Next week we are planning a two day trip to Washington DC with our 11 and 17 year old. We will be staying at the Americana. We have never been to DC before we will arive in the morning on Thursday. Leave late afternoon on Friday. I know, it's not much time. That's why I am asking for help putting together an itinerary.

The Smithsonian and the Mall are perfect for a two day visit.

Mark

www.si.edu is the website for the Smithsonian Institution. You can peruse the website and see which of the many museums appeals to you and your kids can do the same. Many children like the Natural History and Air and Space Museums.

http://www.nps.gov/nama/planyourvisi...d/NACCmap1.pdf is a map of the National Mall and downtown areas so you can get an idea of where thing are. There is a scale on the top left.

I'd plan on touring the monuments on Thursday evening so that your days are free for the museums. No need to book an expensive tour company to see the monuments--just get a good map and walk. You should be able to see the monuments from the Washington Monument to the Lincoln Memorial and then over to the Jefferson Memorial/FDR Memorial/MLK Jr. Memorial in about 2 hours. There are U.S. park rangers at the monument/memorials that can answer any questions you might have and they do give talks at certain times.

And you could easily see the VietNam Memorial as well.

A walking tour of the monuments is a must in my book, and doesn't take much time from your DC visit. You can easily take the big ones in, from the Washington Monument, through the war memorials, all the way down to the Lincoln Monument, and it won't require more than one afternoon. It is a beautiful stroll, full of history, insight, and inspiration.

I'd start with that, then add in other activities around the mall as they interest you. I also recommend Arlington National Cemetery, but it is more "out of the way" and can use up valuable time on such a short stay.

The great thing about DC is that you never run out of things to see and do. I have been there eight times now and still have places I am waiting to visit!

www.dcbyfoot.com does some excellent walking tours. Rather than charge a flat fee, they work for tips, so you can pay what you think the tour is worth. We did their evening monuments tour and really enjoyed it.

Lee Ann

I agree with the plan and a short trip can be a nice one to DC. THings are close together and walkable which really helps. YOu can eat in some of the museums and we enjoyed it.

I would love to go back.

Thinking of staying on King street next time. Any recs?

"Thinking of staying on King street next time. Any recs?"

http://www.fodors.com/community/unit...alexandria.cfm

This link works:
http://www.fodors.com/community/unit...alexandria.cfm

I'd add another property from the Kimpton family of hotels to the list of places to stay on King Street - Lorien Hotel and Spa on upper King Street near the metro station. Both the Lorien and the Monaco are great places to stay.

I love the Lorien on King Street....will be staying there again this fall!!

If at all possible try to see the Vietnam Memorial before the sun goes down. Otherwise it is a little difficult to see because it is black. On the other hand, the Korean War Memorial is more impressive after dark.