There were two facets to this trip that distinguish it from other trips I have taken. The first is Washington's role as the nation's capital. Being Canadian, and living in our capital city, I couldn't help but be awe-struck by the massive monuments and memorials most of gleaming white marble. Second, the experience was unique for me as it was my first trip after September 11. There were so few tourists in the city; it was eerie. I couldn't help but feel conspicuous as the only tourist happily making my way around the Capitol building during the anthrax scare.
There are many must-sees in Washington. Of course, these include the towering monuments to past presidents. The Washington Monument, the Lincoln, Jefferson and FDR Memorials are all worth the short time it takes to explore. The Smithsonian Institute Museums are great and admission to these is free of charge. My favorite and most highly recommended is the National Air And Space Museum on the National Mall. Full size airplanes and very interactive displays ensure an entertaining learning experience. No trip to Washington would be complete without a visit to the White House and Capitol Hill.
Quick Tips:
If visiting Arlington National Cemetary in Virginia, I would strongly recommend taking the bus tour, if not for the ease of bus travel in the huge cemetery then for the help in finding the main points of interest (ie. JFK's grave, Tomb to the Unknown Soldier, etc).
For those of you who are considering making the trip, I would also suggest that you check updated websites to see if specific buildings are still open to the public. Many tours through important buildings have been temporarily suspended (FBI building, White House, etc). It is important to verify your intended destinations! Best Way To Get Around:
With its National Mall, Washington D.C. is definitely a pedestrian city. Once you get to "The Mall" everything is easily within walking distance. I was staying in Crystal City VA and took a taxi to the Washington Monument as my starting point daily. It is however not a good location to find a taxi to return to your hotel, I found it easier to do this from business sectors during rush hour or from the Lincoln Memorial.