Washington, D.C.

Travelers' Takes

Rates and Deals

Washington, D.C., 2005

A March 2005 trip to Washington, D.C. by catronma

White HouseMore Photos

This was our first trip into D.C. after moving to Alexandria. I went with my parents, husband, and two daughters.

  • 5 reviews
  • 2 stories/tips
  • 11 photos

Hard Rock CafeBest of IgoUgo

Restaurant

It is a bit difficult to find, but it is not far from the FBI building. We went early in the afternoon, but it was still very crowded and we had to wait for a table. It was a typical Hard Rock Cafe.
  • Member Rating 4 out of 5 by catronma on November 17, 2005

Hard Rock Cafe
999 East Street NW Washington, District of Columbia 20001
(202) 737-7625

Smithsonian National Air & Space MuseumBest of IgoUgo

Attraction | "Smithsonian Air and Space"

Main entrance
There are several different rooms that feature various time periods and landmarks through air and space travel. Many of the rooms have kid's activities, including walking through a plane and "flying" a small charter plane. There is fast-food-type area, but as expected, it is expensive and can get crowded.
  • Member Rating 4 out of 5 by catronma on November 14, 2005

Smithsonian National Air & Space Museum
Independence Avenue At 4th Street, South West Washington, District of Columbia

United States Government: The White HouseBest of IgoUgo

Attraction | "White House"

White House
A little tip: you can walk fairly close to the White House. The road is closed, so do not drive, but you can walk up to the gate and take some great pictures and sometimes see people coming and going. Look in the bushes for the Secret Service people!
  • Member Rating 5 out of 5 by catronma on November 14, 2005

United States Government: The White House
1600 Pennsylvania Avenue Washington, District of Columbia 20500
(202) 456-2121

National World War II MemorialBest of IgoUgo

Attraction | "World War II Memorial"

A winter photo
This is best seen in the spring and summer. The center has a pool with waterfalls that does not run in the colder months. There are markers for each state, and be sure to walk all of the way around to get the land/air/sea aspect of it.
  • Member Rating 4 out of 5 by catronma on March 6, 2006

National World War II Memorial
900 Ohio Drive SW Washington, D.C., United States 20024
(202) 426-6841

National ZooBest of IgoUgo

Attraction | "National Zoo of Washington D.C"

An inside exhibit
This is Free! That is the best part, the food on the other hand is not free, but you can bring coolers if you want. Parking is also not free, but driving here is not too bad as this is in a more residential area and away from other major sights. The lions were a particular favorite while we were here because they are right out in the open and were rather active. Many of the attractions here are much more open than I have seen in other zoos and you can get a better view of the animals. The pandas were the exception, but when we were there was a new baby so it was over crowded. It is a very nice place for walking and actually in the mornings you will see a lot of runners. In the summer there are frequent misters going to escape the heat. Some of the buildings are off limits to strollers so if you go with one be prepared to leave it outside.
  • Member Rating 4 out of 5 by catronma on January 17, 2007

National Zoo
3001 Connecticut Avenue NW Washington, D.C., United States 20008
(202) 633-4800

TransportationBest of IgoUgo

Story/Tip

Metro station
Take the train when you go into DC. There is no parking to be found weekdays or weekends. It is best to park and take the Metro in from a more remote location. The cheapest way to do the Metro is to buy a day pass. On these you can go anywhere all day long for one price, and children under 5 do not need their own card and are free.

The Mall AreaBest of IgoUgo

Story/Tip

The mall
It is a very long walk from one end of the National Mall to the next, but if you can do it there are a ton of sights along the way. The WWII and Vietnam memorials, as well as some others. It is also a great walk to get pictures and great view. There are some resting spots and bathrooms along the way, closer to the Lincoln and Vietnam Memorials. There really is not a great spot for the Vietnam memorial end of the mall to get off the metro but I suggest using the Smithsonian stop and taking the walk, more so if the weather is nice.

About the Writer

catronma
catronma
Nixa, Missouri

Get the Word Out

Share this travel journal beyond IgoUgo with your favorite sharing tools.