I love Washngton D.C. It is the cheapest vacation destination. It is recession proof.
If you go here are some travel tips:
1. Do not go during the Cherry festival it is over crowded.
2. Stay at a hotel very close to the metro. I recommend the Marriot at Wardman Park. It is right on the metro line, literally walking distance and in a great neighborhood right in D.C. Bid on priceline.com. It is near every restaurant you could imagine. It is a spectacular hotel! Parkiing on the weekends there does not require a permit, at least that was the Conceirge told me.
3. Purchase a metro all day pass, it is $9 and you can use it all day long on any line, red, blue, yellow, orange any of them.
4. I would use the metro and walk – that is the best way to see D.C. I would not recommend doing a tour. The metro is very safe and clean. I recommend going when Congress is not in session as it is less crowded. Remember: All museums are free!
Places that are a must see:
1. LIBRARY OF CONGRESS – this is unbelievable!
2. CAPITAL BUILDING
3. UNION STATION
4. WHITE HOUSE
5. FORD’S THEATRE – AND HOUSE LINCOLN DIED IN ACROSS THE STREET
6. MUSEUM OF AMERICAN HISTORY – this is the best museum in D.C. it is spectacular
7. LINCOLN MEMORIAL and JEFFERSON MEMORIAL – would take a taxi to the Jefferson Memorial from the metro (too far to walk)
8. AIR AND SPACE MUSEUM
9. MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY
10. ARLINGTON CEMETARY – TOMB OF THE UNKNOWN SOLDIERS (go first thing in the day will not be crowded) This is absolutely a must see. Do not go to D.C. without visiting this site, I believe it is right off the blue line metro.
11. MONUMENTS – of course you have to see all of the monuments!
12. TIDAL BASIN – taking a walk around the tidal basin is romantic and just beautiful, especially if the cherry blossoms are in bloom! There is a dirt path that is right around it, just don’t fall in! It is a far drop. You can see the path in the picture above. It is just breath-taking!
When traveling to D.C. wear good gym shoes. Take a backpack and carry water and snacks with you. Take cash for when you want to catch a quick taxi to the monuments.
You will be doing alot of walking. You
can rent bikes at Union Station. I would recommend going in the fall or in Spring right before the Cherry Blossom‘s bloom to avoid large crowds. Summer is nice, just be prepared to sweat!
Washington D.C. is one of the most interesting cities to visit in the U.S. There is so much to see and do, without breaking the bank! Everything is handicapped accessible, the metro, the monuments, everything! If you have not been to D.C. it is a must see!
Flying Tip: Cheapest airport to fly into is BWI. However, it is not the closest airport. Many people use Ronald Reagan or Dulles. However, if you choose the cheaper flight into BWI, take a Shuttle to Amtrak. Take the Amtrak to D.C. it doesn’t cost much, or you can drive to D.C. if you live close enough or take the Greyhound bus if you want to go for super cheap! Everyone in D.C. is very nice to tourists. I love the night life and the people. There seems to be no racism there, that I have seen. It is a city of many cultures!

cherry blossom (Photo credit: 邪恶的正太)

DC: Jefferson Memorial - View from Tidal Basin (Photo credit: wallyg)