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
http://www.si.edu/
There’s a plethora of museums and events, but we suggest that you take advantage of Jazz History Month. The Smithsonian features several jazz exhibits at the National Museum of American History, or you can take advantage of one of their many concerts. For more information, go to www.jazzsmithsonian.org. You may also enjoy the NMAH's exihibit of Scurlock Studio photography. Througout much of the 20th century the Scurlock Studio was the photographer of choice for African Americans in Washington, and the exhibit features some photos of musicians and dancers as well as many of the city's leading black figures. For more information, visit the web site.
Library of Congress
http://www.loc.gov/index.html
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 LOC Jefferson Building is located at 1st Street S.E., between Independence Avenue and East Capitol Street.
The Spy Museum
http://www.spymuseum.org
At $18, this recent addition to DC's museums is a bit pricey. 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. The Museum Ticket Office, located inside the 9th Street entrance, is open daily between the hours of 10am and 5pm. The Spy Museum is at 800 F Street, NW; closest Metro stop is Gallery Place/Chinatown.
The Great Outdoors
The National Mall
If you've visited DC before, you've probably seen the Washington, Jefferson and Lincoln Memorials. But have you seen these sights on and near the Mall as well? All of the following are FREE!
Cherry Blossoms at the Tidal Basin
http://nationalcherryblossomfestival.org
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 3 – April 9, but blossoms will likely still be visible during DCLX weekend. If you are going to drive, we suggest you go after late-night and see the blossoms at dawn while the crowds sleep. Any other time, there may be backups and heavy traffic. Parking is free, but limited. If you want to go during the day, we suggest taking Metro. It’s a 2-mile walk from the nearest stop at Smithsonian.
The Albert Einstein Memorial at the National Academy of Sciences
Website
Technically this lovely tribute to the world's most famous 20th century scientist is not on the mall, but is across Constitution Avenue on the grounds of the National Academy of Sciences. The larger-than-life sculpture presents Albert Einstein reclining in an unimposing manner and holding pages imprinted with his most famous equations. Make sure you check out the celestial map at Einstein's feet. Then stand in the middle of the universe and talk to Einstein. You'll experience a cool acoustic effect, and you'll feel almost like you are talking to the great scientist himself. You'll find the Einstein Memorial outside the National Acadamy of Sciences building at the corner of 21st and Constitution, NW, nearest to the Foggy Bottom Metro.
Korean War Veterans Memorial
http://www.nps.gov/kwvm/home.htm
The memorial to soldiers who served in the conflict known in the United States as the Korean War depicts those who fought as well as those who supported the front lines. It also pays tribute to all the countries that supplied troops or supplies to South Korea. If you get a chance, listen to the NPS ranger's talk. You're sure to learn something about a conflict many of us are too young to remember and most of us never really learned enough about. Located at French Drive, SW near Independence Avenue, SW nearest to the Foggy Bottom metro.
FDR Memorial
http://www.nps.gov/fdrm/
The nation's only four term president, Franklin Delano Roosevelt led the United States out of the Great Depression and through most of World War II. His memorial is divided into several outdoor "rooms," each depicting a term of Roosevelt's presidency. While the rooms reflect in part the challenges our nation faced during each of these periods, they also reflect FDR's personal challenges, including his struggle with polio. The memorial is located on West Basin Drive, SW between Ohio Drive, SW and the Tidal Basin.
National World War II Memorial
http://www.wwiimemorial.com/
You'll find this newest of the major memorials (dedicated in 2004) right between the Washington and Lincoln memorials. The design honors the actions of participants in the Pacific and Atlantic Theaters, as well as battles won on land and at sea. It also includes bas-relief panels depicting the war effort, both on the front lines and at home. Make sure to look for the panel featuring swing dancers - two DC-area lindy hoppers served as the primary models. The monument is located on 17th Street between Constitution and Independence Avenues.
Great Falls National Park
http://www.nps.gov/grfa/index.htm
If you want to enjoy the outdoors free from the city's noise and bustle, Great Falls is a good option just outside the beltway. 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. The park's main address is 9200 Old Dominion Dr., McLean, VA, but there are entrances on both sides of the Potomac. For more information and maps, check the website above. Entry is $5 per carload.
