Washington, D.C. Places of Interest
The Smithsonian
Start at the Smithsonian Institution Building where you can pick up a map and information on all of the museums. With 15 museums, this national treasure covers a wide range of subjects from art to space exploration. Many of the museums are centrally located to the Mall and are free to the public. For more information: 202-633-1000
The Kennedy Center
The Kennedy Center is the home to the National Symphony Orchestra, Washington Opera, Washington Ballet and American Film Institute. Performances include theatre, musicals, dance, orchestral, chamber, jazz, popular and folk music. The Kennedy Center also offers several youth and family programs and multi-media shows. Free daily performances are held on the Millennium Stage in the Grand Foyer.For more information: 800-111-1324
Georgetown
Georgetown is the capital's historic waterfront. The area is a shopper's paradise and the streets are lined with restaurants of every nationality. Take a tour of historic sites, do some shopping and enjoy a meal at a local restaurant.
White House Garden Tour
To showcase the exceptional gardens of the White House, three summer garden tours are held per year. Visitors to the gardens will see the Jacqueline Kennedy Garden, Rose Garden, Children's Garden and the South Lawn of the White House. The gardens are used for ceremonies and recreational activities, and carry an interesting history of change from the presidents and first ladies who resided in the White House.For more information: 202-208-1631
Arlington National Cemetery
Arlington National Cemetery offers a chance to walk among the headstones that chronicle American history with President John F. Kennedy, Supreme Court Justice Thurgood Marshall, world champion boxer Joe Louis and the Tomb of the Unknown Solider all laid to rest here. Each year, almost four million people visit Arlington Cemetery. The visiting hours are from 8:00 am to 7:00 pm daily.For more information: 703-607-8000
Washington Monument
It took George Washington, the nation's first President, more than 40 years to orchestrate building this astonishing and exhilarating monument, some 555 feet high and shaped like an Egyptian obelisk. Since its official dedication in 1885, people from all over the world have come to experience the magnificence of the Washington Monument. Recently, the monument was closed for renovations. Now the Washington Monument is open to visitors every day between 9:00 am and 4:45 pm every day except December 25.For more information: 202-426-6841
Washington, D.C. Entertainment
Splash Down Waterpark
Splash Down Waterpark features a 3-acre water entertainment complex and attractions including Splash tower Island's hands-on water effects, the Wild Ride tube slide, a lazy river, two fast cannonball slides, a 25-meter lap pool, a zero-depth beach area, boat slide and much more. Daily tickets and season passes are available for entry to this entertainment park that promises to thrill visitors of all ages!!For more information: 703-361-4451
Six Flags America
The Six Flags America theme park is located in Largo (Prince George's County), Maryland. In 2005, it ranked as the 48th-largest theme park in North America. The park offers a full day of fun with more than 100 rides and the largest water park in the Washington, D.C. area, Hurricane Harbor. The 8 roller coasters at Six Flags America include the Joker's Jinx ride and Superman's Ride of Steel. The park also includes plenty of restaurants and shops.For more information: 301-249-1500
Washington, D.C. Restaurants
Old Ebbitt Grill
The Old Ebbitt Grill is one of the oldest dining saloons in Washington, D.C., specializing in American steak and seafood. Located across from the White House, Old Ebbitt offers the largest selection of oysters in D.C. This D.C. restaurant is reasonably priced at $30 and under for entrees, and offers bar dining, a lounge area, and a great happy hour as well as late night specials. Old Ebbitt Grill opens daily for breakfast, lunch, dinner, late night dining and hosts a Saturday and Sunday brunch.For more information: 202-347-4801
Brasserie Beck
The Brasserie Beck offers stunning French and Belgian fare and an array of Belgian beers on tap to complement the dishes. Request the "beer specialist" to help you narrow down your choice of over 50 Belgian beers as you enjoy bowls of their delicious specialty, Newfoundland mussels. Located on the ground floor of a new office building on K Street NW, in the booming area near the Washington Convention Center
Washington Convention Center, the Brasserie Beck is a great spot for both atmosphere and price.For more information: 202-408-1717
Washington, D.C. Nightlife
The nightlife in Washington, D.C. is not as developed when compared to other major cities. Since few most people live in the center of the city, bars tend to be the busiest in the early evening for happy hour. Once the early evening has passed, entertainment can be found in the surrounding neighborhoods, such as Georgetown, Dupont Circle and Adams Morgan.
Washington Harbor
The Washington Harbor offers spectacular views of the Potomac River, the Kennedy Center, Washington Monument, Roosevelt Island and the Key Bridge. Restaurants on the Georgetown Waterfront are busy during the warm weather months as citizens and visitors take advantage of the amazing atmosphere and multi-ethnic cuisines. The historic Georgetown location features luxury condominiums, office space, a public boardwalk and several restaurants that offer seasonal outdoor dining and Sunday brunch.
9:30 Club
The 9:30 Club is one of D.C.'s premier venues for live gigs from the industries' biggest performers and interesting local bands. Located in an old gospel music hall and radio broadcast site, the 9:30 Club includes several bars and two levels of open space to enjoy the night's performance. The club is only open when there's a show, which is almost every night. Be sure to call ahead or visit the website for tickets.For more information: 202-265-0930
The Brickskeller
This below-ground and somewhat cave-like bar has an amazing selection of beer. Listed in the Guinness Book of World Records for "the most varieties of beer commercially available," the Brickskeller has added over 1,000 brews to the beverage menu since it was established in 1983. The staff can help to recommend a brew to suit your tastes. With the casual ambience of an old drinking club, beautiful brick walls and arched doorways, the Brickskeller also features a limited wine list and has an excellent selection of single-malt Scotch.For more information: 202-293-1885
Family Activities in Washington, D.C.
International Spy Museum
The International Spy Museum provides a unique glimpse into the innovative world of espionage and its impact throughout history and present day. Try to pace yourself, though, because there's so much to see, and you can easily reach your limit before you get through the 68,000-square-foot museum. This amazing espionage museum opened in July 2002 is extremely popular so get your tickets well in advance. General Admission $13 for Adults; $12 for seniors; $10 for Children ages 5 to 11; under the age of 5 are free.For more information: 202-654-2843
National Postal Museum
The National Postal Museum offers an educational experience on the history and facts of different aspects of the postal system. See unique collections of airmail planes, stagecoaches, rare stamps and letters, Owney the Postal Dog, the Pony Express exhibit, rare postage and more.For more information: 202-633-5555
Recreation and Outdoors in Washington, D.C.
Rock Creek Park
Rock Creek Park is one of the oldest national parks in the National Park Service. It is also one of the largest forested urban parks in the United States, containing a wide variety of natural, historical, and recreational features in the midst of Washington, D.C. There are opportunities for picnics, hiking, biking, skating, horseback riding, tennis and golf. The origins of the park go back to 1866 when a Senate committee suggested finding a tract of land for the presidential mansion that was in an area rich with natural resources.For more information: 202-895-6070
Pedal Boats at the Tidal Basin
Tidal Basin pedal boats offer scenic views of the majestic Jefferson Memorial and the famous Japanese cherry trees. Paddle boating is a great way to enjoy the sights and relax outdoors in the heart of Washington, D.C. No fancy gear is necessary for paddle boating, except short sleeves, sunglasses and sunscreen.For more information: 202-484-0206
Hike at Great Falls Park
Have a picnic and enjoy spectacular views of the Potomac River at this 800-acre park, located just 14 miles from downtown Washington, D.C. The park offers a variety of activities including hiking, picnicking, kayaking, rock climbing, bicycling and horseback riding.
Bike Along the C&O Canal
Since 1971, the Chesapeake & Ohio Canal (C & O Canal) has been a national park, providing a great place to enjoy the outdoors in Washington, D.C., Maryland and Virginia. The C&O Canal starts in Georgetown and stretches for 13 miles to Great Falls Park in Virginia.
Washington, D.C. Tours
Monuments by Moonlight Night Tour
Washington, D.C. becomes even more scenic after the sunsets and a great way to experience this is with the Moonlight Night Tour. The two-and-a-half-hour fully narrated tour takes you on an awe-inspiring journey through illuminated monuments and memorials of the Capitol Building, the White House and Georgetown. There are 17 stops on the tour, but you are allowed to tour the sites at your own pace. Some of the locations include the Iwo Jima Memorial, FDR Memorial at Night, the Lincoln Memorial, the Vietnam Veterans Memorial and the Korean War Memorial.
Washington, D.C. Trolley
Explore America's capital on a 2-hour trolley tour. Hop off at one of the 16 stops and tour Washington, D.C. all day at your own pace!
Washington Lunch or Dinner Cruise
Experience the nation's capital on a two-hour scenic cruise offering all-you-can-eat buffet, live entertainment with a colorful cast of performers, a DJ and lively narration of the city sights, including the Washington Monument and the Potomac River.
2-Day Grand Tour
This extensive tour covers D.C.-area landmarks like George Washington's Mount Vernon Estate with a stop at Christ Church and stops at the Lincoln, Korean, Vietnam and Marine Corps Memorials and the gravesite of JFK at the Arlington National Cemetery.
Capital Sites Bike Tour
This tour takes you from one end of the National Mall to the other and features the Lincoln Memorial, White House, Washington Monument, Supreme Court, Union Station, the Capital and much more. Tour includes bike, helmet, bottled water and a snack.
The Old Post Office Pavilion
P12th Street NW, between Pennsylvania and Constitution Ave.
Washington, DC
D.C. Ducks
The D.C. Duck offers an unusual and memorable way to see D.C. by land and water, without changing vehicle. Passengers board an authentic fully restored 1942 Duck, which is an amphibious military personnel carrier. Guests will enjoy a scenic river cruise and wind up at Gravely Point, underneath the flight path of the landing planes at Ronald Regan Washington National Airport, giving new meaning to phrase "sitting duck"!For more information: 202-832-9800
