Washington D.C.

[DisneyFanDan]

Family is planning our first trip to the nations capital for the last week of March. What are some can't miss spots that we should plan for? Any do's and don't's that we should be aware of? I'd love to find some great local restaurants to eat at as well. It will be an all adults trip, thanks!

 

[BrianL]

There are so many things to see in DC that it can be overwhelming. You can easily spend an entire day in the Smithsonian Museum of American History (it's gigantic!) or event eh Natural History one. My favorite is Air & Space because I'm into that sort of thing. Fortunately, they are all located right on the national mall and near the monuments, though bear in mind it's a LONG walk from one end to the other. Also, just a few blocks away you can see Ford's Theater and the National Archives, another favorite of mine.

If you have the time and really like Air & Space, it may be worth a trek out near Dulles Airport to see the Air & Space hangar where they keep the Space Shuttle (and lots of other stuff). A lot of that was too big for the building on the National Mall. It's a little ways to go, but worth it.

 

[strat68]

BrianL has mentioned some great ones. The National Zoo now has a baby panda. The Newseum and Spy Museum are interesting but not free like the Smithsonian. The distance from Lincoln Memorial to the Capitol is 2 miles with Washington Monument in the middle. Don't forget these memorials: Jefferson, FDR, Korean War, WWII, Martin Luther King. Also Arlington National Cemetery.

Become familiar with the Metro system if you may end up riding the subway. Depends on where you're staying.

Dining
If you like Indian then Rasika (2 locations) is superb.
Le Diplomate - French bistro food that can't be missed. When in town, it's become a celebrity hang out. Order the cold seafood appetizer platter to start.
The food critic in the Washington Post is good but we've determined we like what he does.
Skip Ben's Chili Bowl - famous but overrated.
Komi - is IMHO, the best in DC if you can get a reservation. You call within 3o days of the date. They fill up fast.

Again, read the reviews in the Post or even Washingtonian magazine.

 

[IbeAbitGOOFY]

Aside from what was already mentioned, the Holocaust Museum is something you must experience. Be prepared for a long, somber visit. Get your tickets online ahead of time.

As far as dining, I'd recommend Matchbox right outside of the Chinatown Metro station. GREAT woodfired pizza and other entrees. Old Ebbitt Grill is also nice. When I go, I tend to go for lunch or an afternoon drink.

 

[strat68]

Aside from what was already mentioned, the Holocaust Museum is something you must experience. Be prepared for a long, somber visit. Get your tickets online ahead of time.

As far as dining, I'd recommend Matchbox right outside of the Chinatown Metro station. GREAT woodfired pizza and other entrees. Old Ebbitt Grill is also nice. When I go, I tend to go for lunch or an afternoon drink.

Good recommendations. The places I suggested for eats can get or are pricey. Since the OP mentioned all adults I went that route. The Holocaust Museum is worth a trip but you have to prepare yourself to do so.

 

[Frantasmic]

It is probably too late for this, but if you want to go to the top of the Washington Monument, you need tickets from the National Parks service. It is really something you should have requested about six months ago, especially for what might be Spring Break for parts of the country. Same for a White House visit. You might still be able to contact your Congressional Representative for a special tour of the Capitol though.

 

[Christine]

It is probably too late for this, but if you want to go to the top of the Washington Monument, you need tickets from the National Parks service. It is really something you should have requested about six months ago, especially for what might be Spring Break for parts of the country. Same for a White House visit. You might still be able to contact your Congressional Representative for a special tour of the Capitol though.

Not sure if the backlog is recent. My son went up last summer (we live here though) and he got his tickets with about 2 day notice.

 

[IbeAbitGOOFY]

It is probably too late for this, but if you want to go to the top of the Washington Monument, you need tickets from the National Parks service. It is really something you should have requested about six months ago, especially for what might be Spring Break for parts of the country. Same for a White House visit. You might still be able to contact your Congressional Representative for a special tour of the Capitol though.

General Capital tours do not require a congressional recommendation. Just go to their site and request tickets. Pretty easy to get. If you want a more "behind the scenes" tour, then yes, I do believe that needs to be requested through your congressman/woman.

 

[shoney]

For casual spots, we liked District of Pi and Founding Farmers.
We also liked going to the dock area Maine Ave Fish market to crack crab. A gritty little spot with seafood markets and you can crack crabs standing by the water.

 

[MomofKatie]

Others have given some great suggestions- I would add taking the Metro to Alexandria, VA as well. Spend an evening strolling around historic Old Town. The Georgetown area of DC is also fun to explore- lots of fun, funky little boutiques and restaurants.

We walk the Mall from the Capitol to the Lincoln Memorial and back, stopping at the various memorials along the way (WWII, Viet Nam, Washington, etc). Only a block off the Mall are the "Big 3" Smithsonian museums (Air & Space, Natural History, and American History). Chinatown is fun to look around, as is Union Station. The Adams Morgan neighborhood of the city is great for nightlife- really culturally diverse and great historic architecture.

 

[eliza61]

not a cheap eat at all but it was one of the best meals I've had in a long time.
Joe's seafood, prime steak and crab.
Excellent food all around. treat yourself

 

[JaxDad]

A couple sites not mentioned:
- National Gallery (go to the tunnel between the wings for the cafeteria, gift shop, and gelato stand)
- Quick stroll through National Sculpture Garden
- National Archives
- National Botanic Gardens
- Library of Congress
- Mt Vernon (yes it's easily accessible by public transport)
- At least a meal at American Indian Museum

Restaurants:
- Jaleo (or other Jose Andres restaurants)
- Ben's Chili Bowl

Plus many other places!

ETA: If you are going to Ford's Theater, considering seeing a play. We saw "A Christmas Carol" and loved it.

 

[IbeAbitGOOFY]

As you are going in March, you will be right in the middle of the Cherry Blossom Festival. Expect DC to be VERY crowded. Anything that you want to do, I'd go online and see if they offer tickets. Even the "free" places will let you get a ticket online for a small ($1-$2) fee.

 

[strat68]

As you are going in March, you will be right in the middle of the Cherry Blossom Festival. Expect DC to be VERY crowded. Anything that you want to do, I'd go online and see if they offer tickets. Even the "free" places will let you get a ticket online for a small ($1-$2) fee.

If you are in the middle of cherry blossoms the area around the mall will be insane. Don't even think about driving.

 

[shoney]

http://www.freetoursbyfoot.com/which-washington-dc-bus-tour-is-best/

We did the nighttime monument bus tour with them a few years ago. They also offer free walking tours.