What to do in Washington DC

[GrayStangGT]

Its looking like I might be taking a spur of the moment trip to DC next week so what is a must see and what should I skip. It will be my first time there. I know I want to see the monuments, WW2 memorial and the Smithsonian air and space, but what else should I do. I'm going to have about 3 days to do stuff.

[Trick Pony]

Might be cool to see the U.S. Capitol Building, the White House, and the U.S. Supreme Court.

[Blame Canada]

Catch a Caps game if you are into hockey.

[Gtracer]

Try not to get mugged.....could be fun
Stay away from Howard, they will take your clothes even if they are nice enough

[jdgregory84]

Fix the American economy. It should keep you pretty busy.

[davbrucas]

Do all the touristy stuff like you stated but also head over to Georgetown for dinner and a couple bars/clubs.

[LS1Goat]

I think the first place I would check out would be the Lincoln Memorial and then JFK's Memorial and Eternal flame. And just check out all the National Monuments. I could spend hours in the Smithsonian. It's going to be damn cold this time of year.

[billybob81]

I was just there last month. There is so much to do, you will find yourself out of time in a hurry. We visited the National Mall, which has the WWII, Korean, Vietnam War Memorials, the Washington Monument, and the Lincoln Memorial. We also took a tram tour around the National Cemetery, saw the Kennedys' grave, watched the changing of the guard at the Tomb of the Unknown, and learned a lot about the history of the cemetery. We enjoyed a dinner cruise on the Potomac River and saw Washington DC at night. Also, we visited the Smithsonian Air/Space Museum. I was only there for 2 days, and we where going non-stop while we where there.

[YALE]

If you're going to run around the mall, do yourself a favor and rent a mountain bike.

[O.C.]

I was just there last month. There is so much to do, you will find yourself out of time in a hurry. We visited the National Mall, which has the WWII, Korean, Vietnam War Memorials, the Washington Monument, and the Lincoln Memorial. We also took a tram tour around the National Cemetery, saw the Kennedys' grave, watched the changing of the guard at the Tomb of the Unknown, and learned a lot about the history of the cemetery. We enjoyed a dinner cruise on the Potomac River and saw Washington DC at night. Also, we visited the Smithsonian Air/Space Museum. I was only there for 2 days, and we where going non-stop while we where there.

The above is a good list, I was up in DC for 8 months and just go back so I will throw in the following. Since all the Smithsonian's are so close I would add in the Native American Indian Museum, the Asian Art Museum and the Western Art Museum. Hit the Air-Space museum early before all of the bad kids and frustrated parents get there.

Hit Georgetown area one night live Davbrucas mentioned, there are a few good bars right down there on the water and some right up the street. If you get a chance hit up Adams Morgan on 18th st and a bar called the Asylum, If you are in Chinatown there is a good bar called the Iron Horse Tap Room on 7th and F.

Let me know which part of town you are in and that can determine the best places to go close by. DO NOT rent a car just use the Metro to get around.

Also if you can, go to the National Harbor for dinner or drinks, the view is really great there.

Depending on the weather if you hit a warm day the boat the Nightingale gives an ok tour of DC via the water.


Here is a good link as well.

http://washington.org/visiting/browse-dc/attractions/100-free-things-to-do

[Sean88gt]

D.C. is an incredible city. At some point (elected office not included) I would like to spend an extended period of time there to really take in a lot of history.

[GrayStangGT]

The above is a good list, I was up in DC for 8 months and just go back so I will throw in the following. Since all the Smithsonian's are so close I would add in the Native American Indian Museum, the Asian Art Museum and the Western Art Museum. Hit the Air-Space museum early before all of the bad kids and frustrated parents get there.

Hit Georgetown area one night live Davbrucas mentioned, there are a few good bars right down there on the water and some right up the street. If you get a chance hit up Adams Morgan on 18th st and a bar called the Asylum, If you are in Chinatown there is a good bar called the Iron Horse Tap Room on 7th and F.

Let me know which part of town you are in and that can determine the best places to go close by. DO NOT rent a car just use the Metro to get around.

Also if you can, go to the National Harbor for dinner or drinks, the view is really great there.

Depending on the weather if you hit a warm day the boat the Nightingale gives an ok tour of DC via the water.


Here is a good link as well.

http://washington.org/visiting/brows...e-things-to-do

I appreciate the info, I'm going down with a friend who was just stationed at Andrews so I'll be staying by the base. Going to drive down and fly back, should be in DC Wednesday and flying back Sunday.

[O.C.]

That is a killer(long) drive, are you going to do it in one day or two? Which route are you thinking about taking?

[GrayStangGT]

Doing it in 3 days, and I have no idea what route I'm just along for the ride.