We're planning a trip to Washington D.C....anyone got any cool ideas?

[NYdemocrat089]

My family and I are going to Washington D.C. in late August, but we're not sure what to do. We'll be there for three to four days. We've already seen all the major attractions in Washington (the monuments and memorials), and we've seen the Air and Space Museum too many times. So, what are some of the great attractions in D.C. that you would recommend we visit? The only limits are that it should be reasonably priced (under $20 a person). I'm curious what the DU recommends.

:hi:

[coffeenap]

1. Ok, this might sound weird, but my favorite thing was to walk through

the Senate office buildings. The office doors are always open. You and your family can walk in, talk to the staff, look at the decorations the Senator has chosen (be as judgmental as you want, of course, that is part of the fun.) My daughter and I were there three weeks ago and along with flying kites on the mall for National Kite Flying Day, holding our own private silent protest at the White House, finding a wonderful little new Italian restaurant, this was a highlight for me. We held our noses as we walked past certain offices and laughed, smiled and thanked certain others. Ok, guess my true geekiness is evident. Oh, and all it costs is a quick trip through security.
















:hi:

[hopein08]

11. Did you just go in and walk around or did you arrange tickets through...

your senators' office(s)?

I went the Capitol Hill in Oct. 2003 with a college school group and we were told by our esteemed senator's office that they could not give us any tickets/passes to walk around the Senate office buildings...we could only get tickets to sit in the gallery. It seemed horribly fishy to me, especially since we were free to walk around the House office building. But I wasn't in charge of getting the tickets. Incidentally, the senator in question was Rick Santorum...so it probably shouldn't surprise me. When I asked the girl who got the tickets why she didn't call Arlen Specter's office, she said that she didn't like him because of the Anita Hill thing. Personally, I think Santorum is much worse.

Just wondering.

[Reverend_Smitty]

14. about 10 or 15 years ago

my dad, my 2 uncles and a friend of the family were doing just that one day (wandering through the senate offices). It was a weekend so it was pretty dead in there...well they passed by Senator Kennedy's office and the friend wanted to stop in being a big fan of the senator and all. Well they walked into the main part of the office and nobody was in there and they noticed that the door to the senator's actual office was ajar so they walked in. Again nobody was in there, they were amazed that you could just walk into a senator's office so easily. They figured that if anyone came in they would get into trouble so they left quite quickly, but I'm guessing that security has been beefed up a bit since then

[Digit]

2. Hmm, let me see

Calvert Cliffs, MD for some fossil hunting
Great Falls, Va features trails, the Potomac River flowing over the rocks (gorgeous scenery), walking trails, and a merry-go-round (if still there).
Check out going for a paddle boat ride in the Tidal Basin.
You also have the Manassas Battlefield in Manassas, Va.
Arlington Cemetery is a memorable experience, and you could see Grants Tomb nearby.
Surratt House Museum in Clinton, MD - Restored in 1976 by The Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission, today the museum presents a variety of programs and events, recapturing the history of mid-19th century life and focusing on the fascinating web of the Lincoln conspiracy. http://www.surratt.org/

That is just off the top of my head.
Have a nice trip!

[blue neen]

3. The Newseum in Arlington is a cool place.

It's a celebration of what is good about the print and broadcast media. There is excellent footage of major news stories and wars.

You can actually make a video of yourself doing a weather or news report.

[SaveElmer]

5. Newseum is closed...

They are building a new larger one downtown, but for now there is no Newseum...

[Arugula Latte]

4. Have you ever been to Union Station?

I always loved going there when I lived in DC.

Also, there's Ford's Theater, to see where Lincoln got shot.

[SaveElmer]

6. If you can get outside of town...there are some interesting places...

Of course Mount Vernon is well worth a visit. Several historic homes...Ashlawn, and particularly Gunston Hall (George Mason's residence). Bull Run Battlefield is a 45 minute drive out of town.

The Carlyle House in Alexandria, along with several Lee related homes.

[Patiod]

7. Spy Museum!!!

It's guy heaven, and I even enjoyed it. Only drawback: $12/person admission (which I thought was steep)

Definitely Ford's theater and the house across the street where they took Lincoln.

Check and see what exhibits are at the Smithsonian Museums like the Freer, and what's at the National Gallery and the Corcoran. All the good exhibits seem to pass through DC.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/01/30/AR2006013000635.html

[minkyboodle]

15. Hishhorn to is a nice art visit

Don't get as many touring exhibits but its a nice
visit IMO
http://hirshhorn.si.edu/

[HughBeaumont]

8. Not sure if you've been to the Spy Museum yet -

You'd get off at Gallery Place, but you might want to get there early if you plan on going the same day because it sells out quick (at least it did during one of our trips there last year).

Georgetown is pretty colorful and has lots of shops and the Exorcist steps at the end (the house it leads to in the movie isn't there). You'd get off at Foggy Bottom/GWU.

[DaveinMD]

9. I live here

and never do any of these things. I really need to change that.

[hopein08]

10. I think I just read here on DU that the American History Museum is...

closing until 2008 (or something) for renovation so you may want to pop in there. I really liked it when I was there.

[minkyboodle]

13. great museum

I'm gonna go there myself before they close
up for the renovations, its been awhile.

[minkyboodle]

12. National Building Museum

I've always thought it was one of DC more interesting
and less traveled sites. Here are some pics



They have interesting exhibits concerning urban development
and history, however the building itself is pretty cool to
behold (I played a couple of concerts there back in my
high school days, great acoustics). Not a whole day but a
good morning or half an afternoon and not far at all from the
traditional mall area via metro.

http://www.nbm.org/

others you may have done but in case you haven't
National Zoo
Archives
Old Smithsonian on the Mall
National Museum of the American Indian
Holocaust Museum
Air Space/Natural History Museum (you've probably done these)

[LouisianaLiberal]

16. The Folger Shakespeare Library.

A great way to spend a few hours. And the gift shop is fantastic (if you're a fan of the bard)

My favorite thing to do in Washington is to go to my rep's office and get tickets to the house or senate gallery. And the aid has to sit there and listen as you complain about his or her votes.


Just don't order the falafel if you go to Abramoff's restaurant. The moral paradox's presented are just too confusing.

[tonekat]

17. The National Arboreatum

However, it is most spectacular in spring, when the azaleas and rhododendrons are flowering. But still a very nice, yet underappreciated place.

The Einstein statue on Constitution Ave. is great, one of the few statues not dedicated to warmongering.

I second the Building Museum.

If you dont' mind something a bit out of town, (near Dulles Airport), the new Udvar-Hazy branch of the Air and Space museum is impressive.

[minkyboodle]

20. agreed on the newish air and space near Dulles

well worth the trip if you can make it.

[Floogeldy]

18. Um, go somewhere else?

You've already seen everything there.

[minkyboodle]

19. thats a pretty ridiculous statement...

[NMMNG]

21. Have you been to any of the Smithsonian museums?

There are reportedly 18 of them (actually 17 plus the zoo), and as far as I know admittance to them is free. http://www.si.edu/

[taterguy]

22. The Torpedo Factory

It's on the waterfront in Alexandria. It's been converted to space for artists to exhibit and sell their work.

[Patiod]

23. Second the Torpedo Factory

There are a lot of other things to walk around and see in that area as well - waterfront, funky bookstores, restaurants and other tourisiy things.

The neat thing is that if you're into any of the arts represented there (and they seem to have everything), the artists are pretty good about discussing their work with the public. I spent quite a bit of time in there torturing the poor enamelists with questions.

Plus it was a real torpedo factory, and they have some of the history on display, which is interesting for the history mavens in the group.

[LynneSin]

24. Contact your local representative/senator office

Many of them have tickets available for you to visit the whitehouse/congress and other various DC venues. Although all of these are free, if you don't have a ticket you have to wait in line for any that might be available.

Last time I actually vacationed in DC, I called stopped in Tom Carper's office in Wilmington and they hooked me up with a slew of stuff for DC. You elected them - let them help you out!

[GalleryGod]

25. Go to your Local Reps Office-They're falling Asleep from Boredom in August

The House and Senate are in recess-but-the Staff stays on...they'll be happy to see you! Especially 10 weeks until the Election. Ask for the Moon! You'll probably get close.
Enjoy!

[Strong Atheist]

26. I am from that area. Jaunt up to Baltimore and see the Science Museum.

Way cool! VERY hands on. The aquarium is also very good. It is a 1 hour trip one way.

Tom Sarises Orleans House just across the river in Rossalyn has the best prime rib I have ever had. Vinnie's in Fairfax City has the best (flame proof suit on? check) veal around. Mr. Smith's of Georgetown (in Tyson's Corner) has EXTREMELY good barbecue burgers.

Burke Lake in Fairfax County has various recreation activities, including a train, fishing, swimming, a small merry-go-round, putt putt golf, ice cream, and Frisbee Golf!

Historically there is Mount Vernon, Sully Plantation (sorta small), and Bull run park.

If you can jaunt down to the Williamsburg area (~4 hr trip one way) there is a LOT to do in historic Williamsburg; and of course there is the very good Busch Gardens amusement park.

[Patiod]

28. If you go to Williamburg, say hello to Thomas Jefferson for me

he's an old friend from my theater days. That's right, an Old Philadelphian playing the quintessential Southern gentleman - go figure.

[kwassa]

27. What about all the museums along the mall, which are free?

http://www.si.edu/museums/

National Gallery of Art great collections, Cezanne and Dada shows now.

National Museum of the American Indian, great exhibit of Northwest Indian art, fabulous stuff interesting building

Hirshorn for contemporary art

Natural History Museum

African Art Museum

and many more

[swag]

29. National Museum of Health & Medicine (was Walter Reed Army Medical Musuem)

http://www.nlm.nih.gov/hmd/medtour/nmhm.html

Be sure to get a refrigerator magnet of the hairball from the stomach of the girl who ate her hair.

Also off the mall:

National Building Museum (I love the Pension Building with or without a museum in it)
National Museum of Women in the Arts
Corcoran Gallery of Art
Phillips Collection

edit:

adding:

National Portrait Gallery
National Museum of American Art (both at Gallery Place metro stop)

Those are some. But I like to look at art. A lot of it.

Maybe you can see a concert at the Kennedy Center or a film at the American Film Institute in the Kennedy Center.

Have a cup of tea at the Watergate as long as you're in the neighborhood.

Have a good trip!

[AlGore-08.com]

30. Have you taken the amphibious tour, the D.C. Ducks?

http://www.historictours.com/washington/dcducks.htm





Personally, I never miss the zoo. I think it's the second best zoo in the country, after San Diego...

[Missy Vixen]

31. Washington After Dark tour

I realize that you're sick of looking at monuments and memorials, but they are unbelievably beautiful after dark. Our tour guide was great as well.

We were lucky enough to go on a night in April that also featured a full moon. It was incredible.

Julie

[MissMillie]

32. Go see the panda at the National Zoo

Tai Shan is already 9 months old, and VERY cute.

[madinmaryland]

34. Don't forget to register on-line to get a position to view

the Pandas. Otherwise, you may not get to see them.

Got to see them on Monday. The little one climbed into a tree and would not come down!

[malta blue]

33. The newest addition to the Smithsonian has been calling my name

but I have not been yet.


http://www.nmai.si.edu/

[Burma Jones]

35. Late August, eh?

It's probably going to be very hot and muggy, so, I suggest going to a Nationals Night Game. The National Cathedral is worth a tour, particularly if you can access the top of the towers. The National Gallery and Hirschorn Art Museums are good. I would avoid Arlington Cemetary or any other attraction that requires you to be outside walking a lot.

You are coming to DC at a time when most folks are out of town or slacking or have just about died from the heat, so the advice about going to the Capitol is a good one, there will be staff there that will be bored and more than pleased to accomodate you.

There are a lot of good suggestions in this thread...Remember though, Air Conditioning is your friend.....

[ThomWV]

36. Fuck That. Go To SE. Go At Night

Walk around. See what its like just a mile south of the Smithsonian. One damned mile. Go ahead.

[seemunkee]

37. Dulles annex of Air and Space, Adams Morgan for dinner

Ben's chili bowl for a late night snack on U steet. I haven't been to the Spy museum yet, everytime I try to go the line is half way around the block. The arboretum is nice but unless there is an exhibit of particular interest not that exciting. The new American Indian museum is good and has a cafeteria that serves Native American based foods. something different on the Mall.
Not sure how old the kids are but the Science Muesum in Baltimore is fun and right on the Inner Harbor area.
The Kennedy Center's Millenium stage has free concerts everyday at 6
http://www.kennedy-center.org/programs/millennium/
Friday night they have Jazz at the Smithsonian for $10 cover
http://www.mnh.si.edu/jazz/
Parts of the American history museum are being closed for renovations so if planning on going there check their website

The American Art Museum is off the mall and far less visited but is very nice. If you go you have to see Throne of the Third Heaven of the Nations' Millennium General Assembly. This is an incredible piece of folk art that was created by a janitor from found objects and tin foil.

[DeaconBlues]

38. Go to the DEA museum

It's really very informative. And also hilarious.

http://www.deamuseum.org/