Spend the Day in D.C.

The nation’s capital, Washington D.C., is just minutes from Fairfax. Whether you drive or take the train into the city, there are several things to see and do during your day trip.

Visit the Smithsonian Museums

The Smithsonian is one of the most popular attractions in Washington. There are a total of 20 different Smithsonian museums in and around Washington. The National Zoo is also part of the Smithsonian. The original Smithsonian was in the castle that now houses a visitor’s center for the museums. It is also a popular picture spot. Many of the most popular museums surround the National Mall. They include the National Museum of Natural History, National Museum of American History, and the National Air and Space Museum. If you choose to visit the air and space museum, you consider visiting the museum’s second building near Dulles International Airport. The second building houses many of the larger exhibits, such as the Space Shuttle Discovery. There is also an observation tower and an IMAX theater.

Explore the Monuments on the Mall

The National Mall is a beautiful green area that covers quite a bit of space in the city. It is one of the most popular locations for visitors and home to several well-known monuments. The best way to see the monuments is to see them twice in one day. Visit during daylight and then return at night to see some of the details hidden by the sun. Among the monuments along the mall, you can visit the Martin Luther King memorial. It is on the same side as the Lincoln memorial. The monument for President Franklin D. Roosevelt is entirely wheelchair accessible.  If you plan to visit the Lincoln Memorial, take some time to visit the small museum located next to the steps before you head upstairs to see the monument. Depending on the day, you may take an elevator to the top of the Washington Monument. If you want to take Metro to explore the monuments, you’ll need to get off at the Smithsonian stop. It is the only subway stop along the mall.

Visit Ben’s Chili Bowl

You can enjoy meals from around the world by checking out the various food trucks and restaurants throughout the local D.C. area. One of the most popular options for a quick, satisfying meal is Ben’s Chili Bowl. There are five locations throughout the city. The original location is at 1213 S. U St. NW. It is open seven days a week for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The menu highlights include chili dogs, hamburgers, and bowls of chili. They have vegetarian options available as well.

As you prepare for your trip, remember to bring your camera, an extra memory card, and a good pair of walking shoes. Don’t forget to bring water on warm days so you can stay hydrated. And finally, check the weather; you may want a jacket on cooler days if you plan on spending a lot of time at the mall.

Image via Pixabay

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