DC Metro Museums 2014

Museums &Attractions SPRING-SUMMER 2015

DCMetroPlus.com

Welcome!

George Washington’s Mount Vernon Estate and Garden

It’s hard to beat the sheer volume and variety of Washington, D.C.’s museums—and the fact that most of them are free! It’s no wonder that D.C.’s nearly 200 museums attract tens of millions of visitors every year. They’re museums that engage, educate, inspire, and surprise, with rare art and artifacts, cutting-edge design and technology, and compelling storytelling. We’re here to help you navigate them with ease, with this guide to the very best!

Contents

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Museums & Attractions

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Using Metro

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Neighborhoods

World War II Memorial

Museums& Attractions Air Force Memorial

This memorial honors the millions of patriotic men and women who have served and the more than 54,000 who died while in the U.S. Air Force. Located off Columbia Pike near VA-244, the memorial overlooks the Pentagon and all of Washington, D.C. It features three stainless steel spires that soar skyward evoking flight and the flying spirit.  One Air Force Memorial Dr. Arlington, VA 22204 (703) 979-0674  Pentagon Metro www.airforcememorial.org   Daily, except Christmas Day  Free

MUSEUMS & ATTRACTIONS

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Smithsonian American Art Museum

The Smithsonian American Art Museum captures the aspirations, character and imagination of the American people throughout three centuries. It is the home to one of the largest and most inclusive collections of American art in the world. The museum has the largest collection of New Deal art and the finest collections of contemporary craft, American impressionist paintings, and masterpieces from the Gilded Age.  8th and F Streets, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20004 (202)633-7970/202-633-1000

 Gallery Place – Chinatown Station

(Green/Red/Yellow lines) Exit Galleries

 www.americanart.si.edu  Daily 11:30 a.m. - 7 p.m. Closed December 25 (check website for private event closings)

 Free

Favorite

Basilica of the National Shrine of Immaculate Conception

The largest U.S. Roman Catholic church/shrine containing the world’s biggest collection of contemporary ecclesiastical art, this ByzantineRomanesque style church is one of the ten largest churches in the world, with 70 chapels.  400 Michigan Ave., N.E., Washington, D.C. 20017 (202) 526-8300  Brookland -CUA (Red line) www.nationalshrine.com   Daily, April 1 – October 31, 7 a.m.-7 p.m. and November 1 – March 31, 7 a.m. - 6 p.m.

Arlington National Cemetery

Situated on 612 acres, the cemetery is the resting place of nearly a quarter-million military veterans and dignitaries. An eternal flame flickers at the grave of John F. Kennedy. Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis and two of the couple’s children are also buried there.

Also view the Changing of the Guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, attended 24 hours a day by members of the 3rd U.S. Infantry. Entrance at west side of Memorial Bridge. Self-guided or paid shuttle tour available. Parking lot. Free Visitors Center closes an hour after the cemetery.  1000 N. Memorial Dr., Arlington, VA 22211, (877) 907-8585

 Arlington Cemetery Station (Blue Line)  www.arlingtoncemetery.mil  Daily, 8 a.m. – 7 p.m.

(5 p.m. October - March)

 Free (Ticketed trolley tour is available; see price and special activities on website)

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MUSEUMS & ATTRACTIONS

Bureau of Engraving And Printing

August 29, 2012 marks the 150th anniversary of the Bureau of Engraving and Printing. See millions of dollars printed during your tour of the BEP. The 40-minute tours are free but tickets are required during peak season (first Monday in March through the last Friday in August). There is an introductory film and gallery tour of the production process.  14th & C Sts, SW, Washington, D.C. (202) 874-2330 or 1 (866) 874-2330  Smithsonian Metro Station (Blue/Orange lines)  www.moneyfactory.gov  Tours are: Mon. – Fri. 9 a.m. (every 15 min.) – 6 p.m.

(April – August). Mon – Friday 9 a.m. (and every 15 min.) – 3:30 pm

 The ticket booth on Raoul Wallenberg Place (formerly 15th Street) is open at 8 a.m. Monday through Friday, with the exception of Federal holidays, from 8 a.m. until all tickets are distributed.

Museums&Attractions (Yellow/Green/Red lines) Exit Arena- Street parking and garages nearby  www.crimemuseum.org  Hours of operation are subject to seasonal changes.

Check website for details.

 Adults ($21.95); Seniors, Military & Police ($19.95);

Children over age 5 ($14.95). Last ticket sold an hour prior to close. Check website for event closures.

DEA (Drug Enforcement Administration) Museum and Visitors Center Carlyle House

This Georgian Palladian manor house was built in 1753 by Scottish merchant and Alexandria city founder John Carlyle. Here, five royal governors and General Braddock met to discuss funding the French and Indian War.  121 N. Fairfax St. Alexandria, VA 22314 (703) 549-2997

Since 2001, this interactive museum traces the impact of drugs on American society and the efforts of Federal law enforcement to educate the public and combat the problem.  700 Army Navy Dr. Arlington, VA 22202 (202) 307-3463  Pentagon City (Blue/Yellow lines)  www.deamuseum.org  Tues. – Fri., 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.  Free

 King Street Station (Yellow/Blue Lines) (Take Trolley 11:30 a.m. – 10:15 p.m.)

www.carlylehouse.org   Tues. – Sat., 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.; Sun., Noon - 4 p.m. (see website for special events and activities).

 Adults $5, Child (5-12) $3

Dumbarton House

Crime Museum

This interactive and simulated situation museum in Penn Quarter dissects both the concept of crime and the dark side of the criminal mind. It explores the techniques used by law enforcement agencies to investigate and prosecute. Enter a crime scene to solve a case in a real crime scene lab. Drive in a police academy training pursuit.

The museum houses the actual “America’s Most Wanted” stage set.

Visit this Federal period historic house museum, ca. 1800. Its collection of Federal-era decorative arts, paintings and furniture are preserved to educate the public about life in Washington, D.C., during the early years of the Republic. The life and times of Dumbarton House’s first resident, Joseph Nourse (1804-1813), are the focus; Nourse served as first Register of the U.S. Treasury through six U.S. presidencies and is known as “America’s First Civil Servant.”  2715 Q St., N.W., Washington, D.C. 20007 (Georgetown) (202) 337-2288

 Dupont Circle Station (Red Line - Exit Q St. N; walk six blocks or take D-2/D-6 bus)

 575 7th St., N.W. Washington, D.C. 20004 (202) 393-1099

 www.dumbartonhouse.org  Tue. – Sun. 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. year-round (last museum

 Gallery Place/Chinatown Station

 Adults $5

entry 2:45 pm).

MUSEUMS & ATTRACTIONS

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Folger Shakespeare Theatre-Library

This is the home of the world’s largest and finest collection of Shakespearean materials and Renaissance books, manuscripts and works of art. The Folger Shakespeare Library captures the Bard of Avon, his times, and his legacy through changing exhibitions and the permanent Shakespeare Gallery. The landmark building includes a replica of the Globe Theatre. It was a gift to the nation donated by Mr. and Mrs. Henry Clay Folger in 1932.  201 East Capitol Street, S.E., Washington, D.C. 20003 (202) 544-4600 or Box Office for tickets (202) 544-7077

 Capitol South Station (Blue/Orange lines - 4 blocks)

Franklin D. Roosevelt Memorial

This 7.5-acre riverfront park features waterfalls and a monumental bronze sculpture of the 32nd president seated in his wheelchair with his beloved Scottie, Fala. Near the Jefferson Memorial, the site is designed for wheelchair accessibility.  400 West Basin Drive, S.W., Washington, D.C. West Basin Drive, S.W. and Ohio Drive, S.W. (202) 426-6841

 Smithsonian Metro Station (Orange/Blue lines)  www.nps.gov/fdre  Daily except Dec. 25  Free

Union Station Station (Red lines - 6 blocks)

 www.folger.edu  Mon.-Sat., 10a.m. - 5p.m., Sun. 12- 5 p.m. Closed Oct. 1-12 (installation of exhibit) Nov. 22 and Dec. 25.

 Free. Group tours arranged by calling (202) 675-0336

Ford’s Theatre Museum

The newly renovated museum transports visitors to 19th-century Washington, tracing Lincoln’s presidency from his arrival to his assassination using environmental re-creations, videos, threedimensional figures and a remarkable collection of historic artifacts. The theatre is a working historical theatre, monument, world-class museum and educational center. Ford’s Theatre celebrates the legacy, values, and ideals of our nation’s 16th President and explores the American experience through theatre and education.  201 East Capitol Street, S.E., Washington, D.C. 20003 511 10th St., N.W., Washington, D.C. 20004 (202) 347-4833

 Metro Center Station (Red/Blue/Orange lines) – Exit G and 11th Streets (Street parking and garage parking).

 www.fords.org  Daily: Theatre 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. The box office will stay open until 8 p.m. when there is an evening performance. Petersen House and Education Center 9 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Closed Thanksgiving and Dec. 25.

Admission: Free; but you must have a ticket that may be reserved online (www.ticketmaster.com or (800) 982-2787 – processing fee $2.50/person) or at the Ford’s Theatre box office.

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MUSEUMS & ATTRACTIONS

Freer Gallery of Art & Arthur M. Sackler Gallery

The Galleries house a world-renowned collection of more than 40,000 Asian art objects from countries including China, Japan, and Korea, and from South and Southeast Asia. Besides Asian art, the Freer Gallery of Art houses a collection of 19thand early 20th-century American art, including the world’s largest number of works by Americanborn, British-based artist James McNeill Whistler.  FREER – Jefferson Drive at 12th St., S.W. Washington, D.C. 20013 SACKLER – 1050 Independence Ave., S.W. Washington, D.C. 20013 (202) 633-1000

 Smithsonian Metro Station (Orange/Blue lines)  www.asia.si.edu  Daily 10 a.m.-5:30 p.m. (Closed on Dec. 25th)  Free. Limited street parking.

Museums&Attractions

George Washington’s Distillery & Gristmill

Costumed distillers demonstrate the distillation process in the two-story building, which also features a storage cellar, office, and two bedrooms where the site manager and assistant would have lived. On the second floor the History Channel video “George Washington’s Liquid Gold” can be viewed, and a museum exhibit tells the story of whiskey at Mount Vernon and in America.  5513 Mount Vernon Memorial Highway, Alexandria, Virginia 22309; three miles south of Mount Vernon, 703-780-3383  Huntington Station (Yellow Line)  Daily, Mar. 31 – Oct. 31, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m., open through October  $5 for adults, $3 for children ages 6-11, and free for children 5 and under.

Special pricing when combined with admission to Mount Vernon.

George Washington’s Mount Vernon Estate And Garden

Favorite

George Washington’s riverside estate is a landmark of the life of America’s first president. It includes facilities with 25 galleries and theaters, and more than 700 artifacts, and interactive displays. The most famous dentures in the world are on permanent display, along with three life-size models of Washington created from a forensic investigation. An action adventure movie, video presentations by the History Channel, and an “immersive” Revolutionary War experience with falling snow and fog all help tell Washington’s life story. The historic area features the restored mansion, original outbuildings, the tomb where the Washingtons are buried, beautiful gardens, and heritage breed animals that work at a four-acre farm site near the river.  3200 Mount Vernon Memorial Highway Mount Vernon, VA 22121, (703) 780-2000

 Daily, Mar. 31 – Aug., 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.; Mar., Sept., Oct.,

 Huntington Station (Yellow Line) Take taxi or bus  www.mountvernon.org

 $18/adults, $9/children (6-11), 5 and under are free. Guests

9 a.m. - 5 p.m.; Nov. – Feb. 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.

can save one dollar by purchasing admission in advance at the ticket window. See website for group prices.

Gadsby’s Tavern Museum

Named for its 1796-1808 operator, Englishman John Gadsby, the museum consists of two buildings, the 1785 Georgian tavern and the 1792 City Hotel that have been authentically restored to their 18th-century appearance. George Washington, John Adams, Thomas Jefferson, James Madison and the Marquis de Lafayette all tipped a few here in Old Town Alexandria. Now it’s a museum with regular guided tours.

 134 N. Royal St., Alexandria, VA 22314 (703) 746-4242

 King Street Station (Yellow/Blue lines)

Take King Street Trolley 11:30 a.m. - 10:15 p.m. or taxi

www.gadsbystavern.org   April – Oct.: Sun. and Mon. 1 – 5 p.m.; Tues. – Sat., 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.; Nov. – March: Wed. – Sat., 11 a.m. – 4 p.m., Sun. 1 – 4 p.m.

 Adults $5, Child (5-12) $3

MUSEUMS & ATTRACTIONS

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Hirshhorn Museum & Sculpture Garden George Washington Masonic Memorial

Modeled after one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, Pharaoh’s Lighthouse in Alexandria, the Masonic Temple is visible from the Potomac and surrounding areas. The memorial displays a magnificent 17-ft. bronze statue of George Washington and an outstanding collection of Washington artifacts.  101 Callahan Drive Alexandria, VA 22301 (703) 683-2007

One of the “big five” modern art museums in the United States, the Hirshhorn Museum boasts an excellent collection of art from the post-WW2 period. It has a strong emphasis on art created in the last 50 years. The building itself is also an attraction, with a unique design that is unlike anything else in the city.  700 Independence Ave S.W. Washington, D.C. 20560 (202) 633-4674

 www.hirshhorn.si.edu  Daily, except December 25th Museum: 10 a.m.–5:30 p.m.; Plaza: 7:30 a.m.–5:30 p.m.; Garden: 7:30 a.m. – Dusk

 King Street Station (Blue/Yellow lines), Parking lot at memorial

www.gwmemorial.org   Daily, Apr. 1 – Sept. 30: Mon. – Sat., 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.; Sun., 12 p.m. – 4 p.m.Oct. 1 – Mar. 31: Mon. – Sat., 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.; Sun., 12 p.m. – 4 p.m.

 $7 for those 13+ for the first and second floor

exhibits. For guided tours, including tower and observation deck, $10. See website for tour times.

Hillwood Estate Museum and Garden Marjorie Merriweather Post’s former estate is now a museum housing the most comprehensive collection of Russian imperial art outside of Russia, a distinguished 18th-century French decorative art collection, and offering twenty-five acres of serene landscaped gardens and natural woodlands for all to enjoy. From the captivating life of Marjorie Post to the exquisitely maintained mansion and gardens, the Hillwood experience outshines even the Fabergé eggs.  4155 Linnean Avenue, N.W. Washington, D.C. 20008 (202) 686-8500

 www.hillwoodmuseum.org  Tues – Sat., 10 a.m. – 5 p.m., select Sundays

 Adults $15 suggested donation

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MUSEUMS & ATTRACTIONS

Historic Blenheim & Civil War Interpretive Center

This Fairfax Civil War site features 12 beautiful acres and the famous Blenheim House with more than 115 Union soldier inscriptions still left intact in the attic; some of the best preserved graffiti from the Civil War. A new 4,000-square-foot Civil War Interpretive Center includes an illustrated timeline of Fairfax’s role in the Civil War.  3610 Old Lee Highway Fairfax, VA 22030 (703) 591-0560  N/A www.visitfairfax.com   Tues. – Sat., 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.,

Guided Tours at 1 p.m. Closed Sun. and Mon.

 Free

Museums&Attractions

International Spy Museum

Celebrating its tenth anniversary, this is the nation’s first public institution dedicated solely to espionage, shedding light on an all-butinvisible profession. The museum maintains the largest collection of international espionage artifacts ever placed on display. Visitors are invited to test their espionage skills throughout the museum. Take on the role of a former spy memorizing specific details and see if you can keep your “cover.”  800 F St., N.W., Washington, D.C. 20004 (202) 393-7798, (866) 779-6873 Parking: meters and lots

 Gallery Place Metro Station

(Yellow/Red/Green lines) Arena Exit

 www.spymuseum.org  Daily 10 a.m.– 6 p.m.  Adults ages 12-64 $21.95; Senior ages 65+, Military/

Favorite

Iwo Jima Memorial (U.S. Marine

Corps War Memorial)

The monumental bronze sculpture masterfully captures Joseph Rosenthall’s Pulitzer Prize winning World War II photo of five Marines and a Navy corpsman raising the U.S. flag on Mount Suribachi’s summit.  Arlington Blvd. Off Route 50 near Arlington National Cemetery Arlington, VA 22211 Free Street Parking (703) 289-2500  Rosslyn or Arlington Cemetery (Orange/Blue/Silver Lines)

 www.nps.gov/gwmp/

marinecorpswarmemorial.htm

 Daily, 6 a.m. – Midnight

Intelligence Community $15.95; Child ages 5-11 $14.95; Children age 6 & under are free

Kreeger Museum

The Kreeger Museum is a private, non-profit art museum located in the former residence of David and Carmen Kreeger. It showcases the Kreeger’s permanent collection of 19th- and 20th-century paintings and sculptures. Highlights include works

by Monet, Van Gogh, Picasso, Renoir, Cezanne, Chagall, Rodin, Miro, Moore, Kandinsky and various local artists.  2401 Foxhall Road, N.W., Washington D.C. 20007 (202) 338-3552

 Tenleytown – AU Station (Red Line) exit Wisconsin Ave. for taxi or 45-minute walk.

 www.kreegermuseum.org  Tues.-Thur. reservations are required for a guided tour

given at 10:30 a.m. or 1:30 p.m. Fri. & Sat. 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

 Adults $10, Students w/ID, Seniors, Military $7, Children & members free

MUSEUMS & ATTRACTIONS

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impressive 19th-century architecture. Don’t miss the Gutenberg Bible.  101 Independence Ave, S.E., Washington, D.C. 20540 (202) 707-8000

 Capitol South Metro (Blue/Orange lines)  www.loc.gov  Mon. – Sat. 8 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. Closed Thanksgiving Day, Christmas and New Years holidays

 Free

Korean War Veterans Memorial

Built by the Korean War Veterans Memorial Advisory at a cost of $18 million in donated funds, this memorial, located on a 2.2-acre site adjacent to the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool, features a sculptured column of 19-foot soldiers arrayed for combat with the American flag as their symbolic objective. A 164-foot mural wall is inscribed with the words, “Freedom is Not Free” and is etched with 2500 photographic images of nurses, chaplains, crew chiefs, mechanics, and other support personnel to symbolize the vast effort that sustained the military operation.  10 Daniel French Drive, S.W., Washington, D.C. 20024 Independence Ave. S.W. and Daniel French Dr. S.W. South of the Reflecting Pool, (202) 426-6841

 Foggy Bottom Station or Smithsonian Station (Blue/Orange lines)

 www.nps.gov/kowa  24 hours a day  Free

Lincoln Memorial

“In this temple, as in the hearts of the people for whom he saved the Union, the memory of Abraham Lincoln is enshrined forever.” Beneath these words, the 16th President of the United States—the Great Emancipator and preserver of the nation during the Civil War—sits immortalized in marble. As an enduring symbol of freedom, the Lincoln Memorial attracts anyone who seeks inspiration and hope.  2 Lincoln Memorial Circle, N.W. Washington, D.C. 20037 (202) 426-6841

 www.nps.gov/linc  The public may visit the Lincoln Memorial 24 hours a day.

However rangers are on duty to answer questions from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 p.m. daily and to provide interpretive programs every hour on the hour from 10 a.m. until 11 p.m.

The Lyceum: Alexandria’s History Museum

Once used as a Civil War hospital, the Lyceum tells the story of Alexandria, once one of the busiest ports in America. Archaeological finds, old photography, maps, original artworks and a wide variety of historic artifacts provide the visitor with a picture of the city’s past. In 1985 The Lyceum became the History Museum for Alexandria, Virginia.

Library Of Congress

The world’s largest library houses Thomas Jefferson’s own collection among its over 20 million books. Visit the three buildings that have scheduled tours and enjoy free exhibits, concerts and films. Explore the Jefferson Building, know for its

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MUSEUMS & ATTRACTIONS

 201 S. Washington St. Alexandria, VA 22314 (703) 746-4994  King Street Station (Blue/Yellow lines) King Street Trolley

 www.alexandriava.gov/Lyceum  Mon. – Sat. 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. and Sun. 1– 5 p.m.

 $2/person

Museums&Attractions Marian Koshland Science Museum

The museum uses engaging interactive exhibits to bring to life the numerous scientific studies conducted by the prestigious National Academy of Sciences every year.  6th and E Sts., N.W., Washington, D.C. (202) 334-1201

 Gallery Place-Chinatown (Green/Red/Yellow lines) Judiciary Square Station (Red line)

 www.koshland-science-museum.org  Daily (except Tues.) 10 a.m.-6 p.m. (last ticket sold

at 5p.m.) Closed: Tuesdays and Jan. 1, Thanksgiving, and Dec. 25.

 Adults $7; Seniors/Military/Students/Children $4

Martin Luther King, Jr. National Memorial

This memorial honors Dr. King’s legacy of national and international contributions to world peace through non-violent social change. As the first monument on the National Mall to honor a man of color—and only the fourth to honor a nonpresident—its location on the Tidal Basin creates a visual and historical continuity between the Lincoln and Jefferson Memorials and is designed to be an engaging visitor experience tied to other landscapes and monuments. More than a dozen King quotes are engraved into a 450-foot granite inscription wall. The memorial includes the “Mountain of Despair” and the “Stone of Hope,” and features a 30-foot sculpture of Dr. King.  Entrances to the memorial site are located at Independence Avenue, S.W., west of West Basin Drive; Independence Avenue, S.W., at Daniel French Drive; Ohio Drive, S.W., south of the Ericsson Statue; and Ohio Drive, S.W., at West Basin Drive. Parking is extremely limited in the area, with public transportation suggested as the best way to reach the memorial.

 Smithsonian (Orange/Blue lines) (Closest station and then walk)

 www.nps.gov/mlkm;

www.mlkmemorial.org

 Daily, 24 hours

 Free

National Air and Space Museum Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center

Combined with the National Air and Space Museum on the National Mall in D.C., this is the largest and most prestigious air and space museum complex in the world. Visitors can view nearly the entire collection of air and spacecraft memorabilia the Smithsonian has to offer. It’s an open space with 10-story arched trusses and a network of walkways and displays. Visit the Boeing Aviation Hangar, the James S. McDowell Hanger with the newest addition of the Space Shuttle Discovery, The Donald D. Engen Observatory and the Airbus IMAX Theater.

See such icons as the Space Shuttle Enterprise, a Lockheed SR71 Blackbird reconnaissance airplane, the Enola Gay and much more.   14390 Air and Space Museum Parkway Chantilly, VA 20151, (703) 572-4118  N/A (South of the main terminal at Washington Dulles International Airport, Chantilly)   www.airandspace.si.edu/visit/udvar-hazy-center  Daily, 10 a.m. - 6:30 p.m. May 22–Sept. 7, 2015; then 10 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. (Closed December 25 - see website for early event closures)

 Free

National Archives

No trip to D.C. is complete without viewing our country’s founding documents including the Constitution, the Bill of Rights, and the Declaration of Independence. Tour the Public Vaults exhibits that take you on a journey through time and the changing technology of records. From George Washington’s handwritten letters to Abraham Lincoln’s wartime telegrams, most of the textual records in the Record of America are originals and will change from year to year.  700 Pennsylvania Ave., N.W. (between 7th & 9th Sts.) Washington, D.C. 20408, (202) 357-5000

 Archives-Navy Memorial (Yellow/Green)  www.archives.gov/nae  Hours: Daily, 10 a.m.–5:30 p.m. (Closed Thanksgiving Day and December 25)

 Free MUSEUMS & ATTRACTIONS

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National Building Museum

The National Building Museum is America’s leading cultural institution devoted to the history and impact of the built environment.

It does so by telling the stories of architecture, engineering, and design.

As one of the most family-friendly spots in Washington, D.C., the museum welcomes visitors from around the world to its exhibitions, public programs, and festivals.

Located just four blocks from the National Mall, the Museum occupies a magnificent building with a soaring Great Hall, colossal 75-foot-tall Corinthian columns, and a 1,200-foot terra cotta frieze.  401 F Street, N.W. Washington, D.C. 20001 (202)272-2448

National Museum of African Art

See how people from Africa transform religious beliefs and cultural ideals into various art forms.  950 Independence Ave., S.W., Washington, D.C. 20560 Limited street parking (202) 633-4600

 Smithsonian (Orange/Blue lines)  Africa.si.edu  Daily 10 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Closed December 25th.  Free

 Judiciary Square (Red line)  www.nbm.org  Adults: $8; Youths (3-17yrs),

Students w/ID & Seniors (60+): $5

National Gallery of Art

The beautifully designed multi-building museum houses the nation’s most complete permanent collection of American and European art as well as captivating special exhibits.  6th and Constitution Ave, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20565, (202) 737-4215  Judiciary Square Station (Red line), Archives Station (Yellow/Green lines), and Smithsonian Station (Blue/Orange lines)  www.nga.gov  Mon.-Sat. 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sun. 11a.m.-6 p.m. Closed Jan.1 and Dec. 25  Free - Limited Street Parking

National Geographic Museum

Located at National Geographic’s D.C. headquarters, past and current expeditions, adventures and scientific research come to life at the National Geographic Museum. Enjoy a wide variety of changing and permanent displays reflecting the richness and diversity of the world.  1145 17th St., N.W., Washington, D.C. 20036 (202) 857-7588  Farragut North and West (Red line)  www.nationalgeographic.com/museum  Daily 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Closed December 25th.  $11 adults; $7 children ages 5-12

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MUSEUMS & ATTRACTIONS

National Museum of the American Indian

This architectural masterpiece has attracted millions of people interested in learning about the languages, culture, history and art of Native Americans. It is the first national museum in the country dedicated exclusively to Native Americans.

The five-story, 250,000-square-foot curvilinear building is clad in a golden-colored Kasota limestone designed to evoke natural rock formations shaped by wind and water over thousands of years.  4th & Independence Avenue, S.W. Washington, D.C. 20560 (between the National Air & Space Museum and the U.S. Capitol Building), (202) 633-1000

 Smithsonian (Orange/Blue lines)

L’Enfant Plaza (Blue/Orange/Green/Yellow lines) Exit Maryland Ave/Smithsonian Museums

 www.nmai.si.edu  Daily 10 a.m.–5:30 p.m.; closed December 25

 Free

Museums&Attractions

National Air And Space Museum

The winner and still champion! That’s right – D.C. (not Paris or Rome) is home to “The World’s Most Visited Museum.”

You’ll see why when you spend the day watching the history of aviation unfold, starting with the Wright Brothers’ 1903 Flyer and Lindbergh’s Spirit of St. Louis, through the advances into space and the Apollo 11 lunar command module (just to name a few). Also noteworthy is the Lockheed Martin IMAX Theater (admission), Flight Simulators (admission) and the Albert Einstein Planetarium (admission).  6th St. and Independence Ave., S.W., Washington, D.C. 20560 (202) 357-2700, (202) 633-2214

 L’Enfant Plaza Station (Blue/Green/Orange/Yellow lines).

Very limited 2-hour meter street parking.

 www.airandspace.si.edu  10 a.m.–5:30 p.m. Closed December 25. See

website for extended hours and early closures.

 Free

National Museum of American History

Explore major themes in American history and culture, from the War of Independence to the present day. This is the museum that houses Archie Bunker’s chair, Dorothy’s ruby slippers, Seinfeld’s “puffy shirt,” Abraham Lincoln’s top hat, Dizzy Gillespie’s angled trumpet and the First Ladies’ dress collection. Recent renovations added a new visitor’s center and a state-of-the-art display gallery for the original Star-Spangled Banner. Don’t miss “The Price of Freedom” exhibit.  Federal Triangle (Blue and Orange

Lines) or Smithsonian, 14th Street at Constitution Avenue, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20001 (202) 633-1000

 www.americanhistory.si.edu  Daily 10 a.m.-5:30 p.m.

Some days have extended hours until 7:30 p.m. Check website.

(Closed Dec. 25)

 Free

Favorite

 Smithsonian Station (Blue and Orange lines)

 www.mnh.si.edu  10 a.m.-5:30 p.m. (Open some

dates until 7:30 p.m. - Check website.

Closed Dec. 25)

 Free

National Museum of Natural History

Everyone in the family is sure to find something amazing while exploring the largest, most comprehensive natural history collection in the world. Kids’ favorites include the Tyrannosaurus Rex skeleton in the dinosaur exhibit, the live interaction with over 65 species of arthropods at the Insect Zoo and the live butterfly house. Don’t miss the National Gem Collection which houses the world-famous Hope Diamond.

The national Fossil Hall is closed for renovations until 2019  1000 Constitution Ave N.W., Washington, D.C. 20004 (202) 633-1000

National Portrait Gallery

The Smithsonian’s National Portrait Gallery tells the history of America through individuals who have shaped its culture. Through the visual arts, performing arts and new media, the Portrait Gallery portrays poets and presidents, visionaries and villains, actors and activists whose lives tell the American story.  Eighth and F Streets, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20001 (202) 633-1000

 Gallery Place-Chinatown - Exit Arena (Red, Yellow and Green lines)

 www.npg.si.edu  Daily 11:30 a.m.-7p.m. (Closed Dec. 25)

 Free

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National Postal Museum

The museum explores America’s postal history from colonial times to the present. Visitors learn how mail has been transported and about the importance of letters and the creation and wondrous diversity of postage stamps. The collection contains prestigious U. S. and international postal issues and specialized collections, archival postal documents and threedimensional objects that trace the evolution of the postal services. The museum is located conveniently in the old Post Office building next to Union Station.  2 Massachusetts Ave., N.E., Washington, D.C. 20002 (202) 633-5555

 Red Line to Union Station  www.postalmuseum.si.edu  Seven days a week from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., except December 25

 Free

Supreme Court of the United States

Walk the halls of our highest court and attend lectures every hour on the half hour. Mon.–Fri. 9:30 a.m.–3:30 p.m. when court is not in session.  1 First St N.E., Washington D.C., 20543 (202) 479-3000

National Zoological Park

The National Zoo is home to more than 2,000 animals of nearly 400 different species, including giant pandas, Asian elephants, tigers, lions, birds, reptiles and much more. The best known residents are the giant pandas, Tian Tian and Mei Xiang. The Zoo welcomes more than 2 million visitors a year, free of charge. Some popular highlights include the Asia Trail exhibit, which includes red pandas, clouded leopards, fishing cats and otters, and Amazonia, the 15,000 square-foot rain forest habitat with Amazon river fish and dozens of mammals, birds, reptiles and amphibians. A 163-acre urban oasis, the Zoo is located in Rock Creek Park. Animal demonstrations take place every day.  If driving parking maximum $22 per day.

3001 Connecticut Ave., N.W., Washington, D.C. 20008 (202) 633-4888

 Woodley Park/Zoo/Adams Morgan Station (Red line) - 3 block walk or take L2/L4 bus. Or, Cleveland Park Station (Red Line) 3 block walk or take L1/L2 bus.

 www.nationalzoo.si.edu  Daily. Grounds: Apr. – Oct. 6 a.m.-8 p.m.; Nov. – Mar. 6 a.m.-6 p.m. Exhibit Buildings: 10 a.m.; Nov. – Mar. 4:30 p.m. closing. Closed December 25

 Free

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 Capitol South (Blue/Orange lines)  www.supremecourt.gov  Mon. – Fri. 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m

Theodore Roosevelt Island

Accessible by wooden footbridge just off the George Washington Memorial Parkway, Theodore Roosevelt Island is an oasis of calm in the city. It is a 91-acre wilderness preserve that serves as a memorial to the nation’s 26th president, honoring his contributions to conservation of public lands for forests, national parks, wildlife and bird refuges, and monuments.

Theodore Roosevelt Island has 2 1/2 miles of foot trails where you can observe a variety of flora and fauna. A 17-foot bronze statue of Roosevelt stands in the center of the island.  The Island is located at GW Memorial Parkway, just north of the Theodore Roosevelt Memorial Bridge.

It’s accessible by car only from the northbound parkway. Southbound traffic: Take Theodore Roosevelt Bridge to Constitution Ave. Take a right on 23rd St and cross the Memorial Bridge. Once on the bridge, return to the George Washington Parkway.  Rosslyn Station (Blue/Orange Lines)  www.nps.gov/this  Daily, 6 a.m. - 10 p.m.  Free (limited parking)

Museums&Attractions

National Museum of the Marine Corps

Favorite

Experience American history through the eyes of Marines. Interactive and immersive experiences allow guests to witness and feel the rigidity of boot camp and the force of drill instructors. Edge through a stand of trees at Belleau Wood and come up behind a German machine gunner’s position. Travel along the frozen TokTong pass in Korea amidst enemy troops, and disembark a helicopter into the landing zone atop Hill 881 South in Vietnam. The National Museum and Marine Corps Heritage Center includes Semper Fidelis Memorial Park and Chapel that sits amid natural woodlands and has landscaped pathways with impressive views of the museum.

 Take I-95 to the Marine Corps Base Quantico exit #150 18900 Jefferson Davis Highway Triangle, VA 22172 1 (877) 635-1775

 N/A  www.usmcmuseum.com  Daily, 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.; Closed December 25  Admission & Parking are free

Tudor Place Historic House and Garden

Built in 1816 by a granddaughter of Martha Washington and Georgetown’s first mayor, Tudor House is now a historic house and garden museum. It remains one of the nation’s few historic urban estates retaining the majority of its original landscape. Highlights include over 100 objects originally belonging to George and Martha Washington, an outstanding 19th-20th century American silver collection, and an extraordinary porcelain collection. The house, furnishings, and grounds are well documented by a remarkable archival collection including letters, diaries, books, bills, and photographs.  1644 31st Street, N.W., Washington D.C. 20007 202.965.0400

Thomas Jefferson Memorial

Beneath the marble rotunda, the 19-foot statue of the third U.S. president is surrounded by passages from the Declaration of Independence and other famous Jefferson writings.  701 E. Basin, S.W., Washington D.C., 20242 (202) 426-6841

 Smithsonian Metro (Orange/Blue lines)  www.nps.gov/thje  Daily 24 hours; rangers available 9:30 a.m.–11:30 p.m.

 Dupont Circle Station

 See the Georgetown Map on page 27

(Red Line- walk: P Street to right on 31st Street) Foggy Bottom (Blue/ Orange Line :25-minute walk: Pennsylvania Ave. bears left onto M Street to right on 31st Street)

 www.tudorplace.org  Tues. – Sat., 10 a.m. – 4p.m.;

Sun., Noon – 4 p.m.; Closed month of January

 Adults, $10; Seniors & Military, $8; Students, $3; Under 5, Free

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Museums on the Mall

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Favorite

Madame Tussauds of Washington, D.C.

Newseum

The Newseum is a dazzling, high-tech roller coaster ride through 500 years of headline history, featuring dozens of galleries, theaters and interactive exhibits that bring you face to face with the greatest events of our time. Stand in the shadow of the Unabomber’s cabin, touch the Berlin Wall and hear never-told stories from the journalists and photographers who have stood on the front lines of history. Main galleries explore electronic news, photojournalism, new history and world news. Unique artifacts, powerful photography and moving images invite you to remember, relive and share moments that changed our lives.  555 Pennsylvania Ave., N.W. Washington, D.C. 20001 (888) 639-7386

 Archives/Navy of Memorial/

Penn Quarter (Yellow and Green Lines), Judiciary Square (Red Line)

 www.newseum.org  Daily 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.

(Closed on Thanksgiving, December 25, January 1)

 Adults (19 to 64) $22.95 +tax,

Seniors (65 and up) $18.95 +tax, Youth (7 to 18) $13.95 +tax, Children 6 and younger are free

Take a remarkable interactive, chronological journey through U.S. history. Madame Tussauds features life-sized wax figures of all the U.S. presidents from George Washington to Barack Obama.

Interactive experiences include: crossing the Delaware River with George Washington, walking on the moon with Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin, braving the Underground Railway with Harriet Tubman and meeting the founder of the Girl Scouts—Juliette Gordon Low—as well as sports, pop and musical icons.

 1001 F Street N.W., Washington, D.C. 20004 (202) 942-7300  Red Line exit Metro Center, 11th and G Streets NW; Yellow Line exit Galleries at 9th and G Streets NW, walk 2 blocks  www.madametussauds.com/washington/  Hours vary; see website  Adult 13 and up $22, Child 4 to 12 $17.50, 3 and under free, tickets are cheaper online.

United States Botanic Garden

The United States Botanic Garden is located on the U.S. Capitol Grounds campus near Garfield Circle.

The building itself, which includes a large Lord & Burnham greenhouse, is divided into separate rooms, each one simulating a different habitat. The United States Botanic Garden traces its beginning to 1816, when the Columbian Institute for the Promotion of Arts and Sciences proposed the creation of a botanic garden to collect, grow, and distribute plants of this and other countries that might contribute to the welfare of the American people.  Independence & First Streets N.E. 100 Maryland Ave S.W., Washington D.C., 20001 (202) 225-8333, (202) 225-1116 (tours)

 Federal Center S.W. Station (Blue/ Orange lines) Metro-buses: # 32, 34, and #36

 www.usbg.gov  Daily Bartholdi Park, Dawn to Dusk; Conservatory, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.; National Gardens 10 a.m. – 7 p.m.

May 28 – Sept. 3, then 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.

 Free. Cell phone tours available.

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Museums&Attractions Vietnam Veterans Memorial

United States Capitol & Visitor Center The Visitor Center, the new main entrance to the U.S. Capitol, is located beneath the East Front plaza of the Capitol, at First and East Capitol Streets. Guided tours of the U.S. Capitol begin at the Orientation Theaters on the lower level. In this 580,000-square-foot addition to the historic building you’ll learn about the history, architecture and art of the U.S. Capitol as well as our unique legislative process.  East Capitol St. at First St., S.E., Room SVC-101 Washington, D.C. 20515 (East Plaza of the Capitol, between Constitution and Independence Avenues N.E.); (202) 226-8000

 Capitol South (Blue/Orange lines)  www.visitthecapitol.gov.  Mon. – Sat. 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. (first tour at

 5 Henry Bacon Drive, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20037 The Vietnam Veterans Memorial is located north of the Lincoln Memorial, near the intersection of 22nd St. and Constitution Ave., N.W. (202) 426-6841, (202) 634-1568

 Foggy Bottom Station (Blue/Orange lines) or Smithsonian Station (Blue/Orange lines)

8:50 a.m. last tour at 3:20 p.m.). Closed Jan.1, Inauguration Day, Thanksgiving Day, Dec. 25.

 Free (Although admission is free passes are required for tours and visitors are required to go through a security screening.)

The famous black granite wall, inscribed with the names of 58,209 American servicemen and women lost in Vietnam, serves as a venue for reconciliation between those opposed to this war and those who sacrificed their lives for it. The memorial consists of three distinct sections. “The Wall,” the three servicemen statue and flag pole, and the women in service to the Vietnam War statue.

 www.nps.gov/vive  Daily, 24 hours; Park ranger available, 8 a.m. – 12 a.m.

 Free

The Phillips Collection

Favorite

The Phillips Collection, America’s first museum of modern art, opened in 1921 in the home of Duncan Phillips (1866-1966). The museum, internationally recognized for the incredible collection, includes nearly 3,000 works by American and European artists—among them, Degas, Cézanne, Gauguin, van Gogh, Bonnard, Matisse, Picasso, Braque, Klee, Homer, Whistler, Hopper, Stieglitz, O’Keeffe, Calder, Rothko, and many others. Some special exhibits offer audio tours.

Limited street parking.  1600 21st St., N.W., Washington, D.C. 20009 (202) 387-2151

 Dupont Circle (Red line)  www.phillipscollection.org  Tues.-Sat. 10 a.m. -5 p.m.; Thurs. open to 8:30 p.m.; Sun. Noon - to 7 p.m.; Closed Federal Holidays.

 18 and under free admission.

Ticketed exhibitions: Adults $12, Students and visitors 62 and over $10. Saturday and Sunday when no ticketed exhibition is on view, adults $10, students/visitors 62 and over $8.

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EN

state of the ation

Tudor Place

Vampire Hunter’s Colt

Historic House & Garden

NRAmuseums.com Fairfax, VA | Free Admission | Open Daily

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MUSEUMS & ATTRACTIONS

 hourly tours  Georgetown 

www.tudorplace.org

Museums&Attractions

World War II Memorial

Located poignantly between the Reflecting Pool and the Washington Monument, this memorial is dedicated to the 16 million who served in World War II. Two 43-ft. arches to the north and south represent the Atlantic and Pacific Theaters. The 56 pillars represent the U.S. States, territories, and D.C. at the time of the war. The Freedom Wall has a field of 4,000 sculptured gold stars, each representing the deaths of 100 Americans in the war (400,000).  1750 Independence Ave., S.W. Washington, D.C. 17th St. & Independence Ave. (800) 639-4992

 Smithsonian Metro, (Blue/Orange lines)  www.wwiimemorial.com  Daily  Free

Washington Monument

Towering higher than any building in D.C., the Washington Monument exemplifies the simple elegance and enduring presence of our first president. The monument is the most prominent structure in D.C. and built to honor President George Washington. A long restoration was recently completed after an August 2011 earthquake created significant structural damage.  2 15th St., N.W., Washington D.C., 20024 (15th and Constitution Aves N.W.) (202) 426-6841, (800) 967-2283

 Smithsonian Station (Blue/Orange lines)  www.nps.gov/wamo  Daily except July 4 and December 25, 9 a.m. to 5

p.m., last tour begins at 4:45 p.m., summer hours (Memorial Day to Labor Day) 9 a.m. to 10 p.m., last tour begins at 9:45 p.m.

 Get free same-day timed tickets in advance at Washington Monument Lodge, 15th St.

White House/White House Visitor Center

If you want to tour the home of every U.S. president except George Washington, you must make a tour request (up to 6 months in advance) MUSEUMS & ATTRACTIONS

21

Museums&Attractions through your member of Congress (Senator or Representative). If planning in advance isn’t you, then at least visit the White House Visitor Center. Located at 1450 Pennsylvania Avenue, N.W., in the Department of Commerce building, the Center includes exhibits on White House architecture and furnishings, first families, social and diplomacy events and a thirty-minute video.

The Center reopened after undergoing a $12.6 million renovation.  White House 1600 Pennsylvania Ave., N.W., 15th and 17th Sts. Washington, D.C. (202) 456-7041 (recorded White House line)

 Farragut West, Federal Triangle or

McPherson Square (Blue/Orange lines).

Metro Center (Blue/Orange/Red lines)

 www.nps.gov/whho  White House: by appointment only through member of Congress, Tues. – Thurs. 7:30 a.m.–11a.m.; Fri. 7:30 a.m. – 12 p.m., Sat 7:30 a.m. – 1 p.m.

Closed: Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s Day

 Free

 White House Visitor Center 1450 Pennsylvania Ave., N.W., in the Department of Commerce building (202) 208-1631  Daily 7:30 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Closed: New Year’s Day, Thanksgiving and Christmas

 Free

CLOSED FOR RENOVATION

The following museums are closed for renovation. Check websites for information on reopening: The Renwick Gallery of the Smithsonian American Art Museum, The Corcoran Museum of Art, and The Textile Museum.

Using Metro

Using Metro THE BEST, MOST CONVENIENT WAY TO GET AROUND THE METROPOLITAN AREA

Purchasing Options

Fares

Off-Peak

Rush Hour

Farecard

$1.70 – $45.00

Short Trips

$1.75

$2.15

$2.00

Long Trips

$3.60

$5.90

SmartTrip Card ®

Each person needs his or her own farecard or pass to ride Metrorail.

Passes and farecards can be purchased online or at any Metro station from a vending machine.

Use Metro’s Trip Planner if you wish to determine your exact fare and route.

Rechargable up to $300

Day Pass

$14.50

One Day of Unlimited Metro Travel Expires of End of Operating Day

Group Sales call (202) 962-1488 Online at wmata.com

More information is available online at wmata.com. Metro sales offices are located at Metro Center Station, Pentagon Station, and Metro Headquarters at 600 5th Street, NW, Washington DC.

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Neighborhoods

One of Washington, D.C.’s best-kept secrets might be that it isn’t just a city of monuments and museums—it’s also a city of neighborhoods, each with its own magnetic personality. Whether you’re looking for trend-setting restaurants, sizzling nightlife, cozy cafes, historic charm, or nonstop shopping, it’s all here!

Dupont Circle Fountain

Dupont Circle HOME TO COOL SHOPS, TREND-SETTING RESTAURANTS AND CAFÉS, AND PACKED NIGHTCLUBS

B

ORDERING GEORGETOWN, AdamsMorgan, the buzzing nightlife of U Street, and the power corridors of downtown, the Dupont Circle neighborhood is a hub for D.C.’s thriving LGBT community and a playground for club-goers. Once farmland, a Civil War site, and a neighborhood for the super-wealthy, Dupont Circle is now home to cool shops, trend-setting restaurants and cafes, and packed nightclubs and lounges.

Dupont Circle’s fabulous food scene ranges from cutting-edge to traditional and casual to fine dining, with plenty of global options at hand. Want sushi? Latin-American? Thai?

Gluten-free? A burger and a shake? Fresh seafood from the Chesapeake Bay with a craft beer? It’s all here, and more!

Dance clubs with the hottest DJs, live music venues, and hotspots offering everything from reggae to house and hip-hop to hookah lounges draw millennials and college students from all over the D.C. area and the world.

Embassies, boutique hotels and B&Bs line the neighborhood’s bustling avenues and leafy side streets, and it’s not unusual to spot celebrities of all stripes here, from film stars and politicos to literary bigwigs.

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DUPONT CIRCLE ATTRACTIONS WOODROW WILSON HOUSE THE PHILLIPS COLLECTION (see p. 19) DUMBARTON HOUSE (see p. 5)

Snug rowhouses and the former mansions of the rich display an impressive array of architectural styles. The neighborhood takes its name from the small park and white marble fountain dedicated to Rear Admiral Samuel Francis Du Pont in the center of a busy traffic circle. The park’s stone chessboards draw players on sunny days, and dog walkers, bicyclists, skateboarders, and sun worshippers enhance the friendly, small town vibe.

Historic and cultural attractions include the Woodrow Wilson House, the Phillips Collection, and the country’s second-oldest Latin community museum, the Fondo del Sol Visual Arts Center.

PENN Q UARTER ATTRACTIONS FORD’S THEATRE (see p. 6)

INTERNATIONAL SPY MUSEUM (see p. 9) NATIONAL PORTRAIT GALLERY (see p. 13) MARIAN KOSHLAND SCIENCE MUSEUM (see p. 11)

Harman Center for the Arts

SMITHSONIAN AMERICAN ART MUSEUM (see p. 4)

Penn Quarter REVITALIZED AND READY TO GO, PENN QUARTER IS A BALL OF ENERGY RIGHT IN THE HEART OF THE CITY

Y

OU’RE IN FOR a real treat and probably a surprise—when you visit Penn Quarter. Once downtrodden the revitalized neighborhood along 7th Street, N.W., extending from Chinatown to Pennsylvania Avenue, is becoming the heartbeat of the city.

Wherever you turn, there is something to see: a fascinating portal into the world of espionage at the International Spy Museum and the wonders of science revealed through fabulous interactive ex-hibits at the Marian Koshland Science Museum.

Snap a selfie beside the lifelike Miley Cyrus and Justin Bieber or Barack and Michele Obama figures at Madame Tussauds, take in the first federal art collection at the

Smithsonian American Art Museum, or stroll the newly reopened National Portrait Gallery.

Penn Quarter’s vital theater community includes the Shakespeare Theater, the venerable Ford’s Theater, Warner Theater, National Theater, as well as the exciting Wooly Mammoth Theater and Warehouse.

The Chinatown-Gallery Place Metro stop has sparked a revived Chinatown, the explosive growth of myriad shops and restaurants in Gallery Place and the luxury condominiums sprouting up around Penn Quarter.

The nation’s capital has become a contender for the nation’s restaurant capital crown, from the Spy Museum’s adjoining Spy City

Café to critically acclaimed, global fare. Dig into modern Mediter-ranean cuisine at Zaytinya, prime cuts at Carmine’s District Chop House, inventive tapas at Jaleo and authentic, fresh Mexican at Rosa Mexicana.

Here you’ll find some of the most sought-after tables in the city, funky kaiten sushi outposts, the terrific classics in Chinatown and great steaks and seafood. Sweet treats can be had at foodie favorites like Red Velvet Cupcakery, Pitango Gelato and Dangerously Delicious Pies.

Monuments aside, Penn Quarter on its own would be reason enough to visit Washington. With DC Metro+ as your guide, we invite you to explore.

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Arlington Shops

Arlington ONCE A PART OF THE DISTRICT, ARLINGTON IS NOW D.C.’S HIP NEIGHBOR TO THE WEST

O

VERLOOKING WASHINGTON, D.C., with breathtaking views of its monuments and memorials, Arlington is within walking distance of Georgetown, providing easy access to the city. In the heart of Arlington lies the Arlington Nation Cemetery, final resting place of American war heroes and the site of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and the US Marine Corps (Iowa Jima) Memorial. Beyond the cemetery lie the Pentagon, home and headquarters for all American military operations, and nearby, the Pentagon 9/11 Memorial.

Visitors can enjoy nearly every type of cuisine and entertainment at dozens of restaurants and clubs seven nights a week. In downtown Arlington, near the Courthouse Metro stop, popular pubs and cafes sit cheek-by-jowl with

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gleaming new office and apartment buildings. Millennials flock to spots like Bayou Bakery, showcasing the down-home Louisiana cuisine of David Guas, host of The Travel Channel’s “American Grilled.” Night clubs sizzle with everything from salsa to indie bands. Boutique hotels like Le Meridien Arlington have sprung up and spruced up to draw hipster locals and visitors, with hot new bars and restaurants.

Arlington’s theater scene is smoking hot. Its Signature Theater is known for inventive debuts, like the hit musical version of the movie “Diner.”

Synetic Theater in Crystal City offers fresh takes on classics, like a wordless version of “Much Ado About Nothing” set in 1950s Las Vegas.

If shopping is your thing, this is also the right place. Big box retailers such as Macy’s and Nordstrom, as well as hundreds of unique and interesting stores of all sizes can be found at Arlington’s upscale malls, like the sparkling Fashion Centre at Pentagon City.

And with more than 1,100 acres of parkland and nearly 100 miles of jogging, hiking and biking trails, outdoor enthusiasts will find that Arlington is committed to proving just how green an urban county can be.

ARLINGTON ATTRACTIONS ARLINGTON NATIONAL CEMETERY (see p. 4) US MARINE CORPS IWO JIMA MEMORIAL (see p. 9)

Neighborhoods

Georgetown HIP AND HISTORICAL, GEORGETOWN HAS BOTH MODERN STYLE AND OLD WORLD CHARM

Georgetown Waterfront

R

ICH IN HISTORY and culture, Georgetown is a charming and vibrant neighborhood, located in the Northwest quadrant of Washington, D.C. along the Potomac waterfront. Once a placid 18th-century port, it is now a hip, action-packed town where you’re sure to find trendy restaurants, designer shops, ultra-cool bars, chic hotels, picturesque gardens, historic homes-turned museums, and a healthy dose of political intrigue. Famous Georgetown residents have ranged from Thomas Jefferson

to Elizabeth Taylor.

Founded in 1751, Georgetown retained its separate municipality until 1871, when its 10-mile square boundaries were assimilated into the city of Washington, D.C. Georgetown grew into a thriving port, facilitating the trade of tobacco and other goods from colonial Maryland along the Potomac River and C&O Canal. Today, walking and biking trails along the canal tow-path offer glimpses into the canal’s vibrant past.

As Georgetown was founded during the reign of King George

II of Great Britain, some speculate that the town was named after him. Another theory is that it was named after its founders, George Gordon and George Beall.

Georgetown’s many historic landmarks include Dumbarton House, Tudor Place, and Old Stone House, the oldest original structure in Washington, D.C. On the neighborhood’s west end is the main campus of Georgetown University, founded as a Jesuit private university in 1789. The cam-pus encompasses over 100 acres, accommodating student residences, athletic facilities and the medical school.

Surrounded by parkland and green spaces, Georgetown is situated on bluffs that overlook the Potomac. As a result, there are some rather steep grades running north to south, and for that reason, there is no metro station in Georgetown!

The primary commercial corridors of Georgetown include M Street and Wisconsin Avenue, offering high-fashion boutiques, charming cafes, outdoor bars, and restaurants with ring-side views of local boat and crew races.

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National Harbor Ferris Wheel

National Harbor A CITYSCAPE ON THE POTOMAC WITH AMAZING SHOPPING AND DINING OPTIONS

T

HE AREA’S NEWEST destination has popped up on the Potomac, in Prince George’s County, Maryland, minutes from the Woodrow Wilson Bridge and just off Interstate 95.

National Harbor is an exciting, sprawling urban waterfront community that includes hotels, fine restaurants, unparalleled shopping, pedestrian-friendly plazas, a carousel, three piers and harbors and outdoor artwork including the 70-foot-long sculpture “The Awakening,” by J. Steward Johnson.

Making 1.5 rotations a minute, National Harbor’s centerpiece, the Capital Wheel, a 180-foot-high, LED-lit observation wheel with climate controlled gondolas, offers spectacular views of D.C., Maryland, and Virginia.

Town Center’s 2,000 square

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feet of retail, dining, and entertainment space includes familiar national retailers and many unique local boutiques.

Restaurants range from white tablecloth dining establishments to casual cafes, both acclaimed national restaurants as well as local and regional eateries, You can set sail on lunch, dinner or sightseeing cruises and experience the beauty and splendor of the Potomac.

During the summer, National Harbor’s Fleet Street comes to life at night with live music, dance and interactive entertainment. Visitors enjoy performances of jazz, blues and Top 40 music by national, regional and local entertainers every Friday evening all summer long.

Check out all the activities during the year such as the Yacht Show, Food and Wine

NATIONAL HARBOR ATTRACTIONS TANGER OUTLETS OXON HILL FARM ROSILIE ISLAND FORT WASHINGTON PARK

Festival, the Weekly American Marketplace and entertainment such as the “Ice” show.

National Harbor (www. nationalharbor.com) is easily accessible by auto, and there is also water taxi service from Old Town Alexandria, Georgetown and Mount Vernon.

Neighborhoods

Alexandria HOME OF GEORGE WASHINGTON AND THE AREA’S MARQUEE HISTORIC DISTRICT, ALEXANDRIA IS CHOCK FULL OF CULTURAL SITES AND EXCELLENT DINING

W

HEN A YOUNG George Washington surveyed the land that would later become his home town, he could not have imagined its fascinating future.

Washington, of course, went on to become the beloved Father of our Country. His tiny hometown became Alexandria, Virginia, today a picturesque community with a rich and varied history located along the Potomac River just minutes from our nation’s Capitol— and one of America’s favorite historic destinations.

From its roles as an 18thcentury seaport and home to America’s patriots, a 19thcentury railroad center and its manufacturing days in the early 1900s, Alexandria has always been a center of commerce and innovation. Today it is home to high-tech firms, national associations, retail and hospitality businesses, and the performing arts. But, it is the city’s historic ambiance and significance combined with its urban sophistication that set Alexandria apart.

Its Old Town district, listed on the National Register of Historic Places, is filled with historic homes and commercial buildings that house trendy shops, galleries and restaurants.

Shopping in Old Town Alexandria

Set against this historic backdrop of Old Town, the city’s new Wireless Zone offers one the chance to catch up on emails, while enjoying a latte at an outdoor café.

Carlyle & Eisenhower is home to the National Inventors Museum & Hall of Fame, offices, restaurants, entertainment, and a regional park. The West End is home to historic Fort Ward Civil War Museum, Winkler Botanical Reserve, Landmark Mall, restaurants, nightlife, and hotels, including hot boutique properties with lively destination restaurants and bars. Del Ray’s hotspots offer everything from live R&B and bluegrass to BBQ and frozen custard.

Catering to arts and history lovers, Alexandria is home to the famed Torpedo Factory Art Center, the Alexandria Symphony, and a season of Fall

for the Arts events, honoring its Scottish origins and multicultural heritage with parades and festivals throughout the year.

ALEXANDRIA ATTRACTIONS GEORGE WASHINGTON’S MOUNT VERNON ESTATE AND GARDEN (see p. 7)

GEORGE WASHINGTON’S DISTILLERY AND GRISTMILL (see p. 7) HISTORIC OLD TOWN CARLYLE HOUSE (see p. 5) GADSBY’S TAVERN (see p. 7)

MUSEUMS & ATTRACTIONS

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Fairfax PARKS, OUTDOOR ADVENTURES, A WEALTH OF HISTORIC LANDMARKS, A SPACE MUSEUM, AND MUCH MORE

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AIRFAX COUNTY’S WEALTH OF historic sites bring to life the compelling stories of our nation’s growth. George Washington’s Mount Vernon Estate and Gardens is the most visited historic home in America, and Gunston Hall, the home of George Mason, vividly depicts how this founding father shaped strategies that helped the nation prosper. Multiple Civil War sites such as Sully Historic Site, St. Mary’s Church, Chantilly Battlefield, and trails in and around historic Herndon and Centreville await your exploration.

For a more futuristic journey, head for the National Air and Space Museum Steven F. UdvarHazy Center, where more than 60,000 items, including 120 aircraft and 135 spacecraft, are on display. Don’t miss the

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MUSEUMS & ATTRACTIONS

Great Falls National Park

actual Space Shuttle Discovery craft, which flew 39 space missions over nearly 27 years, now on permanent display in the center’s James S. McDonnell Space Hangar.

Fairfax County boasts more than 30,000 acres of parkland.

Great Falls National Park greets visitors with cascading rapids and 20-foot waterfalls, with a total 76-foot drop in elevation over a distance of less than a mile. Prime wildlife sanctuaries include Huntley Meadows Park, Mason Neck State Park and Wildlife Refuge, Burke Lake and Pohick Bay Regional Park. Wolf Trap National Park for the Performing Arts allows concertgoers to experience the great outdoors while enjoying concerts by some of the world’s top musical artists.

Fairfax County’s retail recreation options range from

sprawling malls to specialty boutiques and large discounters. Whether you’re staying in Tysons, Springfield, Reston, Centreville, or Herndon you’ll find everything you need— exquisite dining, superb shopping and entertainment, and fascinating history.

FAIRFAX ATTRACTIONS HISTORIC BLENHEIM AND CIVIL WAR INTERPRETIVE CENTER (see p. 8)

NATIONAL AIR AND SPACE MUSEUM STEVEN F. UDVAR-HAZY CENTER (see p. 11)

EXPERIENCE WHAT EVERYONE IS TALKING ABOUT. “I REALLY LOVED HOW THE MUSEUM BROUGHT OUT FEELINGS AND EMOTIONS, ALONG WITH THE MEMORIES OF ‘WHERE I WAS WHEN.’” “THIS IS WITHOUT ANY DOUBT, MY FAVORITE MUSEUM IN DC.” 2014 TripAdvisor Top 10 Travelers’ Choice Museums in the U.S. 2014 Washington City Paper Best Museum Off the Mall 2014 Courier Magazine Favorite Museum for Groups 2014 Washington Area Concierge Association Best Visitor Attraction 2014 “People Love Us on Yelp” Award

NEWSEUM.ORG 555 PENNSYLVANIA AVE., N.W., WASHINGTON, D.C.

“MY KIDS LOVED THE 4D MOVIE, THE INTERACTIVE GAMES AND MAKING THEIR OWN NEWS BROADCAST.”

“WE DIDNT WANT TO LEAVE”

FOLLOW IN THE FOOTSTEPS OF MARINES AT THE NATIONAL MUSEUM OF THE MARINE CORPS The National Museum of the Marine Corps celebrates over 239 years of United States Marine Corps history. Follow in the footsteps of Marines: from boot camp to the boot prints left in the sands of the Pacific Islands, in the snow of the Chosin Reservoir, on Vietnam’s Hill 881, and the continued global fight against terror.

18900 jefferson davis hwy quantico, va www.usmcmuseum.com open 9 to 5 daily