<p>I could spend 3 weeks of solid touring in DC and STILL not see everything. There is SO much to do. For a first trip though, hit the “big” things. The Spy Museum is fun, but not really a “DC” thing for a one day visit. The National Archives, I think, are the one must do. The documents are fading and while they are doing their best, who knows how much longer you will be able to read them. Also, they are what makes our country so great. It IS the US in that building. </p>
<p>We did not get to the Newseum when we were there but from what I hear, it’s amazing.</p>
<p>If you had more time–a trip to Mount Vernon is also amazing. There is just something about walking up the stairway in the “mansion” and thinking “George Washington walked up these very same stairs”…</p>
<p>Agreed, SteveMA. I love DC. I have been 4 times and I can’t get enough of it. Each time the Washington Monument has been closed due to weather or refurbishing. I should plan another trip…</p>
<p>Actually D2 and I are planning to visit Monticello and Williamsburg this summer, plus whatever we see along the way to Virginia Beach.</p>
<p>I really like the Air and Space Museum as well–have observed before that I wouldn’t have gone in the lunar lander if it were a carnival ride, let alone moving through near-vacuum! You have to see it to believe it. The space capsules and planes are great. There are also planetarium shows and movies (of variable quality).</p>
<p>dentmom, the Washington Monument is indefinately closed due to damage sustained during last year’s earthquake. It is unclear if it ever will be reopened.</p>
<p>All the Smithsonians have a lot amazing stuff to look at, but some, especially US History, Air and Space, and to a lesser extent the Natural History museums have many of their exhibits pitched at the middle school level, which often makes them kind of cheesy if you are an adult.</p>
<p>I love to look at historical stuff, but I seem to end up spending most of my time at the art-oriented ones: the National Gallery of Art, the National Portrait Gallery, and the Freer & Sackler. Lots of amazing and very famous works of art there.</p>
<p>Will be accompanied by an 8th grader, so that’s okay, I guess.
Have to agree, coureur, if it were just me, saw a bunch of things that looked really interesting at the Freer and Sackler.</p>
<p>So much to see. Strongly suggest you save time for Arlington National Cemetery. Be sure to see the Lincoln Memorial at night. That view from its steps looking out on the Mall is awe-inspiring.</p>
<p>My daughter and I did a long hike all around the Mall, the Tidal Basin, the Jefferson Memorial, all the monuments, and ended up go to the top of W Hotel for very expensive martinis before hiking over to Bobby Flay’s Burger joint for dinner. </p>
<p>Spent a couple hours in the Air and Space Museum. Loved it. You can tool around the whole thing in couple hours. Being of that generation, seeing the Mercury and Gemini and Apollo capsules close up was a real treat. Those guys had big brass ones to climb in those things. Marvelling at the Wright Bros. plane. Also did the annex out at Dulles. Seeing the Enola Gay was quite moving.</p>
<p>I went to this for the first time last year, and actually liked it better than the one on the Mall. The Lockheed Blackbird is particularly amazing.</p>
<p>Great advice here! If you have time, we love renting paddleboats and paddling around the basin in front of the Jefferson Memorial. Also, I agree that a night tour of the monuments is a must. Don’t forget the FDR. Our personal favorite. Enjoy! :)</p>
<p>CJane, the Hirshhorn is a favorite of mine as well. We visited D in DC last summer and hit the Natural History museum; it was mobbed but peak tourist season. Perhaps you’ll be luckier. It looks like they have a new orchid exhibit which I would like to see. </p>
<p>I agree with GladGradDad on both the Holocaust Museum and the Spy Museum – not that impressive in my book. The Archives is a must see if you ask me, as is the Vietnam Memorial. </p>
<p>West Wing Cafe on New Jersey, just a couple blocks from the Capitol is a good place for either breakfast or lunch.</p>
<p>The various Smithsonians and the National Gallery of Art are great since they are free and you can run in and run out without feeling obligated to spend hours since you just paid $20 or so. It’s easier to get in and out too since there are no ticket lines. (P.S. you pay to park at the Udvar Hazy center but admission is free).</p>
<p>The Archives are free but sometimes there’s a line to get in. It’s across PA avenue from the National Gallery.</p>
<p>If you’re coming soon there is an excellent Art of the Civil War exhibit at the combined National Portrait Gallery/American Art Museum. It’s a Smithsonian museum, but it’s in Penn Quarter, near the Verizon Center, so it has loads of good restaurants nearby and lots of street life. I’m not much for the Civil War, but I loved it. </p>
<p>The Pre-Raphaelite show at the National Gallery is just gorgeous. I went twice in three days because I couldn’t stay away!</p>
<p>Since the Washington Monument is closed, you may want to go up into the tower at the Old Post Office (also on PA avenue) to get a good view of things.</p>
cuz I got no plans for that!</p>![http://airandspace.si.edu/images/collections/media/full/A19920072000CP09.jpg]Lockheed](http://airandspace.si.edu/images/collections/media/full/A19920072000CP09.jpg%5DLockheed){kind=link}
![http://airandspace.si.edu/images/collections/media/full/A19500100000cp07.jpg]Boeing](http://airandspace.si.edu/images/collections/media/full/A19500100000cp07.jpg%5DBoeing){kind=link}
