Advice re: Washington D.C.
 

I will be going to a conference in Washington, D.C. April 7-12, 2001 and will have only one full day, Sunday the 8th, for <BR>sightseeing. What are really the must-sees <BR>that can be done on a Sunday? We may have <BR>a couple evenings free as well and will be staying <BR>the first night at JW Marriott and then at <BR>the Grand Hyatt. Won't have a car. Thanks <BR>for any suggestions.

Colleen, most or all of the museums and monuments will be open on Sunday. What kinds of things do you like to do, and is this your first trip? Any extra details would help us give you some ideas.

Go to the mall and just walk. everything is right there, from museums to monuments. This will give you the most bang for your time.DC is Beautiful!

If Vic hadn't already done it, I would have written the same thing. <BR> <BR>Okay, so maybe I would add a couple of things. Go up to the top floor of the Hotel Washington (across the street from the Treasury Bldg--I think it's 15th Street) for a drink (great views) and don't miss Albert Einstein's statue on Constitution.

Thanks for the help. This is my first <BR>trip. I would love to see the White <BR>House and I hear there is a spring garden tour there in April but I can't <BR>find that the date is set yet--the White <BR>House web site says it is on a weekend <BR>in April. Are there other things that <BR>would pack more of a historical punch? <BR>I am thinking about the Viet Nam memorial, is it even worth it to try to <BR>see any of the Smithsonian? Can we expect cherry blossoms? There are so <BR>many things I like it's hard to pin it <BR>down. I like feeling like I am walking <BR>on historical "holy ground" so I imagine just being there will thrill me!

I would go to Arlington Cemetery and watch the changing of the guard plus go to the Kennedy gravesite. You can take public transportation and it is trully unforgettable. Then take the trolly around DC to catch as many sites as possible.

With only one day, I would spend most of it on the mall. Start at the Capitol and take a look at the interior, then walk to the Washington Monument and White House, then over to Arlington. While near the Washington Monument, step across to the Tidal Basin to see the Jefferson Memorial from a distance. For sunset, it is hard to beat the Lincoln Memorial. I find the Vietnam Memorial best either very early or very late in the day, when the crowds are a little smaller. I think a visit to a museum is worth a look if you have particular interests related to one of them. If you just want a quick look at history, you could visit the National Archives, where you will be amazed at the documents on display. The other museums will take up at least 2-3 hours of your time. I haven't taken the trolley but have looked at what it covers, and it seems like a good approach as well.

The suggestions to tour the mall are all good. You'll be surprised however at how big an area it covers particularly if you want to include the Jefferson, Lincoln, and FDR monuments. <BR> <BR>I would also suggest using one of the trolleys; on and off options and they take you to most of the sites including Arlington.

For a first-time visitor with limited time, I think I would propose a sunshine plan and a rain plan. <BR> <BR>If it is nice out, I would start at the Capitol and have a look around. Then I would probably metro down to the Smithsonian stop, and tour the monuments on the Mall (Washington, Lincoln, Vietnam, Korean, Lincoln). I would then do Arlington in the late afternoon and call it a day. <BR> <BR>For rain, I would probably do the Capitol tour (assuming it runs on Sundays), and then just pick two Smithsonian museums. I like American History in particular and maybe Air and Space. Arlington would be messy in the rain, but still worth it. Ford's Theatre would be a nice inside choice as well. <BR> <BR>The weather's usually great, so good luck, Colleen!

You should definitely check out the Holocaust Museum, the Vietnam War Memorial and the Arlington Cemetery. All are incredibly moving and must sees. <BR> <BR>For dinner you should try eating at any of the restaurants on the waterfront in Georgetown- Sequoias or Tony & Joes are great. <BR> <BR>You'll have a great time!

In the Spring, assuming a nice day, I would forfeit inside things and walk through the FDR Memorial beside the Tidal Basin. If the cherry trees are blooming, walk all the way around the Tidal Basin. These two together make a very uplifting experience. Also, don't overlook driving (or being taxied) around the Capital/Monument area at nite. That view is a whole other dimension.

Check with your US representative for VIP tickets to White House--better tour than regular but don't see everything. Also, consider a play or symphony at Kennedy Center or Ford's Theater. The Metro will take you where you want to go. The Changing of the Guards is very moving and the Mall with the Capitol, Smithsonian, etc. is inspiring. Try the Washingtonian.com or washingtonpost.com web sites for events. Have fun!

Thank you all for your kindness and <BR>information. I can't wait to go!