What to do in Washington DC?

[the_tyrant]

I will be in Washington DC with my family next week for 4 days, Any ideas?

thanks:salute:

[Rockstar]

I recommend the National Gallery of Art, Gauguin's work is showing now. So much to see at that gallery and the food downstairs isn't all that bad either.

And no matter how many times I've been there and seen Portrait of a Venetian Gentleman it always stirs a response. Like someone sitting right across the table from me. I can't help but to try and figure out what this man is thinking.

The image below does not do it justice.

http://join2day.com/abc/G/giorgione/giorgione20.jpg

[Skybird]

Paint the White House black. :up:

[Thomen]

The Mall and the Smithsonian Institutes are a must if you are there and got the time for it. Also, if you have the time, you can drive out near Dulles Airport and visit the Udvar Hazy Air and Space Museum, who has the Enola Gay and the Shuttle Enterprise.

[the_tyrant]

Thanks:salute:

what about the spy museum and the navy museum. Worth it or not?

[Platapus]

DC is known for its museums

The Spy museum is nice. They have some Enigma simulators there that are interesting.

Down in the Navy Yard there is a nice naval museum and I think there is still a destroyer you can tour.

If you want to impress people, find the Titanic Memorial in DC. There have been people living here for 30 years who don't know we have a Titanic Memorial. It is rather hidden. :)

Check out the Korean War memorial. It always brings tears to my eyes. The WWII memorial is ostentatious and could have been a lot better. The memorial for military nurses is also a tear jerker.

The Viet Nam memorial is overrated and not one of my favourites.

There is also the Newseum (I have not been there but I understand it is great)

You might want to check out the National Archives. I understand that soon the Constitution and the DoI will be moved as they are fading to the point of being unreadable. Might be your last chance.

Check out the Jefferson building of the Library of Congress. It is one of the few buildings I have been in where I have actually been in awe looking at the artwork and construction.

If you let me know what type of stuff interests you, I might be able to give you some specific hints. DC has a lot to offer, far too much to see in only four days.

Good luck with it.

[the_tyrant]

DC is known for its museums

The Spy museum is nice. They have some Enigma simulators there that are interesting.

Down in the Navy Yard there is a nice naval museum and I think there is still a destroyer you can tour.

If you want to impress people, find the Titanic Memorial in DC. There have been people living here for 30 years who don't know we have a Titanic Memorial. It is rather hidden. :)

Check out the Korean War memorial. It always brings tears to my eyes. The WWII memorial is ostentatious and could have been a lot better. The memorial for military nurses is also a tear jerker.

The Viet Nam memorial is overrated and not one of my favourites.

There is also the Newseum (I have not been there but I understand it is great)

You might want to check out the National Archives. I understand that soon the Constitution and the DoI will be moved as they are fading to the point of being unreadable. Might be your last chance.

Check out the Jefferson building of the Library of Congress. It is one of the few buildings I have been in where I have actually been in awe looking at the artwork and construction.

If you let me know what type of stuff interests you, I might be able to give you some specific hints. DC has a lot to offer, far too much to see in only four days.

Good luck with it.

Thanks:salute:

kids friendly is a big thing, my 8 year old brother likes military stuff

how is the National Air and Space Museum?

[Platapus]

Thanks:salute:

kids friendly is a big thing, my 8 year old brother likes military stuff

how is the National Air and Space Museum?


Which one. we have two open to the public and one semi-private (by appointment only.

The old Air and Space Museum is in the national mall, but the newer one and larger one is by Dulles Airport just off of Route 28. It is about 30 miles west of DC. Check the websites to see what has been moved to the newer one.

Admission to the Dulles one is free but parking costs $12.00. It has an awesome military book store. There are plenty of exhibits that are interactive for you and the kids as well as an observation tower that overlooks Dulles Airport.

Unfortunately, I think the Pentagon tours are still on hold but check their website.

[nikimcbee]

dodge bullets.

[TLAM Strike]

Go to the US Capital Building, ask to see the tiny black hole they have that all the tax dollars gets sucked in too... :up:

[the_tyrant]

Go to the US Capital Building, ask to see the tiny black hole they have that all the tax dollars gets sucked in too... :up:

:haha:
At least its not my money

[GoldenRivet]

Wear waders. or possibly bring a canoe.


the BS there is about waist - chest high now days.


Enjoy your visit

[Growler]

Depending on when you're there, the Akebono Cherry blossoms may be beginning to bud/bloom - depends on weather, mostly, but I know we're getting closer to that time period.

Probably going to head down there on Sunday and troop through NASM, the National Museum of the American Indian, or perhaps the American History Museum. Dunno yet.

[Castout]

Washington must have one of the finest escort lady services in the country. High quality pro*bleep*. It even beat Vegas! :O:

[Torvald Von Mansee]

Go to the US Capital Building, ask to see the tiny black hole they have that all the tax dollars gets sucked in too... :up:

You're thinking of the Pentagon.

[Torvald Von Mansee]

Anyone mention the Cryptological Museum at Ft. Meade or the Holocaust Museum?

I think the former is extremely fascinating, but is a bit off the beaten track for just one museum. The Holocaust Museum is also interesting, despite its bizarre presence just off the Mall.

[Platapus]

The crypto museum is cool, but not really a kid thing. Adults would enjoy it but kids would get bored quickly.

I always wondered why there would be a holocaust museum in the United States.. .then I remembered politics. :nope:

[sharkbit]

Check out the National Zoo.


The real one, not the one in the Capitol building. :03:

:)

[Platapus]

We went to the Zoo recently and it was rather disappointing. There is a lot of construction going on (which may or may not be completed due to the budget) Not a lot of large animals. The Komodo Dragon is pretty cool though :yeah:

There is no admission fee but you have to pay for parking so take the metro if possible. Wear comfortable shoes as there is a lot of walking and most of it up hill.

If you are truly interested in visiting good zoos, you will have to go to other states I am afraid. But if you are looking to kill some hours for free, do the zoo! but be prepared to be underwhelmed. The kids will like the kid zone in the zoo, but will probably not like all the walking between exhibits.

Maybe in 2012 when the construction is finished it will be better.....depending on the budget.

[the_tyrant]

Spent 2 days in Washington already, mainly in the air and space museums

Washington is really cool:yeah:

[Platapus]

DC would be a great place to live if about half of the people moved out. It is a beautiful city with wonderful architecture. Too bad there are too many people there.

[AVGWarhawk]

The Museum of Natural History is great. Also, see about the Holocaust Museum. The National Zoo was a national disgrace last time I was there. The WWII Memorial is nice to see. The old Smithsonian Museum is fun as well. I love the Air and Space Museum but the A&S museum in VA is far better IMO.

[Madox58]

DC would be a great place to live if about half of the people moved out. It is a beautiful city with wonderful architecture. Too bad there are too many people there.

If half the people moved out?
Where would all the Politicians live after they moved?

[AVGWarhawk]

DC would be a great place to live if about half of the people moved out. It is a beautiful city with wonderful architecture. Too bad there are too many people there.

There are a lot of people. Some neighborhoods are very nice. The old stone structures once left abandoned and run down have been rebuilt. The buildings were purchased for pennies on the dollar and sold for millions when restored. I spent plenty of time in Georgetown and Adams Morgan. Good times and good bars! :up:

[yubba]

I have fond memories of DC trip with my folks started with a night in Harrisburg Pa with 3 mile island going on, then a gang shootout a half block away from the steps of the areospace museum, had to tackle my family to the ground and hide behind a mail box.

[Growler]

There's also the National Museum of the American Indian - a pretty decent museum, a beautiful building, and some great indigenous foods, too.