By Carol Luther
Washington, D.C., the nation's capital, is the place to experience America's past and present. Pierre L'Enfant designed the city's downtown in a pattern that makes it easy to access many popular sites. Driving from one landmark to another can be difficult and confusing. Guided tours of the city's major attractions are the best way to visit DC.
Getting Around
Washington, D.C.'s Old Town Trolley is an excellent way to get around downtown. These streetcar replicas allow passengers to get on and off at 19 different attractions along the Mall, including the Capitol, the White House and major landmarks. Passengers pay once for an all day ticket to catch the trolley between 9:00 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. (4:30 p.m. in the winter). Buy tickets online, at Union Station (Amtrak) or at major hotels on the trolley's routes. At $35 for adults and $18 for children, it is a bargain compared to taxi rides and public parking. DC's public transit system is mostly underground, so you are paying a little more to see the sites along your route.
The National Mall
The Capitol, the Supreme Court and the Library of Congress share the east corner of the National Mall. They are within walking distance of Union Station. People come from all over the world and the country to see democracy in action at the Capitol. Take free tours of the Capitol Monday through Saturday, between 9:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Arrive early to get tickets. Visitors must use tour passes immediately.
The Lincoln Memorial, the Vietnam Veterans Memorial and the Washington Monument are at the opposite end of the National Mall. National Park Rangers staff the Lincoln Memorial and the Vietnam Memorial between 9:30 a.m. and 11:30 p.m. daily. The Washington Monument is open from 9:0 a.m. to 4:45 p.m. daily. All of these attractions have free admission. However, you will need tickets (free) to experience the panoramic vista of the city from the top floor observatory.
Museums
The National Mall is home to the nation's most famous and exciting museums. The Smithsonian, the Air and Space Museum, the American Indian Museum, the Holocaust Memorial and the National Museum of American History are the top choices for visitors. The National Gallery of Art has a sculpture garden that hosts summer jazz concerts and an ice-skating rink during winter. The National Archives, the Navy Memorial and a selection of other museums are also on the route between the Capitol and the Washington Monument. Admission is free at all government-operated museums.
The White House
Anyone can see the White House at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue from the street. Groups of ten or more can take tours Tuesday through Saturday, from 7:30 a.m. until 10:00 a.m., only with tickets from a Congressional representative. Plan ahead if the tour is high on your list. Otherwise, a view of the White House lawn and the daily entourage of protesters is the only photo or memory you will take home.
DC Eats
Washington is restaurant heaven. A popular choice for many visitors is one of many seafood restaurants that line the Potomac River at the west end of the National Mall. Ethnic restaurants choices also abound, including outstanding selections in Chinatown, a quick hop from the Mall. If you are on a budget or just in a hurry, it is easy to spot one of the city's street vendors who peddle tasty fare like hotdogs, kabobs and other portable treats.
Resources
About the Author:
Carol Luther has more than 25 years of business and technical writing experience and 10 years of experience in international health project management, which includes child survival, youth AIDS and health systems information technology. Luther's work has appeared in "Diamond" magazine and online at Global Progress, Mahalo, Trazzler and Wcities. She has a master's degree in public and international affairs from the University of Pittsburgh.
