WASHINGTON DC, Where to go, What to see,and How to do it!............................................R/W..W/O
Written: Apr 10 '03 (Updated Apr 17 '07)
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Product Rating:
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Pros: So much to see and do
Cons: Parking can be difficult.
The Bottom Line: So much to see and do!! It's a very special place with history and heroes.
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| popsrocks's Full Review: Washington, DC |
Washington DC is a very special destination. I have been there many times and at different seasons of the year. I have traveled with my family, visited it with my wife, and marched there more than 15 times. I have also been in town on business. My latest visit was about two weeks ago.
WASHINGTON DC
Over two hundred years ago it was thought that our seat of government should be in an area that would show the connection of our different branches of government and be symbolic of a great young nation built on solid roots. The site needed to be set somewhere on the borders between the Northern and Southern States so that travel, which was slow at the time, would be equal distance for all.
The area on the Potomac River between Virginia and Maryland was chosen to be our capital. It was first the site of the president's home, at the time with a clear view of the river,and the Capitol building, that was perched on the highest bluff of land, Jenkins Hill. The design of the street grids tied the great buildings together on Pennsylvania Ave. The amount of structures has grown over the years but the avenues connecting these buildings has remained.
When looking at a map you will see how the buildings are tied together. Better yet, get up high and witness it!! I'll tell you how in a bit.
GETTING THERE
By plane there are three airports. The closest takes in domestic travel only. That is Washington's National Airport. This is very close to the sites. Without traffic you can be in the middle of DC in just fifteen minutes by taxi. If you aren't carrying too much there is a Metro stop at the airport for inexpensive and fast travel to DC. The Metro is a subway system. More in a bit.
There are two other airports. Both are international and both are about a forty five minute ride away. Again, traffic can make this a slow trip at rush hours. There is Dulles Airport on the west side of the capital and Baltimore/Washington Airport to the North.
If coming in by train you would come right into Union Station. I have done this from NY when I just had to get involved when the hanging chad voting bit was happening. I traveled Amtrack. It was clean, fast, and expensive. Yes, it is pricey.
After coming out of the station you are a short walk, a few blocks, to the Capitol Building.
If you are driving by car, the interstates will bring you to the loop that circle DC. This is called the beltway. From there follow a map and come on in. WARNING! Parking in DC during the week can be very difficult to deal with. Some helpful hints to come. Another reminder is that it's easy to lose direction when driving the streets outside the mall area. Have a map handy before coming in. The streets are set up in a grid numbered and alphabetic but for some reason with the ever present construction I wind up driving blocks out of the way. There are diagonal streets with the names of the states. These are the ones that disorient me.
WHAT YOU NEED
Travel as light as possible. You will be doing a lot of walking. A LOT!. First thing is have good comfortable shoes or sneakers. Trainers to those abroad. Wear light comfortable clothes in the summer.
Do have a camera. Extra film is a good idea but it can be easily found at stops throughout the mall. If it's hot, some water and power bars for snacks are recommended. Just don't burden yourself down with too much. There are some fountains around and places to purchase water and food. More to come about choices later.
In the winter months there can be brutally cold days. The wind blows through the open grounds. Dress warm. This is the best time to check out the indoor museums and places of interest.
Having a fanny pack is probably the best way to carry a few items. No pocketbooks. This keeps your hands free for opening a map. It is also so much easier walking around without something in your hands. Until the last few years I would suggest a back pack. With security issues what they are these days they can slow you up and in some places may not even be allowed. Be as metal free as possible.
In the summer sun lotion and a hat are a good idea. We usually have a few wetnaps in a plastic bag for some quick refreshing of our face and hands.
GETTING AROUND
As stated the best way to see things up close is on foot. For covering some greater distances Washington DC has a subway system called the Metro. Having used it I can tell you it's very clean and fairly inexpensive with well planned stops. Union Station is one of the connections. The lines are easy to follow on a map. They are colour coded. Red, green, blue, orange, and yellow. You can get different value Metro Cars. They have them for day and weekly rates too.
If you have the luxury of a few days I strongly recommend the Tourmobile. This is a bus type system that makes 24 stops around the Washington Mall and Arlington Cemetery. It has knowledgeable narrators that tell about all you see. You will always learn something new. You can get on and off the Tourmobile at any time and reboard later at any of the stops. Tickets may be purchased from the driver, at some of the many stations, and ahead of time by calling 1 202 432 SEAT. There is a Ticketmaster fee on top of the usual $18.00 or $8.00 for those 3-11 years old for full day use. The mobile starts at 9:30am and last rides are about 4:30pm. The tour continues all year except Christmas.
If you are coming in by train there is a stop at Union Station. There is also parking there for a $15.00 all day fee. Free parking can be found on the south side of both the Lincoln and Jefferson Memorials. Parking is limited. The tourmobile picks up at both these areas. It's a great idea to get out early and park at one of these places. Take time to stroll around the Tidal Basin, see the Jefferson and Lincoln memorials along with the Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial Park. If you want to try something different, rent a paddle boat at the Tidal Basin Boathouse. This area is especially beautiful in the beginning of April at Cherry Blossom blooming time. That happens to be right now! That's when they have the Cherry Blossom Festival. Rooms are tough to find at this time of the year. More about rooms later.
If it's a very hot day I have a little secret for you. Just north of the tidal basin between it and the Washington Monument is a small stone building. It's the Survey Ranger Station. They have the absolute best cold water fountain around. Rest rooms too.
COLLECTING PARKS
In this building you can also get your National Parks Passport inked and canceled. Every National Park, Monument, and Historic site has it's own unique stamp. This is a great way of Collecting Parks, Monuments, and Historic areas. Ask one of the rangers about it. For much more detailed information about this look for the link listed at the end of this review.
WHAT TO SEE
This is a tough one. Please try to have as much time as you can in the DC area. It is loaded with great places and things to do. In the area near the tidal basin, going north you get to the reflecting pool. Exploring this area will take a full morning or afternoon. The Lincoln Memorial anchors one end and the pool goes two thirds of the way to the Washington Monument. These are must stops. The L.M. has steps in front of it. As you walk up you see the huge statue of Lincoln sitting in a chair. Look at the left and right side of his body. The sculpture has one side with fist gripped, and foot and leg at ready to stand. The other limbs are relaxed, open hands, and leg stretched out. Learn more about this pose when you get there. There is always a ranger on duty at all the monuments. They know so much, ask questions. There is an elevator to the elevated platform for those who may be handicapped in any way. The ranger will direct you. Be sure to read Lincoln's words inscribed on the walls. They have such deep meaning. I'ts like they were written for today.
The Washington Memorial is the focal point of so much of the city design. You can take a tour with an elevator ride to the top. This is one of the great views of DC. Tickets are needed for the tours. They sell out by 11:00am or before on busy days. Here too you can purchase tickets days and weeks ahead. Go to www.nps.gov for more info. The tickets are printed for designated hours. You can purchase them in the building on the east side of the obelisk. Designated times and lines are set up at the base of the monument. Be sure to study the blocks on the inside while coming down.
Between the Lincoln and Washington Memorials are the Vietnam Memorial and Korean War Memorial. Be sure to spend some time at both of these solemn places. The Korean Memorial with it's statues and wall with etched figures and reflections is particularly haunting to me.
The Vietnam Memorial, which I try to visit every time I go, is to me a holy place. A friend of mine, Eugene "Butch" Skotch is on the wall. I, along with so many others, stop and touch the names of those we know who were lost in that war.
Be sure to see both statues that are part of this memorial. They are dedicated to our men and woman heroes.
Right now, at the end of the reflecting pool, there is construction in progress. A memorial to those Americans who fought in World War Two will hopefully be finished by years end.
Nearby the Vietnam Memorial is the Constitution Gardens. This area in the warm months is gorgeous. It is beautifully landscaped. Be sure to spend a few restful moments at the Signers of the Declaration of Independence Memorial.
GET ON THE SHUTTLE or METRO FOR THE BEST VIEW OF DC
Both these modes of transportation get you there. You can walk to the top or better yet take the Tourmobile up and then walk down. If you got there by metro or car, very limited parking, you can pay for the Tourmobile for just the cemetery stops.
Going up to Arlington Cemetery is very rewarding. This area holds The Woman in Service Memorial, JFK grave, the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, and many other graves and memorials of interest.
To get the very best view of Washington DC go up to the top of the hill to the Robert E Lee Memorial. This building is the Arlington House. Take time to see the thoughtfully laid out plans of the city. It's amazing how everything goes together. The views of the river, parks, and memorials are stunning!
MORE TO SEE
The Cemetery is on the Virginia side of the Potomac River. This is the outskirts of DC. There is so much to see in this area. The Theodore Roosevelt Memorial is on an island with his name. The Lyndon Baines Johnson Memorial Grove and Lady Bird Johnson Park are both along the riverside.
Going back to the other side you can see the John F Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. Try to get into it. It's gorgeous. I have never seen any kind of show there. It's on my "to do" list. Show or not take a peek. You will pass the Infamous Watergate Hotel nearby. The Kennedy center is stop of the tourmobile.
Just a reminder. The National Zoo is great and you can get a chance to see the Panda bears.
THE WHITE HOUSE
Due to security you can't get near the place. This unfortunately is a freedom we lost because of those who will do whatever they can to destroy our way of living. I am hoping that it will eventually will have a clean look again. It is now circled with concrete walls, police on horse back, bomb sniffing dogs, and marked and unmarked police. You can see the secret service guys on the roofs there to protect the president and all inside. There is a viewing area in the front of the house. Many pictures are taken from that point. When I was there a few weeks ago you could no longer go to the back gates or even get a view from there. Hopefully tours will open again.
If it does open, go to your congressman and see if you can get tickets for the White House, Capital Building, and FBI building well ahead of time.
Update Feb 2005
Tours of the White House have resumed. You must get in touch with your congressman for tickets. We were fortunate to visit the White house in December 2004 when it was decorated for Christmas. More details can be had by going to the Whitehouse link below.
THE CAPITAL BUILDING
Unfortunately I don't know if it is open for tours now. They did start selling tickets ahead of time when they reopened it after 9/11. The lines and ticket windows are on the opposite side of the building facing the Supreme Court Building. Being inside and looking at the dome from that perspective is amazing. The tour takes you into the inner works of the building. Very interesting.
THE SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTION
Save these for your rainy days or unbearably hot or cold days. They are all inside and air conditioned. Where do I start? They all offer special works. Great ones for kids are the National Museum of Natural History with it's dinosaur section and live butterfly area. The National Museum of American History is also special. From times of the west to todays tv, there is so much to see. A big favorite for young and old alike is the National Air and Space Museum. This is really cool. Seeing boosters of huge rockets, Apollo and Gemini capsules, touching moon rock are things I like. There is so much in here. You can spend many hours.
My wife is an artist and art teacher. She has "learned me some culcha". We enjoy the National Gallery of Art and the ultra modern design of The Gallery of Art East building hold fantastic works of the old masters and more contemporary pieces.
Another building with art is the old Patent Office. This houses both the National Museum of American Art and the National Portrait Museum. We have never been there. It's a bit off the beaten path but only a few blocks from the mall.
The Smithsonian has many more buildings yet to be discovered by me. Maybe you can write a review and tell me about some of the others. Any comments are welcome.
All along the mall between these buildings are Sculpture Gardens and other places of interest.
SO MUCH MORE
There really is!. The Treasury Building, FBI building, Bureau of Engraving and Printing, National Aquarium and so much more are out there.
Update April 2007 My wife and I recently went to Fords Theatre and the house where Lincoln died. The first visit to Ford's Theater I felt like part of a cattle rush. The second time just a few weeks later with my wife we were able to sit down in the orchestra section and we received a fifteen minute history of the theater's role in the assassination of Lincoln. It was excellent.
The Peterson House where Lincoln died is just across the street.
I also recently visited the Spy Museum. That was a lot of fun, interesting too.
Just a block away is the newly reopened building that houses two museums, The Portrait Gallery and the Smithsonian American Art Museum. This is the best display of artwork I have ever seen anywhere. Great care was used in presenting every single piece. Amazing.
End Update.
I have never visited the Holocaust Museum. It is near the Tidal Basin. I hope to go on my next visit to DC. Another great stop is the National Archives Building. It just opened again after being renovated. I always enjoyed this one. As you walked into the lobby you'll see the Declaration of Independence. I look at it, read the words, and think of what good men the founders of this country are. It is that piece of paper that started the freedom loving country we are today. Just to the right of this document is the Constitution and The Bill of Rights.
A couple of places my wife and I visited that were a bit out of town were the National Cathedral and the Basilica of the Immaculate Conception. They are both well worth a twenty minute ride getting to them.
There are still many more unnamed places to explore.
WHERE TO STAY
The hotels in town are very convenient but also very expensive. If you are only staying a few days I suggest getting Friday and Saturday night reservations. All government business is closed on weekends. Some of the hotels have deeply slashed prices those days.
Another suggestion is to go to the outskirts of town for better prices. We once stayed at a Sheraton in Virginia that had a beautiful view of DC from our hotel window. I remember passing the Pentagon Building traveling to it.
WHERE TO EAT
I do suggest some snacks for you while site seeing. There are many trailers on the streets where pretzels, Philly Sandwiches, Hot Dogs and Sausages can be purchased for something quick and convenient. They have ice creams, water and all sorts of refreshments. They also have t-shirts, sweatshirts, post cards and the like.
Many of the museums have cafeteria style food and some have sit down with service. these are pretty expensive. Union Station has the best value with its food court.
China Town, though not that large or inviting an area, is just blocks from Ford's Theatre. You can get a good meal at a good value here.
All around the DC area are fine dining establishments. Look up the travel lead, Tom Barnes, for some reviews of these places. I can recommend a fine place called The Old Ebbitt Grill. This place has been around over a hundred and fifty years. President Grant and Theodore Roosevelt used to eat there. It is right around the corner from the White house. It is a special dining experience. They also have a take out now during the week. I'm not sure if it's open weekends. It's in the atrium area. It is beautiful in there.
This is a Zagat rated establishment. Very good food served with class. Not for kids at night.
The fast food places are in town too, but none that close to the mall that I have noticed.
FACILITIES
All the government buildings have restrooms. There are many clean facilities outside too. Do be sure to get the official National Parks Map to Washington DC It has all these places clearly marked.
CLOSING THOUGHTS
Washington DC has so much of our heritage in one compact area. I feel it's very important that all American visit it, learn more, and experience the birth and history of the United States. It is also a place to pay respect to our great leaders and heroes of the past and those heroes that have recently given the ultimate sacrifice so that we may be free today.
Hey!!! Did I tell you all the government sites, museums, and memorials are FREE. Your tax dollars at work.
Go to Washington DC. Learn, experience, and pay your respects.
This is a rewrite of a previous review. I did not rewrite because I felt any fault in the original. I did it to give a better sense of travel experience to Epinion readers. This rewrite will give more practical information while visiting our great Capital.
My previous review, that I have kept on this page, dealt with Washington DC from the eyes of a man protesting against a law of the land that he feels is wrong.
It had 90 ratings
2 MH, Most helpful
84 VH, Very helpful
2 H, Helpful
2 SH,Somewhat Helpful
Other DC reviews by popsrocks
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The Vietnam War Veteran's Memorial
The National World War II Memorial This is a new major memorial that will be dedicated May 2004
The National Art Gallery
The National Archives This has just reopened and it's bigger and better!!
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Washington DC, What better place to march and be heard
Full Review
Washington DC is one of my favorite destinations. I have visited the area many, many times in my life. As a teenager I would purchase what they then called Student Standby tickets and for just twenty six dollars I could fly to DC round trip from NY. I did this a few times. We would visit some sites, go to Chinatown for an inexpensive lunch or dinner, and fly home late that same night.
THINGS TO SEE AND DO
I have been there over the years with my wife and also with my children. The historic sites and museums are wonderful and so many are within walking distance of each other. There is no other place in all the US where you can get such a wonderful sense of history and also be part of the present and help change the future. There is a shuttle that will take you around to the sites. You get on and off where and when you like.
A PLACE OF HISTORY
Washington D.C. has also been the place for many important milestones in American history. I remember the anti- Vietnam protests that were held there. Yes, the rally that showed Forest Gump talking to the masses of protesters really did happen, minus Forest.
Great marches and speeches for the Civil Rights of all citizens happened right in D.C.
WHY WE GO
Another reason I have been to Washington D.C. as often as I have is because I attend the annual Right For Life march. This year, as always, it is held on January 22, the anniversary of the Supreme Court ruling on Roe vs Wade which allows abortion. This year was the thirtieth year anniversary of that infamous date.
Now for me there is no debate on this issue. You see, if you truly believe there is life within the womb, then there is no question of issue. Life must be protected!!
I have now been to Washington about fifteen to twenty times for this annual march. Is it doing anything? I just always hope and pray it does. I do believe that as science continues to progress and show more of the tiny human being growing, developing, and living in the womb more people will realize that there is, indeed, a life in the body of a woman after conception.
This year's march also highlighted all the woman who have had abortions and now feel very strongly against the deed. These woman have had to struggle with the pain of the mental and emotional side effects of having the procedure. Many of these woman who were marching were carrying signs that stated "Woman Deserve Better". There were more of these signs than any other of the hundreds of placards displayed in the march. Did you know that the woman who originally had the Roe vs Wade decision won in her favor is now anti abortion!! Yes, that is true.
SO MANY STAND UP FOR RIGHTS
Most people are not aware that every year on January 22nd hundreds of thousands of people descend on the capitol to participate in this march. This year again it happened. It is a cross section of America from representative of all races, many religions, various ages, and most states. I am also very heartened to see that many, many young people are marching for the unborn.
Most years follow the same pattern for the group from my church that goes to DC. I happen to be a practicing Roman Catholic. The march, though, has a very mixed representation of Catholics, Christians, Jews, and many other religions along with some that don't profess a religion but do believe in the rights of a living person in the womb.
We arrive at our church for a five am mass. Those going on the march participate along with others who come to show support for the unborn through prayer and sacrifice.
GETTING THERE
We board the bus, about forty to fifty of us, shortly before six am. The bus is sometimes quiet going down and sometimes there is joyous singing. About halfway down we make a stop at one of the NJ Turnpike rest stops. This is where the anticipation of the day starts to build. There are usually about twenty to thirty buses coming from the North East at the stop at any given morning moment. Full buses are constantly moving in and out of the stop. Hundreds of people are using the restrooms and having breakfast. You know they are going to the march because of the buttons and slogans that are on their outer coats and hats. Many of the buses have signs in the windows supporting the march.
After our stop we reboard the bus. This is when we have prayer time and focus on the meaning of the day. We say a rosary together. Maps are given out as to where we are meeting and also as to where Senator and Representative offices are. This is so we can go to their offices and talk to them or their representatives about the issue of abortion on demand. Unfortunately, due to September 11th, there is much tighter security at these buildings and the extensive time it takes to get into them on such a busy day has made entrance prohibitive for many.
As we approach the Capitol area it is always wonderful to see the Washington Monument in the distance. That is now the rallying point for the start of the march. We also see the dome of the Capitol building in the distance on the left as well as the National Cathedral on the right.
FACILITIES TO USE
We are bused to the National Gallery of Art. This is where our group starts from. A quick warm up and restroom stop and of we go. Do remember that due to security, the less you are carrying around the easier it is to get in and out of the buildings. Some of the group goes directly to the rallying area. There are porta-potties in this area but the warm restrooms of the federal buildings are much more inviting.
VIETNAM MEMORIAL
We are always in D.C. about an hour to an hour and a half before the rally starts. I get a bit of site seeing done in this time. My wife went off with other friends while I took an army vet, a fellow parishioner on the bus, to the Vietnam Memorial. He had served during the sixties and had never been to the wall. The wall is just a short walk from the Washington Monument. It's nestled in the area between the Washington and Lincoln Memorial just north of the reflecting pool. It was a very cold day but he really wanted to see it and I was eager to escort him. As usual the wall had a very moving effect. There is something very special about the place. If you read some of the reviews about it here at epinions you will get a bit of the feeling. I hope to write about it some day. To have the name of someone you knew upon the wall and to touch it is a moving experience. My friend was thankful for the time we spent there.
KOREAN WAR MEMORIAL
Just a five minute walk from the Vietnam Memorial is the Korean War Memorial. It is a haunting place! If you have never been there this is a must stop!! I have been there in the summer and winter. Any time of year gives the same haunting effect of the soldiers walking through through fields and their reflections on the wall along with the etchings that are engraved into the wall. it's hard to describe but it is a must see. I have not seen a place to write about the memorial in DC destinations just yet.
WORLD WAR II MEMORIAL
While we were walking this area we also passed construction of what will be the World War II Memorial. I believe it is a noble of the American people to put up these sites. From what I understand these are all done with through private contributions and not tax or federal money.
What touched me at the memorials was the honoring of those who gave the ultimate sacrifice to give us freedom. This includes the freedom to march for a cause right here in our Nations Capitol! I and many exercise this right every year in the The March for Life.
RALLY AT THE WASHINGTON MONUMENT
From the memorials we walked to and joined the thousands that were at the base of the Washington Monument. This is where the stage is with huge speakers so that all the people can here the words of the speakers. It really is humbling to see so many people gathered together for the cause. We were fortunate to get a front and center view of the rally. Many speakers came up to talk. There were congresspersons, religious, and others personally affected by abortion. We also heard words of support against Partial Birth Abortions from president Bush. At his speech to the nation the other night I thought it disgraceful that not one person on the one side of the isle would stand up and support legislation against this horrible form of infanticide!!
At the rally there is also a presentation given to winners of poetry contests and art projects of private high school and secondary school students. Some of the poems recited over the years have been extremely touching.
There are shouts from the thousands of people in the crowd and the reaction to the names of different states brings a roar from those from the particular place. After more speeches, words, and song the march starts. From standing in front of the stage it took over forty-five minutes for us to even start moving. There were so many people in front of us that it took quite a while for them to join into the march. Once we started to move we walked with many different groups. Some would walk in silence, some spoke in quiet prayer and others would shout out slogans.
The march is always peaceful and with great focus. This year my youngest daughter joined us for her third trip down. Our other daughters have joined us other years. The marchers continue down Constitution Ave and eventually pass by the Capitol Building and ends at the Supreme Court Building.
NATIONAL GALLERY of ART
The rally starts at noon and we are getting back onto our bus at four pm. Once again before boarding we use the facilities of the Art museum. It is a beautiful and well presented museum. One wonderful piece of art we see while there is Salvatore Dali's Last Supper. It is truly a wonder of art.
Our ride home starts with everyone sharing stories of the day. We continue on home as a group that is thankful for living in a country where we can exercise our right and freedom to protest and sad that the courts, at least for now, give no freedom to the unborn. As long as the laws stand they will never have the right to Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness.
Smithsonian Institution
The Washington Monument
Lincoln Memorial
Washington DC
The Korean War Veteran's Memorial
The Vietnam War Veteran's Memorial
The National World War II Memorial This is a new major memorial that will be dedicated May 2004
Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial
George Mason Memorial
The National Art Gallery
Smithsonian American Art Museum
The National Archives This has just reopened and it's bigger and better!!
The National Air and Space Museum
Ford's Theater
The Peterson House Where Lincoln Died. It's just across the street.
US Navy Memorial Just a block or two from the American Museum of Art
Spy City Cafe Local eats next to the Spy Museum
International Spy Museum
National Portrait Museum
Smithsonian American Art Museum
The National Archives This has just reopened and it's bigger and better!!
US Navy Memorial Just a block or two from the American Museum of Art
DC Hotels
The Capital Hilton
Fairmont Washington Hotel
Hotel Harrington, Washington, DC
The Old Ebbit Grill Good Eats near the White House
Passport to your National Parks
Mount Rushmore, Four Great Men Theodore Roosevelt, George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, and Abraham Lincoln
Gettysburg National Military Park
National Parks PassPort
.Collect National Parks
National Parks System
Our National Parks
MY favorite Map.
American Map Road Atlas: Large Scale - Large Type
Recommended:
Yes
Best Suited For: Families
Best Time to Travel Here: Anytime
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