Visited Places » District of Columbia » Washington D.C.
Washington D.C.
Drinkeries
Capital City Brewing Company
We ducked in to refresh ourselves after a long day of exploring the city by foot. The interior is well-appointed, it is certainly not a small and dark watering hole. The beer was well-crafted and the menu wasn’t outrageously priced. They’ve been brewing beer there since 1992 so they must be doing something right. The place was hopping and the crowd was eclectic; tourists, locals and blue government suits all rubbed elbows. Fun place to recap the day and recoup.
Phone: (202) 628-2222
Address: 1100 New York Ave NW, Washington D.C. DC 20005
Adventures
National Mall and Memorial Parks
Most of the many memorials and monuments around the Mall are managed by this section of the National Park Service. All the sites are free of charge and open 24 hours. Rangers are stationed throughout the Mall area to help visitors from 9:30 am to 11:30 pm. It could take days to wander the entire Mall, it involves a lot of walking. Be sure to visit the downstairs parts of many of the monuments and memorials as they offer small museums and gift shops.
Washington Monument: During high season expect crowds and long lines to get into the Washington Monument. Tip: For a small fee ($1.50 per ticket) you can reserve tickets online and skip the long line at the ticket kiosk.
Lincoln Monument: Look carefully at the steps in front as the one where Dr. Reverend Martin Luther King gave his famous “I Have a Dream” Speech is marked. Be sure to wander downstairs and explore the small museum. Check it out at night, its inspiring. Bonus: There is a public restroom downstairs.
Ford’s Theatre: The site where President Lincoln was assassinated is still a thriving theater with various shows throughout the year. Be aware that the theater is closed during performances and rehearsals although the Lincoln Museum and gift shop downstairs are still open. Try to attend one of the Ranger talks as they are very informative. For more Lincoln history cross the street and tour the Peterson House where Lincoln caught his last breath.
Jefferson Memorial: Located on the far side of the Tidal Basin from the rest of the Mall the Memorial was not nearly as crowded as the Lincoln or Washington when I visited. Head downstairs to visit the two gift shops and use the restroom. It is well worth the long but scenic walk around the water.
FDR Memorial: The newest Presidential memorial on the Mall was dedicated in 1997. Unlike the monumental buildings on the Mall this tribute is a series of outdoor rooms representing FDR’s four terms in office. Stop in at the Gift Shop and Information Center for more a map and to visit the restrooms.
Tidal Basin: A wonderful place to relax and enjoy the view. Rent a paddle boat and cruise over to the Jefferson Memorial. Or just buy an ice cream cone and watch the crowds roll by. A bit less crowded than the Reflecting Pool on the Mall.
Smithsonian Castle: Start your tour of the Smithsonian’s many museum buildings here. The Castle is mainly used for administration but the bottom floor is devoted to explaining the Institution’s mission and helping tourists. Bonus: James Smithson’s crypt is near the entrance, be sure to thank the man who bequeathed the money to found the world renown Institution.
Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum: This place is huge and crowded but fascinating. Stop at one of the information booths to find out about the free tours offered. Join a tour: it covers the basic timeline of aviation history plus it gives background tidbits about the famous aircraft and crew. The cafe is huge with lots of choices at fairly reasonable prices and they even offer beer and wine. I needed caffeine so that I could continue marveling at the flying machines. Entrance is free but there is a security screening of all visitors.
Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History: This huge museum covers all of the natural world from rocks to dinosaurs to butterflies to humans. There is so much to see and do it will take all day to explore. Be sure to pick up a schedule for the Discover Stations and other activities located throughout the museum. There is a cafe on the Ground Floor, if the weather is nice take your lunch outside. Entrance to the museum is free.
National Museum of the American Indian: This museum is very popular and the lines to enter can be long, so get there early. Take time to explore the landscaping and admire the building, it is refreshingly different from the rest of DC. Head to the 4th level to the Lelawi Theater which offers an introductory multi-media presentation. This is not a collection of dusty old pottery, this museum focuses on living native peoples of the Americas in the modern world. Caution: The cafe is a bit difficult to maneuver around and the food, though tasty, is quite expensive. Entrance to the museum is free.
These next destinations are not in the Mall proper, but are nearby.
Chesapeake and Ohio Canal: Thankfully plans to turn the defunct canal-way into a roadway were thwarted and the area was preserved as a park. Joggers, bikers and walkers throng to the towpath while boaters and anglers hit the water. A great way to get away from all the crowds in the DC area. Take a picnic and enjoy.
Old Post Office Pavilion: Built in 1899 the Post Office was the tallest building in DC. Once considered an eyesore the tower is now a sight for sore eyes. Take the elevator up for an amazing view of DC. The crowds are considerably less than the ones at the Washington Monument and no stairs! Bonus: you can grab a relatively cheap meal in the food court downstairs and there is a public restroom.
Address: The National Mall
US Bureau of Engraving and Printing
The BEP offers tours which take you behind the scenes to see how our currency is printed. Obviously security is an issue, you can not use a camera, a cell phone or any other equipment while on the tour, they will confiscate and destroy it and remove you from the building. During most of the year you will need to get a free ticket, which is on the opposite side of the building from the Visitor Entrance (don’t ask me why). They only offer tickets for that day’s tours which disappear quickly so good luck. If you are visiting September through February you don’t need a ticket, lucky you. Even if you don’t take the tour, stop in the Visitor Center and check out the displays, especially the million dollars.
Phone: (202) 874-2330
Address: 14th and C Streets, SW, Washington D.C. DC 20228
The Kennedy Center
As part of the Kennedy Center’s mission to promote appreciation of the arts the Millennium Stage hosts free concerts everyday at 6pm. Try to arrive about an hour early since it is first come, first served. While you are waiting for the doors to open wander the rest of the Kennedy Center, it is an impressive edifice. Bonus: they have a small sandwich and pastry shop that also sells beer and wine near the Millennium Stage. Best part is that after 5pm the sandwiches and pastries are half-price! Caution: Do not confuse this with the KC Cafe or the Rooftop Terrace Restaurant.
Phone: (202) 467-4600
Address: 2700 F Street, NW, Washington D.C. DC 20566
The Library of Congress
The Library is not one edifice, its holdings are so vast that the Library occupies three huge buildings in DC with archive areas around the country. The oldest and most ornate of the three is the Jefferson building. Arrive early in the day and take a tour, it will greatly enhance your visit to one of the largest libraries in the world. There are also several exhibit spaces in the Jefferson to explore. Be careful on the marble steps, they are quite worn and slippery!
Phone: (202) 707-5000
Address: 101 Independence Ave, SE, Washington D.C. DC 20540
Miscellany
Trader Joe’s
Dining out in the heart of our capital city is not cheap and other options, like grocery stores or delis, are few and far between. That’s why I was so delighted to find a TJs in DC! TJs doesn’t carry everything you might find in a regular grocery store but they do have a wide variety of products, many of them hard to find ethnic or specialty items. Best part is they do it all at reasonable prices. In the produce area TJs has pre-made sandwiches, sushi and salads that are so handy. The salads even come with little forks so you can enjoy them immediately. On a lovely day in DC you can grab lunch from TJs and eat at a bench near the mall, perfect! This location is not far from the Foggy Bottom-GWU metro-rail station.
Phone: (202) 296-1921
Address: 1101 25th Street, NW, Washington D.C. DC 20037
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Disclaimer: Please note that all opinions expressed here are from our experience and may not be reflective of your experience. We were in no way influenced by the businesses or individuals listed above.
