[theDentist]

If you want to see the White House, you need to show up very early to get tickets for the tours. And I think you're limited to 4 tickets. Call ahead. Oh, and try to time it for the height of cherry blossom time.

[general_re]

If you want to see the White House, you need to show up very early to get tickets for the tours.

Last I knew, you can't get tickets at the door at all. If you want to tour the White House, you must get tickets by contacting your Congressman, and popular dates get snapped up very quickly. Ticket requests should be made as far in advance as possible, up to six months in advance - i.e., if you're planning on going in May or June, get tickets now...

[randita]

May is too late for cherry blossoms. They are in bloom around Easter usually.

Spend at least two days in the mall area seeing the White House, Capitol, various Memorials and the Smithsonian. The kids will especialy like the natural history one, I'll bet.

The Vietnam Memorial is not near the Mall, but is well worth seeing. Dittos for the U.S. Treasury where they print money. Fun for kids.

Check when the Commandant Drum and Bugle Corps/Silent Drill Team performs at the Iwo Jima Monument--I believe it's Tuesday evening in the summer. That is a must see - it's free.

Also plan an evening at Wolf Trap Farm. They have great shows there. Stop somewhere and get a picnic lunch (Greek chicken and the fixings is a great option) and picnic on the grounds before the show. You'll have a great time.

If you want something more formal, check out offerings at the Kennedy Center -- very elegant setting right on the Potomac.

The Baltimore Harbor and Aquarium is just up the road a bit. That's a good choice for kids.


More to do than you'll have time for, I'll bet.