He might like the Spy Museum. Also I've heard great things about the Newseum but haven't been. Wolfgang Puck has a restaurant in the ground floor. The Holocaust Museum is definitely a must see. Expect lots of crowds in April.

This post was edited by gail618 on Tue, Feb 5, 13 at 15:30

Might be prime season for the cherry blossoms!

Definitely the Smithsonian - my husband could spend DAYS in there. So many monuments and museums. Many of the monuments are lit up at night so that is nice to see. I have enjoyed seeing Arlington Cemetary. Georgetown and Alexandria are nice nearby areas to visit. The vietnam
"wall". There's also a nice park where you can walk and even kayak, etc. I can't think of the name.

Get (free) tickets from your Congress person to get a tour of the White House if you can. The Newseum is spectacular ($$), ditto Spy Museum ($$$). I would do some of the (free) Smithsonian museums, too; Museum of History and Natural Science are fun. The Library of Congress is beautiful (go in, look at ceilings) and often has great (free) exhibits. I love the National Portrait Gallery (free); it always has lovely exhibits and a terrific permanent collection. If you like Asian art, the Sackler (free) is wonderful. The Holocaust museum requires a good 3-4 hours and a (free) time slot ticket (go early, pick up ticket and find out what time you can go in). Not sure you would want your youngest to go.

The National Zoo (set in Rock Creek Park) can be pleasant to stroll in, weather permitting (free, but parking $$$, take Metro). Rock Creek Park is immense and sprawling. Best views are from the tower of the National Cathedral (free), and gorgeous grounds there. I like the Lincoln monument, the Vietnam and Korean memorials, the FDR memorial. The Eastern Market (up Capitol Hill) is fun to go to on the weekend, and you can go to the Botanic Gardens (near Capitol Hill).

Metro system is brilliant, thank goodness, because driving and parking in DC is abominable. Cherry Blossom Festival is March 20-April 14, but no telling when the peak bloom dates will be (last 7 years, it has been in March, and latest is April 1). Do you know where you will be staying? (I live just outside of DC so can give you more information if you need it.)

I think your older daughter will like walking around Georgetown.

As far as museums, the National Gallery of Course.

And the Jefferson Memorial at night. (actually all memorials at night)

Possible day trips - Alexandria or Anapolis.

If you are a foodie, Citi-zen in the Mandarin Oriental is one of my favorite places to eat anywhere (and I'm a foodie). They also have lovely rooms with water views. Pricey though.

A better hotel value is the Monaco (I forget all their hotel names, they have a few under that brand in several US cities). Kind of on the hip side but also very nicely appointed.

We go every year, sometimes more than once. My kids love, love, love DC. The Spy Museum is expensive but an absolute MUST. Mt. Vernon, George Washington's house in VA is a bit of a hassle to get to but another MUST. Our favorite favorite restaurant (so much a favorite that we often eat multiple meals there on one day!) is Bistro du Coin in Dupont Circle. French food like you get in France. A lesser known but interesting place to visit is Tudor Place, a historic house museum. Another amazing place that will be beautiful in April is Marjorie Merriweather Post's house - she was the heiress to the CW Post fortune and married an ambassador to Russia and amassed volumes of Russian antiques then built a house in NW DC to hold them. Incredible fun, with greehouses and a superb gift shop! My boys love Air and Space. I love Hirschorn. The Botanical Gardens are part of the Smithsonian and also very good. SO MUCH TO DO IN DC! And most of it is free. By the way, you must look into discount theatre tickets! We always sign up for half price tix before we leave to see what's available. You pick them up at a storefront near the spy museum. There are always good deals.

Absolutely book your hotel rooms now, if you haven't already, because of Cherry Blossom Festival time (some people book a year in advance for that!). And don't be afraid to book someplace across the Potomac River over in Old Town Alexandria -- the Metro will get you to D.C. very easily.

Would you and your DS like doing a "Segway Tour"? I see groups of people doing that quite frequently around the National Mall.

We have been several times as a family, but a few years ago we took my daughter, her friend, and her boyfriend when they were about the ages of your son (17 and 18 years old).

I thought they would love the Spy Museum, but they didn't really like it. I thought the boyfriend in particular would like it. He said it would have been fabulous when he was 10, but not now. I think I would like it even now, but I guess different strokes for different folks.

They loved the Air & Space Museum and Museum of Natural History the best, and would have liked to have spent more time in each. They also liked Old Town Alexandria a lot.

Both my kids were moved by the Holocaust museum. I hesitate to say they enjoyed it, but more that it had an impact on them and they're glad they went.

My husband and I went to Mount Vernon without the kids, as I knew that wouldn't interest them.

My kids toured the U.S. Mint as kids and really, really enjoyed that. I think they would have liked it as teens, too.

So I guess my kids' "don't miss" activities when they were around 17 would have been the major Smithsonian museums on the mall, the capitol, the White House, the monuments at night, the U.S. Mint and the Holocaust museum. Personally I think it's a good idea for every American to visit Arlington Cemetery at least once.

We like to eat in Georgetown. The last time we went we stayed at the Embassy Suites in Alexandria and we really enjoyed that location. The metro station is right across the street, the area looks safe, my teens could catch the metro on their own to go to the Mall without us and I felt comfortable with that. If you are doing everything together as a family that might not be important to you.

If I was going to do something with my son when he was 17 years old, we would probably try to kayak or bike on one of the bike trails. You can take bikes on the metro. My son likes museums, but he would have to do something active and outdoors part of the time during a 4-5 day trip.

I hope you enjoy your trip and your son enjoys the college visits. I love D.C.

I also live outside of DC. You have already gotten many good suggestions and you can't really go wrong with anything already mentioned. Aside from the Smithsonians, the Newseum is definitely something the kids would enjoy. My kids all loved it. I don't know if they still have the 9/11 exhibit but that was very moving. It's not free, as mentioned, but often you can find deals on admission though if you are going in prime tourist season, they might not have any discounts. We've held off on the Spy Museum b/c they don't recommend it for younger kids and my youngest is just getting to the age where she'd be old enough. However, I've heard fantastic things about it. It's not free, as mentioned, but often you can find deals on admission though if you are going in prime tourist season, they might not have any discounts. The Holocaust Museum is a must see for all teens IMO.

Are all the colleges you are visiting in DC? If some are in the surrounding areas, let us know where you will be as there are several interesting places outside the city limits as well, especially if you have a car.

Wow, thanks for all the great ideas. I'm taking notes!

We will not have a car, and we are staying at the Four Seasons because DH likes to pretend to be Fancy when we travel. We're just looking at GW and American University. I don't think Georgetown is within DS' reach and for some reason our high school is infamous for NOT getting students in there (only 3 in 6 years, and our high school is one of the best in the country). So with limited time, I think we are skipping the official tour but I do want to check out the Georgetown area.

Maybe DS and I will do the Holocaust museum before everyone else arrives. He's really into history. It would not be good for my sensitive 12 yo DD.

We won't be there during the cherry blossom festival, which I guess is a good thing.

Oops, already too late for the Holocaust Museum! No tickets available for the days we'll be there. The joys of traveling during school vacation week...

One of my favorite memorials is the FDR Memorial. It is wonderful. The MLK is nearby now, too, although I haven't gotten there yet. You can walk a loop from Lincoln and end up near the Bureau of Printing and Engraving (not a mint) which kids always enjoy-who doesn't like looking down on those huge sheets of money?!

The National Cathedral is a spectacular building with wonderful stained glass windows and a view of the city that is worth seeing. Helen Keller is interred there which often interests young people.

Mt Vernon is amazing and has a new museum that is excellent. If you go to Alexandria (my town), the kids might enjoy taking the water taxi across to the National Harbor. I have never gone, but lots of people like it. They did relocate one of my favorite sculptures, The Awakening, from Hains Point to there and it is worth seeing.

Everyone else gave you great ideas. I agree that the National Mall and the various Smithsonian museums are must-sees. My son liked going to the Capitol and seeing the old chamber where Davy Crockett spoke. You will have a marvelous time.

Ooops, cyn is right, I should have said Bureau of Printing and Engraving.

Great recommendations.

DC is fabulous from Smithsonians (you'll never have enough time) to Mt Vernon to a harbor cruise for a unique perspective, even the zoo is ok. Geo'town is nice to walk around but I prefer Alexandria Old Town for a leisurely stroll and a fun meal, and take in Dupont Circle and down Embassy Row over to White House. I've only been on the WH tour when it was more fully accessible, but do contact your Congressperson and get a tour of WH and include chambers. If you can squeeze in another day, rent a car and drive up to Annapolis or over to Harper's Ferry.

Delete double posting. What is the problem, GW? This happens too frequently lately.

This post was edited by abundantblessings on Tue, Feb 5, 13 at 23:37

Honestly, I can't think of anything that we've done in DC that my kids haven't liked. My family has also enjoyed the national archives, which I haven't seen mentioned yet. I would make a list and have your family help you narrow it down.

Mt. Vernon is lovely but being from Boston (I think) I don't think you will find it particularly unique.

I would mention that the Mall is fairly large and many things are spaced far apart. For instance (I checked this on wiki) from the Capitol to the Lincoln Memorial is just under two miles. We always walk everywhere but there are on and off tour trolleys available. If the weather isn't nice all the walking can be a bit of a drag.

With only about 4 days there, I would just concentrate on the outdoor memorials and the Smithsonian museums on the mall. FDR is my favorite memorial. My favorite place is Arlington Cemetery. Take the trolly ride as it stops at all the important places. Don't miss the changing of the guard on the hour at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. The best view of DC is from the Lee Custis house. Amazing.
If you go to Georgetown, walk down to the waterfront and stroll along the Potomac. Then go to Georgetown Cupcakes and grab a cupcake or two.
I have lived in NOVA for 36 years and DC never ceases to intrigue me. So much to see and do. Have fun and we will need a full report after you go.

Just a note --- I think the Four Seasons in Georgetown is one of my least favorite 4S anywhere. It is a nondescript building, older but not charming, and it feels very corporate. The rooms are okay. The service is, well, Four Seasons. You cannot fault them there!

But I would much prefer to stay at the Mandarin Oriental. It has lovely lobby with views over the basin. I have stayed in rooms there that have a view of the water and.... IIRC, and I may have my geography wrong, I think I also saw the Jefferson Memorial lit up at night from my waterview room. I think Mandarin Orientals are totally on par with Four Seasons as far as service and quality. I think it may be a tad more expensive.

The 4S does have a Georgetown location, but I think that is all it has going for it.

Sueb, i have an old Washingtonian magazine (April 2010) that has a list of "hidden gems"- list of 62 off-the-beaten-track things to do. Email e if you want me to send it to you just for fun and maybe some cool ideas. The cover features the Einstein statue which is another favorite of mine!

I think the Four Seasons' location in Georgetown would be much more fun for your family than the Mandarin Oriental's location.

denali_2007 said:

"I have lived in NOVA for 36 years and DC never ceases to intrigue me. So much to see and do. Have fun and we will need a full report after you go. "

I feel the same way, denali. I am in absolute awe each and every time I visit our Capitol! I also agree with everything you said about Arlington Cemetary (especially about the changing of the guard).

With regard to the Four Seasons, it may not be the George V or Baur au Lac, but the location and, of course the service, makes it a perfect choice. Sue, you and your family will love, love, love your vacation to WDC!

In terms of getting around, just know that the Four Seasons, Georgetown for that matter, is not accessible by metro (subway). It is one of the only areas you cant get to via metro so in that sense, it is not as conveniently located in terms of sightseeing. You will not be walking distance to much other than Georgetown itself. If you are staying there though, if it's a nice evening you can stroll along the waterfront a few short blocks away. I used to work near there right where K Street dead ends by the Key Bridge. I love the area but it's not the most convenient from a tourist's perspective though close to GW.

As for Georgetown, dh was bitter for years that he didn't get into Georgetown - he was coming out of a prestigious Jesuit prep school in California and was annoyed that he wasn't accepted as he hoped to go ore-med had he gone there. Instead he ended up at the Naval Academy, which was lucky for me as I most likely wouldn't have met him otherwise (we met on a street corner in Annapolis not long after we both graduated college).

Gail,

Yes, and no. I prefere the MO because it is prettier and has lovely views --- I dont recall any views at all at the 4S and i've stayed there a few times. You certainly won't see cherry blossoms from your window as you do at MO. Also, as you can see in the link, MO is very close to the mall and the museums.

OTOH, the 4S is right in Georgetown. So there are the shops (too many of them chains any more) and restaurants and such. To me, though, you walk around Georgetown once or twice. But you spend a lot more time on the mall and at museums, etc. And to get there from Georgetown is a bit of a pain.

Just my two cents.

Here is a link that might be useful: MO location

Yes I live right outside of DC and know both locations well. I do think teenagers would have much more fun in Georgetown for the evenings after having spent the day at the mall/Smithsonian. I don't think they're too concerned with what the outside of the building looks like or even the views.

What a timely topic. I'm going to DC in April too. DH and I have both been there for work but never really took time to be a tourist - until now.

Another vote here for Bistrot du Coin in DuPont Circle, Sue. It's a big, loud place with traditional bistro fare and is lots of fun. Also, if you like tapas, La Bodega on M in Georgetown is great- my new favorite.

If DH likes "Fancy", the St Regis is posh and close to WH and to-dos.

If you like gardens and/or pre-Columbian art, visit Dumbarton Oaks. It's in Georgetown. There is a fee for the gardens, but the art museum is free. The gardens are spectacular.

Here is a link that might be useful: Visting Dumbarton Oaks

I especially enjoy the lovely historic Willard Hotel in DC. Guests include many of our presidents including Lincoln when he was smuggled in by detective Pinkerton, as well as PT Barnum, Mark Twain, Buffalo Bill, Harry Houdini, Jenny Lind, etc. It's on Pennsylvania Ave (can't beat that!), 2 blocks from Metro Center (can't beat that!), and is central to just about everything in DC.

I enjoy Georgetown but as others have noted, many of the shops are chain shops, and it's not easy to get to. There is a circulator bus which you can get either at Dupont Circle or the Rosslyn metro stops and that will take you to Georgetown.

Check out some of the old stand-by eateries in DC. Bistro du Coin is wildly popular, and I especially like it in warm weather because when the entire front of the restaurant to the street, but try Ben's Chili Bowl, Old Ebbit's Grill, 1789 (Georgetown), or the Tabard Inn (Dupont Circle) for some local flavor. Also, I recommend Cafe Saint-Ex (as in Saint Expury, the writer). It is situated near the U street corridor, a wildly popular area in central DC. The Studio Theater is nearby, and I've seen some great plays there.

Ditto kkay's suggestions for the Willard, Old Ebbit's Grill, Ben's, though there are lots of great ethnic restaurants in DC if you care to try Ethiopean, Vietnamese, etc. Also feel much the same about Georgetown. Sorry I no longer live nearby or I'd hop over to Bistro du Coin on a balmy evening based on all the recs here.

It's hard to go wrong in DC if you enjoy museums and magnificent monuments. DC has a character unlike any other Am city IMO, somewhat too beaurocratic as might be expected in part, but I always come away with a thoughtful appreciation for our history and the city's beauty. There are more historic and quaint places that I love as well, but most lack a je ne sais quoi --majesty. I will say the Metro is usually top-notch and those who use it regularly display some of the most respectful courteous behavior I have witnessed in this country. Enjoy your trip.

The Hay-Adams is just lovely and they have special 3-night family stay specials. It is one of the most venerated hotels in the District.

Okay folks, we changed our hotel to the St Regis today. Seems more central. I'm not changing it again though, so if anyone has issues with this hotel, shhhh.

Our time is going to be really cut up with the college tours, but while DS and I are there before the others arrive, we are going to the Newseum and we'd like to do the moonlight monument bus tour (since our youngest is not a night owl, best to do this before she arrives). Other than that, we'll browse around and see what we see. When the other family members arrive, we will cram in as much as we can but it will really only be two more full days.

I really don't think my homebody son is going to go to school there, but it's a nice excuse for a visit!

Thanks especially for the restaurant ideas. I have them all written down!

Just want to mention that, if you do go to the National Gallery of Art (West Wing), do NOT miss the Leonardo da Vinci (Ginevra de Benci). It is luminous and I prefer it to the Mona Lisa. It is his only painting in the Americas. Worth a quick stop!

Have a marvelous time!

That's a good choice, Sue. I had my wedding in that hotel (many years ago!). I think you'll like it. Sounds like you've for a great trip planned.

You will have a wonderful trip! Enjoy.

Okay, if you go to Bistrot du coin -- my 17 year old's fav meal is the steak with frites and creamy bernaise sauce with chopped fresh sage. This is the kid who otherwise would live on mozzarella sticks and pizza. DH always goes for the steak de poivre also with frites. The boeuf burguignon, which you'd expect great things from, was skippable though. If you go, definitely have their Amazing chestnut mousse for dessert. The chocolate ain't bad either. Most importantly: The carafe of house cote du rhone is not expensive and delicious. There is a seating area on the floor and then a balcony area. We've sat in both, we all like to be on the downstairs floor in the middle of the action. Warning: not the tidiest ladies room I've been in but not a deal breaker :)