We (all adults) are driving to D.C on Thursday for dinner. We are hoping the traffic will be less. We have Friday set aside for sightseeing. Will the Museums be open? We are interested in Arlington National Cemetery, and perhaps visiting The Mint. Any thoughts on what would be open that day and also, how "busy" would it be? I would think most people would be "shopping."

Only half the people in the greater DC area will b3e shopping on Friday - the other half will be on the Nat'l Mall at the Smithsonian museums!!!

It is in fact the busiest day of the the year down on the Mall. Some suggestions:

1. Concentrate on outdoor things (Arlington Cemetary, monuments, sculpture gardens, etc.)

2. Arrive early (by 9:30am)

3. Take the Metro! Parking wil be impossible (especially after 9:30am).

4. Plan to see anything that might have lines as soon as it opens.

5. Get away from the Mall area for lunch (7th NW St. between D st. and I st. has a lot of options). Or pick a place beforehand and have a taxi take you there.

To determine what will be open that day as well as the opening and closing times, check the website of the places you hope to visit. The most important indoor facility you want to see should probably be visited at opening time for greater enjoyment with fewer crowds. If there is good weather, manage your expectations by realizing in advance that most places you visit will be more crowded than usual.

The Smithsonian Museums typically only close on December 25.

There's a turkey at 1600 Pennsylvania

Thanks for your replies. I think outside events will be for the best. We will have to utilize our time wisely.

TripleSecDelay:I think that turkey will not be there for Turkey day at 1600 Pennsylvania Ave.

I have returned from my brief visit to D.C. Thursday a very quiet day, a wonderful dinner with family and friends in Georgetown. Friday we were not up and out as early as we should have. The Mint is not open on week-ends. The line was a 2 hour wait. Unfortunately we didn't want to wait. We did the sculpture gardens, the space Museum. Very interesting place. We then went to Arlington. Saw the changing of the guards. Very impressive. JFK's grave. All very worth it. Drove around and saw the monuments of interest, and the wonderful WW2 memorial. Very busy, on Friday and crowded everywhere.

We then ate dinner at Kincaids a seafood restaurant Friday p.m. Our trip home was quite late, and we made great time. I would like to visit when I have more time.

There is no mint in Washington. Mints make coins. In DC there's the Bureau of Engraving and Printing, where they print the folding stuff.

Yes that is what I meant. The Engraving and Printing. Seems like a popular place per the lines. They take people in 15 minutes intervals. Not open on weekends.

don't feel bad about missing the bureau of engraving. if all the things you mentioned, it would be at the very bottom of my list,