Washington, DC
Here are notes about how you can have more fun, faster, easier, for less in my favorite city in the world. This is a companion to my other web pages on traveling.
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Guidebooks
If I had to choose one map, it would be the WMATA
DC bus/metro map because it shows where underground trains run under streets.
Get one mailed to you by calling 202/637-7000 or
metroopensdoors.com.
Their routes extend through
Maryland
and
Virginia
The National Park Service has the most beautiful maps of DC.
Sites
| Tours | Coordinates | Destination | Address | Phone | Lead time |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10-2 M-F last tour begins 1:15p | 38.88977 N -77.000913 W | U.S. Capitol | - | 202.225-6827 Capitol Tour Line | |
| 10:30, 11:30, 1:30, 2:30, 3:30 M-F | 38.88676 N -77.00468 W | Library of Congress | The world's largest library. Tours begin in the Madison Building at First Street and Independence Avenue. The 6th floor cafeteria is less crowded and has a view of SE DC. Get a library card to skip the tourist line next time. Groups larger than 10 people should make a reservation for a specific tour. Closed Sundays and federal holidays. Concerts in the Coolidge Auditorium. | 202.707-5458 | |
| 9:30 - 3:30 M-F | The Supreme Court | The highest court in the land. First Street and Maryland Avenue, N.E. Open M-F, 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Tours are every hour on the half hour, except when Court is in session. No tours on Federal Holidays. | 202.479-3000 | ||
| *** | 38.89751 N -77.00616 W | Union Station | Massachusetts Avenue and First Street, N.E. Rail station, metro stop, specialty shops, restaurants, cinema, and more. Open 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. M-Saturday; Noon to 6 p.m. Sundays. | - | |
| *** | 38.89763 N -77.03657 W | White House | 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW The White House is not currently open for public tours. A picture of it is on the back of each $20 bill. Visitor's center is South. Tours 9-12:30 (arranged through your Congressman or Senator) assemble on the SouthEast corner. Don't bring a purse nor camera. | 202.208-1631 | |
| *** | 38.89235 N -77.02276 W | National Archives | The Declaration of Independence and the Constitution are displayed here. 8th and Constitution Avenue, NW M-Saturday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. April 1 through Labor Day open 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. | 202.501-5000 | |
| 24 hours daily | 38.88925 N -77.04929 W | Lincoln Memorial | West Potomac Park at the foot of 23rd Street, NW It's on the back of each $5 bill. | 202.426-6841 | |
| 24 hours daily | 38.88138 N -77.03642 W | Jefferson Memorial | South bank of the Tidal Basin. Rent a paddle boat at the Swan Boathouse and cruise around the Tidal Basin. | 202.426-6841 | |
| 24 hours daily | Vietnam Veterans Memorial | Henry Bacon Dr. and Constitution Ave., NW The more than 58,000 men and women of the armed forces who gave their lives, or remain missing, are honored by their names being listed chronologically on the Wall. | 202.426-6841 | ||
| 8a - Midnight, 9-5 Sep-Mar | 38.89249 N -77.03006 W | Washington Monument | On the Mall at 15th Street, NW | 202.426-6841 | |
| ? | Treasury | 15 St. and Hamilton Place, NW, Closed Federal holidays December 24-January 4. | 202.622-2000 | 2 wks | |
| 9-2 Tours | Bureau of Engraving and Printing (The Mint) | 14th and C Streets, S.W. Closed Federal holidays December 24-January 4. | 202.622-2000 | ||
| *** | Federal Bureau of Investigation | Enter rear of FBI building on E Street between 9th and 10th Streets, NW Open M-F from 8:45 a.m. to 4:15 p.m., except Federal holidays. A 60 minute tour leaves approximately every 15-20 minutes. | 202.FBI-3447 | ||
| *** | Ford's Theater and Lincoln Museum | 10th Street between E and F Streets, NW Open daily, except Christmas, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Theater is closed when matinee is scheduled or rehearsal is in progress. | 202.426-6924 | ||
| *** | Old Post Office Pavilion | 1100 Pennsylvania Ave. This former city post office houses offices, restaurants, shops, and a miniature golf course. Glass enclosed elevators carry visitors to the Observation Tower for a splendid view of the city. Tower is open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., April through September 8th, 8 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. Doors open M-F, 10:00 - 9:00, and Sunday, 12:00 - 7:00. | 202.289-4224 | ||
| *** | 38.88682 N -77.03255 W | U.S. Holocaust Museum | This moving museum tells the story of the Holocaust through artifacts, films, photos and oral histories. Tickets for the permanent exhibit, which are free, are available for specific times and must be obtained the day of your visit. It is recommended that you arrive early to ensure your ability to obtain tickets for the permanent exhibit. | 202.488-0400 | |
| *** | 38.93057 N -77.05486 W | National Zoo | 3000 block of Connecticut Ave., NW Open daily April 1 - October 15; grounds, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. October 16 - March 31; grounds 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., buildings 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Group tours available. | 202.673-4717 | |
| 8-5, -7 Apr-Sep | - | Arlington National Cemetery | Changing of the guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier occurs hourly. | 703.557-0613 | |
| 10-5:30 | - | Smithsonian Institution | Museums are open daily, except Christmas Day Extended summer hours are determined annually. | 202.357-1300 or 357-2700 | |
| *** | 38.88838 N -77.01973 W | National Air & Space Museum | 6th & Independence Ave SW | Smithsonian | |
| Closed now | 38.88818 N -77.02486 W | Arts & Industries Building | 900 Jefferson Dr., S.W. | Smithsonian | |
| *** | 38.89111 N -77.01973 W | Freer Gallery of Art | Jefferson Dr. & 12th St., S.W. | Smithsonian | |
| *** | 38.88825 N -77.02282 W | Hirshhorn Museum & Sculpture Garden | Independence Avenue & 7th Street, S.W. | Smithsonian | |
| *** | 38.89110 N -77.01996 W | National Gallery of Art | 4th & Constitution Ave., N.W. | Smithsonian | |
| *** | National Museum of African Art | 950 Independence S.W. | Smithsonian | ||
| *** | National Museum of American Art | 8th & G St., N.W. | Smithsonian | ||
| *** | 38.89086 N -77.03000 W | National Museum of American History | 14th Street & Constitution Avenue, N.W. | Smithsonian | |
| *** | - | National Portrait Gallery | 8th & F Streets, N.W. Re-Opened July, 2006 after a 4 year rennovation. | Smithsonian | |
| *** | 38.89879 N -77.03907 W | Renwick Gallery | Pennsylvania Ave. & 17th St., N.W. | Smithsonian | |
| *** | Sackler Gallery | 1050 Independence Avenue, S.W. | Smithsonian | ||
| *** | 38.88886 N -77.02587 W | Smithsonian "Castle" | 1000 Jefferson Drive, S.W. | Smithsonian | |
| *** | 38.88849 N -77.01651 W | National Museum of the American Indian | Jefferson Drive SW Lunch here for burgers made with buffalo, turkey, potato, and other foods indiginous to America. | - | |
| *** | 38.895777 N -77.05499 W | John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts | New Hampshire Avenue. Free shuttle busses from Foggy Bottom metro. Free tours daily every 15 minutes from 10-1 from the Tour Lounge, Parking Level A. Free 6 pm performances usually every day. | 202.416-8340 | |
| *** | 38.87095 N -77.05577 W | Pentagon | I-395 South to Boundary Channel Dr. Exit (Arlington, VA). The Dept. of Defense and world's largest office building. 90 min. tours depart on the hour, M-F, 9:00 - 3:00, except Federal Holidays. Tickets usually go to those who arrive before 8:45. Notice on the North side a lighter color of wall where the Sep. 11 airplane crashed. | 703.695-1776 | |
| *** | 38.89714 N -77.03325 W | Hotel Washington Sky Terrace | - | - | |
| *** | 38.88786 N -77.04820 W | Korean War Memorial | - | - | |
| *** | 38.89041 N -77.07020 W | Marine Corps Memorial (Iwo Jima Statue) | Route 50 in Arlington, VA. The famous 78-foot memorial commemorates all the marines who have died in battle since 1775. Open 24 hours daily. | - | |
| *** | Mount Vernon | Home of George Washington; located 16 miles from Washington, D.C. on George Washington Memorial Parkway. Open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. From April to August, doors open at 8 am. From November to February, doors close at 4 p.m. Admission is charged. | 703.780-2000 | ||
| *** | 38.905509 N -77.02293 W | Washington Convention Center | - | 202.537-6200 | |
| *** | 38.89900 N -77.04258 W | World Bank | Has a libary and a bookstore. | - | |
| Sun. 8-5, M-Sa 10-4:30,-9pm thru Aug. | 38.92653 N 77.06377 W | National Cathedral | Massachusetts and Wisconsin Avenues, NW 14th century Gothic cathedral is sixth largest in the world, second largest in the U.S, and home to goofy gargoyles (including Darth Vader). May 5-6 flower market and Open House days are the only time in the year when the tower is open to (for $5) see bells and stand at the the highest point in all DC -- At 333 feet, it's taller than all other gothic style churches. | 202.537-6200 | |
| 8-5 Daily Bonsai Pavilion 10-3:30 | US National Arboretum | Its best to drive there: Bladensburg Road and R Street, NE. On weekdays get a bus transfer exiting the Stadium Armory Station Metro Blue/Orange line so you can take Metrobus B-2 to Bladensburg Road. Walk two blocks to R Street, make a right on R Street and continue two blocks to the Arboretum gates on R street. On weekends and holidays take Metro bus X-6 marked National Arboretum leaving from Union Station operate every 40 minutes. The 15-20 minute shuttle is $1.10 one way and $.25 with a rail transfer. [ct] | 202-245-2726 | ||
| *** | National Presbyterian Center | 41st & Nebraska Ave NW | - | ||
| *** | Islamic Center | Mass. Ave & Belmont St NW | - | ||
| *** | Franciscan Monestary | 1400 Qunicy Street NE | - | ||
| *** | Hillwood Museum | 4155 Linnean Ave, NW DC 20008 | 202.243-3941 |
More on Sights in DC
“I pray to heaven to bestow the best of blessings on this house, and all that shall hereafter inhabit it. May none but the honest and wise rule under this roof.” — John Adams, White House Blessing
West of DC is Fairfax and Alexandria counties:
| Archives Station | 38.89316 N | -77.02209 W |
| Federal | 38.89344 N | -77.02807 W |
| Metro Station | 38.89524 N | -77.02824 W |
| Smithsonian Station | 38.88854 N | -77.02852 W |
Transportation
Food in DC
Events in DC
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Calendar of Events
USDA conducts 300 classes at $355 - $480 on languages, business, IT.
Where to Stay in DC Thanks to the efficiency of the Metro trains,
Here are hotels within a block of a metro train station entrance:
Nights in DC
Notes:
Day-of-show tickets are sold by
TICKETplace at 48% of the full price (plus a $2 charge per order) if you buy from their booth at
407 Seventh Street, NW (between D and E Streets), where
street metered parking is rarely available.
So walk from either Gallery Place (Red/Yellow/Green Lines--7th & F Street exit)
or Archives/Navy Memorial (Yellow/Green) Metro stops.
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Among the list of theaters at DC Registry and Helen Hayes What's Playing, plus reviewes by Noteworthy:
| Theater | Address / Getting There | Coordinates | Phone | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| National Theater | 1321 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20004 between 13th and 14th Streets From the METRO CENTER metro stop, walk two blocks down 13th Street to E Street, and 1/2 block to the right. | - | - |
Beyond DC
From DC, take 66W to exit 43A to 29South toward Charllotsville. Exit Warrenton (US-15 BUS)/Luray, which turns into Lee Hwy, Frost Ave, and US211. Right on Warren Avenue. It's Reinhardt Lynch's inn since 1978.
From May 1 are tours of Montalto, the adjacent mountain that rises approximately 400 feet above Monticello.
Ash Lawn Highland 434-293-9539 is the plantation of James Monroe, now run by his alma mater, College of William and Mary. It's on the South border of Jefferson’s Monticello, off I-64, exit 121, past at 1000 James Monroe Parkway.
Alternately, take the Amtrak "Cardinal" route from Alexandria through Manasas and Culpeper and Charlottesville to
Long Branch house museum at 830 Long Branch Lane, Millwood, Virginia 22646. (From 50 or 66 exit 23 onto 17, L on 255/624 Red Gate Road) 540-837-1856 has hot air ballons and Christmas decorations.
http://www.bellegrove.org/ plantation closed on 10/28.
Crystal Caverns 540.465-5884 at Hupp's Hill, 33231 Old Valley Pike, Strasburg, Virginia 22657
Museum of American Presidents 540.465-5999 at 130 North Massanutten St., Strasburg, Va 22657 U.S. Routes 55 & 11 (AAA/AARP discount) at 39.0, 78.34935
Eat Bavarian Platter of cold cuts and cheeses with hearty breads, pickles and mustard while listening to German music at the North Mountain Vineyard and Winery 540-436-9463 at 4374 Swartz Road, Maurertown, VA 22644.
Shenandoah Vineyards 540-984-8699. I-81 at Exit 279, Edinburg, va. West onto Stoney Creek Road; Right onto South Ox Road for 1.5 miles.
Harrisonberg Heritage Center features (for $5) an electric map of "Stonewall" Jackson's Campaign of 1862.[s
Frank Lloyd Wright's
Fallingwater building.
Reserve the $57 "in-depth" tour.
It's in the Laural Highlands area on PA Route 381 between the villages of Mill Run to its North and Ohiopyle to its South. From DC, take 270 North, then I-70 west toward Hancock, MD. Continue on I-68 west to Exit 14B (Keyser’s Ridge) toward Uniontown, PA. Bear Right (North) onto US-40 (Garrett Hwy). At Framington, turn Left onto SR-381 North National Pike.
The Kentuck Knob House up the street is also a FLW masterpiece. Reserve it for the afternoon.
Drive further North on I-40 (the "National Scenic Byway") to stay at the fanciest hotel nearby — the Historic Summit Inn 724-438-8594, 800-433-8594 at 101 Skyline Drivem, Farmington, PA 15437. Built in 1907, it was named to the National Register of Historic Places in 2005. Famous for panoramic views of its 1200 acres from its great porch and 94 guestrooms, indoor and outdoor pools, full-service restaurant and lounge. It has a 9 hole-par 36 golf course along the National Road.
They don't like having their pictures taken because photos can become "graven" images like posters teens idolize (instead of God).
Shopping and Stores
