[usconservative]

Of course we're going to see the Fireworks on the Mall on the 4th of July, see the Washington Memorial (not open), Library of Congress.

What else should we take our two teenage sons to see?

Staying at the AKA Watergate, two blocks from the White House. Hopefully, Barry isn't in town. He's the last person/thing I'd want to see.

Hey, any Freepers on DC over the Fourth?

[Crazy Jim]

Ditto on the Air and Space.

I really like the Jefferson Memorial.

Also, I love the Smithsonian. The Star Spangled Banner is a must IMHO.

[ottbmare]

The fireworks on the Mall can be a little scary—half a million people or so in a relatively small area. It’s very easy to lose each other in the darkness and noise. Make plans to connect with each other if that happens.

There’s usually a patriotic concert on the east lawn of the Capitol before the fireworks. No seating; you’ll want to get there early and stake out a place.

You should see the Capitol and the rest of the museums on the Mall, not just the Archives. Go to the Air and Space Museum, the National Gallery of Art (West Building only), the American History Museum. I’m sorry, you’ve chosen one of the most crowded weekends of the year to visit.

If you can get out of town, Old Town Alexandria, Virginia is just a few minutes south of DC and it’s enchanting. You can dine by candlelight at an historic tavern where George Washington ate, visit Christ Church where he had a pew (and worship there if you are Protestant), see the beautiful eighteenth-century houses and gardens a few blocks from the water. There are many charming shops, restaurants, and galleries. It’s like Charleston SC moved 500 miles north but without the palmettos. Lots of men wearing seersucker and bow ties on Sunday mornings there.

From there you are a delightful 15-minute drive down the George Washington Memorial Parkway to Mount Vernon. You can also take a boat tour that starts in Alexandria and goes down to Mt Vernon. If Mount Vernon is too crowded for you, and it might well be, then a few miles further on is Woodlawn Plantation, which also has Washington family connections. Take a tour of this beautiful National Trust property to see what 18th-century life was like.

IF you were going to be staying longer I’d have other suggestions.

I’d say don’t bother with Georgetown. Don’t bother with Maryland.

Be careful after dark; don’t stray too far to the east or north of the Mall area. There be dragons.

[foxpro2]

1) National Cathedral
2) Changing of the guard at Arlington Cemetery
3) The Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum
4) National Gallery of Art

Have lunch at:

Great American Restaurants
Artie’s
3260 Old Lee Hwy, Fairfax, VA 22030

Get the Chicken Piccata, OMG!

[Severa]

Looks like you've got a good list already. We (myself, my husband, our 13 and 16 yr old sons) went to DC a few weekends ago. A lot of walking, but a good time overall. Kids didn't fuss much at all (minor miracle, considering our oldest is high functioning autistic)

One thing I did want to add was when you go to the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, the Changing of the Guard is at the top of every hour. A true must-see, IMHO. Here's hoping you have a great time with your family!

[djf]

Why pay homage to a dream that no longer exists?

By going there and ogling the landmarks, you are just enabling and enriching those who ignore and abuse the Constitution every single day.

[Albion Wilde]

The National Portrait Gallery, a part of the Smithsonian group of museums, has a complete showing of major figures in the history of the U.S., with interesting placards telling what part each had to play in the Colonies, the Revolution, the Constitution, or building what we used to know as the USA. There is also a hall of president's portraits from George Washington onward.

Admission is free. It's at 8th and F Streets NW, Washington, D.C. 20001, open 11:30 a.m.-7:00 p.m. daily. From three you can stroll to the nearby Restaurant District around 7th to 8th Sts or Washington's Chinatown restaurants, or you could also tour the International Spy Museum, which is fascinating and fun (especially for kids), also at 8th and F Sts. It usually opens earlier, from 9 AM.

[tfecw]

DC 4th is always an experience. I’ve done it a few times. The metro is going to be a zoo after the show. Make plans to do something afterwards.

I typically hit up a bar, but that’s not the most family friendly thing to do ;) Monuments you saw in the day look a whole lot different at night so that’s always a winner.

Up at the Senate building, there will be a concert type of thing that ends with the fireworks. That can be interesting, but just sitting on the lawn and relaxing is the big draw for me.

I saw someone suggested the national aquarium. Skip it. Time is your enemy when faced with all the free stuff that there is to do in DC and from what I’ve heard, it’s not worth the time. If you’re driving from the north, the one in Baltimore is worth every penny.

Regardless of which museums you settle on, time box your self. You can easily drop hours into any one of them which can be okay! It’s just something to be mindful if your going into them with a checklist.

[PUGACHEV]

Here are some suggestions: (1) Take a tour of the Capitol, (2) Visit the Library of Congress. The interior, and especially the upper vaults are breathtaking and seldom visited, (3) Take the subway to King St. in Alexandria, and take the trolley to the waterfront. Then take a boat ride down the Potomac to Mt. Vernon. That’s the best way to see it. (3) Visit the National Portrait Gallery. Not only are its portraits interesting, the upper floor used to be the old patent office model room, and, once more, the architecture is spectacular. (4) Visit the Lincoln Memorial and the Jefferson Memorial at night. That’s when they are at their best. (5) Spend an evening at the restaurant in the Hay Adams Hotel, which is not far from where you are staying. It has a spectacular view over Lafayette Park and the White House. If nothing else, at least have a drink at the bar, just to enjoy the sight. (6) Visit the Smithsonian Museum of American History. It’s the one with the green fish-scale dome. While there, check out the gem collection, including the Hope Diamond. (7) Lastly, and please, do not leave the city without a visit to the National Gallery of Art. There are lots of galleries in D.C., the Sackler being one of my favorites, but at least visit the National Gallery.

[Roccus]

Last time I was there was 55 years ago but the one scene that has ALWAYS stuck in my mind’s eye is the Jefferson Memorial at sunset.

[newheart]

Two teenage sons? By all means go see The International Spy Museum.

I’d tell you where it is, but I’d I’d have to kill you. Of course, Google and Bing have not been sworn to secrecy.

(Psst...Just between you and me and the NSA, it’s a blast.)

[maine yankee]

Old towne trolley’s map can be helpfull before you go;

http://www.trolleytours.com/washington-dc/washington-dc-map.html

[ronniesgal]

try to have a lunch or snack at Nick’s Riverside Grille in Georgetown, and maybe take a ride on the touristy boats!
Have fun.

[the OlLine Rebel]

Also, if you’ve not been to one before, maybe down toward Georgetown and visit the C&O canal sites.

[MadelineZapeezda]

Eat at the Old Ebbitts Grill. How about the Newseum?

[DainBramage]

Hola cause museum for sure!”

[Fiji Hill]

If you find yourself near 14th and U St., NW, you can eat here:

[Fiji Hill]

If you're absolutely starving for Mexican food on your DC sojourn, take the Metro out to Vienna, Va. and eat at Anita's.

[Texan]

The Newseum on the mall was one of the best museums we visited. Kinda pricey to get in but worth every penny. The section of photographs was incredible. Check it out online.

A definite yes to the Korean War Memorial on the mall.

The other best memorial is the one for FDR (on the road to the Arlington cemetery). See it for the beautiful use of stone, waterfalls, and sculpture. Very different than any of the other memorials.

[Kickass Conservative]

Enjoy all the great Freeper suggestions, but don’t forget to follow Nancy Pelosi’s advice to celebrate the passage of Obamacare on the fourth of July!

Life, Liberty and Happiness! Nancy isn’t too worried about the Pursuit, that takes too much work when you’re an Artist or a Photographer.

[Betty Jane]

Don’t forget to wear comfortable shoes. You will be walking miles upon miles.