My family and I are going up to ashington DC for a short vacation, whaere should we go?

Question

We are not big on government stuff, already plan on visiting the zoo, and like culture and stuff like that.

Answer 1

Where to go:
If you want the culture, go to the West Wing of the National Gallery to check out Picasso, Monet, Van Gogh and more then to the East Wing to see Andy Whorhal and more. There are two large sculpture gardens on the mall, one in front of the Hirshorn (big round building) and the other by the outdoor ice skating pavillion.

From there, check out the Washington Monument, Lincoln, Jefferson, Vietnam, Korean, WWII Memorials and several of the Smithsonian Museum buildings are all right there.

Many of these don't have a lot of parking or are not all easily accessible from a car so plan on utilizing the Tourmobile, a rented bike or rented segway. Otherwise, plan on doing a whole lot of walking.

Arguably the most beautiful building in town is The National Cathedral. It is awesome inside and out. The Bishop's garden adjacent is pretty cool too and if the weather is good, there is not a better spot on the east coast.

The National Arboretum is unknown to many locals. It has a great bonsai garden, large Koi ponds, and acres of others gardens and forested areas. It is up NY Ave across from the Washington Times Building.

How to save: Everything mentioned above is free except for the tourmobile (which is cheap) or renting a bike or segway. You also can pay for IMAX movies inside the air and space museum or natural history museum but you don't have too. The IMAX movies are a fantastic place to stop, rest, and be well entertained to break up a whole lot of walking.

You can look into a metro pass for unlimited use for a three day period which can be an excellent way to get most places.

Answer 2

I would say definitely check out the National Cathedral, since it is not too far from the zoo.

Another place that is great is Mount Vernon. It's mostly walking the grounds, so make sure it's not too cold. If it's in the 50's and sunny, it's a real nice spot. There's also an Inn there for dinner which is nice.

I just found something that I wanted to go to last time I was in Virginia, but did not have the time. It is an auxiliary site to the Air and Space Museum next to Dulles Airport. The have the Space Shuttle Enterprise there!

If you do get out to Dulles, we just ate at a great restaurant in Herndon, 10 min from Dulles, called Russia House.

Answer 3

My favourite places in D.C (I've been three times) are the Arboretum...I went in the fall and it was gorgeous..and huge...lol make sure you have a car.

I loved learning about the Decateur House, just a block up from the White House, it's very interesting. Like you, i'm not big into Governmental stuff, but you honestly won't be board. I loved walking through Georgetown and DuPont Circle, and Embassey Row.

Hmm...i ordered my Washington Monument tickets online, there, you can chose your own appointment time, so there's no getting up early to get to the kiosk to get your tickets..It has a spectacular view, and I strongly recommend going.

If you're staying at a hotel, check out to see if they offer any sightseeing tours that leave from the hotel. I stayed at the Cheverly Howard Johnson, and for 25 bucks, I did a really neat 2.5 hour night time tour of D.C...i loved it....

Answer 4

World War II Memorial (relatively new)
Vietnam War Wall
Korean War Memorial

Lincoln Memorial--I will never forget looking up at that statue. It takes your breath away.

Holocaust Museum--I wouldn't say it is "fun", more of an eye opening experience. The mood is very somber, but worth seeing the museum.

Smithsonian Museums (there are so many)--The two I recommend to go in are Natural History Museum and the Air and Space Museum.

White House--If you have never been, see it.

Another idea on things to do--try Alexandria, VA. It's so close, and you can ride the metro to it (only a couple of stops away). They have some neat shops and places to eat.

I HIGHLY RECOMMEND YOU INVEST IN GETTING A METRO PASS!!!

That way you don't have to drive around in d.c. and the sites are not far from metro stops--my fiance and I rode the metro all the time to get from place to place.

Also, eat at China Town. Several good and CHEAP restaurants to eat in.

Answer 5

Make sure you get advance tickets to the Washington Monument. They distribute half of the tickets ahead of time and the other half the give out on the day of the tour. The only problem is to get them on the day of the tour you need to be in line at 6am!!! Not exactly what you want to be doing on vacation.

Going up in the monument gives a great view of the city--it's in the middle of the White House, Capitol, Lincoln Memorial and Jefferson Memorial and is the one must do thing while in DC.

This is the link to get advance tickets through the National Park Service. I think they're $1.50 each for processing and they'll email you a confirmation that you take and those are your tickets.
http://reservations.nps.gov

Answer 6

If you are planning to visit for just a short time: National Zoo, Bureau of Engraving & Printing, Air & Space Museum, Natural History Museum, Capitol Building, Arlington Cemetery.

I suggest using the sightseeing trolley since you can get on and off at as many stops as you want during the day - and it goes to all the major sights.

Answer 7

The Smithsonian Institute is great. Wax museum of Presidents and First Ladies. The Halocaust Museum is fascinating. If you go in the spring, check out the cherry blossoms. There is a neat spy museum. The Crystal Mall is cool - underground.

Answer 8

Actually, every tourist attraction in DC such as the Smithsonian is free since the government runs it and in effect you are paying..in taxes :)

But if you want to be touched, definitely visit the Vietnam Memorial. The feeling there may be somber but at the same time, you see all of the names of those that have given up their lives.

Answer 9

Check out the mint on 14th st, next to the Holocaust museum and follow up with a tour of the Washington Monument on the mall.

Answer 10

Even if you are not big on "government stuff" I would still definately check out the Smithsonian. It is actually comprised of smaller museums, and you don't have to visit them all. And the Smithsonian is free. And if you do happen to get bored, you can wisk your way through there to the good stuff (so you don't have to feel like you have gotten your "money's worth").