What to do in DC?

Question

I might be going to DC in December and I was wondering what some fun things to do are. Preferably something cheap or free. (I’d like not to go broke) Also links to these places would help. Oh and things that can be walked to or take the metro to. Thank you so much for any help anyone can give me.

Answer 1

I used to live near DC. The museums are great. I love the Air and Space Museum. All the museums are free. On the days you visit the museums don't take a big bag. All bags are checked. The websitie is www.si.edu. Also try www.culturaltourismdc.org. They can probably send you stuff. I suggest you dress warm. When your in the museuems you will be really warm, but DC in winter is really cold. I lived in Maryland all my life. Some days are warm, so days are freezing. Hope you have a good time. Right to me at [e-mail] if you want more info. Don't forget to try some Maryland Crab Cakes.

Answer 2

The good news is that most of the museums and monuments are free and within walking distance of the metro. The National Mall runs from the Lincoln Memorial to the U.S. Capitol, and in between you'll find the Viet Nam memorial, the Korean War Memorial, the Washington Monument, most of the Smithsonian museums, and the Botanical Gardens. The White House, Jefferson Memorial, FDR Memorial, National Archives, and other memorials and museums (Holocaust Museum, Bureau of Printing and Engraving -- money is printed here) are just a couple of blocks north or south of the mall. Just east of the Capitol are the Library of Congress and the Supreme Court.
Nearby metro stops include the Smithsonian, L'Enfant Plaza, Navy Memorial, and Capitol South. (http://www.wmata.com/metrorail/systemmap.cfm)

For information on the Smithsonian, go to www.si.edu. Note that the Museum of American History is closed for renovation.

Tip: Most of the museums open at 10 am. However, the grounds of the National Zoo (part of Smithsonian and free) is open at 7 am, and many animals are outside by 8 and this is when they are most active (and fewest crowds -- great time to see the Giant Pandas at their best). Nearest Metro: Woodley Park/Zoo or Cleveland Park on the Red line.

For information on what do see and do, where to eat, nightlife, etc. I recommend you look at the Washingtonian Magazine (http://www.washingtonian.com/).

If you are flying into Dulles or Regan National Airport, I highly recommend that you pick up a copy of The Washington Flyer magazine. It's free, and it has some great maps of the area.

There's a lot to see and do and a visit can be very economical, but very exhausting. Lot's of walking. I recommend that you look into taking the Tourmobile. (http://www.tourmobile.com/) These buses provide guided tours along the mall, stopping at most of the sites along the mall, plus the Capitol, White House, Jefferson Memorial, etc. You can ride it all day, getting on and off as much as you want. It also goes to Arlington National Cemetery. A single day pass is $20, or $30 for a 2-day pass.

Another Tip: Go to the museums, Capitol, Library of Congress, etc., during the day, and many close at 5 or 5:30 during the winter months. The Lincoln, Jefferson, FDR, and other memorials are open until midnight, and some, such as the Viet Nam Memorial and Iwo Jima Memorial, are open 24 hours.

Also, the Kennedy Center, which is open at night, has the Millennium Stage -- free shows in the main lobby area at 6 pm each evening. No tickets or reservations required. http://www.kennedy-center.org/programs/millennium/schedule.html Nearest metro is Foggy Bottom, with free shuttles to the Kennedy Center.

Do a little research and plan your attack. Good luck, and have fun!

Answer 3

The Smithsonian museums are free and on the metro line.
Georgetown is a nice hangout and shopping area but a shot cab or bus ride from the nearest metro. Chinatown is tiny but good food on the cheap. For burgers try Five Guys. Also on the metro is the National Zoo. Its not as good as the Sandiego zoo but its FREE. A mile North of the zoo is Uptown theatre where the wide screen is curved.

Answer 4

I didn't notice anyone else mentioning this museum, if you are up for it... the National Holocaust Museum. It is an amazing, sad, four story museum that depicts a lot of the events and conditions during the Holocaust. It is very well done and informative, but obviously very heavy. It is free and in downtown D.C. but I'm not sure where exactly (I was there with a school group). It was good and sobering to see!

Answer 5

There is so much to see in the DC area that it is hard to recommend just a couple of things. The whole area is impressive and will impart a sense of pride and power when you see it for the first time. The White House, Capitol building, and the Washington Monument are must sees. Enter any of them into A Yahoo search for lots of information.

Answer 6

The government museums are almost all free except for a few. You should defiantly got to the Holocaust museum but this is not recommended for young children. You should defiantly go to the Spy Museum but this might cost a little bit of money.


Buy tickets for things before hand online before you go. THEY SELL OUT

If you are traveling with kids you can take them to the special exhibit Daniel's Story which is explains the holocaust from a kid's point of view.

Answer 7

HANG ON TO YOUR PURSE! I had mine stolen out of the vehicle, which was locked and I was only in the Jefferson Monument for 5 minutes. The window was smashed and everything inside of value was gone. Fortunately, the theif was a druggie and I had no cash so after about a month it was returned to me intact. My friends were not so lucky.
Fun things to do are the various Smithsonians. They're incredible. Be prepared for rain.

Answer 8

Check out the Smithsonian Museum. There are actually several buildings throughout the city on different subjects (i.e. Air and Space Museum). The best part is -- they are all free!!!!!!

Answer 9

first of all it could be very cold but it is a great city to walk round, try the museums, they are all free, go to Arlington Cemetery it will make you think and maybe shed a tear but it is a "must do"

good cheap food court at Pentagon City and lots of good shops

Answer 10

The Air and Space museum is awesome, as is the National Gallery.