By Laura Reynolds
Things to See in Washington, D.C. in July
July can leave you breathless in D.C., literally, due to the hot weather. Since it's when the kids are out of school, though, it's the time a lot of families choose to visit. Thankfully, there are enough places to visit and things to do that you'll never notice the natives preparing for their August escapes to the Maryland shore.
Indoor Treats
Image: Wikipedia Commons
Spend your time in "cool" places. From African and Asian Art to one of the world's great national zoos, there is something to do for everyone. The Washington National Cathedral, above Embassy Row, operates architectural and history tours of this "people's" church and hosts Sunday organ recitals and demonstrations on Mondays and Wednesdays. Although the onstage pickings are slim for theater-goers in July, Ford's Theater has been recently renovated and the museum offers tours during the day. The Folger Shakespeare Library, just across the street from the Capitol, always has fascinating exhibits and tours. Music lovers can enjoy free concerts at the National Cathedral, Dunbarton House or the Corcoran Gallery. When shadows fall, enjoy the historic Blues Alley Jazz Supper Club in Georgetown (buy tickets ahead for first-come-first-served seating) or catch a late dinner at the iconic Old Ebbitt Grill, Washington's oldest bar.
Smithsonian
Tel: (202- 633-7186)
Washington National Cathedral
3101 Wisconsin Ave. NW
Tel: (202-537-6200)
Ford's Theater
511 Tenth Street
Tel: (202-397-SEAT for advance tickets)
Folger Shakespeare Library
201 E. Capitol St. SE, NW
Tel: (202-675-0375)
Dunbarton House
2715 Q St. NW
Tel: (202-337-2288)
Corcoran Gallery
500 17th Street NW
Tel: (202- 639-1700)
Old Ebbitt Grill
675 15th St. NW
Tel: (202-347-4801)
Outdoor Pleasures
Image: Smithsonian Institution
Dining on the wide sidewalks of D.C. at DuPont Circle, Cleveland Park, Georgetown and Foggy Bottom (for local seafood) are all good bets. It is, of course, all happenin' at the (National) Zoo and quiet shade awaits those who visit the gardens of Dumbarton Oaks (closed Mondays) in Georgetown, the National Arboretum (designed by Frederick Olmsted) or the U.S. Botanic Garden right on the Mall on the west side of the Capitol.
For those who like to sleep under the stars, the government operates a public campground just 10 miles from D.C. in Greenbelt, Maryland. The District is built for walkers: most monuments and federal buildings with tours are located on the National Mall. Federal Triangle contains the White House, Capitol, Treasury, Commerce, Justice and New Post Office buildings as well as the Old Post Office and dozens of restaurants located perfectly for people-watching.
National Zoological Park
3001 Connecticut Ave. NW
Tel: (202-633-1000)
Dumbarton Oaks Gardens
R and 31st Streets NW
Tel: (202-339-6401)
National Arboretum
3501 New York Avenue, NE
Tel: (202-245-2726)
U.S. Botanic Gardens
100 Maryland Avenue SW
Tel: (202-225-8333)
Washington Monument reservations
15th and Constitution
Tel: (202-426-6841)
Getting Around
Image: Old Town Trolley
The Washington Metro is a world class transit system, which is terrific because taxis can get pricey and driving in D.C. is difficult even when everybody's out of town. Walkers can use the Circulator buses around the mall and between Georgetown, Union Station (another neat place to get out of the heat) and the waterfront for a modest one-day fee. Old Town Trolley Cars runs open air tours that, even on the hottest day, are great. Check with your hotel's concierge for tours.
Metro rider Information
Tel: (202-637-7000 and TTY 202-638-3780)
Old Town Trolley Cars
2640 Reed Street NE
Tel: (202-832-9800)
Resources
About the Author:
Laura Reynolds began writing professionally in 1974. She has worked as author and editor in nonfiction, professional journals and newspapers. Reynolds has also served in numerous appointed and elected local offices. She holds a Bachelor of Science in education from Northern Illinois University.
Photo Credits:
Image: Microsoft Office clip art
