gatorguy

We will be in DC for 4 days at Easter time.
Any suggestions on a 4 day itinerary. This
is our first trip there. We are a family of
four with two teenagers. Thanks.

bardo

I have no idea what your interest are. Here's a starting point at any rate. Come back with more specific questions and many people will be glad to help.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-srv...de.htm?nav=toc

http://www.frommers.com/destinations...035020017.html

Dave_

Fodors has a 3-day itinerary you may want to take a look at for a few ideas.

http://www.fodors.com/miniguides/mgr...&feature=30002

pcnova

The Ford Theater (and museum) and the Peterson House (across the street) are great for President Lincoln's assasination info.

mlm59

We spent 4 days in DC three years ago, but it was in July so the days were much longer, however, there were also a lot of tourists and many long lines. It was necessary to get to many places very early to get timed tickets and we didn't do well making it in time, including the White House (which was open then), the Washington Monument, and the Bureau of Printing & Engraving.

We arrived early in the day, dropped off our luggage at the hotel, and went directly to the Smitsonians. Walked through the Mall after they closed.

2nd day - took morning river cruise to Mt. Vernon. When we arrived back in DC we went to Arlington and then walked back over to the Mall.

3rd day - Took tours at Supreme Court and Capitol. Lines were long. Visited my favorite building - the Library of Congress. Went to Union Station and took evening tour of city. Monuments are quite beautiful after dark.

4th day - Took subway to Adams Morgan neighborhood. Rode bus to National Cathedral - what an impressive place! Then went to National Zoo. Zoo is not impressive, but we wanted to go there to see the giant Pandas. It was late morning and hot so they weren't moving around much and there were lots of people trying to see them.

Washington is such a wonderful city. There is no way you can see everything in 4 days. I have been there twice and seen some different things both times, but still have more I want to see in the future. The metro is great! It is such a wonderful way to get around the city. We stayed in the Dupont area and felt safe out walking in this neighborhood at night.

designmr

There really is so much; just follow your interests. I like buildings, the media, neighborhoods, and art so I did the Building Museum, Newseum, Adams Morgan/Dupont Circle, and the Hirshhorn/National Gallery of Art. Get a guide and allow each family member to choose at least one attraction that they absolutely have to do.

But the following blocks should satisfy everybody while being able to say that you did DC.

On the Mall: Capitol, Air and Space and other Smithsonian museums during the day, Kennedy Center (you can meal there as well) and Lincoln Memorial at night.

Georgetown (if you can, include the university and neighborhood, not just the shopping and dining), C & O Canal, and Washington Harbour. Start and end in G'town.

Leftover Mall museums/memorials, Arlington Cemetery, Pentagon City for shopping, all on Blue Metro line.

White House, National Aquarium, Spy Museum or FBI Museum, and MCI Center just north of the mall.

It's a lot, but just take your time and don't feel shorted if you miss something; just relax and enjoy your time together.

pat1115

Be sure to visit The International Spy Museum. I visited DC last March with my 16 year old niece and she really loved it. We also took a trolley tour. You pay once and can get on and off the trolley as much as you like. As DC requires a great deal of walking, the trolley provides a welcome break and is definitely worth the money. You can find out information about the trolley stops on line. Be sure to visit Union Station. It has good places to eat as well as shops.