How can you pick just 5 things to do in the D.C. area?
Washington D.C. and the surrounding metropolitan area serves not only as the capital of the free world, the center of politics for our nation, a bastion of monuments and memorials, but also as one of the most heavily trafficked tourist destinations in the country if not the entire planet. Okay, DisneyWorld probably has D.C. beat out, but I haven’t checked the actual statistics.
During the over 13 years that I’ve lived in the Washington D.C. area, I’ve had many a guest visit and stay for anywhere from a day to over a week. If they’ve never been to D.C. before or even if they have, I’m always ready to indulge them on my standard D.C. area tour for out-of-town guests.
If you are planning to move to D.C. or Northern Virginia, or just come for a visit, here are my suggestions for things you need to do. If you already live here, you’ve likely visited some if not all of these places, but why not take some time to re-explore some of your favorites.
TOP 5 THINGS TO DO IN THE D.C. METRO AREA:
1. Tour The U.S. Capitol Building
In my opinion, no visit to D.C. is complete without a visit to The Capitol – home to both bodies of Congress – the House of Representatives and the Senate. There’s the beauty and enormity of the building and its architecture alone which is enough reason for a visit. Then there’s the opportunity to see the seat of Democracy – how a bill becomes a law. Schedule ahead (perhaps months ahead) and maybe you’ll even get a chance to visit with your Congressman. A tour of The Capitol provides a glimpse into the lawmaking process, the history of the building and our nation, statues of famous Americans (including Philo Farnsworth, best known for inventing the television).
You may even get a chance to ride the mini-subway under the Capitol that transports Senators and Congressmen back to their offices. The view from the West steps of the Capitol Building looking out over the Mall and the monuments is truly awe-inspiring.
I was fortunate to have attended the 2nd Bush inauguration held on the steps of the Capitol.
A short walk from The Capitol Building, the grand Union Station is much more than just a train station. With over 20 million visitors a year, you’ll be in good company when you go here. In addition to being a functional center for transportation up and down the East Coast and elsewhere, Union Station houses many shops, restaurants, an extensive food court, and a multi-screen movie theater. People watching will delight in viewing the diversity of travelers passing through these doors. You can easily get lost in the sights, sounds, aromas, and delights of the station. Throughout the year, the immense Union Station also plays host to various art installations, special exhibits, and functions.
Take a ride on the Metro – the area’s far-reaching subway system. I’ve been on subway systems throughout the U.S. and foreign countries but have rarely if ever seen other systems that are as clean, smell-free, smooth riding, comfortable, and efficient as the D.C. system (the cars are actually carpeted). 100s of 1000s of passengers ride it every day from the Virginia and Maryland suburbs into work in the District, and all around town. Tourists beware: stand to the right on the escalator if you plan to leisurely ride it up or down. The left lane is for people in a hurry. Housing options with close proximity to the metro are often at a premium.
4. Ascend the Lincoln Memorial
D.C. is so full of monuments that it’s hard to choose, but if you have to visit just one, make it the Lincoln Memorial. This memorial on the Western end of the National Mall majestically rises in front of the reflecting pool and is the famous site of Martin Luther King, Jr.’s “I Have a Dream” speech and the location of many a rally. Abraham Lincoln himself appears larger than life perched inside gazing down the Mall towards the monument to his predecessor and first President George Washington. Take some time to climb the steps (or use the handicapped elevator access) and don’t forget to view the museum down below the memorial. From here, it’s an easy walk to the Vietnam Veteran’s Memorial (The Wall) and the FDR Memorial.
5. Go to the George Washington National Masonic Memorial
Across the Potomac River, on Shuter’s Hill, towering over Old Town Alexandria (and modeled after the ancient lighthouse in Alexandria, Egypt) stands an impressive memorial to President George Washington – the man, the President, the Freemason. This memorial has a particular significance in my life since I am deeply involved with Freemasonry having served as Worshipful Master of my lodge for 2 years and being a very active member. Free tours inside will take you through a history of the Freemason fraternity, allow you to view historic artifacts concerning George Washington (including a lock of his hair), learn about architecture, the Shriners, and see historic photos of Alexandria, Virginia. The Memorial also houses a George Washington research library. In addition, several currently active Masonic lodges utilize historic lodge rooms in the building for their meetings. Not to mention, you can see for miles and miles on the observation deck at the top which offers a panoramic view looking down King Street towards the Potomac River and D.C.
These are just a few of the things you should do and places you should visit in the D.C. area. It’s just the tip of the iceberg. You should also explore Arlington Cemetery where heroes, Presidents, and explorers have been laid to rest. Visit the wonderful collection of Smithsonian museums, the National Arboreteum, Mount Vernon, The White House, the Jefferson Memorial, Rock Creek Park, the list goes on and on.
After you visit, you may want to move here. I await your call at 703-626-0715.
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Brian, I love to visit D.C. You can never get enough of it. We took our kids when they were too young. On the way home we asked them what they liked best of everything we visited.
The metro and the swimming pool?
Go figure, they would love more now. I love the Smithsonian, my favorite place, could stay there a week.
Brian - DC is a wonderful place to visit. I did 4 out of the 5 things you mentioned -- I also loved many of the museums -- I hope to get back to visit more historic places.
Brian ~ You could have easily put a zero after the 5 and come up with 50 fabulous places to visit in D.C! ON my last trip I visited the Newseum. We only had 3 hours to squeeze in before heading home, so we didn't even come close to giving it justice!
D.C. is a fabulous place to spend time.
kk
You did the impossible - FIVE places to visit. I was born and raised here, and I constantly discover new places to visit and things to do. I probably have to move away and come back as a tourist... But you did pick good ones.
Too bad you could only do 5 because there's so much to do around here. There's all the great museums around the Smithsonian Mall, the waterfront, Georgetown and all it's cool shops...and the list goes on.
As Margaret said, even if you've been here your whole life, you discover new places and things to do all the time.
I enjoyed visiting the Washington Monument too.
Brian, I loved taking the kids to DC when we lived in the area. The metro is not one of my top 5, but it was fairly new back in those days. The kids especially enjoyed the Smithsonian. My favorite was the Vietnam War Memorial.
Brian, DC is a great place. Next summer we are planning on a visit.
Brian - My wife & kids are visiting your neck of the woods in a few weeks and although its mostly a visiting with family type of trip I know she is planning on the Capitol tour among a few other things. My son is really excited about seeing it.
Brian,
Fascinating tour of DC. I would love to visit all of these places....the architecture and history is simply amazing.
Jo
I love this way of marketing. Its Clever. Great Job!
i have only been able to DC once and got to ride the metro...4 more things to do on your list! It is one of those cities that there will always be something to do!
One of my favorite places to visit all the museums and monumnets are so well done. Thanks for the advice I'll check out the George Washington National Masonic Memorial looks likea good place to visit and I have not been to it yet.
Brian.... this is a nice little collection and list of things to do. I did a 5 part series for Philly back in December of 2006. I actually learned a lot. Nice job on this one...
I've been more times than I can count on my fingers and toes... I would ADD:
and I guess my personal fav...
go to the Museum of Art.
especially that area between the Museums... underground... I close my eyes and I'm there. Waterfalls... beautiful books... great children's items... a glass of wine - and then I'm trying to decide if I'm more in the mood for IM Pei or the Dutch right now... oh I envy you!
I'm always thinking about the places I'd like to visit, in our own country. I've thought about D.C., but not at length. I think it's now on the short list =) Great post!
MISSY: I could stay at the Smithsonian museums for over a week as well. There's so much about D.C. that I love and love to do and there's never enough time. Sometimes I just need to take some time and be a tourist in my own city.
JOAN: There's just so much to do. It really was hard to limit myself to just 5 things.
KRISTAL: I definitely could have written about 50 things to do. I'm glad that you enjoyed your last visit and got a chance to see the Newseum -- a cool place. I was there before they moved to their new digs downtown, when it was a much smaller museum in Rosslyn, VA.
MARGARET: Thanks. It took a lot of thinking to choose just 5. There's so much in our backyard that we sometimes forget how blessed we are to live here.
DANILO: So true. Maybe next time, I'll write about the 100 things to do in the D.C. area.
I've always wanted to go to Washington- one day soon I hope - it really is like none other - with history and politics abounding.......
Wow--would I love to see all of these places! I have a friend in Arlington, VA and was there in '82... winter and couldn't get out much.
Great post.
All good things to do. A favorite... The Lincoln Memorial at dusk... very cool !
Brian, excellent choices for top things to do. We haven't been to Washington in years (and we're only four hours away). We'll definitely have to get up there this summer.
Love this article, it has me thinking about what to post about in my market. Thank you!
www.PippaMAC.com
JEREMY: The Washington Monument is another favorite. It's been years and years since I've been to the top.
BOB: The Vietnam War Memorial is a very solemn place and it is extremely moving whenever I visit. The U.S. Holocaust Museum is another very moving place.
FRANK: I'm sure you'll have a great trip. Let me know if you need any other suggestions.
STEVE: I hope you have a great visit later this summer. Let me know if you need any tips...
JO: Thanks for the inspiration to write this post.
Brian - You are so nice to take your guest on a tour. I take first timers and solo travelers only. I am so over the site seeing. I normally make suggestions which include taking the tour mobile that downtowners offer
MINDY & JAY: Thanks a lot. I love showcasing our area.
NAOMA: Yes, there's always something to do here. Let me know if you ever plan a visit.
TERRY: The museums and monuments are always great. You'll not be disappointed with a visit to the George Washington National Masonic Memorial, I assure you.
KIM: I am a bit surprised about Branson, but figured Las Vegas would be up at the top.
JEFF: Thanks. I could probably write a to do list for Philly too having spent 4 years there in college.
ELEANOR: Yes, the National Gallery of Art is fantastic. Always a good exhibit and the permanent collection is fantastic.
LISA: D.C. should be on everyone's short list. There is so much to see and do.
LIZ: It's a great city, especially now right around July 4th!
KAT: 26 years ago? I'd say it's time for another visit.
JAMES: I love the Lincoln Memorial in the evening. A beautiful sight.
DEBBIE: What's holding you back?
PIPPA: Thanks. Glad I can inspire.
SANDRA: After 13 years, I still enjoy being a tourist in my own town, though I do it much less these days than in the past.
Brian,
Your task was daunting - to pick 5 things to do in Washington. I was raised in Virginia and made many school trips to the capital.
The Smithsonian Institution would have to be on my top 5 for DC. I have not been there in over 30 years. It must have added so much. I would love to get back and visit with an adult eye.
Thanks,
Richard
RICHARD: Thanks for your comment. Smithsonian is definitely up there on the list. When I first moved here, the first summer I worked downtown right across the street from all the museums. I'd often wander throught a different museum for an hour during my lunch break.
Brian, it must have been hard to limit yourself to 5 things. I have lost track of how many times I have been to Washington, D.C.. I like to always end my day at the Hotel Washington, their rooftop restaurant offers some great views over the Treasury and beyond.
BARBARA: The view from the rooftop at Hotel Washington is great -- a favorite place to take out of town guests for happy hour.
50 comments...........wow Washington must be some kinda place.......lol.........and your post is good..........oh its Brian Block! I need to start reading some of your stuff! :-))
Brian, I can only imagine how tough it must be to choose just 5 in DC. It seems like there's never enough time when I'm there.
Brian...I love DC. I haven't been there since the early 60's and regret not having enough time to see more. This time in addition to your suggestions, I'd like to do the Smithsonian and the zoo!
Great information. I just might try some of those the next time I am in that area.
Sorry Brian I wasn't logged in I guess...anonymous is me!
LIZ: Well, yes, it's the capital of the free world! Thanks for your comment and compliment.
CHRISTINE: There's never enough time even when you live here!
JOAN: The Smithsonian and The National Zoo are also on my favorites list. Gotta see the pandas and Dorothy's ruby slippers.
DENISE: Thanks for your comment. There's never a lack of things to do in D.C.
Brian - Living within 2 hours of DC, I visit often, but have never heard of the Masonic Memorial. I will have to check it out the next time I visit.
I remember going to watch the House in session when I was little. Walking around that rotunda was something I'll never forget. MY mother happened to know a retired Senator - so i got to go to the Senate gallery and watch. It was quite something. The Smithsonian was also one of my favorites.
Brian - I love the D.C. area and you have done a great job describing its rich attractions. Wonderful post.
PAM: The Masonic Memorial really is a very neat place. I've toured it several times and have sat in Lodge meetings there.
RUTHMARIE: That's a great experience -- Democracy in action. The Smithsonian museums are fantastic.
TOM: Thanks for your compliments.
Well done - DC has so many things to do, it can't be easy to pick just 5. Good luck in the contest.
GEORGINA: Thanks a lot for your comment. It wasn't easy to pick just 5.
Brian - a really great list!!!! DC is one of my favorite places to visit!!!!! If it did not get so cold in the winter, I might even live there!!!!!
BARBARA: It doesn't get too cold here, but then again I grew up in Boston. Certainly it's colder than your weather in Florida. You can always be a snowbird!
Brian, good post! I didn't realize you could ascend the Lincoln Memorial. That's one place I would really like to pay my respects.
BRIAN: Yes, ascend and descend. The Lincoln Memorial is an amazing place.
All the years I've lived in the DC area and I have never inside the Capital. There is so much to see and do and when you live nearby you tend to take it for granted.
Thank you for taking the time to list your TOP 5. Having been to DC a couple times, there are still 2 things on the list I haven't done! Looks like another trip is in order, but will probably wait unitl the kids a little older.
STACEY-ANN: The Capitol is definitely worthwhile. You do tend to take things for granted when you live right next door.
CASEY: Sure... It was my pleasure. DC is a great place to take kids as long as they are old enough to really appreciate the history and grandeur.
Brian-
Having lived in NOVA for many, many years DC was always one of my favorite photo destinations, besides the touristy places there are many interesting and often overlooked things to see in DC if you are adventurous and willing to explore.