What else is there to do in Washington, DC?

Question

I've been to Washington DC a couple of times and seen all the major monuments and museums. This week I am going there on a business trip and will have one free dayto look around. Can somebody recommend me some activities other than the above mentioned ones? It does not even have to be very educational or anything, just something interesting to see or do. Thanks!

PS - I will have a car to get around.

Answer 1

If you haven't been to the Spy Museum, you should go. First they teach you to spy, then you become a spy (yes, really), then they give you the history of spying. Very worth it. I'd also be surprised if you've been to the Korean War Memorial... that's behind the Vietnam Veterans Memorial. Hard to find, well worth it, especially after dark. I'd also go paddling in the Potomac near the Jefferson Memorial, which is fun for an hour, and I'd take in a play at the Shakespeare Theatre, which is considered one of the three best Shakespearan theatres in the world. If they're sold out (happens most performances), then try Arena Stage or Source Theatre, which are all excellent. During the day, you can walk around Adams Morgan, but it's more exciting at night. Oh, and check out Kramer Books and Afterwards in Dupont Circle, a truly excellent bookstore, and nice neighborhood to walk around. You might walk through Dupont Circle, which is beautiful. Play timed chess with the homeless men, who will beat you at it and trash talk you, too.

Answer 2

Since you have a car, and an entire day, why not check out Baltimore, or Annapolis, or Old Town Alexandria? All are places with a lot of interesting history, and great streets to walk around (well in Baltimore, stay in the Inner Harbor/Fells Point). Alexandria is 20 min, and the other two are an hour away, depending on rush hour traffic.

If you don't want to venture too far, check out some of the other museums in town beyond the Smithsonian:
(1) National Building Museum
(2) International Spy Museum
(3) National Portrait Gallery
(4) National Cathedral (not so much a museum, but I think it's a must-see)

For checking out neighborhoods to walk around in & explore--- Adams Morgan, U Street, and Dupont Circle are interesting options and off the main tourist beat. Georgetown, although touristy & crowded, is still fun.

Last, check out the Washington City Paper, the Washington Post, and the DCist.com website for things to do!

Have fun!

Answer 3

One of the above posters mentioned Baltimore's inner harbor and Annapolis. I recommend those as well. The National Aquarium is located in the Inner Harbor. The National Zoo in DC is also fun, even if you're not a kid or traveling with one!

Out Virginia way, I like Luray caverns. There's not a lot of other stuff that I know of near them, but the drive is pretty nice.

If you haven't been to the Air and Space Museum out by Dulles Airport (an extension of the one on the mall), then that is worth the visit. They have a Space Shuttle, the Concorde, and lots of other really intersting flying machines, and also, an IMAX.

Answer 4

Try the city paper as the earlier poster stated. Try Chinatown. The National Portrait Gallery is a great place to spend the day and afterwards take in a restaurant in historic Chinatown. Rock Creek Park is nice place to walk, jog with the National Zoo at the bottom of the park. There is so much to do in Washington. Recently I visited both Theodore and Franklin Roosevelt Memorials (seperate days), and I would suggest that you check out either one. Great thing about D.C. is that you could visit on a budget, or splurge, either way creativity is up to you.

Answer 5

Here's a few things I've enjoyed:

Drive out to Mount Vernon and see George and Martha's place.

Drive out to the Great Falls of the Potomac River, located 14 miles upstream from Washington, D.C.

Go to Old Town Alexandria, VA. Take a Ghosts and Graveyard tour with costumed guides as they lead you by lantern light telling you ghost stories, legends and folklore about colonial Alexandria. For dinner, stop in at Gadsby's Tavern (frequented by George Washington John Adams, Thomas Jefferson, James Madison, and the Marquis de Lafayette). If you are there on a Friday, take the lantern tour with costumed guides. Decent place to have dinner, too. Try the roast duck.

Answer 6

Have you been to the National Arboretum? I really love it there. Bonsais, azaleas, ponds, demonstration gardens, Koi, japanese gardens.

Mt. Vernon is really worth the visit - it just gets better and better.

How about Great Falls National Park? In Great Falls Va and Great Falls Md. (Potomac and its falls in between.) MD side has 'billy got trail.' Really fun to walk, gorgeous sights.

Riverbend Park in Great Falls Virginia is just above the rapids and spectacularly beautiful in a less challenging way.

If you like art you can buy, by real people, check out the Torpedo Factory in Old Towne Alexandria. Old Towne is very pleasurable to walk in = good shops, historical buildings, riverfront, a few good restaurants.

Answer 7

Check out Georgetown for some major shopping (or great window shopping). Visit Union Station for more shops and good food, plus the architecture is really neat there. Take a walk or jog along the Potomac and bring your camera. There is a lot of beautiful scenery!

Answer 8

How about the National Zoo
or
Go to Baltimore to the Inner Harbor

Answer 9

I would suggest you pick a musuem and take another look around. Since the musuems always change exhibits, you'll be able to see something that you never saw before (and spend the day in air conditioning!).

Happy travels!

Answer 10

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