PLACES TO VISIT IN WASHINGTON DC
For many American families, a trip to the capital of our nation ranks near the top of the list of things to do in the "journey". Full of tradition and patriotism - and free attractions - Washington, DC, offers an interactive journey through American history that does not cost a fortune.
Here are five tips to plan your best family vacation to Washington, DC:
Make a list of "must-do" in advance. Washington is full of activities, but not unlimited time and energy, you can not all do. Planning will help you select and prioritize activities "absolutely do" for the whole family. Most major attractions are found in a compact pedestrian zone. Note the opening hours of each attraction to not end locked in or out ... (remember Night at the Museum?)
Speaking of museums, the Smithsonian Institution is the largest museum complex and research in the world. Make sure that at least some of the 18 museums, galleries and the National Zoo are included on your list of "Must Do". Most museums and the zoo is free and open every day of the year except December 25. The National Air and Space Museum is considered the most popular site for children. Other notable museums include the Spy Museum, the Holocaust Memorial Museum, the Newseum and the National Building Museum.
Take your walking shoes, camera and lots of energy - but not much else. The most famous monuments are located along the National Mall, an area of about two miles, which includes the Lincoln Memorial, the Capitol, the Jefferson Memorial, Washington Monument and the National World War II Memorial. To access almost all DC attractions, your bags are checked and you need to take food and water to a similar checkpoint at the airport. Visit the website of each attraction to see exactly what is allowed, but less is better.
Concerned that children can get bored to pass from one monument to another? Talk to a Park Ranger and provide them their own activity book young park ranger.
Make reservations and buy tickets six months before your trip. Although free, tickets are required for many attractions, including a tour of the Capitol or a walk up the Washington Monument. These tickets sell out quickly, but you can get them in advance. Similarly, hotels can fill up quickly and become expensive depending on the season, so book six months in advance to ensure you get the best price possible. The most popular times, and most expensive, are starting mid-March to mid-June and mid-September to early November.
You certainly do not want to miss a visit to the White House. You should contact your member of Congress to request a visit, and applications must be submitted at least three weeks in advance and up to six months before your trip, if possible.
Explore the entire city. It's easy to stick to the National Mall activities because of their proximity, but the 68 square miles of the District of Columbia are full of other attractions. Enjoy a view of the whole city with a walk to the top of the Washington National Cathedral. In the gallery observing the pilgrims to the cathedral, you will enjoy a breathtaking 360 degree view of the city while children can look for gargoyles and a hidden Darth Vader sculpture.
Visit the Georgetown area, born of a port city in the 18th century. Shop in the many boutiques, admire the beautiful architecture and take a walk along the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal history. Georgetown is known as one of the best destinations for DC restoration. Also make sure to satisfy your sweet tooth at the famous Georgetown Cupcakes, the cupcakery featured in the series of the TLC television network, "Passion cupcakes."
Welcome favorably the advice from friends, family and the local population! You can learn valuable tips from family and friends who have visited Washington, DC Those who know you well can offer advice about attractions that your family will love the most. But do not ignore the advice of the locals! A simple Internet search will connect you to many local travel blogs that offer valuable insights into the experiences of others. These sites also contain insider tips to save time and money.
But be flexible with your plans for the unexpected, such as site closures or bad weather. And remember, you are on vacation to create lasting memories! Relax and have fun.
Here are five tips to plan your best family vacation to Washington, DC:
Make a list of "must-do" in advance. Washington is full of activities, but not unlimited time and energy, you can not all do. Planning will help you select and prioritize activities "absolutely do" for the whole family. Most major attractions are found in a compact pedestrian zone. Note the opening hours of each attraction to not end locked in or out ... (remember Night at the Museum?)
Speaking of museums, the Smithsonian Institution is the largest museum complex and research in the world. Make sure that at least some of the 18 museums, galleries and the National Zoo are included on your list of "Must Do". Most museums and the zoo is free and open every day of the year except December 25. The National Air and Space Museum is considered the most popular site for children. Other notable museums include the Spy Museum, the Holocaust Memorial Museum, the Newseum and the National Building Museum.
Take your walking shoes, camera and lots of energy - but not much else. The most famous monuments are located along the National Mall, an area of about two miles, which includes the Lincoln Memorial, the Capitol, the Jefferson Memorial, Washington Monument and the National World War II Memorial. To access almost all DC attractions, your bags are checked and you need to take food and water to a similar checkpoint at the airport. Visit the website of each attraction to see exactly what is allowed, but less is better.
Concerned that children can get bored to pass from one monument to another? Talk to a Park Ranger and provide them their own activity book young park ranger.
Make reservations and buy tickets six months before your trip. Although free, tickets are required for many attractions, including a tour of the Capitol or a walk up the Washington Monument. These tickets sell out quickly, but you can get them in advance. Similarly, hotels can fill up quickly and become expensive depending on the season, so book six months in advance to ensure you get the best price possible. The most popular times, and most expensive, are starting mid-March to mid-June and mid-September to early November.
You certainly do not want to miss a visit to the White House. You should contact your member of Congress to request a visit, and applications must be submitted at least three weeks in advance and up to six months before your trip, if possible.
Explore the entire city. It's easy to stick to the National Mall activities because of their proximity, but the 68 square miles of the District of Columbia are full of other attractions. Enjoy a view of the whole city with a walk to the top of the Washington National Cathedral. In the gallery observing the pilgrims to the cathedral, you will enjoy a breathtaking 360 degree view of the city while children can look for gargoyles and a hidden Darth Vader sculpture.
Visit the Georgetown area, born of a port city in the 18th century. Shop in the many boutiques, admire the beautiful architecture and take a walk along the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal history. Georgetown is known as one of the best destinations for DC restoration. Also make sure to satisfy your sweet tooth at the famous Georgetown Cupcakes, the cupcakery featured in the series of the TLC television network, "Passion cupcakes."
Welcome favorably the advice from friends, family and the local population! You can learn valuable tips from family and friends who have visited Washington, DC Those who know you well can offer advice about attractions that your family will love the most. But do not ignore the advice of the locals! A simple Internet search will connect you to many local travel blogs that offer valuable insights into the experiences of others. These sites also contain insider tips to save time and money.
But be flexible with your plans for the unexpected, such as site closures or bad weather. And remember, you are on vacation to create lasting memories! Relax and have fun.
