What to do in Washington DC besides National Mall

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nisryus

nisryus

Senior member
Sep 11, 2007
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Since the tips and information I got for my trip back in 2019 (Seattle to SF road trip) was very help, its time to ask for information related to DC.

Kid has been staying on top of his school work and been maintaining a 4.0 GPA while doing several extracurriculars activities. Time to reward him with a trip. (Plus we haven't gone anywhere since 2020, so its time).

He wanted to visit Washington DC, so I have booked flight and hotel at the beginning of June. We will be staying there for five days.

First three days will be around the National Mall area such as various museums, national archives (if it opens), and monuments. Then one day will be visiting Georgetown university and American University. He is in Model UN, so not only interested in medical studies but also internal relation. So one day left to do.. something..

Any tips on must visit there? Will be weather be humid and hot?
 
IronWing

IronWing

No Lifer
Jul 20, 2001
72,057
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Three days on the mall will be long.

The Falls of the Potomac are pretty and a nice break from the urbanscape.
 
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Torn Mind

Torn Mind

Lifer
Nov 25, 2012
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Been in the area for over three decades. More likely than not, the weather will be hot and humid indeed.

www.tripadvisor.com

THE 15 BEST Things to Do in Washington DC - 2023 (with Photos) - Tripadvisor

Things to Do in Washington DC, District of Columbia: See Tripadvisor's 895,782 traveler reviews and photos of Washington DC tourist attractions. Find what to do today, this weekend, or in April. We have reviews of the best places to see in Washington DC. Visit top-rated & must-see attractions.
www.tripadvisor.com www.tripadvisor.com

Though I've been in the area for a while, never really did much sightseeing except the museums on the Mall. So the Tripadvisor list of sites might have something that catches your attention.

There's also venturing into NoVA and looking at something like Mount Vernon...
 
Captante

Captante

Lifer
Oct 20, 2003
30,337
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Smithsonian Air & Space Museum *(re-opens 3/1/22)

636737436809401289-15-SmithsonianAirSpace-Sean-Pavone-shutterstock-472741981.jpg


Virtual tour


Additionally I would strongly suggest a visit to the US Holocaust Museum.

N02358-1000x496.jpg



ALSO be advised that the Mall itself isn't the safest place.... don't get me wrong if you live in NYC or LA you have nothing to worry about beyond the normal care BUT if you are from a rural area be advised that getting robbed/scammed is quick & easy! (be a little careful using the trains too)
 
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nisryus

nisryus

Senior member
Sep 11, 2007
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Yeah, the air and space museum is on the plan. But the Falls of the Potomac and Ford Theatre are not.. Now they are!

Thanks guys! I know I can count on y'all!
 
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Torn Mind

Torn Mind

Lifer
Nov 25, 2012
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Red Squirrel said:
Fun for the whole family! Need to find Nancy Pelosi's podium and office for the full experience.

Seriously though does the White House do tours like they do with Parliament? I imagine that would be something worth doing.
Click to expand...
Not the easiest thing to get done, but it can be done.
www.nps.gov

The White House Tour - The White House and President's Park (U.S. National Park Service)

www.nps.gov www.nps.gov
washington.org

How Can I Tour the White House in Washington, DC? | Washington DC

Here’s how to request and book a White House tour, what to expect when you visit, how to get to the White House, where to store your belongings and much more.
washington.org washington.org
 
IronWing

IronWing

No Lifer
Jul 20, 2001
72,057
32,311
136
Red Squirrel said:
Fun for the whole family! Need to find Nancy Pelosi's podium and office for the full experience.

Seriously though does the White House do tours like they do with Parliament? I imagine that would be something worth doing.
Click to expand...
Yes, but there is a weirdly political process to obtaining a tour ticket. One has to go through one of their Congressional representatives.
 
sdifox

sdifox

No Lifer
Sep 30, 2005
98,941
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nisryus said:
Yeah, the air and space museum is on the plan. But the Falls of the Potomac and Ford Theatre are not.. Now they are!

Thanks guys! I know I can count on y'all!
Click to expand...


Make sure to pick up a mozaic puzzle of Lincoln.

Jigsaw Puzzles, Brain Teasers & Games | SeriousPuzzles.com

Looking for the perfect jigsaw puzzle or brain teaser challenge? Serious Puzzles is the shop for you, offering puzzles and games for kids of all ages.
www.seriouspuzzles.com www.seriouspuzzles.com


Mine is still new in the box and I got it in 2001 xd
 
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T

TXHokie

Platinum Member
Nov 16, 1999
2,558
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See the other Air and Space museum near Dulles airport that has a copy of the space shuttle, Concorde, and Blackbird SR-71 you can see up close. My younger self enjoyed mingling with the crowds on weekends at Georgetown or Old Town waterfront tho with the pandemic it’s probably no longer a thing. If you can rent bikes and ride along the Potomac both on the Virginia side and DC side you can take in some unique vantage memorable views of the city.
 
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purbeast0

purbeast0

No Lifer
Sep 13, 2001
53,481
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June weather will probably be brutal.

Georgetown is nice down by the waterfront especially in the evening when the sun has gone down.

Go check out the Exorcist stairs and take a tumble down then for fun!

If the Capitals are in a deep playoff run, anywhere around Capital One Arena will be a fun time.

Maybe catch a Nationals game in the evening if you all are into baseball.
 
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Dr. Detroit

Dr. Detroit

Diamond Member
Sep 25, 2004
8,391
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Smithsonian's National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute

Always free of charge, the Smithsonian’s National Zoo is one of Washington D.C.’s, and the Smithsonian’s, most popular tourist destinations, with more than 2 million visitors from all over the world each year. The Zoo instills a lifelong commitment to conservation through engaging experiences...
nationalzoo.si.edu nationalzoo.si.edu

https://www.spymuseum.org/ (Never been but heard good things)

museum.archives.gov

The National Archives in Washington, DC

The museum wing of the National Archives, the National Archives Museum is the home of the Declaration of Independence, Constitution, and Bill of Rights. Open daily 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Located at 701 Constitution Ave., NW, Washington, DC 20408. Admission is always free.
museum.archives.gov museum.archives.gov

Korean War Memorial was very cool

washington.org

How Can I Tour the Monuments & Memorials in Washington, DC? | Washington DC

Touring DC’s iconic attractions When you come to DC, especially if you’re a first-time visitor, it’s likely that our world-famous monuments and memorials will be at the top of your must-see list. Most of these major attractions are located on the National Mall, which extends from the U.S...
washington.org washington.org

https://washington.org/DC-guide-to/washington-monument (tickets are scarce)

DC: Lesser Known Museums

Washington D.C. Is home to some of the most incredible collections of art, scientific, and historic artifacts in the United States as well as the world. In addition to the Smithsonian Institution, more than 200 museums are contained throughout the DC area such as historic homes, small art museums,…
www.afar.com www.afar.com

And of course: https://benschilibowl.com/
 
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nisryus

nisryus

Senior member
Sep 11, 2007
857
184
116
Oh, is there any trolley running in Georgetown area? Besides Uber, its a long walk from the The Old Stone House to the university.
 
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