Posted on 03/08/2006 7:57:28 AM PST by IamConservative
I am planning on taking the family to DC this year for Spring Break. As a bonus, we will be there during the Cherry Blossom Festival. Family consists of spouse and two teens, a 14 year old boy and a 17 year old girl.
Thanks in advance for your opinions on stops that made your DC trip memorable. My family will appreciate it and perhaps others going in the future can benefit from your experience as well.
My kids would certainly rather go to Florida, but I think the DC experience is an important part of being an American.
Mount Vernon and Ford's Theatre.
The sign that reads, "Now Leaving..."
Arlington Cemetery. Vietnam Veterans Memorial. Korean War Memorial. Lincoln Memorial...
Not so much Arlington, but war memorials, Washington Monument, et al are all within easy walking distance. Call your representatives and see whther they can arrange anything for you- special tours, tix, or whatever.
Btw I'm told that the most effective way to see many of these attractions is at night.
Air and Space, the Spy Museum and the Smithsonian in general. Avoid the WH as others have said, you don't see much of anything and the lines are horrendous. The Vietnam Memorial is a somber site but definitely worth visiting. I like the Jefferson and Lincoln memorials. Visit Tom Sarris' Orleans House at the Rosslyn Metro stop for some awesome prime rib.
In addition to the National Archives, Air and Space, and American History museums, may I recommend the NRA's National Firearms museum in Fairfax.
Arlington is a must, as is the Vietnam and Korean War Memorials. The Lincoln Memorial is kinda nice.
Call your Congress Critter's office, tell them you are making the trip and ask for not only suggestions where to visit, but also for passes to the Capitol tour. We did this and received a tour before the general public was let in. I do believe that made the tour tons better.
Go to Florida, there's nothing special in D.C. except a bunch of gov't workers and corrupt politicans
Aw man. I've seen that place while I was driving down Wilson on my way to Georgetown. Now I'll have to stop in.
They really liked the Pentagon tour, and the subway stops there, also they really liked going to the Georgetown Mall.
The Smithsonian, and best if you have a couple days...
Ditto on Arlington, especially the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.
I second Arlington, especially if your kids are old enough to comprehend what it represents. The changing of the guard at the Tomb of the Unknowns is worth seeing. I don't get to DC much, but I feel that a visit to Arlington, although memorable and also somewhat enjoyable in the spring, is somewhat of a duty - its the very least we can do as citizens, to recognize and humbly honor the sacrifice of those buried there by visiting their graves.
Just thinking about Arlington is one of the few things that cause me to hold back tears.
Also, I seem to remember some news report about the cherry trees blossoming prematurely this year because of a warm spell. Don't know if that will adversely affect the usual show.
some of the lesser known memorials to include on sightseeing include the George Mason (near the Jefferson)
and Constitution Gardens (between WWII and Vietnam).
I second the recommendations for the Holocaust Museum and the Air and Space museums. And the White House is indeed a waste of time, as is the Capitol unless you can get a private tour.
In addition to the Spy Museum ... the FBI used to do tours. If they still do them, I'd recommend it.
Jefferson and Lincoln (at last check) are both currently under renovation/cleaning, but still accessible ... just not good for pictures.
The National Zoo!!!!!! The pandas were adorable.
Museum of Natural History. It had/has the Hope Diamond
The Air and Space Museum
We were there for the National Spelling Bee around Memorial Day weekend one year, and it was packed. Be advised that many of the most interesting things to see will be very difficult to get into and very crowded. Some things require tickets that can only be got by standing in line very early in the morning in the hopes of getting a ticket, (that may or may not be avaliable), or the tickets have to be ordered ahead of time.
The Library of Congress was not worth the time. They had tours available but were not that interesting because all the most interesting parts were off limits to the general public.
Be sure and take snacks and bottled water while walking around. There was a limited number of food stands although there was water available almost anywhere, but you can imagine the prices.
There is a great food court at Union Station in the Metro line, and China town is just down the street (a short walk) from the Grand Hyatt, which has a Metro stop coming up into it.
There is also a trolly that goes around DC and stops at different places like Arlingtion. It's pretty reasonable and you buy a ticket and get on and off at the different stops at the sights you want to see.
Well, I'll be honest, it's been 10 years since I've been there but I grew up near DC and it was my family's favorite restaurant. I hope it hasn't changed and made me look bad.
PING
If you get to the Vietnam Memorial, say hello to my Kitty Hawk roommate, Lt Carrol Crain. Panel 16F, line 39. He's a nice individual and a hell of a pilot.
Thanks
Al
Unlike most others who've responded to your question, I found the White House and the Capitol incredibly worthwhile and informative (and I have a short span of attention and get bored easily!). I think your kids would love seeing those two attractions. By taking tours of each, they'd also get good lessons in American History.
It's a reasonably-priced smaller older hotel with on-site parking. They have 2 room suites with a full separate kitchen, and offer a great complimentary breakfast.
Wherever you stay, you should be able to pick up a real nice tourist magazine with a good metro map at the counter of your hotel. They list all the sights and info on galleries, shops, restaurants, exhibits, etc.
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