Washington DC Things to Do
Bill Clinton was President of the United States when I took a White House tour on my second Washington DC visit. I’m not telling who was in office when I visited the nation’s capital for the first time, but I can assure you that it wasn’t Teddy Roosevelt. In the past several months, I’ve been lucky enough to have taken two more trips to the United States Capital, most recently in May. Each time I found new places to visit in Washington DC to inform, inspire, or amuse me. You might like to have these experiences, too.
Portraits of Presidents at Occidental Grill and Seafood
Let’s Start With Lunch
As many of you know, eating out in places with good food, ambiance and local significance is a priority with me when I travel. A favorite of mine has become the landmark Occidental Grill and Seafood just one block from the White House. The walls are filled with photographs of the famous and powerful people who have dined there for over 100 years including Amelia Earhart, Robert Frost, statesmen and presidents. I like to sit on the large outdoor patio, but at a table inside the restaurant there’s an interesting piece of 1960s history. A plaque at the table reads, “At this table during the tense moments of the Cuban missile crisis a Russian offer to withdraw missiles from Cuba was passed by the mysterious Russian ‘Mr. X’ to ABC-TV correspondent John Scali. On the basis of this meeting the threat of a possible nuclear war was avoided.”
Occidental Grill and Seafood, Washington D.C.
Go Undercover
What sort of subterfuge is this man engaged in?
International Spy Museum
The International Spy Museum was a big hit with me since I fantasized about being a spy when I was growing up and still enjoy films and books with international intrigue. There are extensive exhibits, interactive displays and in-depth historical information about espionage (the world’s “second oldest profession”) and the role that intelligence plays in current events. Many of the artifacts, such as a lipstick pistol, tear gas pen, disguise kit, and wristwatch microphone seem like they’re straight from the movies. You really can go undercover in a one hour experience, “Operation Spy”, by taking on the identity of an intelligence officer on a mission that is based on actual cases.
Celebrate Freedom of the Press
Inside the Newseum, Washington D.C.
The impressively-designed Newseum with a 90 foot high atrium has wide-ranging exhibits emphasizing the freedoms of the First Amendment: Press, Speech, Religion, Petition and Assembly. The galleries showcase the history and evolution of news gathering, Pulitzer Prize photographs, a journalists memorial, world news, new media technologies and major events. There’s also a full studio where ABC and (you might be surprised to hear) Al Jazeera do live broadcasts.
Engine Parts from September 11th Planes
Most memorable for me were the FBI Exhibit, much of which is focused on the role of the organization in fighting terrorism, and the 9/11 Gallery. I really wasn’t expecting to see some of the World Trade Center artifacts in this exhibit — engine parts of planes that crashed into the twin towers, cell phones found in the debris and items belonging to airplane passengers.
Berlin Wall and Guard Tower at Newseum, Washington D.C.
For those who haven’t seen remnants of the Berlin Wall in Germany, they can see eight sections of the original wall and a guard tower at the Newseum.
Contemplate Modern Art
Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden, Washington D.C.
For extensive and eclectic modern art exhibits when you visit Washington DC, spend some time at the Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden, located on the National Mall. There were many paintings and sculptures that I liked, including this one by Giacomo Balla below. I previously posted about other interesting installations in Round Rainbow and Four Artists, Four Photos. (Check with the museum for information on current exhibitions.)
Boccioni by Giacomo Balla
Picture Early American History
My introduction to the National Portrait Gallery and Smithsonian American Art Museum was an excellent walking tour guided by Katie Wood Kirchoff of Context Travel.
A Dog Swap (1881), Richard Norris Brooke
The tour took us through galleries of selected works depicting the people who influenced and shaped America from its founding. We examined American art from the Revolution, through westward expansion, the Civil War and other crucial periods in American history — each painting telling stories of struggle, hope, social consciousness and everyday life.
Landsdowne Portrait of George Washington
The famous Landsdowne portrait of George Washington is at the entrance to the gallery’s collection of 43 presidential portraits (not to be confused with the portraits at the landmark Occidental Grill in the first photo).
Explore the Neighborhoods
DuPont Circle
Getting around to Washington’s neighborhoods is easy on the Metro system. One of the areas that I particularly like is DuPont Circle for shopping, dining and nightlife. I love the international feel of the neighborhood’s Embassy Row which is home to many foreign embassies. Within walking distance of DuPont Circle are other popular districts such as historic Georgetown and Adams Morgan.
Pay Tribute
Korean War Veterans Memorial
People around the world are familiar with the iconic images of Washington’s many monuments and memorials, particularly the towering Washington Monument and the U.S. Capitol building. There are statues and monuments everywhere in Washington from honoring, presidents, generals, prominent individuals and powerful leaders. There are also three memorials honoring our war veterans World War II, Vietnam and Korea that I visited just before Memorial Day and photographed for Remembrance in Washington D.C.
Venture Farther Afield
Old Town Alexandria from Gadsby’s Tavern
Besides places in Washington DC itself, nearby Alexandria, Virginia is definitely worth a visit, even for just an afternoon of walking in the footsteps of George Washington in Old Town Alexandria. Lunch at Gadsby’s, where George often dined, is a good place to start your tour of some key sights, such as Christ Church, the Stabler-Leadbeater Apothecary Museum and the many historic homes of Alexandria.
Of course, there are many more places to explore on your Washington DC visit and the surrounding area. So plan your dates, book your flights, check out hotels and vacation apartments in Washington, and see D.C. during the Obama administration. A capital idea!
I’ve yet to make it to Washington – except the airport but that doesn’t count. I love the sound of lunch at the Occidental Grill and anything spy like would resonate with me. A great post Cathy.
I swear, I’m becoming a regular at Occidental Grill. 🙂 Great location for people-watching — never know who might come by.
So glad you made it to the Newseum! Far better than the Smithsonian in my opinion…
Haven’t been to the Smithsonian yet, so can’t compare!. But I did enjoy the Newseum immensely.
Nice selection of photos here. I’ll have to get to Washington soon, after all, I have a brother living there.
Thanks, Marlys. By all means, go visit your brother.
Washington DC is one of my favorite places! Unfortunately I haven’t been for quite a few years but the last time I was there they were still giving tours of the FBI building which was interesting. BTW I think we like the same type of books 🙂
I guess they don’t have FBI tours anymore. I would have enjoyed that.
It’s been years since I’ve been in Washington as well but we are hoping to get there soon now that both of our girls are old enough to appreciate the museums and the historical and political attractions. These are great suggestions for things to do!
That’s a cool thing about D.C. — interesting attractions for all ages!
Informative and interesting story that’s well-illustrated.
Thanks much for that compliment, Dick!
Great photos and story, Cathy. I can’t remember seeing Dupont Circle so green!
I had to smile at the Roosevelt reference.
Thanks for mentioning the Roosevelt reference — glad it gave you a smile!
Oh, darn, I still can’t stumble.
Cathy, I had no idea that there was a museum with pieces of the engines, cell phones and personal items of the passengers who died in 9/11. That would be deeply moving and sad to see. I would love to experience that restaurant and see all those famous presidential and historical photos, especially Amelia Earhart.
I was completely surprised to see those exhibits. I had only heard very general things about the Newseum. Very moving, indeed.
I’ve only been once back in 1992! As a broadcast journalist, I’d really like to get to the Newseum.
You would love it, Lisa! There would be so much you could relate to, I’m sure.
Such a great round-up of fun activities. I would love to visit the Spy Museum. It’s been years since my husband and I visited. We’re still waiting a bit until the kids can fully appreciate all the history and museums. Thanks for the tips, Cathy.
You’re welcome. I think that you and the kids would love the Spy Museum. Interesting information and fun activites!
Cathy, you always manage to fit so much great info in your posts! I want to visit ALL of the places you mentioned when I’m in D.C. The spy museum and Newseum look especially cool.
Why, thank you, Andi. Happy to give you some ideas for a trip to D.C.
I haven’t been to Washington, DC since I was in college (a looong time ago!) It is the #1 place on my bucket list in the U.S. to visit again. Great article and great information!
Thanks, Michael. I’m ready to go back again anytime. Lots more to see.
Great idea for DC. I spent a week there many years ago, but only managed to get to know Georgetown and the Smithsonian. Of course, that easily takes a week in itself.
I still have to see the Smithsonian!
Those are great ideas for DC. I love the Newseum and Old Town Alexandria, and DuPont Circle for going out at night.
The Newseum really surprise me. I didn’t expect the full range of exhibits or the live broadcasting studio.
I’m late commenting this week on TPT posts… Washington, D.C. has so much, especially in terms of museums and historical significance. I would not have thought of going to museums about spying and news, but I’m sure they are very interesting! The last time I was there, I went to the Holocaust Museum and found it to be very well done, very moving.
I’d like to visit the Holocaust Museum next time. It seems there’s never enough time to see everything!
I haven’t been to DC as an adult. I’m hoping to go this fall. Cant wait!
Cool — hope you’ll check out a couple of these places.
Some interesting looking museums there. I like the sound of the spy one too. I wonder how they decide what they can allow us to see there and what’s still under wraps? I’m just back from Leipzig’s Staisi museum which was very chilling.
Good question, Jools. I can only imagine what gear they’ve got available now. The Staisi museum must have been fascinating, but like you said, “chilling”.
I love the Spy Museum!! I went there a couple years ago, and love how you can have lots of hands on experience there =D (I got good at the surveillance camera recognizing people part ~)
Reading your post I realized there are still a lot in Washington that I missed out though~ next time next time.
You could be a spy! 🙂 Yes, lots to do in DC.
Ha! I didn’t know they had bits of the Berlin wall in Washington. Another snappy title too…:)
And they have the checkpoint tower! Thanks about the title! 🙂
I’m still so sad I missed out on the real sights of DC when I was there. I was helping a family friend and she only took me to Georgetown for dinner one night…I really have to go back. This looks like my kind of day out!
Dinner in Georgetown is a very good thing, but definitely more to experience!
Great list. I used to live in Annapolis near D.C. for 6 months and I’m still kicking myself for not getting to the spy museum!
Don’t kick yourself — who could possibly see all the treasures in a place like DC?
WOW! What a fabulous blog post on D.C. ! Makes me want to go back since it’s been close to 20 years since my last visit. I’d really LOVE to go to the SPY Museum since I love spy movies like the Jason Bourne series and BBC’s Spooks!
Thanks so much, Marianne! You’d LOVE the Spy Museum if you like those shows. By the way, I’ve been addicted to the whole MI-5/Spooks series recently and just watched the very last episode last night. Sad it was the last one!
A good amount of activates in this comprehensive list, Cathy. I like how you started out with lunch, too. Good to get your priorities right! I’ll certainly keep this post in mind for a future visit, so many thanks.
Thanks, Andrew. I get cranky if I miss out on lunch when I travel! 🙂
HI Cathy. Great post. I realize now my family and I missed a lot of interesting sites when we visited. I hope we can make it back again sometime. Thanks for the information.
Dave
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What a great post! I’ve lived in the DC area for almost a decade now and still somehow let the Occidental Grill pass me by. I will make sure to find that special table.