How can you pick just 5 things to do in the D.C. area? 

Washington D.C. and the surrounding metropolitan area serves not only as the capital of the free world, the center of politics for our nation, a bastion of monuments and memorials, but also as one of the most heavily trafficked tourist destinations in the country if not the entire planet.  Okay, DisneyWorld probably has D.C. beat out, but I haven’t checked the actual statistics.

During the over 13 years that I’ve lived in the Washington D.C. area, I’ve had many a guest visit and stay for anywhere from a day to over a week.  If they’ve never been to D.C. before or even if they have, I’m always ready to indulge them on my standard D.C. area tour for out-of-town guests.

If you are planning to move to D.C. or Northern Virginia, or just come for a visit, here are my suggestions for things you need to do.  If you already live here, you’ve likely visited some if not all of these places, but why not take some time to re-explore some of your favorites.

TOP 5 THINGS TO DO IN THE D.C. METRO AREA:

1.  Tour The U.S. Capitol Building

In my opinion, no visit to D.C. is complete without a visit to The Capitol – home to both bodies of Congress – the House of Representatives and the Senate.  There’s the beauty and enormity of the building and its architecture alone which is enough reason for a visit.  Then there’s the opportunity to see the seat of Democracy – how a bill becomes a law.  Schedule ahead (perhaps months ahead) and maybe you’ll even get a chance to visit with your Congressman.  A tour of The Capitol provides a glimpse into the lawmaking process, the history of the building and our nation, statues of famous Americans (including Philo Farnsworth, best known for inventing the television). 

You may even get a chance to ride the mini-subway under the Capitol that transports Senators and Congressmen back to their offices.  The view from the West steps of the Capitol Building looking out over the Mall and the monuments is truly awe-inspiring. 

I was fortunate to have attended the 2^nd Bush inauguration held on the steps of the Capitol.

2.  Explore Union Station

A short walk from The Capitol Building, the grand Union Station is much more than just a train station.  With over 20 million visitors a year, you’ll be in good company when you go here.  In addition to being a functional center for transportation up and down the East Coast and elsewhere, Union Station houses many shops, restaurants, an extensive food court, and a multi-screen movie theater.  People watching will delight in viewing the diversity of travelers passing through these doors.  You can easily get lost in the sights, sounds, aromas, and delights of the station.  Throughout the year, the immense Union Station also plays host to various art installations, special exhibits, and functions.

3.  Ride the Metro

Take a ride on the Metro – the area’s far-reaching subway system.  I’ve been on subway systems throughout the U.S. and foreign countries but have rarely if ever seen other systems that are as clean, smell-free, smooth riding, comfortable, and efficient as the D.C. system (the cars are actually carpeted).  100s of 1000s of passengers ride it every day from the Virginia and Maryland suburbs into work in the District, and all around town.  Tourists beware: stand to the right on the escalator if you plan to leisurely ride it up or down.  The left lane is for people in a hurry.  Housing options with close proximity to the metro are often at a premium.

4. Ascend the Lincoln Memorial

D.C. is so full of monuments that it’s hard to choose, but if you have to visit just one, make it the Lincoln Memorial.  This memorial on the Western end of the National Mall majestically rises in front of the reflecting pool and is the famous site of Martin Luther King, Jr.’s “I Have a Dream” speech and the location of many a rally.  Abraham Lincoln himself appears larger than life perched inside gazing down the Mall towards the monument to his predecessor and first President George Washington.  Take some time to climb the steps (or use the handicapped elevator access) and don’t forget to view the museum down below the memorial.  From here, it’s an easy walk to the Vietnam Veteran’s Memorial (The Wall) and the FDR Memorial.

5.  Go to the George Washington National Masonic Memorial

Across the Potomac River, on Shuter’s Hill, towering over Old Town Alexandria (and modeled after the ancient lighthouse in Alexandria, Egypt) stands an impressive memorial to President George Washington – the man, the President, the Freemason.  This memorial has a particular significance in my life since I am deeply involved with Freemasonry having served as Worshipful Master of my lodge for 2 years and being a very active member.  Free tours inside will take you through a history of the Freemason fraternity, allow you to view historic artifacts concerning George Washington (including a lock of his hair), learn about architecture, the Shriners, and see historic photos of Alexandria, Virginia.  The Memorial also houses a George Washington research library.  In addition, several currently active Masonic lodges utilize historic lodge rooms in the building for their meetings.  Not to mention, you can see for miles and miles on the observation deck at the top which offers a panoramic view looking down King Street towards the Potomac River and D.C.

These are just a few of the things you should do and places you should visit in the D.C. area.  It’s just the tip of the iceberg.  You should also explore Arlington Cemetery where heroes, Presidents, and explorers have been laid to rest.  Visit the wonderful collection of Smithsonian museums, the National Arboreteum, Mount Vernon, The White House, the Jefferson Memorial, Rock Creek Park, the list goes on and on.

After you visit, you may want to move here.  I await your call at 703-626-0715.

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