Washington DC must see

Jmort1754

WKR
Joined
Aug 17, 2018
Messages
1,720
We are heading down for a long weekend, have a meeting.

What are some must see things or must see places to eat while we are there.

I know the monuments, and arlington are on her radar.
 

SonnyDay

WKR
Joined
Jul 22, 2019
Messages
599
The 9/11 memorial at the Pentagon is really well done. My wife's family lost friends who were on that plane. It's really powerful. Obviously, kind of a buzz kill.
 

Nicaburns

WKR
Joined
Dec 16, 2022
Messages
356
Holocaust museum
Museum of the Bible
The Smithsonian (air and space as well as natural history)

There is definitely more to see than you can take in within a weekend. Hopefully the new administration with take down all the stupid fencing put up after 1/6. They made the place look like a prison camp.

Chinatown if right by the National Mall and has some great spots. Most food will be better out toward Embassy Row if you like international or near Adams Morgan. Most places near the National Mall are spendy.
 

Davyalabama

Lil-Rokslider
Joined
Feb 23, 2023
Messages
196
Lots of good recommendations here.

First on my list
Take the DC tour at night! If you don't want to do a guided tour, then at least walk around the national mall area at night.

The Wharf --- Hillwood --- Smithsonian --- Air and Space -- Natural History
venture out -- Jefferson's (Monticello and Poplar Forest) Ok, it's a drive -- Fredericksburg and Shenandoah parks--several little canyons and waterfalls (just look them up), Harper's Ferry (there is a lot to do here besides what you think) -- CEB Tower -- you may want to go up to Mt. Vernon, lot's to do around Alexandria for the day.
 
Joined
Jun 6, 2020
Messages
72
Location
Boise, Idaho
(1) Take time to walk the National Mall, you'll see the Vietnam Memorial, Lincoln Memorial, and several other A-list sites. And if you still have time, you can always pop into one of the many museums.

(2) The Air and Space Museum AT DULLES AIRPORT.

Enjoy your trip!
 
Last edited:

Haggin

Lil-Rokslider
Joined
Mar 10, 2020
Messages
153
Location
Nebraska
In addition to the many suggestions, add Arlington and the Tomb of the Unknowns then each of the War Memorials are very moving, I'd suggest stopping by them all.

Add the National Archives to see the Declaration of Independence, Constitution, and Bill of Rights.

Contact your Senator and get a tour of the Capitol, depending on timeline of your visit.
 

prm

WKR
Joined
Mar 31, 2017
Messages
2,357
Location
No. VA
As mentioned, the Air and Space Museum at Dulles (Udvar-Hazy) is better.

Manassas Battlefield. (Though harder to really walk around with the snow right now).

Check out the monuments on the Mall.

Holocaust Museum

Spy Museum

Those are our go-to spots when we have visitors.

I’m not a DC food expert by any means. Old Ebbitt Grill is worth a visit though.

**Note: if coming this weekend it is probably a real mess to get around along the DC Mall area with the inauguration on Monday.

If you want to get out of DC, Middleburg is a nice little town with good restaurants.
 
Last edited:
Joined
Nov 7, 2012
Messages
8,210
Location
S. UTAH
We walked some of the monuments/memorials at night and it was really cool. Way less people and the lighting gave it a whole other feel. The Holocaust Museum was something else. If you are into Native American history the National Museum of the American Indian was cool. The Smithsonian, obviously. You can also call your Congressperson's office and try and arrange a private tour of the Capitol. We toured with an aid and just the 2 of us and it was nice. Got to go behind some doors you dont see with a normal group tour.
 
Joined
Sep 28, 2018
Messages
2,271
Location
VA
Truthfully.. You kill yourself trying to see everything in 1 day. There are LOTS of great local places to eat. All the federal museums are free. Are you actually staying in DC or like a nearby city like Arlington, Alexandria, Bethesda ??
 

CorbLand

WKR
Joined
Mar 16, 2016
Messages
8,245
Truthfully.. You kill yourself trying to see everything in 1 day. There are LOTS of great local places to eat. All the federal museums are free. Are you actually staying in DC or like a nearby city like Arlington, Alexandria, Bethesda ??
Very true. I went for work when I was first out of college and broke as a joke. I really wish I could go back now and stay an extra couple days. I had one full day and nights after conferences. I got to see the holocaust museum, many of the monuments and Arlington is all. Didnt make it to any of the museums.
 
Joined
Jan 12, 2021
Messages
839
Location
Upstate NY
My wife went to a conference at the Holocaust Museum 15 years ago and I went with her for the week. Got to see some amazing things. As other stated, the Holocaust Museum, Arlington, all of the memorials and the Museum of Natural History were awesome. Not sure if anything has changed but be prepared for pan handlers everywhere....
 

CorbLand

WKR
Joined
Mar 16, 2016
Messages
8,245
My wife went to a conference at the Holocaust Museum 15 years ago and I went with her for the week. Got to see some amazing things. As other stated, the Holocaust Museum, Arlington, all of the memorials and the Museum of Natural History were awesome. Not sure if anything has changed but be prepared for pan handlers everywhere....
I was there right after Trump took over. Some lady was standing in front of the White House with a megaphone yelling "Trump, traitor,..." and something else that I cant remember. Came back by a couple hours later and she was in the same spot, saying the same thing. I had to admire the dedication.
 

Davyalabama

Lil-Rokslider
Joined
Feb 23, 2023
Messages
196
I was there right after Trump took over. Some lady was standing in front of the White House with a megaphone yelling "Trump, traitor,..." and something else that I cant remember. Came back by a couple hours later and she was in the same spot, saying the same thing. I had to admire the dedication.
Paid, maybe?
 
Top