It is a beautiful day in Washington, D.C., but you are bored out of your mind! With the majority of your friends in class and no work to do, you discover that free time in college can be lonely business. On top of that, you are living on a college student’s budget and you have been to TDR so many times they know you by name. Not to worry! You have an incredible city at your fingertips. There are plenty of incredible things to do in Washington, and many cost little or nothing at all. Now may be the perfect time to get out and explore the many benefits Washington, D.C., has to offer. If you still cannot find something that interests you pick up one of the many D.C. Visitors Guides posted around the city or log onto http://www.culturaltourismdc.org to find the event which is perfect for you.
National Monuments and Memorials
http://tourofdc.org/monuments
Metro: Smithsonian (blue and orange lines)
Open 24 hours daily
Free
Although it may sound clich?, why not visit the national monuments? All of the memorials are within walking distance from one another and are especially pretty at night when they’re all lit up and far less crowded (but careful: the Metro stops running before the posted midnight closing time in some parts of the city during the week). Try visiting the Washington Monument, Jefferson Memorial, Lincoln Memorial or the War Memorials.
Smithsonian Museums
Metro: Smithsonian (blue and orange lines)
Open 10 a.m.-5:30 p.m. daily
Free
http://www.si.edu/museums
While you are in the area, make sure to stop by the Smithsonian Museums. From Air & Space to Art to Natural History, there is something for everyone! The museums are all within walking distance of one another around the National Mall, and best of all they are completely free of charge.
Capitol Building
Intersection of First Street and Independence Avenue
(202) 224-4048
Metro: Smithsonian (blue and orange lines)
Tours given 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m., Monday-Saturday
Free
http://www.aoc.gov
The Capitol Building is perhaps one of the most unique and beautiful buildings in the city. Learn why the statue on top of the dome is facing away from the city. While the outside of the building is quite impressive on its own, the inside is even more amazing. Guided tours will go through the Rotunda, which features breathtaking artwork and sculptures. Learn about the impressive architecture of the building and learn a bit about the Capitol’s history and purpose. Similar to White House tours, tickets are required to get into the building; however they are well worth it. The Capitol Guide Service offers tours throughout the day, or contact your Member of Congress to get a private tour (usually performed by an intern).
Supreme Court
One First St. N.E.
Metro: Capitol South (blue and orange lines)
Open 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m., Monday-Friday
Free
http://www.dcvisit.com
Those who are interested in law will be facinated by the highest court in the land. The Supreme Court offers both guided and self-guided tours through the facilities. For more information about the tours offered or to find out when court is in session, visit the Web site provided.
The White House
1600 Pennsylvania Ave. N.W.
Metro: Farragut West (blue and orange lines)
Open 7:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday
Free
http://www.whitehouse.gov/history/tours
What could possibly be more fun than exploring the White House? From seeing the Lincoln Bedroom to learning about our presidents, the White House is an amazing place to visit. There are several ways to recieve tickets for the tours, but it may take up to six months to recieve them. Submit your tour requests to your Member of Congress or go to the White House Visitor Center at the corner of 15th and E streets. The center is open from 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily.
The Library of Congress
101 Independence Ave. S.E.
(202) 707-8000
Metro: Capitol South (blue and orange lines)
Tours given 11:30 a.m., 1 p.m., 2:30 p.m., 4 p.m.
Free
http://www.loc.gov/index.html
The Library of Congress is also an incredibly beautiful building. Take a tour inside the reading room or simply admire the incredible displays of rare and beautiful books held within. Passes into the Reading Rooms are issued daily; simply bring a driver’s license or passport to the building, and a pass will be issued. The library is an incredible resource and easily accessed by AU students.
Bureau of Engraving and Printing
14th and C streets S.W.
Metro: Smithsonian (blue and orange lines)
(202) 622-2000
Open 9 a.m-2 p.m., Monday-Friday
Free
http://www.moneyfactory.gov
Interested in seeing how money is made? Contact the Bureau of Engraving and Printing to schedule tours through their facilities.
National Zoo
Metro: Woodley Park-Zoo/Adams Morgan (red line)
Open 6 a.m.-8 p.m. daily
Free
(202) 673-4800
http://nationalzoo.si.edu
Are you an animal lover? Why not visit the panda bears and other cuddly creatures at the National Zoo? With exciting exhibits and plenty of educational programs, the zoo is fabulous place to spend the day.
National Aquarium
Department of Commerce Building on 14th St. N.W.
Metro: Federal Triangle (blue and orange lines)
Open 9 a.m.-5 p.m. daily
$5
(202) 482-2825
http://www.nationalaquarium.com
Perhaps you are more interested in aquatic creatures. Fear not! The National Aquarium is the perfect place for you. Featuring exhibits on alligators, piranhas and shark feedings, the aquarium is a wonderful educational experience.
Rock Creek Park
http://www.nps.gov/rocr
Rock Creek Park is a beautiful place to visit. Not only does it house the most efficient (yet equally confusing) parkway through the city, it has gorgeous and user-friendly jogging and bike paths. Featuring stables, picnic areas, forest trails, educational programs, bird watching, stargazing, cross-country skiing, golf, tennis and much more, this beautiful and central park offers an escape from the bustling city atmosphere. Recently, the park hosted the Legg Mason Tennis Classic at the William H.G. FitzGerald Tennis Center. With plenty to see and do, this beautiful park is worth visiting.
The National Geograpic Society
1145 17th St. N.W.
Metro: Farragut North (red line)
Open 9 a.m.-5 p.m. daily; Sunday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
Free
(202) 857-7588
http://www.nationalgeographic.com/museum
The National Geographic Society allows visitors to experience the power of photojournalism with their many displays. This building is open to all ages and offers a variety of fabulous exhibits. From the Knights Templar to an elaborate model of a marketplace, the National Geographic Society offers ususual and educational exhibits, but make sure to avoid peak times because the exhibit space is small and can get cramped.
Folger Shakespeare Library
201 East Capitol Street S.E.
Metro: Union Station (red line)
Open 10 a.m.-4 p.m. daily
Free
(202) 324-3447
http://www.folger.edu
Are you a Shakespeare fan? The Folger Shakespeare Library houses all of Shakespeare’s best works. Shakespeare fans will be absorbed into his Elizabethan world through dramatic productions and readings.
The Anderson House
2118 Massachusetts Avenue N.W.
Metro: Dupont Circle (red line)
http://www.hereditary.us/cin_anderson.htm
History buffs will never find a dull moment in D.C. The Anderson House is an incredibly beautiful building previously owned by Washington’s prominent Ambassador, Larz Anderson III, and his wife, Isabel. The home features gorgeous architecture and the piano that Duke Ellington played when the Andersons entertained.
Washington Walks
Meeting places vary- most meet outside Metro stations
Hours vary depending upon tour
$10 (cash only)
(202) 484-1565
http://www.washingtonwalks.com
Washington Walks is a wonderful tour group that takes visitors on guide-narrated walks to explore many areas of the city. Tour Georgetown, Arlington Cemetary, the Franklin Memorial, Embassy Row, the Lincoln Memorial and much more. Do you enjoy ghost walks? Closer to Halloween, Washington Walks offers nighttime ghost story walks around Lafayette Square and the White House. No reservations are necessary; simply join the group at one of their many meeting places and enjoy!