marvelousmouse

Hi! Can anyone recommend off the beaten path activities or sights for DC? I'm planning on spending time at the Smithsonian museums, library of congress, and revisiting my favorite monuments. I've been to Arlington and Mount Vernon- I may or may not go this time. Also have been to the Holocaust Museum, so I'm skipping that and going to the Newseum.

I'd love some ideas about neighborhoods or historic areas I can wander through.

I have 8 nights, end of March. I'd prefer to not rent a car. I've always been with a group or family in DC before, so I haven't had much of a chance to just exlore the city and its surrounding areas.

Lastly- I was foolish, and didn't realize Washington Monument tickets would sell out so soon! I know day of tickets are available at 830. How early should I get in line? If that falls through, can you recommend any other places with great views?

goddesstogo

I was going to suggest the Newseum so I'm glad to see it's on your list. We were there for half a day and could have used more time.

vjpblovesitaly

Here is a thread from a few years ago. http://www.fodors.com/community/unit...hington-dc.cfm

I glanced over it and the places still exist as far as I know.

"If that falls through, can you recommend any other places with great views"

The Old Post Office Pavilion is currently closed. Other than that the only place I know of is the bar at the W Hotel

http://www.wwashingtondc.com/pov

marvelousmouse

Thanks for the link! Is National Museum of Health and Medicine in MD accessible by transit? If so, how long of a trip?

Ackislander

Spy Museum
The Phillips Collection
National Cathedral
Smithsonian Air Museum out near Dulles. (The other Air Museum)
Folger Shakespeare Library

lynni

We enjoyed the tour of Lincoln's Cottage. www.lincolncottage.org It gives a very interesting slant on Lincoln's time in the White House with insights into his personal/family life that wasn't covered in the Ford's Theater tour... and most people have not been there or even heard of it. ( I learned of it here on Fodor's!)

marvelousmouse

Thanks, Lynni! Saw that on the other thread and have added Lincoln's Cottage to my list.

Thanks Ackislander! Any opinions on the Spy museum? I've heard really mixed reviews so I keep adding and erasing it. How different is the other air museum from the one on the Mall?

sf7307

A bike ride along the canal on the towpath from Georgetown to Bethesda. Or ride to Mount Vernon.

kja

I love both the Phillips Collection and the National Cathedral -- but would not consider them "off the beaten track."

Of the lesser-visited Smithsonian museums, I'm partial to the Freer and Sackler and the National Museum of the American Indian (and its cafe, the Mitsitam).

You also might consider the Hillwood or Dumbarton Oaks.

MichelleY

I took a docent tour of the Anderson House and lived it. Near the Phillips Collection.

http://www.societyofthecincinnati.org/visit/info

Hobbert

I'm local but took a Segway tour with friends last year and loved it! It was a neat way to see a lot of monuments and neighborhoods (and a cool way to pick your favorites to return to later) and just fun to zip around on a Segway. We used Capital Segway but there are a few outfits that run tours. One advantage to Capital Segway is that it was close to Zaytinya, a great Greek/Mediterranean tapas place.

I'd also like to do a boat tour and March would be a nice time of year to be in an enclosed boat.

Personally, I liked the Spy Museum.

I always recommend the Zoo (it's free) but I have a mild obsession with otters...

With 8 days in DC, you could easily spend a day in Philly. Union Station is a really impressive building and fun to check out even if you don't take the train anywhere.

Have fun!

Hobbert

Oh, and if you're going to the Newseum, hit The Source for brunch. They're in the same building and The Source does a fantastic pork fried rice with a perfectly cooked egg on top. So satisfying and warm. The duck bao is stellar as well.

Birdie

Love Hillwood, both Dumbartons, and Wilson's house. I like to walk around Embassy Row and the back streets of Georgetown.

marvelousmouse

Kja- Actually, the main motivation for this trip is the NMAI. Last time I had the opportunity to go to DC, it was only a few weeks from opening- I was really bummed to miss it. So definitely looking forward to that, but I'm disappointed the Freer is closed for renovation. It's always something!

Hillwood is on my list, I just forgot to mention it in the first post. Glad to know it's worthwhile!

Hobbert: thanks! Adding the Source, the fried rice sounds terrific. And naturally the zoo is on the list- who doesn't have a mild obsession with otters? You make me want to take a Segway tour even though I really didn't enjoy the one in Chicago (too much pressure on the feet).I usually take bike tours, but I'm a little leery of of booking it until I know what the weather is like. I've considered a day trip to Philadelphia, but I'm unsure if I want to give up a whole day in DC.

Come to think of it though: any great walking tours in DC that I should look up? Or does anyone have any personal experience with any of the bike tour companies? I'd like to take some kind of tour to get a good overview early on, but I'm not very fond of buses.

NewbE

All my favorites have already been listed

I love a walk through Georgetown, avoiding the shops but encompassing the University, the Exorcist Steps (just got a commemorative plaque!), JFK's residence when he was in Congress, Dumbarton Oaks, Tudor Place (hardly anyone knows about this gem), and the beautiful residential streets of the neighborhood.

I also second the Phillips Collection, Hillwood, and Lincoln's Cottage, all are excellent.

Two stops even farther off the beaten path: the Masonic Temple of the Scottish Rite ( https://scottishrite.org/headquarters/visitors/ ); the State Department's Diplomatic Reception Rooms ( https://diplomaticrooms.state.gov/home.aspx ).

Enjoy!

NewbE

I almost forgot about food!

I agree, The Source is great. DC has loads of excellent restaurants, but Rasika (either location) and Le Diplomate are my favorites year after year.

For a cocktail, I love the bar at the Jefferson Hotel. Always makes me feel like I'm meeting Frank Underwood on the sly.

kja

"Hillwood is on my list, I just forgot to mention it in the first post. Glad to know it's worthwhile!"

Try to play your visit there by ear so you can explore its delightful gardens if weather permits.

Enjoy!

marvelousmouse

Newbe- thanks for mentioning Tudor Place!! That was not on my radar yet and it looks absolutely fascinating. Already applied for a ticket to the reception rooms- hoping I get in, as the White House tour is not going to happen. Will have to check out the Jefferson's bar now with that idea in my head

And food recommendations are always welcome! A mouse has got to eat, lol. I've got vague ideas of Ethiopian and Maryland crab, but that's about it. I love exceptional craft cocktails- so any other recommendations for bars are most welcome. Either newfangled or old fashioned are just fine with me!

So does anyone have an opinion on the Botanical gardens vs the arboretum? I don't know if I'm more drawn to the bonsai tree collection or the orchids so I'd like to know if there's anything that would tip me towards either place.

kja

I haven't seen the arboretum , but I love the botanical gardens.

NewbE

I love the craft cocktails--and everything else, come to think of it--at the Dabney ( thedabney.com ).