Washington, DC is probably one of the most affordable vacation destinations in the U.S. It is the perfect place to take the kids. They not only get a healthy dose of American history, they get to see some of the most notable sights, artifacts, buildings and sometimes even people who have shaped U.S. history.
There is plenty of outdoor recreation to enjoy, great food to eat, and plenty of spots to relax and soak up the city. So if you are thinking about visiting Washington, DC here are five things you may not know:
- Washington, DC has such so many free museums, memorials, monuments concerts, parades, lectures, movies & festivals a visitor can tour the city for virtually free and only pay for travel, hotel, meals and any shopping or souvenirs you choose to buy. The Smithsonian Museums, The National Gallery of Art, and the memorials and monuments are all free. And both The White House and the US Capitol offer free tours, although The White House requires that you plan in advance and contact your Member of Congress to arrange a tour. And don’t forget about the Kennedy Center Millennium Stage where you can hear great music performances for free every night at 6 p.m.
- With so many embassies from around the world headquartered in the District, DC is a true melting pot. There are always cultural events going on and plenty of ethnic restaurants where patrons can experience cuisines. From Adams Morgan to Georgetown to the U Street Corridor and everywhere in between, visitors can find wonderful and unique dining experiences. Some personal favorites include Miss Saigon (Vietnamese), Etete (Ethiopian), and Oyamel (Tapas).
- August is recess for Congress and the city pretty much clears out. If you do drive, parking becomes a whole lot easier to find; crowds thin out; and it’s generally a nice time to visit DC. The downside is that August is generally the hottest month and you have to deal with some humidity. Another great time to visit the city is during the winter. DC winter’s are generally mild and there are plenty of hotel deals to be found.
- Metro is great, but walking is cheaper and you can easily see the sights on foot. You can also bring your bike or running shoes as there are plenty of trails throughout the District that are user friendly for both sports and offer great opportunities to see history while staying healthy. If you’ve never been to DC before, you may want to avoid driving. The streets can be confusing for visitors and there’s always Zipcar.com for those one off sights that is not within walking or Metro distance.
- DC is a great place to people watch. President and Mrs. Obama go out to eat a lot. President Obama has been seen at Ben’s Chili Bowl, Five Guys, and Ray’s Hell Burger, while Michelle Obama has been out to [Good Stuff Eatery, and they dined together at Equinox. Bistro Bis is said to be a favorite of Speaker of the House Pelosi, and Charlie Palmer Steak is a place for power lunching where everyone from Senator McCain to Senator Dodd has frequented.