Must see/do in DC?

[Deleted]

I know there are a ton of people from DC here, and I'm sure many people have visited too.

I'm tagging along with my BF, who is attending a conference in August. I'll be there the better part of Wednesday-Sunday the first full week of August. I have been to DC before, but only when I was 13 and for 1 night a few years ago for a job interview. I have not done anything there as an adult and my 13 year old tourism memories are foggy at best. 

I would like to see the "sights" but I don't want to run myself ragged seeing everything. BF has been to many of the places before but not everything, and I'll have some time on my own when he's at the conference so I can see stuff he's not interested in. I'm sure we'll spend some time at the Smithsonian museums since we both like that kind of thing. What else? What is a "can't miss" and what's not worth the time? Any fun neighborhoods/bars/restaurants we should check out?

Neither of us have much money so cheap/free suggestions are best, but if there is something we really can't miss that costs money, I'm down for that too. 

Also if anyone would like to meet up, that could be fun! 

[Deleted]

Jul 9, 2014 16:46:43 GMT -5 carrotsmakemefat said:

I may be in for a GTG! Especially if we can get a group together!

DC has a lot of free things to do. Museums, Arlington National Cemetery, the zoo, you name it! What are you interested in?

Oh, just about anything! I love museums but admittedly I can only do them for a couple of days before I get kind of burned out. I love animals so the zoo is a good idea, but I also don't want to do that instead of other more "unique" things if I can't do everything. Things that are walkable or easy public transit would be ideal... Oh, I don't know!

A group would be great - I'd love to meet people and I'm not sure how much time there will be for a bunch of individual meetings, so we should plan something for everyone at once! 

[ESF]

One thing I liked to do that rarely gets mentioned in these kinds of lists is the Millennium Stage at the Kennedy Center. There's a free performance there every day, usually at 5 or 6 pm. It's usually a lesser known band, often folk music or musicians from foreign countries, and typically runs about an hour. Even if the performances while you are in town don't interest you, it's still fun to go there. The building itself is beautiful, it will be air conditioned, and there's some fantastic views from the top of the building.

[gardengal]

Us botanic gardens. I like bringing food (or getting macarons from sweet lobby) and eating it at the garden w fountain across the street.

Check to see if screen on the green will be going on during your visit

Capitol tour

Paddle boating in tidal basin

Wandering around Georgetown or u st area for shopping

[lasagnasshole]

I still haven't made it to the Millennium Stage, but I did finally make it to the Kennedy Center. ESF is right - it is indeed a gorgeous building.

The Newseum is not free, but I think it's worth the money.

Of the Smithsonians, I really love the National Portrait Gallery.

melmaria is right that DC in August is terrible.

I've never done one, but in August, I'd probably do one of those bus tours to see the monuments. Walking the monuments would be miz.

I'd probably skip Arlington Cemetery because holy fuckballs hot. The zoo may also be miz, but you could at least duck into some of the indoor exhibits for some AC.

I feel like I'm a better resource for what NOT to do here in August (namely, anything).

[MrsE]

It completely depends on your interests! Are you into art? A history buff? Monuments? Fine dining? Shows? Sports? There is so much to see and do in DC!

I would love to make the pending GTG, but will be in Europe that week.

[lasagnasshole]

Jul 9, 2014 17:39:21 GMT -5 gardengal said:

Check to see if screen on the green will be going on during your visit

Screen on the Green is on Mondays.

[monsterz]

Not free but the Newseum was one of the highlights of our trip. It was the only museum/attraction we paid for so that didn't make it so bad.

[MrsE]

Oh and a fun free event is Jazz in The Garden on Friday night in the national gallery of art's sculpture garden.

[gardengal]

Jul 9, 2014 17:43:07 GMT -5 lasagnasshole said:

Jul 9, 2014 17:39:21 GMT -5 gardengal said:

Check to see if screen on the green will be going on during your visit

Screen on the Green is on Mondays.

I swear it used to be on Wednesdays.

[Deleted]

My favorite museums that are free are the American History, Holocaust, and Air and Space

I've ALWAYS wanted to go to the Bureau of Printing and Engraving but never get to go because it is only open on weekdays. So that would be high on my list, though I have no idea how worthwhile it would be. Info here: www.moneyfactory.gov/tours/washingtondctours.html

I've also wanted to go to the postal museum.

Eastern Market is fun to explore.

For MM meals, well, I love Nando's. Matchbox is good. Pupatella, if you find yourself in Arlington. I wasn't madly in love with Graffiato, but it was good and a lot of people love it.

And while they are New York transplants rather than real DC places, Shake Shack and Hill Country are good.

(Nando's also is a transplant, but the only US locations are in DC so I don't count it as such)

[y4m]

Jul 9, 2014 17:46:11 GMT -5 MrsE said:

Oh and a fun free event is Jazz in The Garden on Friday night in the national gallery of art's sculpture garden.

A funner free event is the exact same thing Friday nights on the SE waterfront.  It is better because they don't frisk you for alcohol on your way in.

[y4m]

I am LMAO at lasagnasshole

[lasagnasshole]

Jul 9, 2014 17:56:38 GMT -5 y4m said:

Jul 9, 2014 17:46:11 GMT -5 MrsE said:

Oh and a fun free event is Jazz in The Garden on Friday night in the national gallery of art's sculpture garden.

A funner free event is the exact same thing Friday nights on the SE waterfront.  It is better because they don't frisk you for alcohol on your way in.

I feel like I'm never going to make it to this because I have to work a ton this summer. Ugh.

[lasagnasshole]

Also: Georgetown fucking sucks. A bunch of rich pretty people and it's not even Metro accessible.

#theheatmakesmegrumpierthanusual

[lasagnasshole]

Jul 9, 2014 18:03:46 GMT -5 melmaria said:

Jul 9, 2014 18:00:54 GMT -5 lasagnasshole said:

Also: Georgetown fucking sucks. A bunch of rich pretty people and it's not even Metro accessible.

#theheatmakesmegrumpierthanusual

Boo.  If you stay away from the main Wisconsin and M drag, and don't go on the weekends, I think it's worth walking around just for the architecture.  Plus, the water taxi from Georgetown to Alexandria actually is really nice.

I cede the Metro accessible point.  Hey, maybe someday they'll build that gondola.

I would like to do the water taxi sometime.

I just feel so horribly out of place in Georgetown. People like me don't belong in places like that.

I do like the view from Teddy Roosevelt Island, though.

[lasagnasshole]

Nah, I've walked around there enough to know I'm not that comfortable. I just think it's overrated. Everybody's all ZOMG WALK AROUND GEORGETOWN. Meh.

[Deleted]

POV bar on rooftop of W hotel is fun.

Portrait Gallery is awesome, they have a portrait of every president, and they rotate them out a bit, one of my faves.

I love the mint, but it is off the mall, so a bit of a walk.

I like Georgetown and usually do a brunch or dinner there with visitors. I like Farmers, Fishers, Bakers on the waterfront.

What else...oh! Definitely do the tour od the capitol - it is very, very nice now that they have renovated.

I super duper love the zoo, so if you so that, go early, and after the zoo grab lunch at Alero, it is north of the zoo on Connecticut (walkable) and I used to live near there .yummy guac and margs.

If you like baseball, see if a Nats game might fit your schedule.

As far as active stuff, you can also rent kayaks and paddle boards in Gtown if that might interest you guys.

Keep us posted as time gets nearer, I would love to meet you and think I am in town that week!

[alleinesein]

Check out the monuments at night.

Holocaust museum- its depressing but its worth a visit

I hear rave reviews about the Newseum; its on my list if I ever make it back to DC.

Eat at Nandos

[Deleted]

Jul 10, 2014 10:25:38 GMT -5 @mx said:

I'll make some restaurant and bar recommendations-let us know where you'll be staying (neighborhood). Is this a convention center conference or a Woodly Park hotel conference?

Umm good question. It's the APA conference, if that helps. Looks like it's in 4 locations? The website lists the Walter E Washington Convention center and 3 hotels. I assume they are nearby hotels and some of the sessions are held there? lol. I'm confused.

I actually don't know where we are staying... it's a long story but we're either staying with family in MD (not sure where) or a hotel. I think we're going to have to figure that out this weekend. I am guessing most of our eating/time will be spent near the tourist areas and/or near the convention. 

We're flying into Baltimore so I guess recs for there would be good too! We could always stay in that general area for the day.

[mrshandy]

I like Georgetown off M Street. So many pretty houses and adorable yards.

I love the Georgetown Waterfront. Grab a drink at Tony & Joe's or Sequoia and just enjoy the Potomac. Best done during the evening so it's not too hot.

Definitely do a Capitol tour, it's a beautiful building and something that has not always been available

Cheap but fun places to eat: Good Stuff Eatery (Capitol Hill), Nando's, Vapiano's, Teaism, Food trucks, Matchbox, Jaleo, Zaytinya (a little more pricey, but aweseme)

Nationals games are cheap (you can $5 seats game day if we're not playing anybody good). Beer isn't. Blue Jacket Brewery is near Nats Park and awesome.

I would try to walk along the H Street Corridor. There are a lot of neat bars and restaurants.

[mrshandy]

Jul 10, 2014 11:16:26 GMT -5 @buckybells said:

Jul 10, 2014 10:25:38 GMT -5 @mx said:

I'll make some restaurant and bar recommendations-let us know where you'll be staying (neighborhood). Is this a convention center conference or a Woodly Park hotel conference?

Umm good question. It's the APA conference, if that helps. Looks like it's in 4 locations? The website lists the Walter E Washington Convention center and 3 hotels. I assume they are nearby hotels and some of the sessions are held there? lol. I'm confused.

I actually don't know where we are staying... it's a long story but we're either staying with family in MD (not sure where) or a hotel. I think we're going to have to figure that out this weekend. I am guessing most of our eating/time will be spent near the tourist areas and/or near the convention. 

We're flying into Baltimore so I guess recs for there would be good too! We could always stay in that general area for the day.

Assuming no shellfish allergies, go to Cross Street Market for crabs and go to an Orioles game. Make sure to get your obligatory beer from Pickles before hand.

[jenn248]

I think the Holocaust Museum is one of the best. I still have not made it to the Newseum, but I don't know of anyone who's regretted spending the money to go.

If you're going to be near the convention center, I'd recommend Graffiato's and Proof, in addition to some of the restaurants mrshandy mentioned that are nearby (Jaleo, Zaytinya, Matchbox). Churchkey/Birch & Barley and Estadio aren't too far away from there either (short cab ride or longish walk). For cheaper lunch options, there are the food trucks (you can find their locations here every day: foodtruckfiesta.com/) or there is a food court in the basement Ronald Reagan building if you don't want to eat at the museums.

Ditto @shoegal's rec for POV. It's pricey, so I'd just go there for one drink and the view.

I also am not a huge fan of Georgetown. There are some beautiful buildings and homes, but the stores are all chains now. I wouldn't put it at the top of your list of things to do, but if you have free time, it's worth taking a walk around.

The DC Duck tour is kitschy but fun, if you want a quick way to see the highlights of DC. Monuments by Moonlight may be a cooler option (temperature-wise, that is).

I don't spend a lot of time in Baltimore, but the aquarium is quite nice (albeit pricey). You can walk around Inner Harbor, too.

[dr.girlfriend]

Haven't read the other responses, but in addition to the usual Smithsonian museums I would highly recommend the National Portrait Gallery -- much cooler than I had expected it to be!

[chia]

Jul 9, 2014 16:46:43 GMT -5 carrotsmakemefat said:

I may be in for a GTG! Especially if we can get a group together!

DC has a lot of free things to do. Museums, Arlington National Cemetery, the zoo, you name it! What are you interested in?

Please let me know if you decide to do something... 
ONE of these days, I'm going to make it to a MM DC GTG!