Traveling to the nation's capital is exciting. There is no end to the activities and excitement that await you. If you have only a few days to spend in the most influential city in the world, you want to make the most of it.
If you're concerned about your budget but want to be in close proximity to the attractions, a good hotel is the Harrington Hotel, located on the corner of 11th and E Streets NW. For 95 years, this hotel has provided its guests with the convenience of a great location for a value that will fit most budgets. With the 2009 seasonal discount rates starting at $99 per night and parking available for guests in an underground parking garage for only $15 a day, it's a great rate. Once the car is parked, you can walk to the attractions or take public transportation to your destinations.
If you're not limited by a budget, the Mandarin Oriental Washington on 1330 Maryland Avenue is a great option. With rooms starting at $535 a night, the Mandarin offers exceptional views of the Tidal Basin and the Jefferson Memorial. Not only does it provide the views and amenities of a five-star hotel, but it's also within walking distance of some of the greatest attractions. The best way to end your day is with a sensory experience at the hotel's restaurant, City Zen. With award-winning chef Eric Ziebold, you'll enjoy a creative meal, with the three-course meal starting at $75, at the only AAA 5-Diamond restaurant in Washington, D.C.
With a place to stay when you reach the city, it's time to plan your activities. There are an infinite number of things to do. Start your visit with the monuments. They're beautiful to see during the day, but the monuments are even more beautiful by night when they are lit up to their full beauty.
Taking a tour of the Washington Monument is free, but it does require a ticket. The last tour of the day starts at 9:45 pm. The line to reserve tickets starts forming at 7:00 am and the Washington Monument Lodge does not open until 8:30 am. Get there early so you can request up to six same-day timed tickets. If you claim tickets for the last tour, it's a great spot to start your evening walking tour of the monuments. From the Washington Monument, you can travel through the National Mall and Memorial Parks, stopping at the World War II Memorial, Vietnam Veterans War Memorial, the Lincoln Memorial and the Korean War Veterans Memorial. Once you have seen the beauty of the memorials around the park, you can tour the nearby Tidal Basin, which will bring you the beauty of the Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial and the Jefferson Memorial. The best part of your evening walking tour is that it does not cost a dime.
Another monument that is a must-see is the Albert Einstein Memorial at 2101 Constitution Avenue, just north of the reflection pool. Although Al was not a president, he is a major part of history and the statue is a great photo op with the group sitting on Albert's lap. Stand in the middle of the concentric circles and talk to the statue, it has a great echo.
Well, you know how your evening is going to be spent, but what about sites during the day? Since the hotels are centrally located by the National Mall and Memorial Parks, head to the mall area, where there are plenty of museum options. You can visit many of the Smithsonian museums, including the National Air & Space Museum and National Museum of Natural History. You can check out the National Art Gallery and the U.S. Holocaust Museum. Entrance to these museums is free, so do your research ahead of time. Take time to explore the exhibits that interest you so you have plenty of time for everything else. The museums' doors open at 10:00 am.
After a morning around the National Mall, you can head to one of Washington, D.C.'s hidden gems. About mile south of the National Air & Space Museum where 7th St dead-ends, you arrive at the Washington waterfront. There is a small river walk that overlooks the Gangplank Marina where people live on houseboats, barges, power boats, and sailboats. If you head to the right, you will come across the historic Washington fish market. If the catch of the day is not your style, you can head to the left and admire the Titanic Women's Memorial, honoring the men who gave their lives to save the women and children of the Titanic.
When you begin to feel hungry, you can head to Cantina Marina. Just past the Odyssey Cruise office on the covered dock and you can enjoy the D.C. sites right on top of the water. Menu prices range from $5 to $22 depending on what will satisfy your appetite. You get great sunsets, views of the Washington Monument and the channel, and a casual dining experience.
After refueling, head to another hidden gem in Washington, D.C. The Christian Heurich House Museum also known as the Brewmaster's Castle is the most intact late-Victorian home in the country. Built for the second-largest landowner in D.C., Christian Heurich between 1892 and 1894, it was the first fireproof home. Heurich was the largest private employer in the nation's capital and the oldest brewer in the world. There is a suggested donation of $5 with walk-in tours on Thursday and Friday at 11:30 am and 1:00 pm or Saturdays at 11:30 am, 1:00 pm, and 2:30 pm. You can take a leisurely stroll through the Victorian Garden. It is open weekdays from 10:00 am until 4:00 pm from spring through the fall. The Heurich House is located at 1307 New Hampshire Ave NW, just a quick walk from the Dupont Circle Metro stop.
Washington, D.C., has an adventure for everyone. With excitement waiting around every corner, you never know what will happen. All you need to do is get out there and enjoy the journey.