My first trip to Washington DC, as a chaperone for an 8th grade school group, was not exactly my dream vacation! We traveled from Nashville by bus and everything was programmed. In just a few days, we packed in a lot of sights and activities. A few years later, I repeated the trip with a 6th grade class from another school. This trip was on a nicer bus with a few more upscale activities planned. But I never walked so much in my life as I did on that visit. Just a couple years later, Jim and I and our 14 year-old son stopped in DC for a couple of days of quick sightseeing on our drive home from New England. Again, we crammed an amazing amount of activities into a short period of time. A later trip with 2 young grandchildren proved equally busy and fun. The city offers something for all ages, but expect to get your exercise. Walking is the name of the game to see and do as much as possible.
Our Nation’s capital is set up so that getting around is easy and careful planning, you can accomplish a lot in a small amount of time. A weekend is not nearly enough time to see it all, so plan for a bit longer or make a return visit. Washington D.C. is a magical place and the buildings previously viewed on television seem larger than life in person. Walking past the White House or staring up at the Capitol gives you chills as you stare history right in the face!
Following are a few must-sees on your weekend in D.C.. You can choose which ones best fits your interests.
The Smithsonian, made up of several separate museums, is situated along the National Mall in the city. The magnificent Washington Monument rises in the sky and is surrounded by the Capitol at one end and the Lincoln Memorial on the other. A certain number of people are allowed to climb the Washington Monument each day and it’s highly recommended, if you have the stamina. Be prepared for the stairs to get narrower as you ascend to the top. Tickets are free at the Monument; however, to be certain you get yours, consider paying a small fee to order them ahead of time.
The Jefferson Memorial is somewhere in that mix. Nicknamed “America’s Front Yard,” the Mall attracts locals and visitors who walk, bike, sunbathe, picnic or take part in one of the many festivals held there. Begin with either the imposing memorials or in the actual museums that make up the Smithsonian. Because there are several separate buildings, you’ll want to choose the ones that interest you, from the National Air & Space Museum, the Museum of Natural History, the American Art Museum to the Hirshhorn Museum & Sculpture Garden and so much more. The National Zoo, although not located near the Mall, is also part of the Smithsonian complex. Do your homework before you go and decide which museums to include in your weekend visit.
No trip to Washington DC is complete without a visit to the Capitol Building and the White House. Always try to make reservations ahead for a White House tour to avoid long lines. The military memorials are also a must-see. Depending on your personal preference, there is the World War II Memorial, the Korean War Memorial and the very impressive Vietnam Memorial. Perhaps because I came of age in the 1960’s, I was quite taken with the Vietnam Memorial. Remember to approach those memorials quietly and show your respect. Veterans and their loved ones often visit, and the air is thick with emotion.
There are more interesting places to visit in DC, as well as the most well-known ones discussed above.
U. S. Holocaust Museum. If you visit from March – August, expect long lines. Timed entry passes will be given out to help alleviate the problem, but I’ve heard that the building can become quite packed with people. Perhaps a more comfortable visit would be had in September or October. The United States Holocaust Memorial Museum is America’s national institution for the documentation, study, and interpretation of Holocaust history. That statement from their website does not describe the emotions the visitor will experience upon viewing the reminders of a political system devoid of humanity, kindness, and faith in God.
What Jews, others who helped them, homosexuals and other groups suffered at the hands of the Nazi regime should never be forgotten, and the Holocaust Museum is designed to teach and remind us of this. Although, many children visit, it is an emotional experience, and I suggest you know how your child would react to photos and film of the atrocities committed upon humans before you bring them. Check out their website for details on opening and closing details. . Be sure to wear comfortable walking shoes and take a bottle of water with you. No food or other drink is allowed.
Marine Corps Sunset Parade at the Iwo Jima Monument. Located in Arlington, VA, the event is held on Tuesday evenings in the summer. You would need to confirm times via their website. But expect the ceremony to begin around 6:30 – 7 p.m. Weather does control the event. You can take lawn chairs or blankets for viewing as there is a large field surrounding the Iwo Jima Memorial. Lasting about an hour, the event begins with the Marine Drum and Bugle Corp performing well-known songs, followed by Drill Teams. If you are driving, plan to park at Arlington Cemetery and take the shuttle provided by the Marines to the monument.
Evening Parade at the Marine Corps Barracks. Held on Friday evenings May – Aug, this event begins with a concert by the U.S. Marine Corps Band, followed by performances by the President’s Own Band, the Marine Drum & Bugle Corps, the Marine Corps Color Guard and more. My first visit was with the 6th grade school group and on that night, President and Mrs. Clinton attended for a little while. As they left, President Clinton stopped by our bleachers to shake hands with some of us. Mrs. Clinton looked straight ahead and didn’t stop or wave, but the President won a lot of friends that evening. The performance begins at 8:45 p.m. and reservations are recommended. Don’t expect to be comfortable as seating is on bleachers, and you will be packed in tightly. At my second performance a few years later, we did not have reservations and were lucky to be seated. However, our seats were near the end of a row of bleachers and more comfortable than being crammed in the middle. Your choice! Bottles of water and baby bottles are permitted, and security appears to be tight. Cold water is available free for visitors. The music and drill teams are magnificent!
The National Cathedral. The impressive, Gothic cathedral located in Northwest Washington DC, built as a church many years ago and intended for all, has been under some phase of construction ever since. The Episcopal Church was granted a charter for the Cathedral in 1893. The architecture itself is worth the visit. Most impressive to me were the over 200 stained glass windows. The Cathedral is the burial place for Helen Keller and President Woodrow Wilson, among others. There is an entry fee except on Sundays. An earthquake in 2011 caused millions of dollars in damage to the Cathedral and repairs are ongoing.
National Geographic Museum. If photography is your game, this museum is worth a visit. Changing exhibitions keep the museum fresh and up-to-date, and the photographic exhibits are stunning. Admission is $12 for seniors and military and $10 for children 5-12. http://events.nationalgeographic.com/national-geographic-museum/.
Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. No visit to Washington would be complete without a stop at Arlington Cemetery. Along with the graves of famous people like John F. Kennedy, and possibly some of your own family members, the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier is a must. Situated on top of a hill overlooking the city, the marble sarcophagus itself is an impressive work of art. Sculpted into one side are 3 Greek figures representing peace, valor and victory. The structure sits atop the grave of an unknown soldier from WW I. The guard standing watch over the tomb is changed every half hour during the summer and hourly the rest of the year. He takes 21 steps, pauses, turns, pauses again, and then returns 21 steps to where he began. The ceremony of the changing of the guard is formal, and the audience is expected to stand quietly during the process. To become a guard at the tomb requires great self-sacrifice. Their duty time when they are not “on guard” is spent below the Memorial studying, cleaning their weapons and uniforms and they even train on their days off. To become a guard here is a great honor. There is never a time when a guard is not at the tomb – no matter how severe the weather.
The city is full of wonderful restaurants and hotels, but expect them to be pricey. We usually stay outside the city, in or near Arlington, VA. If you don’t want to drive into the city, there is a metro station within walking distance of the Key Bridge Marriott. However, if you are in the area on Sunday, we found it easy to get around Washington by car and parking wasn’t bad either.
