Are you planning a trip to DC and want to know which places you should go to? There’s so much to see in the nation’s capital, from iconic national monuments to museums rich in history and even to outdoor activities that can be enjoyed by the whole family.
Whether you have a week to stay in the capital, if you are a tourist from far away, or if you had a couple of days off and you want to take the bus to get to DC from New York, there will be many things you can look forward to when you get to DC.
If you are the type who is open to adventures and making lifetime memories, here are the five best things to do while in DC.
1. Enjoy nature’s finest at Rock Creek Park – if you’re the outdoorsy type of person, a trip to Rock Creek Park is perfect for you. It’s one of the largest preserves in the country where you can enjoy not just biking but also horseback riding. Their Horse Center even has a therapeutic riding program for those with special needs.
2. Soak up some history at the various museums – a trip to DC might not be complete without taking advantage of the many museums the city has to offer. Of course, number one the list is a trip to the Smithsonian. A day will probably not enough to tour all the museums in the place. The Smithsonian has 19 museums and galleries. eleven of which are found at the National Mall. The most popular would be the National Museum of Natural History and the Air and Space Museum, but you can also check out other places like Newseum, an interactive museum that promotes free expression, where you can see significant news from all over the world, among other things.
3. Enjoy world-class cuisine – if you’re the type who loves eating good food, there are many popular restaurants in the area that can truly satisfy your palate. If you’re craving for Asian cuisine, there’s Eden Center which houses Vietnamese restaurants serving pho or bun cha. If you want a more European feel, you can check out Le Diplomate for French Cuisine.
4. Visit the city’s most well-known monuments – don’t forget a visit to some of the most magnificent structures in DC, the US Capitol and the Library of Congress. It’s free to tour the Capitol, but with the influx of visitors, you will need to make an advanced reservation. Just outside of the Capitol, you can also visit the Washington Monument and the Lincoln Memorial.
5. Enjoy waterfront activities – Washington DC is not just for museums and memorials, you can also enjoy activities at the waterfront if you don’t feel like getting cooped up inside. You can go on entertainment cruises where you can enjoy sumptuous food and live music. If you want something a little more intimate, there are also private tours that can be customized according to your need.
