How to cram as much as possible into a long weekend in Washington DC. If you're visiting in summer prepare for the humidity, going into air conditioned museums and back out outside constantly can be nauseating.
Walk past the White House, it a lot quieter at night. It is a lot smaller than you'd expect and somewhat underwhelming compared to other famous landmarks.
Let's talk about DC Memorials:
The tidal basin is home to the famous memorials DC is well known for. The memorial loop is 2.7 miles and the tidal basin loop is 2.1 miles, you can combine both to see all the classic views of Wasingston DC. If you take a trip, try and avoid the mid day sun.
The loop includes; World War II Memorial, Roosevelt Memorial, Japanese Pagoda, Jefferson Memorial, Martin Luther King Jr Memorial, Cherry Trees, George Mason Memorial, Korean War Veterans Memorial, Vietnam Veterans Memorial, Washington Monument and the busiest of them all the Lincoln Memorial.
There are calls for the likes of the Wasingston Monument, Jefferson Memorial, George Mason Memorial, Lincoln Memorial and Roosevelt to be taken down. In order to readdress the balance in public sphere, one that recognises diversity and inclusion, place them into exhibits and museum, or moved where they can be used as educative works rather than glorified people. There's a great irony in a memorial to a civil rights activist facing a slave owners. You can probably guess which one has been made to look more imposing.
So, if you choose to absorb these elements of history, remember to reflect on what they actually mean, they have much greater significance than just a simple tourist attraction, and make sure you are on the right side of history.
'Darkness cannot drive out darkness, only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate, only love can do that'
- Martin Luther King Jr
Most of the Smithsonian museums are in located relatively close to one another, situated in the National Mall area. All housed in some pretty impressive buildings. Walk between across the National View for famous views both ways including the Capitol Building.
Some of the more notable ones are;
The National Air and Space Museum
The National Museum of Natural History
The National Museum of American History
But, we would strongly suggest not forgetting to visit these ones as well;
The National Museum of the American Indian
The Smithsonian Castle
The National Museum of African American History and Culture (It is worth noting memorials such as that of Thomas Jefferson are still present in the Smithsonians and are not necessarily depicting history entirely truthfully and glorifying him and others)
However, my top pick for museums in DC is not a Smithosonian at all, its actually the Newseum. A museum dedicated to the public understanding of free press, supporting the first amendment. It also examines the power of the press, educates on where to find reliable facts and supports media education. It's got to be the best museum I've ever visited, despite it being a fee charging museum unlike the Smithsonians, every exhibition is thoroughly thought out, engaging and has vivid imagery. It worth the cost and due to its scale every ticket covers a 2 day entry. One exhibit focuses on the journalists point of view, and the different portrayals of the same story by different press outlets. The glass front of the building shows newspaper front pages from all over the world each day. Walk inside and the entire wall in front of you is playing breaking news as a helicopter dangles above your head. Whilst the glass wall is adorned with a memorial to fallen journalists. Explore the museum and check out all the moving exhibits it has on offer; News History Gallery, LGTB Rights Movement, Civil Rights Movement, 9/11 Gallery, Internet TV and Radio Gallery, Pulitzer Prize Photographs, 'Inside Today's FBI', Berlin Wall, ' Seriously Funny' and an NBC Interactive Newsroom. Then head to the roof, for a panoramic view of the capital from the terrace. Update: The Newseum closed its doors in Dec 19 and hopes put its footprint or footprints somewhere else soon.
Top Food Picks for Washington DC
&Pizza
The Pig
Le Diplomate
Glens Garden Market
Founding Farmers
2 Amy's
Blue Duck Tavern
Baked and Wired
Socks and Sandals