Destination Guidebook for Washington, District of Columbia
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In this era of heightened security, expect visiting hours to be in a state of flux and certain sites to be at least temporarily closed. Tight security is in place everywhere. Searches of handbags and other personal items have become common, prolonging the time you spend waiting in lines. It's a good idea to call the attractions before your visit to get the latest word on hours and procedures.
Washington is, of course, packed with impressive government buildings such as the Capitol and the Supreme Court; inspiring monuments to such leaders as Washington, Jefferson and Lincoln; and world-class museums, several under the auspices of the Smithsonian Institution. Many attractions charge no admission fee, and a good number are open daily.
Most key sites are located on or near the National Mall, the great grassy strip stretching from the U.S. Capitol to the Lincoln Memorial. It's easy to guide yourself down the Mall, but it would take days to do and see everything thoroughly along the way. You can also view the critical spots from the Tourmobile or the Old Town Trolley, two shuttles that run frequently between key attractions. U.S. citizens can reduce waits by asking their senators and representatives well in advance for VIP tours of the White House, the Capitol, the Library of Congress, and the Bureau of Engraving and Printing. The busiest times for sightseeing are spring and summer, when you can expect long lines at many sites. | Historic Sites | Top  |
This monument honors the 209,145 African-American veterans of the U.S. Civil War. Located in a granite plaza in the city's historic Shaw neighborhood, The Spirit of Freedom depicts black soldiers and a sailor preparing to leave home. The completion of the 10-ft/3-m bronze statue ended a long struggle to erect a memorial to the African Americans who took up arms to help abolish slavery. A small museum next to the memorial features original newsprints from the Civil War and a database that visitors can search to see if their relatives served with the U.S. Colored Troops. Tours are available; larger groups should call ahead for reservations. Monday-Friday 10 am-5 pm, Saturday 10 am-2 pm. Vermont Avenue and U Street Northwest (Metro: U Street/Cardozo), Washington, D.C. Phone 202-667-2667. http://www.afroamcivilwar.org. The statue of Albert Einstein in front of the National Academy of Sciences building is a popular photo stop. Einstein sits casually on the steps, holding papers containing his three most important mathematical equations, and is surrounded by a map of the universe. Children love to climb onto his lap to have their pictures taken. Constitution Avenue and 22nd Street Northwest, Washington, D.C. http://www.nasonline.org. Many U.S. leaders and members of the military are laid to rest in the largest national burial ground. It's a moving place to visit, especially during the changing of the guard at the Tomb of the Unknowns, which occurs daily mid-March to September every half-hour, October to mid-March every hour on the hour. An eternal flame marks the grave of U.S. President John F. Kennedy, one of the cemetery's most-visited sites. His grave is just below Robert E. Lee's Arlington House, from which there is a splendid view of Washington. The visitors center has maps showing where prominent figures are buried and sells tickets to the Tourmobile, which makes loops through the extensive grounds. Open daily October-March 8 am-5 pm; April-September 8 am-7 pm. Cemetery is free. Parking is US$1.25 per hour up to 3 hours, US$2 per hour after that. Located across the Memorial Bridge on the Virginia side of the Potomac (Metro: Arlington Cemetery), Arlington. Phone 703-607-8000. http://www.arlingtoncemetery.org. Cold cash is the big attraction there, where billions of dollars of fresh currency gets printed every year. Tickets are required March-August (no tickets are needed September-February) and are available at the gray booth on the Raoul Wallenberg Place (formerly 15th Street) side of the building. The booth is open starting at 8 am on the day of the tour until the tickets are gone. Lines form at the Visitor's Entrance on 14th Street. Better yet, if you're a U.S. citizen, contact your senator or representative in advance to get a ticket for a VIP tour. Note: If the Department of Homeland Security color code advisory reaches the orange or red level, the building is closed to visitors. Tours offered Monday-Friday 9-10:45 am and 12:30-2 pm; additional hours May-August 2-3:45 pm and 5-7 pm. Tours leave every 15 minutes. Closed weekends, federal holidays and from Christmas Day to New Year's Day. Free. 14th and C streets Southwest (Metro: Smithsonian), Washington, D.C. Phone 202-874-2330. Toll-free 866-874-2330. http://www.moneyfactory.com. The popular FBI headquarters tour is closed until further notice. Call for the latest information. 935 Pennsylvania Ave. N.W. (Metro: Federal Triangle), Washington, D.C. Phone 202-324-3447. http://www.fbi.gov. Aside from having the world's largest collection of Shakespeare's printed works, the Folger also holds 2,000 volumes and original manuscripts from the Renaissance and Reformation, including the writings of Martin Luther and John Calvin. Free docent-led tours are given Monday-Friday at 11 am and Saturday at 11 am and 1 pm. Garden tours are held every third Saturday April-October at 10 and 11 am. No prior arrangements are necessary. The library also serves as a museum, offering exhibits, plays, concerts, readings and other public events. Open Monday-Saturday 10 am-5 pm (except federal holidays). Free. 201 E. Capitol St. S.E. (Metro: Capitol South), Washington, D.C. Phone 202-544-4600. http://www.folger.edu. U.S. President Abraham Lincoln was attending a play at Ford's Theatre when John Wilkes Booth shot him on 14 April 1865. This popular tourist attraction is closed for renovations until November 2008, except for the seasonal production of A Christmas Carol. Across the street at 516 10th St. N.W., the House Where Lincoln Died/Petersen's Boarding House is maintained as it was when the president died. Visitors may take a self-guided tour of the Petersen House daily 9 am-5 pm except Christmas Day. Free. 511 10th St. N.W. (Metro: Metro Center), Washington, D.C. Phone 202-426-6924. http://www.fordstheatre.org. http://www.nps.gov/foth. On the shore of the Tidal Basin, this memorial honors U.S. President Franklin Delano Roosevelt, and it is the only memorial that also honors a first lady—Eleanor Roosevelt. Four outdoor "rooms" represent his four terms as president, from 1933 to 1945. In its original form, the site did not include a depiction of FDR in a wheelchair, raising a storm of controversy. After no small amount of debate, one has been added. Regular guided tours are available upon request by informative park rangers 9:30 am-11:30 pm, except Christmas Day. Accessible 24 hours a day. West Potomac Park, between the Lincoln and Jefferson memorials (Metro: Smithsonian, a 25-minute walk), Washington, D.C. Phone 202-426-6841. http://www.nps.gov/fdrm. Born into slavery, Douglass became a highly respected leader in the fight for equality for African Americans. Douglass lived in the Anacostia neighborhood from 1877 until his death in 1895. National Park Service rangers offer interpretative tours around the historic grounds, which showcase some of the nicest views of the city. Several exhibits in the visitors center, including a 17-minute film, highlight the accomplishments of the abolitionist and orator. Open daily mid-October to mid-April 9 am-4 pm; mid-April to mid-October 9 am-5 pm. Reservations recommended, and required for groups larger than 10. There is a US$1.50 per person fee for reservations. 1411 W St. S.E. (Metro: Anacostia), Washington, D.C. Phone 202-426-5961. Toll-free 877-559-6777 (reservation line). http://www.nps.gov/frdo. Just 16 mi/25 km south of Washington along the Potomac River, the estate of the first U.S. president is one of the capital's most popular attractions. Washington lived in the large wooden home from 1759 until his death in 1799. Frequent tours give an overview of his military, business and political career, as well as details on the development of the estate (including techniques used to make the wooden home appear to be made of stone). Washington himself designed the gardens. The Donald W. Reynolds Museum and Education Center and the Ford Orientation Center contain 25 galleries and theaters offering visitors a deeper look into Washington's life and achievements. From Washington, D.C.: Cross Memorial Bridge, then take George Washington Parkway South/Alexandria/Mount Vernon. Follow signs to the National Airport and continue south, through Alexandria (the Parkway is renamed Washington Street in Alexandria). Mount Vernon is 8 mi/12 km south of Alexandria, located at the large traffic circle at the end of the parkway. 3200 Mount Vernon Memorial Parkway, Mount Vernon (Metro: Huntington and connector bus), Virginia. Open daily April-August 8 am-5 pm; March, September and October 9 am-5 pm; November-February 9 am-4 pm. US$13 adults, US$12 seniors, US$6 children ages 6-11, free for children younger than 6. Charming candlelit tours are offered Saturday and Sunday evenings late November and December. Call Ticketmaster at 703-573-7328 for tickets. Phone 703-780-2000. http://www.mountvernon.org. This beautiful, columned rotunda beside the Tidal Basin shelters a bronze statue of Thomas Jefferson, the third U.S. president. Jefferson's writings adorn the walls of the memorial. It's a popular spot, especially when the nearby cherry trees are in bloom (late March-early April). A museum and bookstore are located on the lower level. Park rangers offer interpretive talks upon request 9:30 am-11:30 pm, except Christmas Day. Accessible 24 hours a day. East Potomac Park (due south of the Washington Monument off Ohio Drive; Metro: Smithsonian, a 25-minute walk), Washington, D.C. Phone 202-426-6841. http://www.nps.gov/thje. This memorial, with its Mural Wall and incredibly lifelike sculptures of 19 soldiers, has dramatic lighting at night that can send chills through you. Guided tours by park rangers are available upon request 9:30 am-11:30 pm, except Christmas Day. Accessible daily 24 hours. Off Independence Avenue Southwest, near the Lincoln Memorial (Metro: Smithsonian, a 25-minute walk), Washington, D.C. Phone 202-426-6841. http://www.nps.gov/kwvm. The world's largest library contains more than 130 million items in three buildings, including 29 million books—among them one of three existing copies of the Gutenberg Bible. But the exquisite architecture and decor are as stunning to contemplate as the collection. The Great Hall in the Thomas Jefferson building is a dazzling sight, as is the gilded and rococo Main Reading Room. Forty-five-minute tours assemble in the ground floor of the Jefferson building Monday-Friday at 10:30 and 11:30 am and 1:30, 2:30 and 3:30 pm, Saturday at 10:30 and 11:30 am and 1:30 and 2:30 pm. Groups larger than 10 should call for reservations. U.S. citizens may request a special tour through their state representative's office. Access is limited in some areas to researchers and students and at other times by demand. After a free tour, take a look at the exhibits of U.S. history in both side halls, showcasing some of the country's historical documents. If you have special requests, call ahead for reservations. Hours vary by facility. Madison building: Monday-Friday 8:30 am-9:30 pm, Saturday until 6:30 pm. Jefferson building: Monday-Saturday 10 am-5 pm. Adams building: Monday, Wednesday and Thursday 8:30 am-9:30 pm; Tuesday, Friday and Saturday 8:30 am-5:30 pm. Closed on federal holidays. 101 Independence Ave. S.E. (Metro: Capitol South), Washington, D.C. Phone 202-707-8000 or 202-707-0919 for tour reservations. http://www.loc.gov. This neoclassical temple, with its commanding statue of Abraham Lincoln, is one of the most frequently visited and most inspirational sites in Washington. Martin Luther King Jr. delivered his "I Have a Dream" speech on its steps—it's practically impossible not to feel a sense of history when you think of all those people gathered around the Reflecting Pool in 1963. Especially dramatic when seen at night. Park rangers offer interpretive tours upon request 9:30 am-11:30 pm, except Christmas Day. Accessible 24 hours a day. 23rd Street Northwest (at the west end of the Mall; Metro: Foggy Bottom or Smithsonian, each a 20- to 25-minute stroll), Washington, D.C. Phone 202-426-6841. http://www.nps.gov/linc. Dedicated to all the Marines who sacrificed their lives in the name of freedom, this 68-ft/21-m bronze monument is a larger-than-life depiction of the famous photograph of six soldiers raising the U.S. flag on the island of Iwo Jima during World War II. Sculptor Felix de Weldon made bronze casts of the three surviving soldiers and used photographs to model the likenesses of three soldiers who died in the battle. Accessible 24 hours a day. Located next to Arlington Cemetery on Marshall Drive off Arlington Boulevard (Metro: Arlington Cemetery, a 15-minute walk), Washington, D.C. Phone 703-289-2500. http://www.nps.gov/archive/gwmp/usmc.htm. At the National Archives, visitors can see the restored originals of the Declaration of Independence, the U.S. Constitution and the Bill of Rights. The documents are displayed in the Rotunda under armed guard and lowered into a 50-ton/45 metric-ton vault for safekeeping at night. A short film titled Democracy Starts Here is shown every 20 minutes 10:30 am-4 pm. Preserving the Charters of Freedom is shown daily at 10:05 am and 4:30 pm. Through exhibits, films, theater and electronics, the National Archives seeks to educate and inspire the public about the history and power of the Charters of Freedom. Open daily mid-March to Labor Day 10 am-7 pm; after Labor Day to mid-March 10 am-5:30 pm. Closed Thanksgiving and Christmas Day. Constitution Avenue between Seventh and Ninth streets Northwest (Metro: Archives-Navy Memorial), Washington, D.C. Phone 202-357-5000. http://www.archives.gov. The newest memorial to grace the National Mall honors the 16 million Americans who served in World War II. Built around the Rainbow Pool between the Lincoln Memorial and the Washington Monument, the memorial is marked by flagpoles surrounding the formal entrance from 17th Street. Granite and bronze bases display military seals. A total of 56 columns—one for each state and territory and the District of Columbia—signifies the national unity of the war effort. Towering pavilions at the north and south ends of the monument frame the entrance and honor victories in the Atlantic and Pacific theaters. Open daily 24 hours. Park Service rangers on duty 9:30 am-11:30 pm. Between Constitution and Independence avenues (Metro: Farragut West), Washington, D.C. Phone 202-426-6841. Toll-free 800-639-4992. http://www.wwiimemorial.com. More than 60 years after its construction, the Pentagon is still one of the world's largest office buildings—some 23,000 people go to work at this landmark each day. It is also the symbol of the U.S. Defense Department. The Pentagon has been fully repaired in the wake of the 11 September 2001 terrorist attack. A 2-acre/1-hectare memorial park dedicated to the 184 deaths sustained in the attack is scheduled to open in the fall of 2008. U.S. citizens should contact their congressman or state representative's office at least three weeks in advance to arrange a tour; foreign nationals can contact their embassy in Washington. The Pentagon also conducts tours for schools, educational organizations and other select groups by reservation. Interested groups should contact the Pentagon Tour Office at least two weeks in advance. Monday-Friday 9 am-3 pm. Off Interstate 395 South (Metro: Pentagon), Arlington. Phone 703-697-1776. http://pentagon.afis.osd.mil. More than 2 mi/3 km of trails wind through the woods of this surprisingly unspoiled island in the Potomac River, leading to a bronze statue of the conservation-minded, rough-riding president. No bikes or cars are allowed on the island. Daily dawn-dusk. Guided tours are available by reservation. A wide footbridge crosses to the island from a parking lot off of the northbound lane of the George Washington Parkway (Metro: Rosslyn, a 30-minute walk), Washington, D.C. Phone 703-289-2500. http://www.nps.gov/this. No visit to Washington, D.C., would be complete without a tour of this magnificent building. Most tours begin in the 180-ft-/55-m-high Rotunda. The House and Senate chambers can only be viewed when Congress is in session. Statuary Hall, which features statues of notable dignitaries, was the original House of Representatives chamber. If you stand in the right spot, you can eavesdrop on a conversation on the other side of the room, which is one reason that the House no longer convenes there. The Old Supreme Court Chamber has been restored to its early-19th-century grandeur. Visitors obtain free, timed-entry tickets for tours (first-come, first-served) at the Capitol Guide Service kiosk on the southwest corner of the Capitol (near the Botanical Gardens). Ticket distribution begins at 9 am. Each visitor—adult or child—must pick up his or her own ticket. Group tours run Monday-Saturday beginning every half-hour 9 am-3:30 pm. Arrive early, as tickets run out quickly. U.S. citizens can contact their senators or representatives for VIP-tour information. Call ahead, as tour procedures are constantly changing. (Metro: Federal Center Southwest). Phone 202-225-6827. http://www.aoc.gov/cc/visit. Look for the statue of a lone sailor overlooking a world map on a circular plaza. Sculptures on the surrounding walls illustrate famous naval battles. At Sea, a film shown at noon at the Naval Heritage Center just off the plaza, records Navy life at sea, including breathtaking landings on an aircraft carrier. Open March-October Monday-Saturday 9:30 am-5 pm; November-February Tuesday-Saturday 9:30 am-5 pm. Free admittance to the center and the film. 701 Pennsylvania Ave. N.W., Suite 123 (Metro: Archives-Navy Memorial), Washington, D.C. Phone 202-737-2300. Toll-free 800-821-8892. http://navymemorial.org. Behind the Corinthian columns of this marble structure across from the Capitol, the nine justices meet from the first Monday in October until early June. Oral arguments typically take place October-April Monday-Wednesday beginning at 10 am (see the Supreme Court Calendar in The Washington Post). Only 150 seats are allocated to the public, so get there early. The line forms at 9:30 am. Guides give lectures in the courtroom when the justices aren't using it, every hour on the half hour Monday-Friday 9:30 am-3:30 pm. Call before visiting to verify the schedule. Building open Monday-Friday 9 am-4:30 pm except federal holidays. Tours are free. First and East Capitol streets Northeast (Metro: Union Station or Capitol South), Washington, D.C. Phone 202-479-3211. http://www.supremecourtus.gov. This Beaux Arts building, with amazing 96-ft-/33-m-high vaulted ceilings, was built in 1907 and is still one of the most beautiful rail stations in North America. It has been wonderfully restored as the showplace and national headquarters for Amtrak. What's more, inside are more than 100 shops and boutiques, nine movie theaters, a metro station and many restaurants (including an international food court). Four blocks from the Capitol, it's convenient for lunch. The Old Town Trolley, Tourmobile and DC Ducks all have ticket booths there as well. Store hours Monday-Saturday 10 am-9 pm; Sunday noon-6 pm. 50 Massachusetts Ave. N.E. (Metro: Union Station), Washington, D.C. Phone 202-289-1908. http://www.unionstationdc.com. Maya Lin's wall of polished black granite is one of the nation's most heart-wrenching memorials and has become the most visited site in the city. Inscribed upon it are the names of all 58,249 American men and women who were killed or listed as missing in the Vietnam War. Directories help locate the names. Visitors often make rubbings from the engravings; some leave flowers or other tributes. Regular guided tours by park rangers are available upon request 9:30 am-11:30 pm, except Christmas Day. Accessible 24 hours a day. On the Mall, near the Lincoln Memorial (Metro: Foggy Bottom), Washington, D.C. Phone 202-426-6841. http://www.nps.gov/vive. Washington's foremost landmark, the 555-ft/169-m obelisk—one of the world's tallest masonry structures—can be seen from all over the city. It honors the nation's first president, George Washington, for whom the city is named. Free same-day tickets to visit the monument, including a ride to the top, are available first-come, first-served each day beginning at 8:30 am at the 15th Street ticket kiosk. Daily 9 am-5 pm. The line can form as early as 7:30 am, and tickets run out quickly. Closed Christmas Day and 4 July. Reserved tickets can be purchased for US$1.50 via the Internet (http://www.reservation.gov) or by phone (toll-free 877-444-6777). Payment must be made by credit card, and tickets cannot be changed or canceled. In the middle of the Mall, 15th Street and Constitution Avenue (Metro: Smithsonian), Washington, D.C. Phone 202-426-6841 for information. http://www.nps.gov/wamo. This magnificent 14th-century Gothic-style cathedral was begun in 1907 and completed 83 years later to the day. Since it opened to the public in 1912, it has become a place of national mourning, thanksgiving and prayer for people of all faiths. Several tours are available, including a garden tour, a guided tour of the church and grounds that is followed by afternoon tea in the cathedral's Pilgrim Observatory Gallery, and a gargoyle tour. Don't forget to take your binoculars—in one of the cathedral's towers there's a gargoyle that was made to resemble Darth Vader. Self-paced audio tours are also available. Open Saturday 10 am-4:30 pm, Sunday 8 am-6:30 pm; September-May Monday-Friday 10 am-5:30 pm; June-August Monday-Friday 10 am-8 pm. Suggested donation: US$3. Wisconsin and Massachusetts avenues Northwest (Metro: Woodley Park/National Zoo, a 35-minute uphill walk, or catch the 90 or 92 Metrobus toward McLean Gardens, then exit the bus at the corner of Woodley and Wisconsin avenues; the cathedral is on the east side of Wisconsin Avenue), Washington, D.C. Phone 202-364-6616. http://www.cathedral.org/cathedral. This neoclassical 18th-century English manor house has been the home of every U.S. president since John Adams. It is the working seat of the U.S. government's executive branch. Self-guided tours are available for groups of 10 or more. The tour request must be made through your congressional representative (schedule tours one to six months in advance). Tours Tuesday-Saturday 7:30 am-12:30 pm, except federal holidays. Free. 1600 Pennsylvania Ave. N.W. (Metro: McPherson Square and Metro Center), Washington, D.C. Phone 202-456-7041. http://www.whitehouse.gov. This Smithsonian museum has changing exhibitions that examine and celebrate African-American history and art. It makes for a compelling look at the struggle for equality of African Americans over the past several centuries. To fully appreciate the long sweep of history, go to the Museum of African Art on the National Mall before visiting the Anacostia. Daily 10 am-5 pm. 1901 Fort Place S.E. (Metro: Anacostia), Washington, D.C. Phone 202-633-4820. http://anacostia.si.edu. Currently closed for renovations. This museum, part of the Smithsonian Institution, houses a re-creation of the U.S. exhibits at the 1876 Centennial Exposition in Philadelphia. It also hosts changing exhibitions on art, history, science and culture. 900 Jefferson Drive S.W. (Metro: Smithsonian), Washington, D.C. Phone 202-633-1000. http://www.si.edu/ai. One of the oldest art museums in the U.S., this beaux-arts facility houses a permanent collection of American art from colonial times to the present, as well as works by European masters. There are also visiting exhibits. Open Wednesday and Friday-Monday 10 am-5 pm; Thursday 10 am-9 pm. Closed Tuesday. US$6 adults for general admission; special exhibits US$14. 500 17th St. N.W. (Metro: Farragut West), Washington, D.C. Phone 202-639-1700. http://www.corcoran.org. This gallery displays the Asian and American art collection of Charles Lang Freer. Included is the ornate Peacock Room, a permanent room that's the only surviving example of James McNeill Whistler's interior design. Free concerts and lectures, as well as the annual Hong Kong Film Festival, take place in the Meyer Auditorium. A Smithsonian Institution museum. An underground tunnel connects to the Sackler Gallery. Daily 10 am-5:30 pm except Christmas Day. Extended evening hours on Thursday in the summer; call for a schedule. On the Mall, Jefferson Drive at 12th Street Southwest (Metro: Smithsonian), Washington, D.C. Phone 202-633-4880. http://www.asia.si.edu. If you want to see a jeweled Faberge egg, this is the place to go. The museum was once the home of cereal heiress Marjorie Merriweather Post, who assembled a large collection of French and Russian art objects, including pieces that belonged to Catherine the Great. There are gardens and a cafe, as well. Reservations are required to visit the estate. Mansion tours occur year-round, garden tours in spring and fall. Open Tuesday-Saturday 10 am-5 pm, closed in January. US$12 adults. 4155 Linnean Ave. N.W. (Metro: Van Ness/UDC, a 20-minute walk), Washington, D.C. Phone 202-686-5807. Toll-free 877-445-5966. http://www.hillwoodmuseum.org. This cylindrical museum of contemporary art (with an adjoining garden) houses some 4,000 paintings and pieces of sculpture donated by Joseph H. Hirshhorn, a Latvian immigrant who amassed a fortune on Wall Street. A Smithsonian Institution museum. Tours are offered at the information desk at 1, 2 and 3 pm. Open daily 10 am-5:30 pm; closed on Christmas Day. Sculpture garden open 7:30 am-dusk. On the Mall, Independence Avenue at Seventh Street Southwest (Metro: L'Enfant Plaza), Washington, D.C. Phone 202-633-4674. http://www.hirshhorn.si.edu. This unique attraction should have special appeal to serious spy buffs, as well as to anyone who aspires to be James Bond. Visitors can test their undercover skills by assuming a new identity and try their hands at decoding messages. The museum claims to have the largest collection of international espionage artifacts on public display, including many items the public has never seen before. Its board of advisers includes former directors of the FBI and the CIA, and a former head of the KGB's counterintelligence unit. Visitors are not allowed to take pictures. The large gift shop, though kitschy, has a good selection of books on espionage and its most famous practitioners. The museum also hosts special lectures, scavenger hunts and Operation Spy, a hands-on adventure; call or visit the Web site for additional fees for these events. Open daily 9 am-6 pm, sometimes later. Tickets are date- and time-specific; the last entry time is two hours before closing. Note: Hours are subject to change because of special events. Check the Web site or call ahead. Closed New Year's Day, Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day. US$18 adults, US$15 children ages 5-11. Advance tickets are recommended and are available through Ticketmaster (phone 800-551-7328). 800 F St. N.W. (Metro: Gallery Place-Chinatown), Washington, D.C. Phone 202-393-7798. Toll-free 866-779-6876. http://www.spymuseum.org. Housed in the former residence of David and Carmen Kreeger, the museum features the couple's private art collection, including Impressionist paintings, a Calder mobile, and works by Edvard Munch and Joan Miro. A small collection of pre-Columbian artifacts and African art is also on display. Tours are available Tuesday-Friday at 10:30 am and 1:30 pm by reservation only; general admission Saturday 10 am-4 pm. US$8 (can be higher for special exhibits). 2401 Foxhall Road N.W., Washington, D.C. Phone 202-337-3050. Phone 202-338-3552 for reservations. http://www.kreegermuseum.org. This museum of the National Academy of Sciences (NAS) is dedicated to the mission of giving the general public an improved understanding of the role of science in our society. Both adults and children will learn from the in-depth and informative displays. The museum also tells the history of the NAS. Open daily except Tuesday10 am-6 pm (last admission is 5 pm). US$5 adults, US$3 children ages 5-18. Sixth Street and E Street Northwest (Metro: Gallery Place-Chinatown), Washington, D.C. Phone 202-334-1201. http://www.koshland-science-museum.org. One of the most visited museums in the world, this part of the Smithsonian Institution houses such historic aircraft as the Wright Brothers' 1903 flying machine, Charles A. Lindbergh's Spirit of St. Louis and the Apollo 11 lunar command module. The Lockheed Martin IMAX Theater shows exhilarating flying films on a huge IMAX screen, and the Albert Einstein Planetarium demonstrates how the universe works. No child of any age should miss this. Daily 10 am-5:30 pm; closed Christmas Day. IMAX tickets: US$8.50 adults. Planetarium tickets: US$8.50 adults. On the Mall, Independence Avenue at Fourth Street Southwest (Metro: L'Enfant Plaza), Washington, D.C. Phone 202-633-1000. http://www.nasm.si.edu. Devoted to architecture and the technology of construction, this museum is housed in the Old Pension Building (designed by Gen. Montgomery Meigs in 1881), an impressive structure of brick, wood and iron. The museum's spacious interior, with its Great Hall and soaring Gothic ceiling, is a traditional site of inaugural festivities. The museum shop is a great stop for unique Washington souvenirs, and the cafe, operated by the famed D.C.-area Firehook Bakery, is a popular spot for lunch. Open Monday-Saturday 10 am-5 pm, Sunday 11 am-5 pm. Tours Monday-Wednesday at 12:30 pm, Thursday-Sunday at 11:30 am and 12:30 and 1:30 pm. Special exhibition tours are also available; call for schedule. Suggested donation US$5. 401 F St. N.W. (Metro: Judiciary Square), Washington, D.C. Phone 202-272-2448. http://www.nbm.org. These two buildings house one of the world's greatest collections of Western art, dating from the Middle Ages to the present. The traditionally designed West Wing features many works by old masters. The dramatically modern East Wing, a creation of architect I.M. Pei, is highlighted by a huge Alexander Calder mobile and a large Henry Moore bronze sculpture. A sculpture garden has an impressive collection of 20th-century works on display (in the center are an ice-skating rink, popular in winter, and a dazzling fountain in summer). Sections of the National Gallery may be closed for renovation. Check the Web site for the latest closings. Open Monday-Saturday 10 am-5 pm, Sunday 11 am-6 pm. Closed Christmas Day and New Year's Day. Between Third and Seventh streets at Constitution Avenue Northwest (Metro: Archives or Judiciary Square), Washington, D.C. Phone 202-737-4215. http://www.nga.gov. This museum is compact but well-designed. It features photos, weapons and uniforms used by the Guard and also explains the historic roots of the organization, beginning with the minutemen of the American Revolution. Open Monday-Friday 10 am-4 pm. 1 Massachusetts Ave. N.W. (Metro: Union Station), Washington, D.C. http://www.ngef.org. This is the only American museum devoted to collecting and preserving works of art from sub-Saharan Africa. The museum also has an extensive research library that includes art books, children's literature and videos. The building itself is interesting—most of it is underground. Part of the Smithsonian Institution. Daily 10 am-5:30 pm. Closed Christmas Day. The library is open to the public by appointment. On the Mall, 950 Independence Ave. S.W. (Metro: Smithsonian), Washington, D.C. Phone 202-633-4600 or 202-633-4680 for appointments. http://www.nmafa.si.edu. The American History Museum is closed for renovations until 21 November 2008, but a select few treasures have found a temporary home in the National Air and Space Museum. Everything in this gallery is authentic; there are more priceless pieces central to the American experience there than anywhere else in the country. Abraham Lincoln's hat sits near the Greensboro lunch counter, where students staged the first peaceful sit-in during the Civil Rights Movement. Farther off, Star Wars' C3PO and R2D2 stand guard near Dorothy's ruby slippers. Don't miss it. Air and Space hours daily 10 am-5:30 pm; closed Christmas Day. On the Mall, Independence Avenue at Fourth Street Southwest (Metro: L'Enfant Plaza), Washington, D.C. Phone 202-633-1000. http://americanhistory.si.edu. Though not everyone's cup of formaldehyde, this fascinating place traces the evolution of modern medicine from U.S. Civil War times to the present day. Exhibits include the bullet that took the life of U.S. President Lincoln, the largest collection of microscopes in the world and a human mummy. Daily 10 am-5:30 pm. Closed Christmas Day. Free admission; donations accepted. Building 54, 6900 Georgia Ave. N.W. (Metro: Takoma Park; ride on the Red Line, then take Metrobus 52, 53 or 54 to the Butternut Street gate of Walter Reed Army Medical Center campus), Washington, D.C. Phone 202-782-2200. http://nmhm.washingtondc.museum. From Dinosaur Hall, displaying the bones of the gigantic creatures that once roamed the earth, to the Hope Diamond and Friday-night jazz concerts, this museum has something for everyone. Check out Bug Corner, where you can help feed tarantulas and hold insects in your hand. Also be sure to visit the Discovery Room for some hands-on fun or see a film at the IMAX Theater. Part of the Smithsonian Institution. Daily October-May 10 am-5:30 pm. Closed Christmas Day. IMAX tickets: US$8.50 adults. On the Mall, at Constitution Avenue N.W. and 10th Street (Metro: Federal Triangle), Washington, D.C. Phone 202-663-1000. http://www.mnh.si.edu. This Smithsonian Institution museum celebrates the living heritage of Native Americans. Located next to the Capitol on the National Mall, the wide-ranging collection includes everything from elegant quilled hides to contemporary prints, as well as a broad collection of archaeological objects from the Americas. Everything in the building is attached with symbolism, from the boulders in the garden to the prisms of light that filter through the windows. The guided tours are especially informative. The museum's Mitsitam Cafe serves excellent native food from throughout the Americas. Daily 10 am-5:30 pm except Christmas Day. Fourth Street and Independence Avenue Southwest (Metro: L'Enfant Plaza), Washington, D.C. Phone 202-633-1000. http://www.nmai.si.edu. Featuring works by more than 500 female artists from 25 countries, this is one of the world's most important collections of art by women: prints by Georgia O'Keeffe, sculpture by Camille Claudel, photographs by Louise Dahl-Wolfe and more. Open Monday-Saturday 10 am-5 pm, Sunday noon-5 pm. Closed Christmas and New Year's Day. Admission US$10. 1250 New York Ave. N.W. (Metro: Metro Center), Washington, D.C. Phone 202-783-5000. Toll-free 800-222-7270. http://www.nmwa.org. A museum of the Smithsonian Institution, the Gallery displays portraits, sculptures, paintings and photographs of famous Americans, together with engaging and descriptive text. Don't miss the Hall of Presidents, with Gilbert Stuart's portrait of George Washington, and the Great Hall on the third floor, which was once the site of Abraham Lincoln's second inaugural ball. Daily 11:30 am-7 pm, except Christmas Day. Eighth and F streets Northwest (Metro: Gallery Place-Chinatown), Washington, D.C. Phone 202-633-8300. http://www.npg.si.edu. Naval artifacts, models, documents and fine art depicting naval history from the Revolutionary War to the present are on display at this museum in the historic Washington Navy Yard. Daily tours of the destroyer USS Barry are given by trained sailors. Because of increased security arrangements, visitors to the Navy Museum who are not members of the U.S. military or who do not hold Department of Defense identification must call ahead to make reservations. Call by noon on Friday for weekend visits. Open Monday-Friday 9 am-5 pm, Saturday, Sunday and holidays 10 am-5 pm. Free. Building 76, 805 Kidder Breese S.E. (Metro: Navy Yard), Washington, D.C. Phone 202-433-4882 for reservations. http://www.history.navy.mil/branches/nhcorg8.htm. The first museum in the U.S. devoted to modern art, the collection is set in the former Phillips family mansion, in the Embassy Row section of Washington. Permanent holdings include works by Monet, Picasso, Miro, Renoir and Cezanne. Thursday Artful Evenings and Sunday afternoon concerts in the beautifully paneled music room are popular with locals. Open Tuesday-Saturday 10 am-5 pm (Thursday till 8:30 pm); Sunday 11 am-6 pm. Gallery talks at 6 and 7 pm. Closed major holidays. Admission prices vary by exhibit, but generally run about US$14 adults. 1600 21st St. N.W. (Metro: Dupont Circle), Washington, D.C. Phone 202-387-2151. http://www.phillipscollection.org. This branch of the Smithsonian American Art Museum displays examples of 19th- and 20th-century crafts, design and decorative arts. Housed in a mid-1800s mansion designed by James Renwick near the White House. Daily 10 am-5:30 pm except Christmas Day. Evening hours occasionally extended in the summer; call for schedule information. Pennsylvania Avenue at 17th Street Northwest (Metro: Farragut North or West), Washington, D.C. Phone 202-633-2850. http://americanart.si.edu/renwick. Based on Arthur M. Sackler's original gift of some 1,000 rare Asian works of art, this gallery hosts traveling exhibits from some of Asia's finest museums and collections. Free tours daily at 12:15 pm, except Wednesday and federal holidays. A museum of the Smithsonian Institution. The gallery is connected to the Freer Gallery by an underground tunnel. Daily 10 am-5:30 pm. Closed Christmas Day. 1050 Independence Ave. S.W. (Metro: Smithsonian), Washington, D.C. Phone 202-633-4880. http://www.asia.si.edu. It took six years and a generous gift from the Donald W. Reynolds Foundation to renovate the Old Patent Office Building, which houses the nation's collection of American art. The museum spans more than three centuries of art and features the work of more than 7,000 artists, including Winslow Homer, Albert Bierstadt, Georgia O'Keeffe and Robert Rauschenberg. The Lunder Conservation Center, located on the third floor, allows visitors a behind-the-scenes look at the process of preserving artwork. The museum is part of the Smithsonian Institution. Daily 11:30 am-7 pm except Christmas Day. Eighth and F streets Northwest (Metro: Gallery Place-Chinatown), Washington, D.C. Phone 202-633-7970. http://www.reynoldscenter.org. This redbrick castle, designed by James Renwick, was the Institution's original building. It now houses administrative offices and the Smithsonian Information Center, where an 18-minute video gives an overview of the 16 Smithsonian museums in Washington, D.C. Daily 8:30 am-5:30 pm. Tours available Monday, Friday and Saturday at 9:30 am, Saturday and Sunday at 10:30 am. 1000 Jefferson Drive S.W. (Metro: Smithsonian), Washington, D.C. Phone 202-633-1000. http://www.si.edu/visit/infocenter/sicastle.htm. Located near Washington's Dulles International Airport, a 40-minute drive from downtown Washington, this companion museum to the National Air and Space Museum covers 760,057 sq ft/70,611 sq m and houses the 80% of the national aviation collection not on display at the downtown Air and Space Museum, including the space shuttle Enterprise, the first prototype Boeing 707 and the Enola Gay, the B-29 bomber that dropped the atomic bomb on Hiroshima. There is also a four-screen IMAX Theater. Daily 10 am-5:30 pm. Closed Christmas Day. Free museum admission; US$12 per vehicle to park. IMAX shows US$8.50 adults. 14390 Air and Space Museum Parkway (Metrobus access: take the L'Enfant Plaza Metrobus 5A to Dulles Airport, which leaves every hour, then transfer to the shuttle for the Udvar-Hazy Center), Chantilly. Phone 202-633-1000. http://www.nasm.si.edu/museum/udvarhazy. Just off Embassy Row, this boutique museum is dedicated to the textile arts. Housed in the converted mansion of its founder, George Hewitt Myers, the museum exhibits a huge collection of rugs, textiles and fiber art from non-Western cultures. Pieces date from the third millennium BC through the 21st century. A large library and a hands-on exhibit of textile-making contribute to the displays. Tours are available Saturday and Sunday September-May at 10:30 am and the first Wednesday of the month at 1 pm. Open Monday-Saturday 10 am-5 pm, Sunday 1-5 pm. Closed federal holidays. Suggested donation US$5. 2320 S St. N.W. (Metro: Dupont Circle, a 10-minute walk up Connecticut to S Street), Washington, D.C. Phone 202-667-0441. http://www.textilemuseum.org. This extraordinarily powerful museum re-creates the horrors of the Holocaust. Exhibits that may be disturbingly graphic to children are designed to be out of their view. The museum also offers many exhibits designed specifically for children. Daily 10 am-5:30 pm. Hours extend till 6:20 pm Monday-Friday April to mid-June. Closed Yom Kippur and Christmas Day. Free. You must secure timed tickets to enter the permanent exhibit, but special exhibits and the learning center do not require tickets. Tickets are distributed at 10 am on the 14th Street side of the museum. 100 Raoul Wallenberg Place S.W. (Metro: Smithsonian), Washington, D.C. Phone 202-488-0400 for information. Toll-free 800-400-9373 for advance tickets (additional service charges apply). http://www.ushmm.org. | Parks & Gardens | Top |
Located in Georgetown, these 10 acres/4 hectares of gardens with English, Italian and French touches constitute one of the best-kept secrets in Washington. The 19th-century house is now a museum with premier collections of Byzantine and pre-Columbian art. The museum and the museum shop are currently closed for renovation. Gardens open mid-March to October daily except Monday 2-6 pm; November to mid-March daily except Monday 2-5 pm. Closed Christmas Eve and federal holidays. US$8 mid-March to October; free November to mid-March. 1703 32nd St. N.W., Washington, D.C. Phone 202-339-6401. http://www.doaks.org. Stroll through 12 acres/5 hectares of ponds and marshes bright with water flowers and a wide variety of lily pads. Keep an eye out for turtles and frogs as they pop out of the water. Birds, butterflies and other wildlife can be seen throughout the park. The park has a visitor center, small gift store and picnic facilities. Daily 7 am-4 pm; closed Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Years Day. Free. 1550 Anacostia Ave, N.E. (Metro: Deanwood), Washington, D.C. Phone 202-426-6905. http://www.nps.gov/keaq. There you'll see thousands of azaleas, rhododendrons, dogwoods, bonsai and herbs, as well as acres/hectares of native trees. Don't miss the bonsai exhibition or the meadow with the stately Georgian columns—they were once part of the Capitol. Daily 8 am-5 pm. Closed Christmas Day. Forty-five-minute tours are available on weekends mid-April to mid-October for US$4. 3501 New York Ave. N.E. (Metro: Stadium Armory, then Metrobus B-2 to Bladensburg Road; Metrobus X6 from Union Station runs on weekends), Washington, D.C. Phone 202-245-2726. http://www.usna.usda.gov. One of the largest forested urban parks in the country, this wonderful expanse of greenery provides lots of recreational options for visitors and locals. The greensward stretches from the Mall into Maryland (a distance of more than 8 mi/13 km) with numerous biking, jogging and riding trails. Contains a golf course, tennis courts, nature center, amphitheater and Art Barn gallery (the old Peirce Barn, near the intersection of Rock Creek Parkway and Park Road). The nature center serves as the visitors center, with additional facilities such as a planetarium. There are many isolated areas in the park, and it's considered unsafe to venture into it alone or after dark. Park open daily during daylight hours. Nature Center open Wednesday-Sunday 9 am-5 pm. Closed Thanksgiving and Christmas Day. 5200 Glover Road N.W., Washington, D.C. Phone 202-895-6070. http://www.nps.gov/rocr. This art-deco conservatory at the foot of the U.S. Capitol houses more than 4,000 tropical, subtropical and desert plants. Other highlights include the orchid display, medicinal plants, and rare and endangered plants. A charming diversion from all the city's museums and monuments. Daily 10 am-5 pm. Free. Maryland Avenue and First Street Southwest (Metro: Federal Center S.W.), Washington, D.C. Phone 202-225-8333. http://www.usbg.gov. | Zoos & Wildlife | Top |
Within the Smithsonian's 163-acre/66-hectare parklike zoo are 5,000 animals, most of them living in open areas resembling their native habitats. Special attractions include the gorillas, seal and sea lion training, and elephant care. The Asia Trail is home to sloths, fishing cats and giant salamanders (they're 5 ft/2 m long). But the biggest draw is the pandas, Tian Tian, Mei Xiang, and their cub, Tai Shan. Children love the place, and the setting makes it ideal for long visits. The grounds are open daily April-October 6 am-8 pm, the animal buildings 10 am-6 pm; November-March 6 am-6 pm, with the animal buildings open 10 am-4:30 pm. Closed Christmas Day. Free. 3001 Connecticut Ave. N.W. (Metro: Woodley Park-Zoo, but the Cleveland Park station is closer), Washington, D.C. Phone 202-633-4800. http://nationalzoo.si.edu. | Other Options | Top |
Ride a mule-drawn barge down the Chesapeake & Ohio Canal. Tours aboard the Georgetown, an authentic replica of a traditional canal boat (seating 80 people), depart from the Georgetown area. Mid-April to late October Wednesday 11 am and 3 pm, Saturday and Sunday 11 am and 1:30 and 3 pm. Additional tours June-late October Thursday and Friday 11 am and 3 pm. US$7 adults, US$5 seniors and children ages 5-15. Departure location: 1057 Thomas Jefferson St. N.W., Washington, D.C. Phone 202-653-5190. http://www.nps.gov/choh. Tours of this large mosque give visitors an out-of-the-ordinary glimpse of Washington, the international city. (Reservations required for groups.) Non-Muslims are asked to leave the grounds during formal prayer intervals but are welcome to return afterward. Women must be covered except for hands, feet and face. There's a bookstore on-site, too. Open daily 10:30 am-5 pm. 2551 Massachusetts Ave. N.W. (Metro: Dupont Circle), Washington, D.C. Phone 202-332-8343. http://www.theislamiccenter.com. The basilica is said to be the largest Roman Catholic church in the U.S. Its collection of 20th-century mosaics is interesting, but it's the Crypt Church, on the lower level, that sticks in your memory—a dark, meditative place with massive, low arches. Tours of the shrine are offered Monday-Saturday 9-11 am and 1-3 pm, Sunday 1:30-4 pm. Open daily November-March 7 am-6 pm; April-October 7 am-7 pm. 400 Michigan Ave. N.E. (Metro: Brookland-Catholic U | | |