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.
Union Station is an attraction in itself, IMHO. Beautiful old building, shops and so forth. Walking distance from the Capitol building.
Ft. Marcy Park
Weird coincidence- last time I went there, I had a heart attack that same night.
The Air and Space Museum, the Museum of Natural History and the Museum of American History are must sees. So is the National Archives (the Constitution). Plan on the better part of a day for each of the museums to really experience them. Also get out to see the Vietnam Memorial. I also like the Lincoln and Jefferson Memorials.
One thing to keep in mind - parking is very hard to come by downtown. If you don't mind doing some walking, consider using the Metro to get downtown and use the buses or taxis to get around.
George Washington Masonic Memorial
Do it early in the day and then follow up with a visit to Mount Vernon. It'll be a fantastic combination!
I will be in DC just for one day in a couple weeks (will be in Baltimore for a Habitat trip over spring break).
What would be some things I would have to see in DC when only having a day there?
Any ideas for Baltimore? Thanks. I am glad somebody else had a thread like this.
DC in the spring is great! I love it!
Everyone had great suggestions. Mine (and I'm repeating some):
Spy Museum. It's one of the few museums that charge $ for entry, but it's fun. You can pre-order tickets online. I'd recommend going during the week as the weekends even off peak are insane.
Smithsonian American History Musem: It's my favorite. Where else can you see Lincoln's Top Hat and Fonzie's jacket all in one place? The restoration of the Star Spangled Banner is very cool as well. Note the little exhibit case next to the Pentagon flag - they usually rotate 9-11 items through there.
Smithsonian Natural History Museum: Hope diamond. The rest your kids may be too old for, but it's interesting.
Smithsonian Air and Space (on the Mall and in Dulles):
All the monuments are wonderful and very pretty in the springtime.
The National Catherdral. Wonderful gardens. great tour. Go up into the tower for a nice view. I usually combine this with the National Zoo (get panda viewing tickets ahead of time through the website. Panda mania has gripped DC with the birth of Tai Shan). Other than the baby panda, the zoo is a zoo.
Arlington Cemetary. Fabulous place. Very moving.
Mount Vernon in Alexandria. Beautiful in the springtime.
Manassas if you need to get out of the city.
If you need suggestions for dinner or want other info, FReepmail me. Enjoy your visit!
Popular destinations, and for good reason: Washington Monument; the Mall and Reflecting Pool; Jefferson Memorial; Lincoln Memorial; The White House (a drive past is sufficient); The Capitol; The Smithsonian (all of it); National Art Gallery (technically part of the Smithsonian); Air and Space Museum (ditto); The Wall (Vietnam Memorial); Arlington National Cemetery (and the Tombs of the Unknowns); Ford's Theater; FBI Headquarters; National Archives (Constitution and Declaration of Independence); Library of Congress; Supreme Court... too many great destinations to see in a short trip - don't miss the minerals and gemstones collection in the Smithsonian Museum of Natural History, and The Museum of American History is a must-see, too!
A great many of the most interesting sights in DC (such as all branches of the Smithsonian) are located in a cluster around the circumference of the Reflecting Pool, with the Lincoln Memorial at one end and the Capitol at the other, the Washington Memorial in the middle. If you don't mind a walk, you can see many of the best things in a (very hurried) day - but start early.
It isn't the right time of year for it of course- but my favorite vantage point for the DC Fourth of July fireworks is on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial. It's a HUGE mob scene, but the view and the photographic opportunities are absolutely *stunning*.
The Reflecting Pool is in the foreground, and the lighted Washington Monument and Capitol Dome are in the background.
Mind-blowing, the first time I saw it.
DC- Pick whatever interests you the most on the mall (Air & Space, Smithsonian, National Gallery, American Indian, National Archives, etc.)
But take the time to enjoy the view from the base of the Washington Monument where you can see the mall, the Capitol, the White House, the reflecting pools, and the Lincoln Memorial.
The NRA museum is great, and it's free. Also I would recommend visiting the battlefield in Manassas.
All interesting ideas!
I'll have to keep these in mind when I visit DC here soon.
Remember: If you want to visit your Senator you have to make an appt. in advance. Also, see the Supreme Court. A beautiful majestic building.
Union Station is another neat spot.
I think you will notice how clean it is--I did. Have a good trip.
I always have to chuckle, looking at Stonewall Jackson's statue there. He looks like he had to drop out of 'Mr. Universe' competition to go fight the Civil War.
"The sign that reads, "Now Leaving..."
LOL. The best thing to ever come out of Washington D.C. is I-95 North.
Check closely the visiting requirements on the website. Because of heightened security you will need to schedule your visit. But it's worth the small extra trouble. And the kids should love it!
Forgot one thing. Check out Kennedy's grave in Arlington. Very pretty setting. Viet Naum Memorial is moving. Michelin's pocket directory about DC is excellent and it is easy to carry around.
Everyone is giving you great ideas for educational things to do. I agree, definitely walk the memorials. You can start at Lincoln and then do Vietnam and Korean right there. The WWII memorial is fantastic.
But on the uneducational side - There are some lovely restaurants along the water in Georgetown. If the weather is good, it is nice to sit out at them.
Oh, and the National Zoo. I hear the new panda is adorable!
If you have a car and can get out to Great Falls (either Maryland side or Virginia side), the Potomac River is beautiful there. On the MD side you can climb on the rocks and even down to the river at points. Or just walk along the canal. The VA side has a nice path to walk as well.
It is also fairly inexpensive to do a Capitol River Cruise along the Potomac. You get a great view of the city that way.
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