DoctorCarrie

Oh, I definitely second that, Oya is fantastic!

And it reminds me that, for another breakfast-y idea, Oyamel, also in that vicinity, has a great brunch, if you're looking for something a little less traditional.

sech987

Thank you all so much for the help/ advice. This is the first time I have used these forums and wasnt really sure what to expect. I was a little nervous at first that I would feel crazed while in DC with so much to do and not really knowing my way around. But now if feel much more comfortable and am really excited for our visit!

lss1

I forgot to mention, I really enjoy Martin's Tavern in Georgetown.

repete

And it reminds me that, for another breakfast-y idea, Oyamel, also in that vicinity, has a great brunch, if you're looking for something a little less traditional.

And until recently ... crickets on the menu! Any of Jose Andres' places are good, fun stops.

DancingBearMD

You could spend all day at Natural History or at Air and Space, or you could spend a couple of hours at each. Highlights at Natural History include the Mammal Exhibit and the Hope Diamond (for my son it's the dinosaurs and the insect zoo). Highlights at Air and Space include the Wright Flyer, Spirit of St. Louis, the Bell X-1 (in which Chuck Yeager broke sound barrier), the Apollo 11 command module and the moon rock you can touch. I also like the Sea-Air Operations exhibit, which replicates being on a carrier. Also while the American History Museum is closed for renovations a few of its items are on display at Air and Space.

I'd look on-line at the Imax schedule and if you see something you are interested in, buy the tickets. If nothing else it will force you to sit down and rest for a while.

DancingBearMD

A breakfast possibility is the Teaism located at the Navy Memorial right across Pennsylvania Avenue from the National Archives. Opens at 9:30 on Saturday.

http://www.teaism.com/Restaurant/PennQuarter7.html

Momof3boys

You are ambitious, but I know I always want to see everything when I travel. Just know there is too much to see in 1 trip to DC. Someone may have already suggested this, but I would go to the Archives Sat. AM and then to Air & Space, lunch at the Native Am., and afternoon at the Nat'l Hx. Everything will be close together then walk the mall to the Washington Monument. You may still be able to get timed tickets for late afternoon to go up - make them as late as possible. Enjoy a good dinner and rest your feet. Sunday would be the Spy Museum and if the trolley stops close by, purchase tickets for this and hop on/off all day as you visit the various outdoor memorials plus you will hear commentary and have a few minutes to rest. I like the idea of saving either the Holocaust or Arlington for Monday - w/ it being Memorial Day there may be special programming at Arlington. There are also nighttime tours of the memorials that many people enjoy but timing has never worked for me. Maybe catch the "Capital Steps" 1 of your evenings but doubt you can do this unless have early dinner. Good luck and have a great time.

GypsyHeart

Since you are mid-20s, (and as if you didn't have enough to do), you might want to check out the U Street corridor. A funky place for drinks is Busboys and Poets, on 14th and V St. A great place to eat is Utopia on U street between 14th and 15th. And during the day, there are cool shops that sell a lot of local designers on U between...I think mainly 15th and 16th.

sech987

Thanks again everyone! After reading through everything, I think the revised itinerary will look something like this:

Sat
breakfast
National Archives (open at 10a)
Air and Space Museum
Lunch at American Indian museum
Natural History Museum (possibly Imax)
Dinner - ton a great suggestions. I have them narrowed down and I think we will see what mood we are in that night
After dinner - walk around monuments and out for drinks

Sunday
breakfast
Spy Museum (have tickets for 9am)
Old Town Trolley mall tour - got tickets online
Head to Georgetown in late afternoon/ evening


Monday
Arlington National Cemetery on the way out of town

Thank you all so much for your help! Now I just hope the weather is nice!

lss1

Your plans sound very nice. When you go to Arlington, you can still take the TourMobile for 6.00 (just for riding through the cemetary and stopping at all major points). If you are driving to the cemetary, parking was very easy.
I had planned to be there for Memorial Weekend as well, but something came up and changed the plans.
I know you are going to have a great weekend!

sumi

I realize you've gotten a ton of sugggestions already but I just wanted to add my thoughts.

When I saw your original itinerary, my first thought was that you weren't going to survive to see Monday! I think your revised schedule looks much more doable.

We were just in DC last weekend and I thought that the Holocaust Museum was phenominal -- definitely more worthwhile than the Spy Museum. Or, given that you're coming from CT and have access to the Museum of Natural History in NYC, I would opt for the Holocaust Museum over the Natural History Museum.

Also, a possible suggestion for a nice breakfast close to the Mall. We had breakfast at the Cafe du Parc in the Willard (InterContinental) Hotel and loved it.

lss1

I know I keep adding to this post, but I would have to agree that the Holocaust Museum is one of the best. I personally did not enjoy the Spy Museum at all, but I endured for my friend who did enjoy it. I have been to the Holocaust Museum at least four times and it is on my "must-see" list whenever I take someone to DC.

DancingBearMD

There's a good chance that the President is visiting Arlington on Monday to lay a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknowns. Could muck up your plans there, but I think usually he's there at mid-day, so if you go early you might be fine. Try to catch the changing of the guard at the Tomb.