ➔ United States ➔ Washington, D.C.
Yes - I spent 2 weeks there last summer. When you first arrive, take a tour. There are lots of them available, many of which leave out of Union Station, a grand old Beaux Arts building designed by famous Architect, Daniel Burnham, the same guy who oversaw the building of the 1893 Chicago World's Fair. The DC Ducks are an especailly cool way to see the city. They go around the Mall on land, then plunge amphibiously into the Potomac.
Also, try to see as many of the Smithsonians as you can, as well as the Capitol and monuments. For several of these, like the Capitol and Washington Monument, you need to get tickets in advance. Oh, and you MUST visit the Archives to see the founding documents. The International spy Museum is fun and different. Ford's Theater and the Holocaust Museum will make you cry.
Walk as much as you can and you'll see and experience more. When walking is too much, use the Metro. It's fast and clean.
See the city at night if you can - the lighting is awe-inspiring. And be sure to eat at the many fine restaurants. Georgetown is great for dining and nightlife.
2006-07-09 14:25:57 · answer #1 · answered by Snance 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Be warned that the Smithsonian, other meusems and sites you will want to see do NOT open until 10 a.m. We got up early and were downtown D.C. at 8 am (lol - we were very excited) then had to wait. Actually about 8:30 or 9 the line to get tickets to the white house started to form so we got in line. Right around the corner from here (can't remember building name) there is an aquarium in the basement of a builing that opens at 9 am, but this is the only place I was ever able to find that opened before 10 am. I haven't been on the FBI tour but heard from several ppl that it was suprisingly great. I don' t recommend the White House. We like Ford's theater and the house across the street where Lincoln died, the Wall, the Imax theater (in the Smithsonian) Arlington (we went on a riding tour). Have fun! You could spend weeks here and not see everything!
2006-07-09 22:08:09 · answer #2 · answered by beth l 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
On "the Mall" there are several Smithsonians. Aerospace and Natural History would probably be most interesting for your kids. You might enjoy the National Gallery more. Also fun: the FBI tour, the ford theater, the Mint, dropping in on your Congressman or woman (see reference below). The Lincoln Memorial is impressive, the Washington Monument might be under construction, the Jefferson Memorial and the Korean War Veteran's Memorial are especially nice at sunset. Don't forget the Vietnam Veteran's Memorial.
I would pick a hotel in the North West section (Embassy Suites near 22nd st is affordable and I think it has a small pool), so you are within walking distance of a variety of restaurants.
If you are not used to hot muggy weather this time of year, be prepared to sweat and take along lots of drinking water when you start out in the morning. The subway system is good, but some areas are not safe at night (Chinatown for one) for walking around. Cabs are reasonable.
Enjoy your trip.
2006-07-09 21:28:50 · answer #3 · answered by Zelda Hunter 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Do all the buildings of the Smithsonian. See the national cemetery. Go up the Washington monument & walk the steps to the Lincoln memorial. Spend time at the Wall, the Vietnam Memorial. Watch the changing of the guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. See the Whitehouse & Government buildings.
2006-07-09 21:17:23 · answer #4 · answered by Bluealt 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Have a plan and be prepared to deal with large crowds. Summer in the D.C. area can be crowded.
I suggest going to the Smithsonians. The National Portrait Gallery has just been refurbished, so it's a good thing to see. You can take Metro to Arlington National Cemetary, which is a very moving place. (Changing of the guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, as well as the Vietnam War memorial, and the everlasting flame at JFK's tomb.)
2006-07-09 21:16:43 · answer #5 · answered by Cols 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Wear comfortable shoes. It's incredibly hot in the summertime so wear light clothing, take bottled water, etc. It's always crowded. It's a great place to visit! A good way to see it is to take a tour. They have tourmobiles that take you everywhere and you can get on and off where ever and when ever. There are no times or anything so you just buy a ticket and do as you please.
2006-07-09 21:17:56 · answer #6 · answered by First Lady 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Don't miss the Library of Congress. It is behind the Capitol Building on capitol hill, next to the Supreme Court.
2006-07-09 21:16:42 · answer #7 · answered by Paul S 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The Smithsonian is awesome.
2006-07-09 21:13:29 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
do in the day time, I am not being funny, I was born and raised there
2006-07-13 14:05:34 · answer #9 · answered by Grady S 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you have kids , make sure you go to SPY MUSEUM it's great!
2006-07-09 22:18:15 · answer #10 · answered by ewa b 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋