Can anyone give me info on Washington DC as a tourist destination post 9/11? I've heard conflicting rumours that there are tons of barricades, lots of places you can't go, too much security, etc. Should I wait and go to Washington another time, or is it still worth it in July to see most of the major sights?

Gretchen: Why would anyone want to visit this place in July? Like today, it's HELLISHLY hot, hazy, humid.

Plus, IMHO, there's really little to see or do here, truthfully. I often see groups of tourists, usually the family from Nebraska, lost and frankly disappointed.

I advise people who feel they must visit the East Coast in Summer to visit NYC or New England. Much, much more to see and do, and it's safer than here.

I disagree with the previous writer; there's loads to do in DC, but the weather can be hellish in July and August. The tourist sites are all pretty much open, and security is bearable except for special events (like Fourth of July)

Somehow, I don't think corum actually lives in the area. Yes, you will notice a security presence, but it is not a police state. Incidentally, my husband is one of the many people protecting the city. There is plenty to do and it is safe. The Capitol is open for tours, the monuments are open, the museums are open. Now, I would not come to DC in the summer (it is expected to be close to 105 today), but I would not put off a trip here because of rumors.

I was there last weekend -- my seventh visit, third in the last two years. I still found plenty to do, and not a lot of inconvenience beyond the oppressive heat. There was a five second bag check at each museum but, other than that, it was great.

There are lots of barricades, particularly around the White House, but you can still walk to where you where you always were able to and get your photo made in front of the WH.

You don't have to rely on "rumors" to know what security measures are there; Washington is very clear on what's open, what's not, and what security measures are being taken regarding normal visitors. The people telling you them -- and those spreading them on the Internet -- have an agenda of creating fear and suspicion.

Some of the places that are closed, like the National Archives and Ford's Theater, are undergoing renovations and have nothing to do with 9/11.

Gee, Corum, if you're so miserable here, why don't you move? Yes, it's hot-today I heard that a Code Purple is in effect-that's a heat index one level higher than Code Red, with temperatures expected near 105. So spend the day at a museum. Or two.

Nothing to do? We spent Sunday at the Folklife Festival, and could easily have added another day to it. Add in the ever changing exhibits at many of the museums plus the usual tourist sites and you've got an easy one week vacation.

I have been down twice this summer from NYC and this is the first time in years. I think it is one the most assesible cities in the country.

You have to be someone that enjoys learning though. There are so many museums in the smithsonian and outside of it. Going to the Lincoln memorial and others at night are very inspiring. A time when we had a president with truely nobile aspirations.

I love D.C and if I do not agree with our foreign policy on these visits I am reminded of who we are as a people. ... tells me America is larger than what the current administration suppports or imposes abroad at any given time.

Yes go very open, you can't visit the white house but those tours have only started in recent years. Still much much more to see. Go to the capital but get on line early.

I have been down twice this summer from NYC and this is the first time in years. I think it is one the most assessable cities in the country.

You have to be someone that enjoys learning though. There are so many museums in the Smithsonian and outside of it. Going to the Lincoln memorial and other locations at night is very inspiring. Reminds me of a time when we had a president with truly noble aspirations.

I love D.C and if I do not agree with our foreign policy on these visits I am reminded of who we are as a people. ... tells me America is larger than what the current administration supports or imposes abroad at any given time.

Yes go, it is very open, you can't visit the white house but those tours have only started in recent years. Still much much more to see. Go to the capital but get on line early for the tour.