Family Fun in Washington DC

Washington, D.C., or the District of Columbia, is the capital of the United States. It is a planned city, designed specifically to house the federal government and is not part of any state. Its history, beautiful architecture and excellent cultural centers attract millions each year.

Virtually all of Washington’s tourists flock to the National Mall—which features monuments, museums, the White House and the Capitol—but the city itself is a vibrant metropolis that often has little to do with monuments, politics or white, neoclassical buildings. In many ways D.C. remains a significant center of African-American culture. It is home to Howard University, one of the most important historically black colleges, and is the hometown of many significant African-American figures of history and culture, including Frederick Douglass and Duke Ellington. The District is also home to one of the country's most prominent lesbian/gay communities, centered around DuPont Circle.

A Treasure Hunt is a great way to see many of the famous landmarks and institutions of D.C. as well as some of its unknown treasures. Several tour companies offer this service for groups throughout the downtown mall area. Visitors can also enjoy the National Zoo, and the many large parks that offer hiking and biking.

This historic inn is located in downtown Washington, D., four blocks from the White House and adjacent to the National Geographic Society. This Beaux-Arts inspired luxury building was originally constructed in 1923 as a residence for Washington society. Restored in 1986, the architecture and decor in this 100-room inn are enhanced by an impressive collection of American art and rare historical documents, including several signed by Thomas Jefferson. The in-house Jefferson Restaurant boasts an impressive display of 18th-century historical prints-many identical to those in the White House collection, as well as natural American cuisine, and the lounge is adorned with original political caricatures dating back to Jefferson's time. Each of the hotel's rooms and suites have been outfitted with a unique selection of antiques, including 18th-century canopy beds, and artwork. Guests will appreciate the multi-lingual 24-hour concierge, twice-daily housekeeping, laundry service, limousine service, business services, and health facilities. Afternoon tea served daily; 24-hour room service.

This Georgetown establishment has been a favorite watering hole for a diverse mix of Washingtonians since it opened its doors in 1963. The brick walls are covered in a cloudy color and vintage model planes circle near the glass ceiling. With a menu that changes daily, Clyde's offers a large selection of fine food, including items such as T-bone steak, rotisserie chicken, mahi-mahi and barbecued ribs. Brunch includes old favorites: omelets, waffles, steak and eggs and is served on weekends.

There are dozens of aircrafts here, everything from the Wright Brothers' Flyer and Charles Lindbergh's Spirit of St. Louis to World War II planes and Apollo 11. In the Lockheed Martin IMAX Theater at National Air and Space Museum you can view one of the ever-changing films on the five-story screen. After the film, you can touch a moon rock or visit the original Star Trek model of the Enterprise. Educational exhibits introduce the ideas of aerodynamics to children and track the influence of flight technology on our culture.

The International Spy Museum provides a unique glimpse into the innovative world of espionage and its impact throughout history and present day. The state of the art exhibits include artifacts and spy stories from all over the world.

Visitors to the Capitol shouldn't give Zola a skip. Nestled in the Le Droit building, the restaurant comes across as a contemporary, upscale dine-n-wine place. The brightly done up walls and sophisticated booths find takers throughout the week. The American cuisine, with influences from different cultures, features funky creations such as peasant bread salad and sweet soy glazed red brick chicken. Diners swear by the jumbo lump crab cakes, which comes with an assortment of veggies and a lobster-sake dressing. Private celebrations are welcome.

The second president, John Adams, was the first to live in the White House in 1801. Originally called the "Executive Mansion," it earned the nickname "White House" after its marble exterior was whitewashed to cover burn marks from damage by the War of 1812. Student and military veteran group tours are available with advance notice. The White House occasionally closes without notice for official functions.

This Potomac River island is an apt memorial to the conservation-minded Teddy Roosevelt, the nation's 26th president. The 88-acre wildlife refuge can be explored along winding footpaths. In a clearing at the island's center stands a 22-foot bronze statue of Roosevelt, accompanied by inscriptions of his eloquent thoughts on nature and conservation. Access the island from Virginia via George Washington Memorial Parkway. A pedestrian bridge connects the island to a parking lot on the Virginia shoreline.

As a result of its location, in Washington's office-laden midtown district, the Daily Grill restaurant/bar attracts business people. The food is served in enormous portions - just the ticket for those who have worked up an appetite. The best entrees on the menu are the basic ones, such as meatloaf and chicken pot pie. Food can also be ordered at the bar, for those who like to mingle while they munch.

The National Mall is a bit like Disneyland, in the sense, that there is no way to fully experience it all in just one day. Part of the original design for the federal city, the massive open space park stretches from the US Capitol to the Lincoln Memorial and around the Tidal Basin to the Jefferson Memorial. It is also where you will find the museums of the Smithsonian, the Vietnam Memorial, the Reflecting Pool and the famous Washington Monument. It was intended to be a place to remember American heroes, to celebrate freedom and to be a forum to exercise freedom in the form of protests and rallies. Numerous festivals and concerts take place on the lawn throughout the year. A gravel path encircles the Mall and is a great place for a sightseeing run or walk. You just might run into a Senator. Certainly any visit to Washington DC should start here on the Mall.

Located at the west end of the National Mall, the Lincoln Memorial is a principal landmark of the city. It offers magnificent views of the city from several vantage points. Daniel Chester French's 19-foot (5.7-meter) statue of Lincoln seated and deep in thought, along with the carved text of the Gettysburg Address, provides a glimpse into a weighty period of American history. The 36 Doric columns represent the number of states in the union at the time of Lincoln's death. Go at night for much lighter crowds.

The symbol of the city of Washington DC, this 555-foot marble obelisk on the National Mall honors the nation's first president. The cornerstone of the Washington Monument was laid in 1848, but construction was not completed until 1884. About one-third of the way up the obelisk is a visible change in the marble, evidence of the onset of the Civil War. Construction was halted during the war, and when builders returned to the same quarry to complete the project afterwards, enough time had passed to cause a significant change in the color. Admission is free, but you will need a 'timed pass' for the elevator ride to the top.

The National Archives is a bombproof, fireproof facility that protects the nation's most treasured documents. The methods used for storing the documents safely are nearly as interesting as the documents themselves. Sealed glass vaults are raised into the exhibition areas for viewing each day but sink back into safety each night. Here, you will find the most significant of our national documents—the U.S. Constitution and Declaration of Independence. Among the other documents and artifacts housed here are copies of the Magna Carta and the Emancipation Proclamation, and the rifle used to assassinate John F. Kennedy.

This Washington landmark has been serving up hot dogs with chili, fries, hamburgers and shakes since 1958. Rumor has it that comedian Bill Cosby orders his chili dogs from Ben's when he comes to town. There is no table service, but after you order at the counter, you can sit in bright red booths. A wide range of hotdogs is served here, from the traditional dog to half-smokes and turkey dogs smothered in onions, cheese and chili. Fries and onion rings, cream pies and shakes are also offered, and breakfast is served six days a week.

The dinosaur skeletons on the ground floor are sure to please the kids. But there is something at National Museum of Natural History for everyone. The famous cursed Hope Diamond is on display as well as a live coral reef, a walk-through mine and an insect zoo with thousands of live specimens. The 'Discovery Room' encourages kids to touch, smell and taste the exhibits. If your feet need some rest, sit back and enjoy a film in the museum's Samuel C. Johnson IMAX Theater in the National Museum of Natural History.

Originally intended as a small reference library, the Library of Congress now contains the largest collection of books in the world, with 100 million items, including a Gutenberg Bible and first drafts of the Declaration of Independence and Lincoln's Gettysburg Address. The splendor of the magnificent Main Reading Room is worth the visit, but you should also browse the many excellent collections and exhibits in the library's three buildings. Its collections are available for research to adults 18 and older.

The legislative branches of the U.S. government, the Senate and the House of Representatives, meet in the Capitol Building. Public tours form on the east side of the Capitol and include visits to the Rotunda and other chambers. Visitors can also view the Senate and the House from the galleries when Congress is in session. Plan to have lunch at the Senate Refectory, a cafeteria where, by law, bean soup is always on the menu. Visitors can enter the U.S. Capitol Building through the U.S. Capitol Visitor Center and enjoy several historical exhibits.

This bookstore-cafe was the first to set up shop in Dupont Circle. It is always crowded, particularly on weekends when singles who would rather skip the bar scene flock to this surprising hot spot. Live music is featured nightly, Wednesday through Saturday. The cafe is a full-service restaurant that serves breakfast, lunch and dinner daily. Draft beer and wines by the glass are available. The entrees are not fancy— chicken and lamb chops are among your choices— but they are tasty.

National Zoo is one of the nation's finest zoos. It was created by Congress in 1889 and designed by Frederick Law Olmstead, who also designed the grounds of the U.S. Capitol and New York's Central Park. The zoo is famous for its giant pandas from China, Mei Xiang and Tian Tian, but you will find all sorts of creatures, both familiar and exotic, crawling about the place. The park opens daily at 10 p.m.

Polished wooden floors, stone walls, a glass bar and the decorated 'firefly tree' in the center of the dining area are the elements that create a warm ambience at the Firefly Restaurant. The cuisine is American and chef John Wabeck strives to give you the best deals. Roasted chicken with sweet corn gratin, shiitake mushroom sauce and spinach and steak frites with shallot butter and red wine sauce are some of the entrees on offer and be sure to order the chocolate napoleon for dessert. Do visit when the Firefly hosts an event, which it does often, you can even organize your very own cocktail party here.

This historic inn is located in downtown Washington, D., four blocks from the White House and adjacent to the National Geographic Society. This Beaux-Arts inspired luxury building was originally constructed in 1923 as a residence for Washington society. Restored in 1986, the architecture and decor in this 100-room inn are enhanced by an impressive collection of American art and rare historical documents, including several signed by Thomas Jefferson. The in-house Jefferson Restaurant boasts an impressive display of 18th-century historical prints-many identical to those in the White House collection, as well as natural American cuisine, and the lounge is adorned with original political caricatures dating back to Jefferson's time. Each of the hotel's rooms and suites have been outfitted with a unique selection of antiques, including 18th-century canopy beds, and artwork. Guests will appreciate the multi-lingual 24-hour concierge, twice-daily housekeeping, laundry service, limousine service, business services, and health facilities. Afternoon tea served daily; 24-hour room service.

Washington, D.C., or the District of Columbia, is the capital of the United States. It is a planned city, designed specifically to house the federal government and is not part of any state. Its history, beautiful architecture and excellent cultural centers attract millions each year.

Virtually all of Washington’s tourists flock to the National Mall—which features monuments, museums, the White House and the Capitol—but the city itself is a vibrant metropolis that often has little to do with monuments, politics or white, neoclassical buildings. In many ways D.C. remains a significant center of African-American culture. It is home to Howard University, one of the most important historically black colleges, and is the hometown of many significant African-American figures of history and culture, including Frederick Douglass and Duke Ellington. The District is also home to one of the country's most prominent lesbian/gay communities, centered around DuPont Circle.

A Treasure Hunt is a great way to see many of the famous landmarks and institutions of D.C. as well as some of its unknown treasures. Several tour companies offer this service for groups throughout the downtown mall area. Visitors can also enjoy the National Zoo, and the many large parks that offer hiking and biking.