Free Day in Washington, D.C.

12 years ago

So, I will going to Washington for a librarian meeting in a couple of weeks, and at the end of the week I have planned to have a whole day to myself on Saturday before I go home on Sunday. I have seen most of the "big" sights in Washington, and we will see others (Library of Congress, National Archives) as part of our program. So what should I do with my day? Whatever it is will have to be on the subway line. Thanks for any suggestions!

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Comments (7)

maire_cate
12 years ago
I hope they're also taking you to the Folger Shakespeare Library - as a fellow librarian recommend it. I don't know if it's on a subway line since we used a car service for the day.
Jodi_SoCal
12 years ago
Wash D.C. is a wonderful place to explore and most places are free.

Check out the Museum of Tolerance. It's about the holocaust. When I went ten years ago I had to make a reservation time and pick up a ticket but I think it was all free (at least part of it was). I found the museum very emotional ... actually too emotional to finish the tour.

Same goes for the Vietnam Memorial Wall. It took me several walks around the big black wall, circling closer and closer each time before I could get close enough to read the names without sobbing. It too was very emotional.

Also visited the US Mint and took the tour inside. At the gift shop I bought uncut sheets of dollar bills for each of my kids. Nice memento.

Have fun, there is so, so, so much to see and do there.

Jodi-
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pammyfay
12 years ago
The Folger is a few blocks away (walking distance) of the Blue and Orange Metro lines (Capitol South station).

There's a bus that'll take you to Georgetown, if you want to do a little shopping (or window-shopping).

You could check in at the Kennedy Center's website to see if there are any shows there you'd like to see (and if tickets are available). They run a shuttle between the KenCen and Foggy Bottom/GWU Metro station (Blue and Orange lines).

You could also take one of the bus tours to George Washington's home in Mount Vernon. Gets you out of the city and into the country for a few hours! (I think that both the Tourmobile that travels the National Mall area and the Gray Line bus from Union Station offer day trips.)
With the Civil War anniversary in full swing, nearly every historical site in the District, Virginia and Maryland have Civil War-related exhibits.
pammyfay
12 years ago
Forgot one important thing:
If you decide to stay around the National Mall to visit or revisit museums, memorials, etc., check out the Washington Post's website to get some restaurant suggestions. The cafe at the National American Indian Museum is nice, I have heard, and Old Ebbitt Grill is a tourist draw, being across from the White House. But if you do a little research beforehand, you can find some other spots, even if they're a Metro ride away. Don't get sucked into going to the oh-so-ick Subway sandwich shops (I write that even as I must admit that I go there frequently, since it's across from my office building and open late). The Cosi sandwich shops are OK. Many of the museum cafes are nice, but they are expensive (they have a captive audience). But there's nothing worse than walking around the National Mall, then being really hungry and all you see are hot dog carts.
linda_in_iowa
12 years ago
The Bureau of Printing and Engraving has interesting tours. I also enjoyed the FBI.
sherwoodva
12 years ago
How wonderful! I hope you have good weather that day.

My favorite memorial is the Korean War Memorial. Just past that is the FDR memorial, which has small waterfalls. Very nice and different. The Matchbox restaurant at Gallery Place (Red line metro stop) is very good and reasonable. A bit pricier is Rosa Mexicano (also at Gallery Place, but on the other end).

The Renwick Museum is on PA Ave, just west of the White House. It has American crafts and is free. Something different. National Geographic also has exhibits. They are on 17th Street, a few blocks north of the Farragut North (red line) and Farragut West (orange and blue line) metro stops.

If you need any other ideas, please email me. I live in VA but work in DC.
jel48
12 years ago
I loved Mount Vernon.

Then there are the Smithsonians. My daughter and son in law volunteer at the Air and Space Smithsonian. It is wonderful! There are others too, of course.

Free Day in Washington, D.C.

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maire_cate

Jodi_SoCal

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