Tourist Activities
Any map can show you the locations of the White House and the Air & Space Museum. If you’ve visited DC before, you’ve probably waited in those lines already. So we’ve compiled a list of suggestions you might not get from other sources. All are free unless a price is given.
The Great Indoors
The Smithsonian Institute
There’s a plethora of museums, but we suggest that you take advantage of Jazz History Month. The Smithsonian has a variety of cool jazz exhibits at the National Museum of American History, or you can take advantage of one of their many cool events. On Friday night, Chuck Redd (a regular performer with Brooks Tegler, one of DCLX’s favorite bands) is performing a salute to Dizzy Gillespie at the IMAX Jazz Café in the National Museum of Natural History. There’s a $10 cover that includes one drink, and the performance runs from 6pm-10pm. If you show up at 5pm, you’ll be treated to a free lecture on Gillespie’s illustrious career. For more events, or to take a cool on-line class on Duke Ellington, please visit www.jazzsmithsonian.org.
Library of Congress
10 First Street, SE // 202-707-5000
Want to see some of Jelly Roll Morton’s early compositions? Or Thomas Jefferson’s original handwritten draft of the Declaration of Independence? Head down to the Library of Congress and check out their American Treasures exhibit. The library’s Jefferson Building was built right behind the Capitol to give members of Congress easy access to its colossal collection. You can spend lots of time just wandering through the newly renovated Italian Renaissance building looking up at the ceilings and down into the main reading room. The audio tour is recommended.
The Spy Museum
800 F Street, NW // 202-393-7798
Metro: Gallery Place/Chinatown
www.spymuseum.org
At $13, this newly-opened museum is pricey for DC. But if an interactive tour of Bond-like gadgets and spy tales from throughout history sound like your cup of tea, it can be worth it. Allow at least two hours. If you watch all the films and read every display, it could take twice that. Consider advance tickets (even the day before) to avoid waiting in line. The Museum Ticket Office, located inside the 9th Street entrance, is open daily between the hours of 10am and 5pm.
The Great Outdoors
Cherry Blossoms | Jefferson Memorial and Tidal Basin
www.nationalcherryblossom.com
A gift from Japan in 1912, DC’s cherry blossom trees surrounding the Jefferson Memorial on the Tidal Basin signal the advent of springtime in DC. Peak bloom this year is forecasted for April 4 – April 9. How DO we do it? Our advice: Go after late-night and see the blossoms at dawn while the crowds sleep. Any other time, there will be backups and heavy traffic of both people and cars. Parking is free, but limited. The Jefferson is at the South end of 15th Street where it meets the Tidal Basin. If you drive, take a map and watch the signs or you’ll end up on the 14th Street Bridge to Virginia. It’s a 2-mile walk from the nearest Metro, the Smithsonian stop. If you’re up early Saturday morning, take a stroll down to the National Cherry Blossom Festival Parade on Constitution Avenue, from 7th to 17th Streets. The parade starts at 10am! For more info, visit www.nationalcherryblossom.com.
Hains Point
1090 Ohio Drive SW
If you brave the crowds to see the cherry blossoms, consider continuing along Ohio Drive into East and West Potomac Parks, set on a peninsula in the Potomac River. You’ll get to see The Awakening, a huge sculpture jutting out of the ground, possibly the most fun piece of public sculpture in the District. It’s a great place for a picnic.
Great Falls National Park
If you want to commune with nature, Great Falls is a good close-in option. Wander along the old canal bed, watch whitewater kayakers take on world-class rapids, or enjoy a more energetic hike along the Potomac River cliffs, leaping from boulder to boulder. On crowded days avoid the picnic areas: walk the trail away from the Visitors’ Center, and you’ll find blissful solitude and an expansive view atop a boulder at Mather Gorge overlooking the Potomac River. Take I-495 to the Georgetown Pike exit and follow the signs. Entry is $5 per carload. Another option is a hike to a wonderful little waterfall at Scott’s Run. There is a small parking area on the right immediately after you get onto Georgetown Pike.
Dumbarton Oaks
1703 32nd Street, NW // One block East of Wisconsin Avenue between R & S Streets
Nestled in the heart of Georgetown, Dumbarton Oaks is one of the most beautiful gardens in Washington. The garden is open daily 2pm-6pm with a $5 admission charge. There’s also a lovely museum open from 2pm-5 pm with free admission. Stroll around the garden. Enjoy the roses, the topiaries, and a late picnic lunch.
