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2013Perfect Day in Washington, D.C.
Written By: American Guest House Bed and Breakfast
I. MORNING
Early morning: The Mall
Enjoy the sunrise and a moment of reflection at the Lincoln memorial where Martin Luther King, Jr delivered his famous ‘I have a dream’ speech and then take a walk on the mall toward the memorials. There, you’ll have a chance to visit the World War II Memorial, the Vietnam Wall Memorial, and the Korean War Memorial. Here’s a suggested itinerary.
MORNING
Around 8:00 am
Take a free ticket to the Washington Monument, Washington, DC’s highest structure and enjoy a panoramic view of our Nation’s Capital as the city begins to wake up.
After taking amazing pictures, take a walk through some of city’s best museums.
For the inner history buffs, there’s the National Museum of American History, National Museum of the Native American, National Archives, Natural History Museum, Holocaust Memorial Museum, Air Space Museum or the Newseum.
For the inner artist, there’s the National Gallery of Art, Hirshhorn Museum, Sackler Gallery, American Art Museum, Freer Gallery of Art and the African Art Museum.
For the inner horticulturist, there’s the garden at the Smithsonian Castle, Hirshhorn Sculpture Garden, and the U.S. Botanic Garden.
AFTERNOON
Early afternoon
Have a picnic lunch on the grass of the US Capitol. For your picnic basket (for two) order at the Pavilion Café for $25.00. (During the winter, you can enjoy the ice rink with a picnic.)
Take a peek inside the Capitol to see Congress in session. If they’re not, you can always take a look at the new Visitor Center.
Around 4:00pm
From the Capitol experience the Washington, DC Pedicab service that offers a fun and unique way for passengers to be shuttled throughout the city. Take Pennsylvania Ave ( Navy Memorial, FBI Headquarters, Old Post Office) and stop at the White House.
End of the afternoon
For the end of the afternoon, go to Georgetown (best way is by bus or Taxi, or a longer walk from the Foggy Bottom Metro station) and enjoy the sunset from the roof top of the Kennedy Center (free access and a sensational view of Washington, DC) along the Potomac waterfront. Wander down to the Washington Harbor for a large selection of some of the finest seafood restaurants in the city. There you’ll find seafood gumbo, clam chowder, and a selection of fish, shrimp, lobster, and the famous east coast crabs. While in Georgetown, stop in for a nice cup of coffee and a delicious cupcake at Georgetown Cupcake, a tasty snack after a long day of sightseeing or perfect for an after dinner dessert.
You can always take a walk and enjoy the vibe of this colonial city and perhaps, make a stop by The Old Stone House, built in 1765 and the oldest standing building in Washington, D.C or stop at the 75-step staircase at the end of 36th Street NW, which connects Prospect Street with M Street below. The staircase has come to be known as the “Exorcist Steps” (The Exorcist, 1973)…
Finish the day at DuPont Circle, one of the best neighborhoods in Washington, DC, and go to Kramerbooks & Afterwords: Bookstore and Cafe which is a combination of a restaurant/book store or Busboys & Poets to enjoy a popular local hangout and some evening entertainment.