moving to Washington DC area, what are the must see attractions?

Question

During a travel assignment, I am moving to the metro DC area for at least three months. I'm not really sure where I'll be living either in Arlington or Alexandria. I have at least three to explore the area and really want to take advantage of my time there. What are the must see destinations in all three areas and even beyond for weekend excursions. I'll be moving from this January till mid April. Thanks

Answer 1

A lot depends on your interests. I personally give five areas of interest - but I'll add a sixth and seventh particularly for you.

1. The Monuments and Memorials. This is what makes DC unique. The first ones to visit are the ones on the mall - Washington Monument, World War II memorial, Vietnam Veterans' memorial, Korean War Memorial and Lincoln memoial. But check out the ones near the Tidal Basin - Jefferson Memorial and FDR memorial (my favorite).

Since you will be here a long time, remember there are memorials out of this core, too. The Navy Memorial on Pennsylvania Avenue is worth visiting, and don't miss Iwo Jima and the new Air Force Memorial, both in Arlington. The African American Civil War Memorial on U Street. And of course the ultimate memorial is Arlington National Cemetery.

Since you will be here in March/April, be sure not to miss the Cherry Blossoms. But DON'T Drive in - take metro, walk, and be prepared for crowds. These are breathtaking, and since you live here, you can watch the blossom watch (on line and in the Washington Post) and hit when the blossoms peak. If you can, come on a weekday - if you are working in town at lunch, or in the evening if not.

2. Visit the Halls of government. This is the Capitol, the White House (contact a senator or congressperson NOW to get a tour there - it takes 3 to 6 months), Supreme Court (only open on weekdays), but also the LIbrary of Congress, the Archives, and the US Botanical Gardens. Reminder Security is tight in these places. Don't bring in knives, liquids, or large backpacks. (Hint - I often drop a backpack at the coat check at the National Gallery of Art, then spend some time visiting the fantastic art museum during my day)

3. The Museums. America's best museums are here. The smithsonian, which has 13 museums and the Zoo here in DC is only part of it. Pick the ones that resonate with you - whether it's American Indian culture, dinosaurs, Asian or African Art or the postal service (the postal museum is surprisingly interesting.) The small Anacostia museum is a great view of a neighborhood in DC that is worth visiting, if a little difficult to get to. There are also non-smithsonian museums: the Spy Museum, the National Aquarium, the Phillips Collection, the Corcoran (all these are not free), the Pan American ARt museum, the Holocaust Memorial Museum, the National Gallery of Art, the Building Museum (all free). There are actually over 80 museums here in DC! You won't have time to visit all of them!

4. Visit a neighborhood - Actually visit many - Foggy Bottom, Chinatown, Adams Morgan, U Street/Shaw Georgetown, the Southwest waterfront, the Penn quarter. Old Town Alexandria, Clarendon in Arlington. Fairfax, Vienna, Falls Church. This is not only your best choice for restaurants and nightlife, but it is a way to feel more like a Washingtoninan, and to understand this city as something other than the location of the federal government, but instead a vital city full of fascinating people. Plus much of the history here is in the neighborhoods.

5. Take in some shows. Washington may be #2 in the country, after New York for live theatre, with close to two dozen major professional theatre companies and venues. The Kennedy Center in DC and Wolf Trap out in Vienna provide an incredible lineup of culture - music, opera, theatre (note that the main stage at Wolf Trap is not open during your visit, but the Barns are). There is a daily free concert at 6 pM at the Kennedy Center, called the Millennium stage. Get there early to enjoy an hour long free concert. The Shakespeare Theatre, now with two venues, Wolly Mammoth, Arena STage, Ford's Theatre, National Theatre, Warner Theatre, Gala Hispanic, Synetic, Source, and many, many more enrich your visit.

OK, two more for someone here for an extended period of time.

6. Lots of non-central sites exist. Visit the National Cathedral, and incredible Gothic Church, or the Roman Catholic National Shirne, and incredible Byzantine one. Visit Marjorie Merriwhether-Post's wonderful Hillwood Garden and museum full of incredible french and russian art. Visit Mount Vernon, or Gunston Hall in Virginia, get to Annapolis in Maryland. Go to nearby Civil War sites - get out to the Shenandoah National Park, and go wining in the springtime in the beautiful rolling hills of Virginia hunt country. A weekend in Philadelphia, Richmond, or Williamsburg is very do-able, if you come from far away.

7. You'll be here in the spring, and there are a number of incredible gardens in DC that people usually miss. In addition to the cherry blossoms (most people don't miss those) there is the National Arboretum, the previously mentioned Hillwood Gardens, Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens, and many more.

Lastly, we do a (free) travel podcast, link below, with lots of ideas for things to do. Enjoy your time here!

Answer 2

Arlington Cemetery, Kennedy Gravesites, Tomb of the Unknowns, Arlington House, Kennedy Center, Lincoln, Vietnam & Korean War Memorials, White House, Washington Monument, Arts & Industries Bldg & Smithsonian Castle, Air & Space Museum, US Botanic Gardens, Union Station & National Postal Museum, U.S. Capitol, Library of Congress & Supreme Court, National Gallery of Art, Museum of Natural History, Museum of American History, Bureau of Engraving and Printing, U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum, Jefferson Memorial, Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial, Old Post Office Pavilion, Ford'sTheatre & FBI, National Archives & US Navy Memorial, National Law Enforcement Memorial,National Museum of American Art, National Portrait Gallery & MCI Center.

Answer 3

I mean this very seriously, go to a bookstore and buy a guidebook. Then flip through it and note the things of highest interest to you.
I was born in DC and have been going back to see family for over 30 years now and I've still not seen everything there is to see. I try to pick at least 1 new thing every trip (museums I've been to again & again change their displays and keep it interesting).

Answer 4

it is in all probability till now than you're looking forward to, yet one mind-blowing D.C. trip concept i'm seeing thrown around on the 2nd is a Presidential Inauguration pass to. The Inauguration is on January twentieth, and despite in case you won't be in a position to get tickets to the actually swearing-in ceremony (that would desire to trickle down for the duration of the status senators and representatives) there continues to be lots to do including looking on the morning procession to the capitol or the inauguration day parade. (examine the source(s) under for greater approximately Inauguration Day). it extremely is no longer for anybody (and don't anticipate it to be heat), despite the fact that it does fulfill that "as quickly as-in-a-lifetime" itch. If no longer something, you would be wanting a much better D.C. tale to tell than all of us you understand who's made the trek. i comprehend the Phoenix Park lodge is offering an Inauguration day kit. it extremely is located on Capitol Hill, so which you will walk to maximum museums and likewise the Inauguration day festivities. examine the source under for a link to the lodge. desire that facilitates.