Washington DC

[Mayk]

Spring Break with the teenagers... Any musts? Hope Diamond already on the list...mine ... DC Cupcakes on my 13 year old's list....

Open to suggestions from favorite sights to best places to eat... I know the list is long don't hold back...

My DH and I actually go back in June for a funeral in Arlington National... Vietnam Vet who was DH's close college friend's father... So all the war memorial stuff will be that trip... planning to keep it lighter with with girls...

 

[AprilBaby]

My favorite city in the US! My kids all love it too! National archives, memorials, holocost museum, mint....too much to do in one trip and all free!!!!! Enjoy! (btw, we ate at union station because we are cheap and couldn't find anything else)

 

[sillyberry]

The Spy Museum is a lot of fun, although it isn't free. The Holocaust Museum isn't "fun," but is incredibly worthwhile. I think 13 is old enough to appreciate it.

Definitely walk the Mall -- depending on how much you enjoy walking, you can go from the Lincoln Memorial all the way down to the Capitol, with all the major monuments in between. Paddleboating on the Tidal Basin is lovely if the weather is good, plus I think the Jefferson Memorial is just rad.

Since the Smithsonians are free, it's easy to pop in and out, particularly the museums along the Mall. If you want to go to the zoo, that's further north on the Red Line.

As for eating, there is a new place at 14th and F (?) call The Hamilton which has a pretty big menu and is near a lot of the sites. If you're by the Capitol, Good Stuff Eatery is Spike's burger place (he was a Top Chef contestant) and their toasted marshmallow milkshakes are DELICIOUS (I've never actually had anything else there, but it all looks good). Potenza at 14th and I has good pizza. What type of food does your family like?

Where are you staying? I may be able to give more precise advice nearby.

My one piece of advice -- on Metro escalators, walk on the left, STAND ON THE RIGHT!

 

[vc10um]

My one piece of advice -- on Metro escalators, walk on the left, STAND ON THE RIGHT!

I can't ditto the above enough. Please don't be *that* tourist...especially if you're riding Metro during Rush Hour (before 9:30 AM and between 4 and 7 PM)!

If you choose to go to the Holocaust Museum (which I highly recommend), I suggest reserving tickets in advance, as the line for the timed tickets can get long quite early. That can be done here.

There are three non-art museums that charge an entry fee in downtown, the Spy Museum, the National Museum of Crime and Punishment, and the Newseum. I think the Newseum is worth every penny you spend on admission, but I don't think it's the best place for teens. I would do either the Spy Museum or C&P (I actually prefer C&P).

The new Capitol Visitors Center is lovely...now that it's more than just an over-time, over-budget hole in the ground...and I recommend a tour, as I think the Capitol is a pretty neat building with a lot of interesting history. If you can do it on short notice, see if you can get a tour through your Senator or Representative's office as their staff members have access to a few more areas of the building than the standard "red coat" tours.

 

[Mayk]

Thanks so much. We are staying in Alexandreia at the Hilton...so close to mass transit..so thanks for the tip!

We have the Newseum on our list...the Ford Theatre..Clyde's for Burgers one day.. Ebbetts Grill, the Warf and Phillips on the water... We are going to try and do as much in three days as possible and the save the must do...didn't get to for the June trip... I haven't been since I was a kid so I'm as excited as the kids to go.. Cupcakes too but I'm not letting on... It would be a three day sugar high!

 

[onedrop]

Great choices for eating places MayK! You could also try Matchbox which is sort of near Clyde's for a lunch/dinner or even Sunday brunch. There are so many great eateries downtown now, that you should have plenty of choices.

Wanted to let you know that they appear to be doing renovations on The Mall so you will see a lot of dug up grass and dirt in that area. When you come back in June hopefully that area will be a little prettier. I think the Natural History Museum and Air & Space are probably the most popular Smithsonian attractions so be prepared for the crowds. Seeing the Hope Diamond is worth fighting the crowd! I have heard good things about the Native American Museum as well, so you might want to give that a try. I'd also recommend the Botanical Gardens which is near the Capitol. So if you do the Capitol tour then you can swing by the Botanical Gardens on your way out.

Great etiquette tip from sillyberry about the Metro. And also remember to let people off before you get on (my personal pet peeve).

I hope you and the family have a great time! I'd love to hear about the highlights after it's all said and done.

 

[missy]

I love DC!
Highly recommend the Washington Zoo. One of the best in this country. Have a great trip!

 

[Skippy123]

Well since the Hope diamond is on your list I bet your teens will love the Natural History Museum http://www.mnh.si.edu/
and in the American Art Museum is a restaurant downstairs that is pretty good if you spend a lot of time in the Mall.
The air and space museum is cool and boys especially love it! Not sure if your teens are boys or girls? http://www.nasm.si.edu/

 

[vc10um]

Thanks so much. We are staying in Alexandreia at the Hilton...so close to mass transit..so thanks for the tip!

We have the Newseum on our list...the Ford Theatre..Clyde's for Burgers one day.. Ebbetts Grill, the Warf and Phillips on the water... We are going to try and do as much in three days as possible and the save the must do...didn't get to for the June trip... I haven't been since I was a kid so I'm as excited as the kids to go.. Cupcakes too but I'm not letting on... It would be a three day sugar high!

Enjoy the Newseum! I love it, I hope you all do, too!

Clyde's and Old Ebbitt (as well as the Hamilton that SB suggested) are all a part of the same restaurant group. All delicious, obviously, but if you want variety, you probably won't find it that way! Matchbox is a great suggestion in Chinatown. I love Teaism for a quick bite down by the National Archives.

You'll be staying literally across the street from my office at the Hilton in Old Town, and I HIGHLY recommend taking at least a walk down King Street to the waterfront. There are so many cute shops and restaurants in Old Town that it's hard to know where to start! I personally love Vermillion and Columbia Firehouse, though CF might be a little more teen-friendly. You could also check out the Union Street Public House, and Chadwick's on the strand has some really great sandwiches and some outdoor seating just a bit away from the Potomac. Pop's ice cream parlor next to the Fish Market has some awesome ice creams as well.

 

[amc80]

I second the zoo! It's a fun one. Also, my favorite Smithsonian is the Museum of American History. Last time I was in DC it was closed for renovations, and I was bummed!

 

[sillyberry]

Thanks so much. We are staying in Alexandreia at the Hilton...so close to mass transit..so thanks for the tip!

We have the Newseum on our list...the Ford Theatre..Clyde's for Burgers one day.. Ebbetts Grill, the Warf and Phillips on the water... We are going to try and do as much in three days as possible and the save the must do...didn't get to for the June trip... I haven't been since I was a kid so I'm as excited as the kids to go.. Cupcakes too but I'm not letting on... It would be a three day sugar high!

Enjoy the Newseum! I love it, I hope you all do, too!

Clyde's and Old Ebbitt (as well as the Hamilton that SB suggested) are all a part of the same restaurant group. All delicious, obviously, but if you want variety, you probably won't find it that way! Matchbox is a great suggestion in Chinatown. I love Teaism for a quick bite down by the National Archives.

You'll be staying literally across the street from my office at the Hilton in Old Town, and I HIGHLY recommend taking at least a walk down King Street to the waterfront. There are so many cute shops and restaurants in Old Town that it's hard to know where to start! I personally love Vermillion and Columbia Firehouse, though CF might be a little more teen-friendly. You could also check out the Union Street Public House, and Chadwick's on the strand has some really great sandwiches and some outdoor seating just a bit away from the Potomac. Pop's ice cream parlor next to the Fish Market has some awesome ice creams as well.

vc inspired me to go to Teaism for lunch today (the one near the White House) and it really is delicious. Definitely a nice change from standard American fare without being too far afield for anyone who might be a picky eater.

I might also recommend Jaleo or Zaytinya, one of Jose Andres' small plate restaurants (Spanish and Mediterranean, respectively). JA is a bit of a DC institution with many great restaurants to his name.

 

[vc10um]

vc inspired me to go to Teaism for lunch today (the one near the White House) and it really is delicious. Definitely a nice change from standard American fare without being too far afield for anyone who might be a picky eater.

I might also recommend Jaleo or Zaytinya, one of Jose Andres' small plate restaurants (Spanish and Mediterranean, respectively). JA is a bit of a DC institution with many great restaurants to his name.

Now I want Teaism. I guess I'll settle for Chevy's margs tonight!

And I'll go ahead and ditto sb on Jaleo and Zaytinya as well. JA is pretty much my culinary hero. If you love Indian food, nothing tops Rasika, which is also in the Penn Quarter area.

Ummm, I could talk about food in DC all day. Every day. As long as I also get to eat it.

 

[VRBeauty]

My SIL and I took my niece to D.C. a few years ago when she was 11. I remember asking the guards at the Capitol for directions to the National Mall where we planned to hit some of the museums. Following his directions, we rounded the corner of the Capitol building and I said - "There it is, the National Mall!"

My niece said - "But where are the stores?"

The Museum of Natural History and the Library of Congress have very nice gift shops.

I'd second the National Zoo recommendation by the way.

 

[Skippy123]

My SIL and I took my niece to D.C. a few years ago when she was 11. I remember asking the guards at the Capitol for directions to the National Mall where we planned to hit some of the museums. Following his directions, we rounded the corner of the Capitol building and I said - "There it is, the National Mall!"

My niece said - "But where are the stores?"

The Museum of Natural History and the Library of Congress have very nice gift shops.

I'd second the National Zoo recommendation by the way.

lol about your niece asking about the stores. Tell her they are in Georgtown

 

[aviastar]

Mt. Vernon is also great, although a little outside the city.

And the new Nationals Stadium is a lot of fun- it's right on the metro line and I think you can still get $5-20 seats day of game if you go to the box office. It's a beautiful park; good food, live music on the weekends, fireworks on Fridays, batting and pitching cages, a Playstation game center. Baseball isn't my favorite, but I never turn down tickets with friends!

Have fun!

 

[Logan Sapphire]

I second the recommendations for Matchbox (I work right around the corner), Zaytinya, Rasika, and Teaism for sure!! Was actually just at the Botanic Gardens and Teaism this past weekend.

 

[whatmeworry]

Go see The National Gallery of Art, next to the Natural History. They have a pamphlet that shows highlights of the West building if you only have an hour. But you could easilly spend days in there. ”Colorful Realm” is an exhibit of Japanese silk paintings rarely seen even in Japan. It ends on April 29. This is only the second time this collection of paintings by Ito Jakuchu has been shown in its entirety since the 19th century and the first time ever outside Japan.

 

[sillyberry]

I second the recommendations for Matchbox (I work right around the corner), Zaytinya, Rasika, and Teaism for sure!! Was actually just at the Botanic Gardens and Teaism this past weekend.

Gobbeldy Abobidy Oloogidy?

(sorry if that seems like gibberish, I'm trying to be coy in case you didn't want me asking that question)

 

[Logan Sapphire]

I second the recommendations for Matchbox (I work right around the corner), Zaytinya, Rasika, and Teaism for sure!! Was actually just at the Botanic Gardens and Teaism this past weekend.

Gobbeldy Abobidy Oloogidy?

(sorry if that seems like gibberish, I'm trying to be coy in case you didn't want me asking that question)

Nope- Dobbeldy Oloogidy Joggeldy in a private building on the same block as RFD, Fado's, etc. Are you around there too??

 

[Mayk]

Thanks for all the GREAT ideas and the ones I will need to right down.. Obogley googley aobjecllly.. gicalloy? to find...

 

[luv2sparkle]

We ate at Ping Pong Pizza and loved it! It was on Diners drivin's and Dives. The pizza was some of the best I have ever had and the salad's were great too.

I would say make sure you have really really comfortable walking shoes. I had what I thought were comfortable shoes and ended up with huge blisters and had to find some better ones while there.

 

[Logan Sapphire]

Thanks for all the GREAT ideas and the ones I will need to right down.. Obogley googley aobjecllly.. gicalloy? to find...

Sorry! Sillyberry was asking if I work for the GAO (Government Accountability Office) and I said no, Department of Justice. GAO and my private building are very close to Matchbox. Have fun in DC! And don't forget to pay attention to the Metro fares- when it's rush hour, reduced fare, regular fare, and peak-of-the-peak fares. And if you happen to be parking in a Metro garage, most exits don't take cash or credit card- you have to buy a Smart Trip card and use to exit. I know in the station we use, there's only 1 exit that takes credit cards.

 

[JGator]

I live in the DC area. I recommend the Spy Museum (restaurant nearby Jaleo - amazing sangria and tapas), National Zoo (2 Amy's Pizza about a mile away from zoo and Fro Zen Yo - across the street from entrance), Newseum, and Memorials including Jefferson, FDR, MLK, WW2, etc. Also, check out Old Town Alexandria - there is a free trolley from the King Street Metro (across from your hotel) into Old Town. Check out the Old Town waterfront and lots of shops and restaurants in Old Town - I like Hank's Oyster Bar on King Street and Columbia Firehouse just off King. Have fun.

 

[sillyberry]

Thanks for all the GREAT ideas and the ones I will need to right down.. Obogley googley aobjecllly.. gicalloy? to find...

Sorry! Sillyberry was asking if I work for the GAO (Government Accountability Office) and I said no, Department of Justice. GAO and my private building are very close to Matchbox. Have fun in DC! And don't forget to pay attention to the Metro fares- when it's rush hour, reduced fare, regular fare, and peak-of-the-peak fares. And if you happen to be parking in a Metro garage, most exits don't take cash or credit card- you have to buy a Smart Trip card and use to exit. I know in the station we use, there's only 1 exit that takes credit cards.

Sorry MayK for the crazy disruption!

LS, I'm on the other side of the downtown, but I do a lot of work in front of GAO (bid protests) and know they're right around there. And apparently so is a DOJ office! You have much better dining options, although we're getting some better choices with District Commons and the new Rasika West End isn't too far.

 

[HollyS]

I don't remember much about restaurants, etc. I was too busy at the Smithsonian, the National Art Gallery, the Air and Space Museum, the National Archives, the Supreme Court, the White House, the Capitol, Arlington, the war memorials, the monuments, the National Cathedral, etc. The Botanical Gardens were lovely . . .

 

[Mayk]

So day one is behind us and we are whipped... Newseum at 9:00 am then lunch at Matchbox (awesome thanks for the reco), the museum of Natural History...yes I saw "The Hope" diamond. Then we walked the whole thing... Washington Monument, Vietnam Memorial, WW II Memorial, Lincoln Memorial, Korean War Memorial and MLK Memorial... ford's Theatre was too crowder... But we checked off a few and did gelato...my feet hurt..... More tomorrow..,

BTW loved, loved, loved the Newseum... We were there for almost 4 hours..... Dinner at 8:30 in the hotel take out pizza tooooooooo tired to do much else.

We checked out the menu at Teaisum... Looks fabulous. Hope we can get back there before we go....

Thanks for all the suggestions. Very helpful!

 

[pregcurious]

The entire Natural History Museum is great, and it's one of my favorite places to go with kids. Georgetown is also a fun place to go shopping for clothes and home items, and if you're driving, it's close to the Corcoran Gallery of Art (which is a private museum and has a entrance fee.) Here's a great guide to museums: http://www.washingtonpost.com/gog/dc-museums.html....

Food
On the mall: There is good (but pricey) food at the National Museum of the American Indian, and a comprehensive (and more affordable) cafeteria at the American History Museum, which is convenient to the National History Museum.

DC is cupcake heavy, and I've heard good things about Hello Cupcake. http://www.washingtonpost.com/gog/best-bets/essential-eats,100182.html.... I like Cupcake Love, which I think is a chain.

I think 2 Amys has the best pizza in DC, but it's gourmet style pizza, and the wait is really long. (Listed in the link above.)

 

[Lottie]

Spring Break with the teenagers... Any musts? Hope Diamond already on the list...mine ... DC Cupcakes on my 13 year old's list....

Open to suggestions from favorite sights to best places to eat... I know the list is long don't hold back...

My DH and I actually go back in June for a funeral in Arlington National... Vietnam Vet who was DH's close college friend's father... So all the war memorial stuff will be that trip... planning to keep it lighter with with girls...

I watch DC Cupcakes here in the UK and I'm embarrassed to say that as soon as I saw your post my immediate thought was SHE COULD GO TO DC CUPCAKES!!!!

Have a great time, Washington DC is very high on our list of places we would like to visit when the kids are old enough to appreciate it.

 

[Mayk]

So day two a little slower, we're in recovery mode.. Breakfast in Georgetown at Paul's (OMG it was amazing!)' then shoppes, and DC cupcakes. .. Off to the Capital Vistor Center and then the Supreme Court tour we managed to Pre-arranged... Now taking a break before a walk down King Street and dinner at the Warf... Tomorrow..last day will be warp speed. Hoping for lunch at Teaisum... Annie Lebowitz collection is high on my list Crime & Punishment on the kids, then we haved been by the White House (except in a cab) or the Pentagon....... We'll see who wins..and how much we can get done...

My new philosophy on DC "Too much to do in three days; but you've seen all you can take in three days"... The ride on the Metro today was a test of deep breathing in cramped spaces.

Thanks again for all the suggestions. Such a fun place to be and the weather has been amazing!

 

[Skippy123]

Oh it sounds like you are having a fabulous time!!! I love DC, so much to do and eat!!!