And just so you know for budgeting purposes, all of the Smithsonian Museums in Washington, D.C. are free.

FREE that is a word i like hearing!!! come on somebody must have an idea for getting tickets to the capital. am also planning to see the natural hisrtory museum as well

rupsingh, I am currently writing a trip report on our recent stay in Washington, D.C. - that will give you ideas on what to do (or avoid) on your trip.

http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...p;tid=34920657

seetheworld - thanks for that cant wait for the next installment!!!!

To get tickets to the Capitol tours you have to ask your U.S. Senator or Representative (and provide I.D. so you can be screened in advance).

I don't know what is allowed for non-U.S. citizens. Do you have any American friends who can ask about getting for tickets for you?

Ooops, my bad. I guess they changed it again. The website says there are tickets for the public available at the kiosk. See www.aoc.gov/cc/visit/index.cfm

If you're interested in Natural History do the museum in NYC - IMHO at least as good - if not better - than the one in DC. Incredible exhibits, a series of IMAX moves and a great planetarium.