What to do in Washington DC besides National Mall

[nisryus]

Since the tips and information I got for my trip back in 2019 (Seattle to SF road trip) was very help, its time to ask for information related to DC.

Kid has been staying on top of his school work and been maintaining a 4.0 GPA while doing several extracurriculars activities. Time to reward him with a trip. (Plus we haven't gone anywhere since 2020, so its time).

He wanted to visit Washington DC, so I have booked flight and hotel at the beginning of June. We will be staying there for five days.

First three days will be around the National Mall area such as various museums, national archives (if it opens), and monuments. Then one day will be visiting Georgetown university and American University. He is in Model UN, so not only interested in medical studies but also internal relation. So one day left to do.. something..

Any tips on must visit there? Will be weather be humid and hot?

 

[brianmanahan]

ford's theatre tour is pretty good

took me 3 trips to DC before i finally checked that place out

 

[IronWing]

Three days on the mall will be long.

The Falls of the Potomac are pretty and a nice break from the urbanscape.

 

[Torn Mind]

Been in the area for over three decades. More likely than not, the weather will be hot and humid indeed.

THE 15 BEST Things to Do in Washington DC - 2023 (with Photos) - Tripadvisor

Things to Do in Washington DC, District of Columbia: See Tripadvisor's 895,782 traveler reviews and photos of Washington DC tourist attractions. Find what to do today, this weekend, or in April. We have reviews of the best places to see in Washington DC. Visit top-rated & must-see attractions.

www.tripadvisor.com

Though I've been in the area for a while, never really did much sightseeing except the museums on the Mall. So the Tripadvisor list of sites might have something that catches your attention.

There's also venturing into NoVA and looking at something like Mount Vernon...

 

[Captante]

Smithsonian Air & Space Museum *(re-opens 3/1/22)

Virtual tour


Additionally I would strongly suggest a visit to the US Holocaust Museum.

ALSO be advised that the Mall itself isn't the safest place.... don't get me wrong if you live in NYC or LA you have nothing to worry about beyond the normal care BUT if you are from a rural area be advised that getting robbed/scammed is quick & easy! (be a little careful using the trains too)

 

[Torn Mind]

Smithsonian Air & Space Museum *(re-opens 3/1/22)

Virtual tour

Pretty sure that's already in the plans since that is on the National Mall.

 

[Captante]

Pretty sure that's already in the plans since that is on the National Mall.

Derp?

(I've been to DC MANY times)

 

[pete6032]

Stop into comet ping pong for some pizza and see if you can spot any trafficker's.

 

[lxskllr]

Invade the Capitol.

 

[Stiff Clamp]

protest at the Capitol!!! Wave an angry BLM sign and you'll be untouchable.

 

[nisryus]

Yeah, the air and space museum is on the plan. But the Falls of the Potomac and Ford Theatre are not.. Now they are!

Thanks guys! I know I can count on y'all!

 

[Torn Mind]

Derp?

(I've been to DC MANY times)

He wanted suggestions beyond the well-trodden areas per the OP.

 

[IronWing]

Old Town Alexandria is (was?) pretty nice.

 

[Red Squirrel]

Invade the Capitol.

Fun for the whole family! Need to find Nancy Pelosi's podium and office for the full experience.

Seriously though does the White House do tours like they do with Parliament? I imagine that would be something worth doing.

 

[Torn Mind]

Fun for the whole family! Need to find Nancy Pelosi's podium and office for the full experience.

Seriously though does the White House do tours like they do with Parliament? I imagine that would be something worth doing.

Not the easiest thing to get done, but it can be done.

The White House Tour - The White House and President's Park (U.S. National Park Service)

www.nps.gov

How Can I Tour the White House in Washington, DC? | Washington DC

Here’s how to request and book a White House tour, what to expect when you visit, how to get to the White House, where to store your belongings and much more.

washington.org

 

[IronWing]

Fun for the whole family! Need to find Nancy Pelosi's podium and office for the full experience.

Seriously though does the White House do tours like they do with Parliament? I imagine that would be something worth doing.

Yes, but there is a weirdly political process to obtaining a tour ticket. One has to go through one of their Congressional representatives.

 

[sdifox]

Yeah, the air and space museum is on the plan. But the Falls of the Potomac and Ford Theatre are not.. Now they are!

Thanks guys! I know I can count on y'all!

Make sure to pick up a mozaic puzzle of Lincoln.

Jigsaw Puzzles, Brain Teasers & Games | SeriousPuzzles.com

Looking for the perfect jigsaw puzzle or brain teaser challenge? Serious Puzzles is the shop for you, offering puzzles and games for kids of all ages.

www.seriouspuzzles.com

Mine is still new in the box and I got it in 2001 xd

 

[Captante]

He wanted suggestions beyond the well-trodden areas per the OP.

You worry me sometimes!

 

[TXHokie]

See the other Air and Space museum near Dulles airport that has a copy of the space shuttle, Concorde, and Blackbird SR-71 you can see up close. My younger self enjoyed mingling with the crowds on weekends at Georgetown or Old Town waterfront tho with the pandemic it’s probably no longer a thing. If you can rent bikes and ride along the Potomac both on the Virginia side and DC side you can take in some unique vantage memorable views of the city.

 

[purbeast0]

June weather will probably be brutal.

Georgetown is nice down by the waterfront especially in the evening when the sun has gone down.

Go check out the Exorcist stairs and take a tumble down then for fun!

If the Capitals are in a deep playoff run, anywhere around Capital One Arena will be a fun time.

Maybe catch a Nationals game in the evening if you all are into baseball.

 

[Dr. Detroit]

Smithsonian's National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute

Always free of charge, the Smithsonian’s National Zoo is one of Washington D.C.’s, and the Smithsonian’s, most popular tourist destinations, with more than 2 million visitors from all over the world each year. The Zoo instills a lifelong commitment to conservation through engaging experiences...

nationalzoo.si.edu

https://www.spymuseum.org/ (Never been but heard good things)

National Archives Museum

The museum wing of the National Archives, the National Archives Museum is the home of the Declaration of Independence, Constitution, and Bill of Rights. Open daily 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Located at 701 Constitution Ave., NW, Washington, DC 20408. Admission is always free.

museum.archives.gov

Korean War Memorial was very cool

How Can I Tour the Monuments & Memorials in Washington, DC? | Washington DC

Touring DC’s iconic attractions

washington.org

https://washington.org/DC-guide-to/washington-monument (tickets are scarce)

DC: Lesser Known Museums

Washington D.C. Is home to some of the most incredible collections of art, scientific, and historic artifacts in the United States as well as the world. In addition to the Smithsonian Institution, more than 200 museums are contained throughout the DC area such as historic homes, small art museums,…

www.afar.com

And of course: https://benschilibowl.com/

 

[dingster1]

If you want to venture out of DC, hit up Harpers Ferry or Antietam

 

[Lost_in_the_HTTP]

Any tips on must visit there?

Avoid it at all costs. Try Cleveland.

 

[BarkingGhostar]

For nostalgia sake go here

 

[nisryus]

Oh, is there any trolley running in Georgetown area? Besides Uber, its a long walk from the The Old Stone House to the university.