Planning a trip to DC on the 4th of July and need advice...

[cynatnite]

Got the hotel and am making a list of all our must sees. We are staying until the 7th.

on edit: The hotel is a block away from the metro. We plan on getting passes for that.

I want to have a full enjoyable and educational experience for me, my husband and our 14 year old. We're hitting the favorites...the Smithsonian, Library of Congress, the Capital, Lincoln Memorial, National Mall, etc.

What are your recommendations? Do you know good reasonably priced restaurants? Where is the best place to watch the fireworks? How early should we arrive?

Any off the beaten path spots that's a must see?

I'm needing all the advice I can get. This is a first trip for me and the family. We want to make the most of it and have fun.

[lamp_shade]

1. Don't... repeat Don't miss Arlington Cemetery. The changing of the guard will take your breath away.

Watch the fireworks right on the mall. Find a spot near the Washington Monument and bring something to lay your head on (towel?).
Best fireworks display I've ever seen. I lived nearby for many years.

[cynatnite]

3. Arlington is at the top of our list....

Isn't Ted Kennedy buried there?

[lamp_shade]

7. Yes... near John and Bobby.

[cally]

9. I love Alexandria...foods good and it's more low key

There's an apothecary with a letter from Martha Washington asking for some remedies and Gatb fory tavern where George Washington and I think Thomas Jefferson hung out and had his inaugural ball. I'm not sure I would go there on a three day trip with a 14 year old though.

The spy museum is great and probably perfect for a 14 year old.

[cynatnite]

10. The kid's eyes got huge when I told him about the spy museum. LOL

That is his number 1 pick. So is the Holocaust museum. He did a report for school about Hitler earlier this year.

[madinmaryland]

14. My wife and daughter went there a couple of years ago.

Absolutely loved it. So did the other two girls that went. They were all 14!!

There is also a Madame Tausaud's wax museum 2-3 blocks away from the spy museum.

[s-cubed]

19. Kids love the spy museum and air and space. Take time at the spy museum to watch the short videos.

They are very interesting. If your kid likes to read, get a copy of Double Cross about the British double agents It ill add a lot to the experience. Warning, though, it is a little hard to keep track of the agents, but it's a great read. Among other things it talks about how the Germans were totally deceived about where D-Day would happen, with a fake Monty and a real Patton as decoys.

[Neurotica]

25. The Spy Museum is top notch and worth the money

We've been there several times and there are so many neat things to see and learn about. My favorite is the Enigma machine.

[hootinholler]

33. If you go to the holocaust museum

Be prepared emotionally. There is no varnish on what happened there. I found it eye opening and emotionally draining. Around the corner from it is the Bureau of Engraving and Printing, who have a money tour that is fun for kids.

[southernyankeebelle]

17. The changing of the guard is one of the best things to see. You should be sure not to

miss it. Make sure you wear comfortable shoes and cool cloths because it's very hot. Just walking around the cemetary you see so much history. I have been there several times because my parents are buried there. If you have a family member that is buried there you can get a pass to drive into the cemetary. You can also buy one of those tour mobile passes that take you all over town to the tourist areas. Just park your car at one of the tourist area and you wait buy a sign that says tour mobile. They usually come by every 15 to 20 minutes. It's the best way because you don't get tired. Also if you have little children you should go to the zoo because that is free. You will enjoy where ever you go. Have fun. Drink lots of water.

[cally]

2. bring goodbwalking shoes a spray bottle and a hat

mI walk a lot at home but the amount of walking in the heat was too much for me. I would try to rent one of those bikes and drive around and see the monuments early in the morning.

Try to book tours ahead of time. I loved the library of congress tour but was extremely disappointed in the Capitol. I used to live there and now you are barely allowed to see anything. Also, a must see is the Archives.

My favorite museum is upstairs in the Fine Art museum. It is not very crowded and you can get close to Monets, DaVinci's and amazing American artists. It is a lovely place to sit in the courtyard and take a break. I like the food at the Native American museum. It's a bit pricey but good and different from the usual burgers and fries at most museums.

If you are just there to see the fireworks and are willing to sit on dirt or a curb, then you only need to be there an hour or so before the fireworks. But the heat is devastating. Bring water.

[cynatnite]

4. Definitely going to the Fine Art Museum now...

I want to see DaVinci's and Monet's stuff. Husband is Native American. That museum is one of our musts.

I will most definitely plan for water.

Thanks!

[mzteris]

5. Get out early early early

Go back to the hotel for lunch and a break from the heat and the crowds. Then back out when you've rested a bit.

As for the fireworks - check the weather! One of my trips was the worst deluge of my life. The stampede to - and wait at - the Metro was insane!

You can't see everything. You just can't. Are you a quick, let's see as much as possible person? Or a I want to peruse this tiny bit as long as I like person (of course a mix in the family can get tricky, but doable). Decide ahead, what is your absolutely MUST see, and then by descending order. Everyone gets their "first choice" btw . . . even if it means an adult splitting off. Depending on the 14 yo, they can split off, too.

When my sons were younger we took a trip to the Smithsonian. The younger just wanted to see as much as he could (as fast as he could - so that's what he and I did). The older would spend a day in each room if you let him, but realized he couldn't spend that amount of time. However, I could - and did - leave him to his own devices with a set check in time. He could spend as much time as he wanted in any given room provided he meet us at a prearranged time. He only covered very very few rooms, but was extremely happy he could spend as much time as he wanted learning the maximum from each display. The same proved true of the Art gallery. He was only about 10 or so at the time, but you have to know your own child, their proclivities and their ability to function solo. The point is, if you have divergent interests, there is absolutely nothing wrong with taking separate side-trips!

[NOVA_Dem]

6. Some people watch from the 14th St Bridge.

I wouldn't necessarily recommend that but it is an option. I think people watch fireworks at the Masonic Temple in Alexandria. Also, watch the weather, summer storms can be torrential in DC area. Also, the Metro will be PACKED.

[a la izquierda]

8. Museum of the American Indian.

It's a must-see

[grasswire]

11. one of my great memories is taking a 10-year-old through the modern art...

....and explaining the attributes of pointillism, dada, etc. It was a great experience for us both.

[FSogol]

13. Yeah, the 20th century collection in the East Wing Galley is awesome.

Full of Lichtensteins, Warhols, Jasper Johns, etc.

My guests always want to visit the Air and Space Museum.
We usually do that, then go to the East Wing Gallery (have an overpriced salad in their basement cafeteria. Architect IM Pei created a cool space where you can see the exterior fountains from beneath.)
Then we visit the American Indian Museum. I like to run into the Sackler gallery (Chinese art-It is by the Smithsonian Castle), but with kids, we usually just get ice cream on the Mall.

Any of the Smithsoniam museums (Natural History or American History are fun too.)

[grasswire]

30. I don't know if it's still there...

....but when I lived in Washington I sometimes lunched at a very small cafe beneath the art museum. Not the water feature cafeteria you mention above, but a table service cafe.

Air and Space used to have a very good restaurant before they let Marriott take over the food service. The Cobb salad was outstanding. And the view, of course, is terrific.

[grasswire]

12. you won't see everything in that one weekend

My advice is to soak in the vistas and the grandeur of the buildings as well as the details. It is so, so beautiful!

Staying near the Mall will be a huge benefit on July 4. No Metro, no parking.

The food court at Union Station (just a skip away from the Capitol) is a good place to get a gang fed at a reasonable price.

[datasuspect]

15. GO TO THE CASINO/WHOREHOUSE - MUST SEE

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States_Capitol

[cynatnite]

16. Yes, I can see it now...

Son, here are the most expensive...

Oh, never mind.

[jberryhill]

18. If you are going to try to do all that in one weekend...

...it's gonna be tough - especially on that weekend.

Make sure everybody has comfortable shoes and socks.

But it's something of a zoo down there on the 4th.

But if you get into "gotta see 'em all mode" you are going to need some good walking shoes and socks. Normally, I'd suggest a bicycle - start up in Rock Creek Park by the zoo and pretty much coast downhill all the way down to the Lincoln Memorial and around the Tidal Basin and the island, or go down the Arlington side and come across at the Jefferson memorial. But on the 4th, even though it does get you into nice spots away from a lot of foot traffic on normal days... on the 4th, the heavy foot traffic will just jam you up constantly.

[wovenpaint]

20. #1 advice for July visit....good shoes and cool clothing

DC is very hot and humid in July! I was wishing I had a roll of paper towels-yes, because I saw others with them. You'll be doing a lot of walking to visit the museums...good shoes and socks are a must! as is sunscreen, hat and summer clothing. The blocks are long in DC, so when you hear "a couple of blocks away", be aware that you'll still be doing some walking. There are many street vendors to get water from at reasonable cost, so no need to carry lots of that to weigh you down.

My "top 10" rec's for a 3 day visit with 14 year old (besides the fireworks!):

1. The Air and Space Museum
2. The Museum of Natural History
3. The Museum of American History
4. The sculpture garden at the National Gallery of Art
5. The archives
6. The Museum of the American Indian
7. The Spy Museum (isn't free btw.)
8. The Lincoln Memorial and/or the Jefferson Memorial... also FDR memorial is awesome-all are great for the evenings.
9. Go see the White House from Lafayette Park across the street...sometimes snipers on the roof...
10. The National Portrait Gallery has a wonderful atrium to cool off in (lunch) and is very under rated so not as much of a crowd...great exhibits. too....it's not just about portraits, although those are a must see if you're in there.

Also, all museums will check your bags visually, and there may be metal detectors-backpacks are a big no-no! Those have to be checked in...and in light of recent events, you may want to check if that policy has changed as well.

My personal favorite is the National Gallery of Art. There's a neat walkway/people mover that goes from the west wing to the east wing that your son would enjoy. The East wing has lots of modern art and is going to be closing soon for renovations, i heard for 3 years...so that may be something if you have time, lol.

Have a great time!!! I go each spring and actually caught the cherry blossoms this year, yay!

[WorseBeforeBetter]

22. Yes to Lincoln, Jefferson and FDR memorials at night...

stunning!

[WorseBeforeBetter]

21. Locally owned or Olive Garden? :-)

Your hotel is located at which Metro stop? I ask because I know DC and lived in Arlington and Alexandria, and could direct you from there. As mentioned upthread, I'd avoid Metro on the 4th, especially AFTER the fireworks. It's insane. You can watch in DC (obviously) and on the Virginia side -- near National Airport is a popular spot.

Any specific cuisines you guys might be interested in?

Jaleo for killer tapas: http://www.jaleo.com/menus

Lebanese Taverna is outstanding: http://www.lebanesetaverna.com/restaurant_washingtondc.html

Ben's Chili Bowl: http://benschilibowl.com/

Ella's Wood Fired Pizza (haven't been, but heard it's good): http://www.ellaspizza.com/

Austin Grill is popular for Southwestern: http://washingtondc.menupages.com/restaurants/austin-grill-2/

Burrito Brothers is filling and cheap: http://washingtondc.menupages.com/restaurants/burrito-brothers-3/

Maine Avenue Fish Market: http://www.yelp.com/biz/maine-avenue-fish-market-washington

Water Street (SW) restaurants: http://washingtondc.menupages.com/restaurants/all-areas/sw-waterfront/all-cuisines/

Chinatown is nothing like it used to be (way too glitzy now), and I haven't been in ages, but maybe something here: http://www.urbanspoon.com/n/7/611/DC/Chinatown-restaurants

There are tons of places in Georgetown, Dupont Circle, Adams Morgan, U Street, Old Town Alexandria, etc. but I'll stop here!

[Recursion]

23. The Nationals will be playing the Padres and the stadium has a Shake Shack

I still miss RFK, though

[Neurotica]

24. Restaurant rec - Pizzeria Paradiso

Locations in Georgetown and Dupont Circle.

The one in Georgetown is on M street (one of the main streets). Across the street is Georgetown Cupcake, which is good but overhyped.

Pizzeria Paradiso is excellent -- I highly recommend it.

[Neurotica]

26. Consider the Newseum if your son is interested in history

It's another excellent museum (like the Spy Museum). Once again, well worth the entrance fee.

There are some good food options there as well.

[Kingofalldems]

27. Does your kid like baseball?

If so the metro will take you to Nationals Park . There is also a Ben's Chili Bowl there.

[liberal N proud]

28. Plan a long day, find your spot early

Lincoln Memorial is best seat in town.

Go to the National Archives early for the reading.

[grasswire]

32. oh that reminds me of the reading room at the Library of Congress.

Beautiful, gorgeous building interior.

[WillyT]

29. Vietnam War Memorial... Must See !!!

[grasswire]

31. And don't forget the paddle boats at the foot of the Jefferson Memorial!

Every time I have been in a paddle boat there, the POTUS' two helicopters flew over en route to the WH. That's kind of a thrill.

[hootinholler]

34. Depending on what hotel you are in

The best place to watch the fireworks display might be from your room. Otherwise, be prepared to be in a very large crowd. At least they've banned alcohol these days, it used to be a large drunken crowd

Remember on the Metro escalators, stand on the right, walk on the left. Clear the doors when you get on or on the platform leave a hole for people to get off the train. If you get smart cards (they cost $5 for the card) you can put passes on the card instead of holding a balance. I just looked and they have a nice preloaded 4th of July card that will save a little money.

Don't fear the food trucks, there are some really good meals to be had there, and while they may seem expensive, many portions are large enough for two adults to share for lunch. Especially the CapMac truck, which has amazing mac and cheese and yes I think it is good enough to pay $8 for mac and cheese, usually I add the $2 sloppy joe option on it for lunch and then skip dinner.Just a block off the mall, the hot dog stands generally have 2 dogs, chips and can of soda for around $5.

The Marine Corp Medical museum is great for kids also.

[hootinholler]

35. Oooh, I forgot,

I think there is a ghost tour (Ford's Theater, etc), and don't forget to take advantage of the hop on hop off shuttles. They may not be operating on the 4th, but the rest of the days will be good. They circulate around the touristy spots and can save a lot of steps in July heat.

Then there's the "Exorcist's staircase" in Georgetown, yes, from the movie. I don't know if the boathouse up there still does fish frys. They used to do one for the shad run, but that will be over by July.

There's also the C&O canal park (Starts in Georgetown and goes well into WV (PawPaw, I think). In Georgetown, someone used to operate barge rides through locks, probably still do.

[cynatnite]

36. Thank you, everyone, for the great advice!

This is all so helpful. We are going to pace ourselves and not try to do too much. We want to enjoy the experience.

Thank you!