Best Way to Spend a Summer Afternoon
1. The National Zoo - The zoo is a great and free place to spend an afternoon. It offers an impressive array of animals, ranging from the always-popular Giant Pandas to the not-so-exotic American Buffalo.
Get There: Woodley Park-Zoo/Adams Morgan Metro stop, Red Line.
2. Rock Creek Park - This massive park, located in several places around the District, is a perennial favorite among residents. The park offers numerous bike and walking paths, as well as plenty of open grass that serves as ideal spots for impromptu baseball or football games.
Get There: Take Red Line to Friendship Heights Metro stop. Transfer to E2 bus line. Get off at the intersection of Glover and Military roads. Walk south on the trail up the hill to the Nature Center.
3. The National Mall - As one of the most famous tourist attractions in D.C., the National Mall incorporates many museums and monuments. Bring a picnic lunch to the expanse of green and enjoy an afternoon of people-watching. If the humidity becomes unbearable, cool off in one of the many museums.
Get There: Smithsonian Metro stop, Orange/Blue Line.
Best Nighttime Events
1. The National Zoo - Every Thursday from July 1 to Aug. 5, the National Zoo presents Sunset Serenades, free musical performances open to the public. The music ranges from oldies to reggae to classical, and takes place on the zoo's Lion/Tiger Hill.
Get There: Woodley Park-Zoo/Adams Morgan Metro stop, Red Line.
2. 1223 Saturdays - This hip D.C. club charges a $10 cover on Saturday nights and features hip-hop and popular dance music. Doors open at 10 p.m.
Get There: Located at 1223 Connecticut Ave. NW. near Dupont Circle Metro stop, Red Line.
3. Screen on the Green - Classic films play on the National Mall Monday nights during the summer at sunset. Admission is free, but the event is extremely popular, so arrive early to claim a decent spot on the grass. Movies this season include "All the President's Men," "Whatever Happened to Baby Jane" and "Mr. Smith Goes to Washington."
Get There: Smithsonian Metro stop, Orange/Blue Line.
Best Festivals / Outdoor Shows
1. Wolf Trap's Jazz & Blues Festival - Catch the last performances of this weekly series this Thursday through Saturday. The Festival has drawn well-known artists such as Jonny Lang and Boney James. Performance times vary, so check www.wolf-trap.org for more information.
Get There: Find directions on Wolf Trap's Web site.
2. Smithsonian Folklife Festival - This 10-day festival is held annually on the National Mall. This year Latino, Haitian and Mid-Atlantic Maritime communities are highlighted in ongoing performances. The festival runs from June 23-27 and June 30-July 4 from 11 a.m.-5:30 p.m., with concerts on Saturday evenings. Admission is free.
Get There: Smithsonian Metro stop, Orange/Blue Line.
3. Shout N' Feel It - Check out this performance, part of the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts' productions on the Millennium Stage this summer. The show begins at 6 p.m. Wednesday. Admission is free.
Get There: Foggy Bottom Metro stop, Orange/Blue Line. Transfer to red Kennedy Center shuttle at top of Metro escalator.
Best Memorials/Outdoor Sculptures
1. National WWII Memorial - Nearly 315,000 people turned out for the May 29 dedication of the memorial, according to its official Web site.
Get There: Smithsonian Metro stop, Orange/Blue Line.
2. Thomas Jefferson Memorial - This memorial, located on the Potomac River, is arguably the most gorgeous in D.C. It's especially fun to visit at night when the memorial dedicated to third U.S. president is lit up. It is open daily 8 a.m.-11:45 p.m.
Get There: Smithsonian Metro stop, Orange/Blue Line.
3. The Awakening - American sculptor J. Seward Johnson Jr. crafted this frequently overlooked art attraction in Hains Point. The work depicts a giant man trying to crawl out of the earth. The sculpture is a favorite amongst children playing in the park, who use the man's various body parts as a jungle gym.
Get There: Drive past 1090 Ohio Dr. SW or take a longer walk from Smithsonian Metro stop, Orange/Blue Line (do not take National Mall exit).
Best Nearby Road Trips
1. Baltimore - Visit the amazing aquarium, taste some delicious crab cakes at Crabby Dick's or spend an afternoon cheering at a Baltimore Orioles game.
Get There: Union Station Metro stop, Red Line. Transfer to MARC train to Baltimore. Get schedules and fares at www.mtamaryland.com.
2. Paramount's King's Dominion - Although a car is necessary for this trip, King's Dominion is within two hours of D.C., on Interstate 95. The amusement park offers a multitude of rides, from the Shockwave roller coaster to Scooby Doo and the Haunted Mansion. Visit kingsdominion.com for more details.
3. Ocean City, Md. - It may be a three-hour drive, but Ocean City is one of the closest beaches to Washington. Find a friend with a car and take a road trip to this youthful beach town for a relaxing summer weekend.
Best Metro Stops
1. Dupont Circle - Dupont is one of the trendiest areas in D.C., with a plethora of restaurants, bars, dance clubs and more. Browse through Kramerbooks, splurge on a steak dinner at Blackie's Grill or watch an independent film at Visions Cinema Bistro Lounge.
Get There: Dupont Circle Metro stop, Red Line.
2. U St./ Cardoza - This part of D.C. has been redeveloped into a trendy area in the past few years. Participate in an indie-dance night at the Black Cat, make a late-night run to Ben's Chili Bowl or grab a drink at the newly opened DC9 lounge.
Get There: U St./Cardoza Metro stop, Green Line.
3. Woodley Park-Zoo/Adams Morgan - Adams Morgan is not only home to the National Zoo, but also offers the best bar and ethnic food scene in the District. Catch a live band at Madam's Organ, party at Angry Inch Saloon or mellow out at Tryst Coffeehouse and Bar.
Best Points Off the Beaten Path
1. Old Post Office Pavilion - Climb to the top of the clock tower at the Old Post Office Pavilion to observe a full view of the District. The Pavilion also offers an impressive cafeteria.
Get There: Located at 1100 Pennsylvania Ave. NW. Gallery Place/Chinatown Metro stop, Red/Green Line.
2. Torpedo Factory -- Visit the Torpedo Factory Arts Center's 84 working studios and six galleries and watch artists in action.
Get There: King Street Metro stop, Blue/Yellow Line.
3. Corcoran Museum of Art - Even though it's the oldest art museum in D.C., tourists eager to peruse the National Gallery of Art often overlook the gems in the Corcoran. Current exhibitions include art by Normal Rockwell, Sally Mann and Anil Revri.
Get There: Located at the corner of 17th Street and New York Avenue. Farragut North Metro stop, Red Line.
Best Restaurants Near Tenleytown
1. Krupin's Deli- All the corned beef, pickles and tacky vinyl seats of a New York deli, transplanted to Washington, D.C. The menu is overwhelming, with seemingly endless combinations of lunchmeats and sandwiches. The matzo ball soup is one of the deli's specialties.
Get There: Walk to 4620 Wisconsin Ave. NW from the AU Tenleytown shuttle stop.
2. Cactus Cantina - This restaurant offers a large menu of delicious Mexican cuisine. Sit out on the patio with a pitcher of margaritas and a sizzling plate of fajitas.
Get There: Walk south on Massachusetts Avenue. Turn left on Macomb Street. Walk to 3300 Wisconsin Avenue.
3. Taiwan Caf? - Out of all of the Chinese restaurants that deliver to AU, Taiwan Caf? offers the best food for the best prices. The sesame chicken is especially appetizing.
Get There: Walk to 4654 Wisconsin Ave. NW from the AU Tenleytown shuttle stop.
Best Places to Shop
1. Georgetown - From Urban Outfitters to H&M to Ralph Lauren, Georgetown offers the best shopping in the District, hands down. The area is posh and expensive, but it's worth it to take a walk down M Street.
Get There: Take any 30-number bus going west on Wisconsin Avenue.
2. Tyson's Corner Center and Tyson's II - These two malls, located across the street from each other in McLean, Va., boast a wide selection of shops. Tyson's Corner has cheaper stores, while Tyson's II houses more upscale stores.
Get There: West Falls Church Metro stop, Orange Line. Transfer to bus 28A, 28B or 3B to Tysons Corner Center.
3. Pentagon City - Although many of the stores in this mall are similar to Tyson's Corner Center, Pentagon City is easier to access.
Get There: Pentagon City Metro stop, Blue/Yellow Line.
