Family of 3 (child aged 9) are visiting USA for first time in July 2016 for 2 nights on the weekend of July 22, 2016. Arriving at DCA airport from Orlando via Southwest airlnes economy

Got a good deal on Southwest and with 2 checked baggage's free + closer airport to the city we thought that it was better than any other economical airlines like United

Staying at Liasion capitol Hll DC, 415 New Jersey Avenue Northwest, Northwest Washington DC, Washington, D.C. (District Of Columbia), DC 20001

We are not much interested in history, but would like to have a look at the city and its life, the colors of DC and not sure what else. Please recommend

My question is
1. Is our hotel location right for a tourist
2. What things do u suggest for a 1.5 day stay

We then rent a car and move out to Shenandoah National park for 2 days

Thanks

DC has a number of incredible museums but if you're not interested (even in air and space) so be it.

However you should not miss:

The mall and all of the monuments (to Washington and Lincoln - the latter is the most moving to me) and to veterans of many of the wars. I would get advance tickets for the Washington Monument so you can see the area from above. You can also visit the Capitol (where Congress sits - but I would get tickets in advance) and the Supreme Court. As foreign nationals you can see the White House only from the outside.

For your daughter you might want to spend a morning at the zoo which features pandas among many others.

The Library of Congress is incredibly beautiful.

But - you really need to know a little bit of american history to understand what you are looking at - so although I usually don't reco this I would try to hook onto one of the bus or trolley tours around the mall to get the commentary.

Can't help with the hotel - know noting about it or the area.

The hotel (which I'm not familiar with) is in the business part of Capitol Hill, between Union Station and the Capitol Building. There are restaurants and services nearby. It's an easy walk to the National Mall and the hotel is equidistant between 2 metro stations. Overall though the neighborhood is more geared to the business visitor than the tourist. Hope that helps some.

Understanding that history is not your interest, the museums on the National Mall also encompass natural history, native american culture, science & technology as well as art and current events. There are sporting events (tennis and baseball among them), theater, parks, concerts and the already mentioned zoo. Not sure what you mean by "colors of DC" and maybe you could explain so others can offer suggestions.

Have a good trip -- lots to see in DC.

I'd make the monuments my priority, although I don't know if they mean as much to people with no interest in history. But they are fantastic and your child (and you) will really enjoy just seeing the sheer scale of some of them which you can't appreciate from books or pictures.

Your 9 year old will LOVE either Air and Space or the Natural History Museum. So there's your second priority. I would pick air and space unless your child is crazy about animals/sea life.

Maybe head to DuPont Circle for dinner and explore the neighborhood a little. That's probably my favorite DC "color" if you mean just life in the city.

You should not miss walking around the monuments and memorials after dark. They look magnificent when all lit up. You can either walk around on your own or there are various companies that offer either walking tours or bus tours at night.

Also, just to clear up a misconception: Non-US citizens are allowed on tours of the White House. The White House website does not provide accurate information on how to do it, but there is a Top Question on the Washington DC forum on Trip Advisor that explains the process. But having said that, applications need to be made weeks/months in advance and the odds of anyone, including US citizens, of getting a tour are not good because so many more requests are made than can be accommodated.

As far as I am aware foreign nationals used to be admitted to White House tours only if sponsored by their national embassies - but I believe they no longer offer that option.

In any case the arrangements must be made months in advance - with full information on each person before they area allowed to join any of the tours (passport, driver license, etc). I believe much easier if sponsored by one's senator or congressman.

Thanks

May i get recommendation on the Area to stay which is more Touristy' and any hotels in the range of USD15/- night

Penn Quarter, Dupont Circle, Woodley Park, Foggy Bottom, West End, and Capitol Hill (south and slightly east of the Capitol) are neighborhoods that are a bit more tourist friendly b/c they are more residential and less business.

There is nothing wrong with your hotel choice or the area. Just not as active in the evening as some of the above.

USD15/- night

USD 150/night? That's not so easy. So I wouldn't cancel your Liaison booking until you can find something else. Generally DC hotel prices are lower in July and August but I'm not seeing that at the moment. If you can up your budget to $200 or $250 I think you'd widen your options.

We have stayed in Dupont Circle a couple of times and it;s quite lively but I don;t think $150 a night will do it - esp for a triple room. Although you could check booking.con, trivago, hotwire and some of the other discount sites.

Have decide on the national malls, a couple of hours in zoo and some nearby attraction. Any advise

How about this DC circular bus. Should I use it to get day around DC. If yes do help me understanding the routes and main attractions in b/w

Thank you all

I have a 9-year old as well. Here is my opinion of fun stuff to do in the summertime in DC if you are not interested in history:

- Caneoing on the Potomac. Beautiful, especially on hot summer days. Three of you can fit into a kayak.
- Second the idea of Air and Space museum.
- No one has brought up Georgetown yet, probably the most iconic and beautiful neighborhood in DC. Tons of good brunch and dinner options there.
- From where you are staying, you are a quick walk to Eastern Market, a lively food hall/farmers market that will show you the colors and diversity of DC.