Best of Washington, DC - a Survival Guide for tourists & natives

Museums and Monuments 

National Mall

No stores here, just monuments, grass, and museums. Remember the Nation has a LONG front yard. Don't try to make Grandpa walk all the way down and back unless you have all day, and he's really fit. REALLY.

Newseum

The Newseum - a 250,000-square-foot museum of news - offers visitors an experience that blends five centuries of news history with up-to-the-second technology and hands-on exhibits. Fun for all ages. Note that there are some emotionally disturbing exhibits, but you can pick and choose. There are also many movie theaters. You can spend an entire day here.

Washington National Cathedral

It's Episcopalian, not Catholic - but all are welcome. It's got all the stuff the European cathedrals have, including flying buttresses and gargoyles. This one has Darth Vader, too. And a new underground parking lot.

The Phillips Collection

This is one of the few art museums in DC that asks for an admission fee, but it is worth it. The Phillips houses some of the great modern classics.

The Smithsonian Institution

The Smithsonian is more than one museum. See the list below for some guidance on where to start! Note Ben Stiller is making his next Museum movie at the Air & Space museum!

The National Zoo

The National Zoo is free and besides the pandas, there are a lot of other animals that are starving for attention. Like my friend Kristen in the cat house. ; )

International Spy Museum

If you have kids around 7-15, this is a great place with lots of distractions. They can touch and listen and push buttons and watch videos and dash from exhibit to exhibit. Be aware it's often very crowded, and it's not free. Nevertheless, adults often find something interesting here, too. And the neighborhood includes the Verizon Center, Ford's Theater, and the Hard Rock Cafe - a fabulous place to take the family after an exhausting run around the Spy Museum.

Madame Tussauds - Washington

Madame Tussauds - London's most famous tourist attraction - has come to DC.

US Holocaust Memorial Museum

You'll need some time for this. It's not easy (emotionally) to take, but it's worth it.

Valuable DC links 

Washington Post's Going Out Guide

Restaurants, Bars, Events in DC, MD and VA on washingtonpost.com - Washington Post's Going Out Guide is your source for the best restaurants, bars, movies and events in DC, MD and VA

National Park Service: Air Resources - Nat'l Capital - Web Camera

See DC as it is right now. Learn about the air quality in America's national parks and how the National Park Service is protecting resources affected by air pollution. Use our Nature and Science Air Resources website to begin exploration of the air quality in the national parks.

Visitor's Resource Center

A quick reference calendar of events from the DC Govt.

Veg in DC

Another DC lens - with info on Vegetarian dining. Good stuff!

Three Days in D.C.: Day 1 - washingtonpost.com

Washington D.C. is known as the Capital of the Free World, and tourists come from across the country and around the globe to see the White House, Capitol and other symbols of freedom. But there's far more to Washington than marble edifices. We have a huge network of free museums, expansive outdoo...

Bolt Bus

Bolt Bus - Buy Tickets - New York 33rd and 7th to Washington, D.C. 11th and G NW - NEW cheap way between DC and NYC!

Washington, DC -- A National Register of Historic Places Travel Itinerary

Historic Places in Washington, DC -- A Register of DC's Neighborhoods and landmarks

Public Transportation 

It's better than looking for parking

Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority

This site includes a trip planner that tells you the bus or subway combo you need to get you from point A to point B.

DC Commuter

Another great Squidoo page - just because you're on public transport doesn't mean everything goes smoothly during rush hour, especially if you have to do it every day!

Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority

Airport Alerts, Parking, News & Information

Clear Channel Smartbike Washington DC

Smartbike DC, Clear Channel's first public bike sharing program in the US ... After successful programs in Barcelona, Rennes, Oslo and other European cities, public bike sharing has finally arrived in North America.

Entertainment - live music and theater 

Ford's Theatre

The theater where Lincoln was shot has just been renovated. You can still see shows here or take a tour of the historic site.

The Kennedy Center

Performing arts from opera to jazz to broadway. Or just visit for a beautiful view of the Potomac.

Nightclub 9:30

Possibly the best place for live music in the mid-Atlantic. Catch Medeski Martin and Wood, Matchbook Romance, Mos Def, Ministry, or Motorhead. Some shows are all ages. There's a balcony and a basement bar, and there is even very edible bar food, with vegetarian options.

Black Cat

A mecca for independent music fan, and a very important piece of DC's music history. Also includes Food for Thought cafe - carrying on a tradition that is another story in itself.

Arena Stage

Musicals and plays, located on DC's Southwest Waterfront.

Wolf Trap

A great place to take a picnic and see a play or a musician. In Vienna, VA. It includes several venues, indoors and out.

Signature Theatre

Highly regarded theatre, known for its impressive interpretations of classic musicals and debuts of racy new plays. Out of the way in Arlington, but worth the trip.

Iota Club and Cafe

A great bar and club in Arlington - very Metro accessible. Clarendon station.

Sixth & I Historic Synagogue

This is a historic location with occasional special appearances.

Action in the suburbs 

both Virginia and Maryland have lots to offer

American Film Institute's Silver Theater

Offering special screenings for the general public as well as members. Metro accessible. (Silver Spring, MD station)

Mount Vernon

New exhibit center! George Washington's estate and gardens. South of Alexandria, VA - a nice bike ride down the GW Parkway if you have a day, or take a cruise from Old Town Alexandria.

Torpedo Factory Art Center

Working studio spaces where you can visit the artists and watch them work, as well as purchase their art. In (charming) Old Town Alexandria. From King Street Metro look for the Dash About bus to the waterfront.

Oh yes! DC has sports! 

Baseball: Washington Nationals

The Nationals got a new stadium. It's environmentally-friendly, and Metro-accessible. Spiffy!

Hockey: Washington Capitals

NHL hockey team the Capitals play at the Verizon center, too - it's Metro accessible, at Gallery Place station.

Football: Washington Redskins

Hail to the Redskins! DC's NFL football team plays at the FedEx field in Maryland.
But if you want to see them, don't try going to the box office. The seats are officially sold out. Try the official resale page on the Redskins site to buy tickets from season ticket holders.

Basketball: Washington Wizards & Mystics

DC's NBA basketball team, the Wizards (formerly the Bullets), and the WBNA team, the Mystics, play at the Verizon center in downtown DC - it's on the Metro at Gallery Place station.

Soccer: DC United

MLS soccer team DC United plays at RFK stadium, easily Metro accessible.

Accommodations 

Doyle Collection: Dupont Circle (formerly Jurys Washington Hotel)

Doyle's is located on Dupont Circle, suited for both business and leisure travel. It's convenient to the Metro and has a great Irish bar/restaurant downstairs. Recommended!

Kimpton Hotels - Washington DC

Kimpton Hotels offer a number of unique options in the DC area. 1-800-KIMPTON

The Ritz-Carlton, Georgetown

Georgetown is a chic shopping area, and the Ritz Carlton is the new competition for celebrity guests. There is also a fabulous restaurant and lounge. 3100 South Street, N.W., (202) 912-4100

Four Seasons Washington

Four Seasons is the world's leading operator of luxury hotels and resorts. Located on the fringe of Georgetown at 2800 Pennsylvania Avenue N.W., (202) 342-0444

The Mayflower

A historic downtown Washington DC hotel. The Mayflower offers a luxurious environment in close proximity to the White House.

Willard InterContinental Washington

A grand historic landmark hotel, the Willard InterContinental Washington combines heritage and luxury.

The Omni Shoreham Hotel

Another historic landmark, The Shoreham was built in the 1930s and has been renovated to a grand luxury hotel, overlooking Rock Creek Park.

Best Hotel Bets | Frommers.com

Frommers does a great run down of these and other hotels.

DC Media 

Washington City Paper

Besides entertainment listings, the (free) weekly City Paper gets into DC politics a bit.

The Washington Post

Besides news, the Post offers comprehensive restaurant reviews, and is one of, if not the, top resource for jobs and housing in the area.

National Public Radio

88.5 FM is based at The American University

Washington Blade

The paper of note for gay Washingtonians.

Express

A free tabloid newspaper distributed at Metro stations and around town Monday-Friday. A product of The Washington Post.

Washington Business Journal

The Business Journal is well-read and generally on target for insider info on local business issues.

Washington Times

The conservative local newspaper in DC

Residents, from your city 

DC Government's Resident Resource Center

Info on taxes, driver's licenses, voting and more...