Headed to DC for the weekend. Regular tourist questions

Take a tour for the monuments, at least that's my suggestion. Air and Space, National Gallery, Natural History and Spy Museum are the must see's in my opinion. I can't help much on the restaurants. I don't eat in the district much.

EDIT: Don't know how much time you have, but one of the most important stops in the area is across the bridge, Arlington National Cemetery.

 

I enjoy walking around the tidal basin at sunset. Going that way, you will hit some worthwhile monuments that are often missed (FDR is my personal favorite).

Also, Georgetown is great and close to you but do yourself a favor and don't go during the weekend. It just gets too jammed with tourists. Dupont Circle is better for restaurants anyway.

 

For some good eats, try Founding Farmers at 19th and Pennsylvania. You need to make a reservation, but it's a pretty novel concept with some really good quality food.

Depending on interests, the tour of the US Bureau of Engraving and Printing can be fun. It is also right next door to the Holocaust Museum.

 

To expand on one of Piper's recommendations - at the National Gallery of Art, be sure to visit Gallery 6 (iirc) - the only original DaVinci in all of North America. Small, but worth the visit. You can step right up close and see the detail and skill he applied to his art.

Be aware (if you're not already) that admission to the White House may still involve a lengthy wait in line. Unless you enter through the handicap entrance. You miss a room or two there, but there's essentially no line. At least when I did it.

Enjoy!

 

Off the beaten track and much less well-known than the "big name" attractions is Hillwood Estate/Gardens/Museum.

This former home of Marjorie Merriweather Post is absolutely fascinating. It's a real treasure and is well worth the visit.

She was heir to the Post Cereal Company fortune and was married to EF Hutton (her 2nd husband, actually), and they transformed the cereal company into General Foods. Here's the link:

Marjorie Merriweather Post | Hillwood Estate, Museum and Garden

If you have the time, you'll be glad you included this on your travel agenda.

 

Go to Fords Theatre, museum in lower level, and house across the street where President Lincoln died. Well worth the time and really brings to life the tragedy of this event.

 

Great place! Definitely get on Open Table and make some reservations if you haven't already done so (not just for Founding Farmers, but for any restaurants you want to try.) If you're in the mood for Italian and can get over to Georgetown, I love Filomena on Wisconsin Avenue.

 

Re: Tidal Basin...

What are the cherry blossoms doing this year?

CW

 

Festival was last weekend followed by a pretty good blow. My guess is a lot of the blossoms are gone now, but haven't been to see. I was down there once when a good storm passed through during the festival and they fly like snow in a heavy wind.

 

Cherry blossoms are probably done, or close to done. I think I saw on the news that last week was "the" heavy tourist viewing weekend. Hopefully someone closer chimes in....

gp

 

I would suggest Ebbit Grill across from the White House is a little historical, for lunch or dinner.
History | Old Ebbitt Grill

Have fun!

S

 

Since you like boats, Annapolis isn't too far. We host Cars and Coffee Sunday mornings, 9am-noon at City Dock.

You should also check out Katie's in Great a Falls Saturday morning 7am-9am.

+1 on Old Ebbitt Grill!

Enjoy your visit.


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DC is full of great people, despite what the media and political muckrakers say. Glad you enjoyed our town!!