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Travel Tips Hiking & Walking National Parks Museums

Our nation's capital can be an overwhelming adventure -- you could spend a lifetime in the city and still not see everything! The key is: Plan your time wisely. The links below will help you get started.

Editor's Pick -- Tourmobile: Don't walk, don't drive -- take a guided tour -- there are more than 20 to choose from. The Tourmobile is a privately operated, licensed concession of the National Park Service.

Editor's Pick -- Capital Children's Museum -- Interactive, hands-on museum where children and adults find learning fun and rewarding. 800 3rd St., NE, Washington, DC 20002 (near Union Station Metro station). (202) 543-8600. Daily, 10:00 a.m. -- 5:00 p.m. Admission: $6 adults and children; children under 2, free.

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Travel Tips:

Washington is not a car-friendly city. Parking is expensive and next to impossible to find. When it comes to getting around, your best bet is a good map and a guided tour (there are tons of them) or the city's excellent Metro system.

Visiting almost any place in the city requires walking, and lots of it! If you've got little ones with you we recommend a well-stocked stroller -- by the end of the day, the kids will need it.

Summer in DC can be very hot and humid with an average temperature of 82 degrees. So, bring lots of water along -- unless you like to spend $2.00 and up for a can of cold soda.

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Hiking/Walking

The city is crisscrossed with 16 trails providing more than 50 miles of hiking experience in northwest Washington. All trails are within easy walking distance of local Metro stations. Since you'll likely be traveling with kids, we've listed only trails less than 2 miles long. For a complete list, chect the D.C. Trail Guide.

Editor's Pick -- Dumbarton Oaks Trail (trail goes through the beautiful 27-acre Dumbarton Oaks Park and is an ideal walk for young kids -- only 0.8 mile)

Editor's Pick -- D.C. Trail Guide (Links to all Washington hiking and walking trails)

Former trolley right of way (0.6 mile)
Wesley Heights Trail (0.8 mile)
Normanstone Trail (0.9 mile)
Soapstone Valley Trail (0.9 mile)
Whitehaven Trail (1 mile)
Melvin Hazen Trail (1.1 mile)
Battery Kemble Trail (1.3 miles)

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National Parks

There are 51 national parks and historic sites in and around Washington. Most involve quite a bit of walking and the larger sites should be considered all-day events. Visitors to Washington have two options: visit dozens of places and leave with only vague impressions; or, visit only a few places and explore each one in-depth. We favor a blend both styles -- select a few for in-depth exploration and several others for quick visits.

Editor's Pick -- Tourmobile: Don't walk, don't drive -- take a guided tour -- there are more than 20 to choose from. The Tourmobile is a privetly operated, licensed concession of the National Park Service.

Editor's Pick -- President's Park (White House) A must-see for the whole family! The White House is open for self-guided walk-through public tours from 10 a.m. to 12 noon, Tuesday through Saturday. Admission during the peak season (March 21 through September 2) requires a ticket and hand stamp validation. Free tickets are issued on a first-come, first-served basis starting at 7:30 a.m. in the White House Visitor Center.

Editor's Pick -- Vietnam Veterans Memorial The memorial is the most visited National Park Service site in the city It's open daily from 8 a.m. until 11:45 p.m.

Editor's Pick -- Washington Monument -- Your kids will be amazed by the view of the city from the top of this 555-foot tall landmark. Although the monument is currently undergoing an extensive restoration (see photo), it remains open to the public. Virtual tour

Editor's Pick -- Lincoln Memorial -- You see it every day on the backs of $5 bills and every penny you spend -- here's your chance to see it in person. No trip to Washington is complete without a visit to our best-known national landmark.

Other National Park sites in Washington:

Battleground National Cemetery
Constitution Gardens
Ford's Theatre National Historic Site
Fort Washington Park
Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial
Frederick Douglass National Historic Site
Korean War Veterans Memorial
Mary Mcleod Bethune Council House National Historic Site
National Mall
Peirce Mill
Pennsylvania Avenue National Historic Site
Piscataway Park Park
Rock Creek Park Park
The Old Stone House
Theodore Roosevelt Island Park
Thomas Jefferson Memorial

Maryland

Editor's Pick -- Assateague Island National Seashore Escape the summer heat! This 37-mile long island covering over 18,000 acres has everything from wild horses to seemingly endless miles of sea-shore.

Editor's Pick -- Catoctin Mountain Park Loads of attractions for families! Camping, picnicking, fishing, 25 miles of hiking trails, and scenic mountain vistas all await your exploration.

Antietam National Cemetery
Antietam National Battlefield
Chesapeake & Ohio Canal National Historical Park
Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine
Greenbelt Park
Hampton National Historic Site
Monocacy National Battlefield
Thomas Stone National Historic Site

Virginia

Editor's Pick -- Wolf Trap Farm Park This is a national park for the performing arts! Expose your kids to great entertainment at very reasonable prices. Tickets range in price from $7 (lawn) to $50 for box seats. Shows range from The Temptations and The Four Tops to the National Symphony Orchestra.

Editor's Pick -- Colonial National Historical Park See history comes alive here! You could spend the summer here and still not scratch the surface. Your family will find museums, guided tours (when staffing permits), costumed craftsmen demonstrating the art of 17th-century glassblowing, hiking trails, battlefields, and much more! Virtual tour.

Other Virginia attractions:

Appomattox Court House National Historical Park
Arlington House / The Robert E. Lee Memorial
Booker T Washington National Monument
Clara Barton National Historic Site
Fredericksburg National Cemetery
Fredericksburg & Spotsylvania National Military Park
George Washington Memorial Parkway
George Washington Birthplace National Monument
Glen Echo Park
Great Falls Park
Lyndon Baines Johnson Memorial Grove on the Potomac
Maggie L Walker National Historic Site
Manassas National Battlefield Park
Petersburg National Battlefield
Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trail
Prince William Forest Park Park
Richmond National Battlefield Park
Shenandoah National Park
Yorktown National Cemetery

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Museums/Cultural

Editor's Pick -- Washington Dolls' House and Toy Museum -- Contains a carefully researched collection of antique dolls' houses, dolls, toys and games. 5236 44th St., NW, Washington, DC 20015 (near Friendship Heights Metro station). (202) 244-0024. Tuesday -- Saturday, 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.; Sunday, 12:00 noon -- 5:00 p.m. Admission: $3; $1 children under 14; $2 seniors.

Editor's Pick -- Friendship Firehouse Museum -- This 19th-century firehouse explores the history of fire fighting in Alexandria and of the esteemed position George Washington held for more than 100 years in the fire company's tradition and lore. 107 S. Alfred St., Alexandria, VA 22314. (703) 838-3891 or (703) 838-4994. Thursday -- Saturday 10:00 a.m. -- 4:00 p.m.; Sunday 1:00 p.m. -- 4:00 p.m.

Editor's Pick -- National Geographic -- Explorers Hall -- Contains world's largest unmounted globe and changing exhibits highlighting the Society's exploration and research of the world in which we live, including "Geographica," an interactive science center for geography. 17th and M Streets., NW, Washington, DC; (202) 857-7588. Monday -- Saturday, 9:00 a.m. -- 5:00 p.m.; Sunday, 10:00 a.m. -- 5:00 p.m. Closed Christmas. (Farragut North Metro Station).

Editor's Pick -- National Air and Space Museum -- Home to 23 main exhibition galleries, each displaying major artifacts from the Museum's collection -- from Kitty Hawk to the moon, with scores of stops along the way. You'll also find smaller temporary exhibitions. A sure-fire kid favorite!

Editor's Pick -- The Smithsonian -- This isn't just a museum, it's an institution filled with world-class museums, from the American Prairie. to the Breitling Orbiter 3 Balloon (the lighter than air craft that made the first successful nonstop circumnavigation of the globe) Admission to 14 of the Smithsonian's museums (and the National Zoo) is free.

Editor's Pick -- National Zoological Park -- Lions and tigers, oh my! Several thousand animals in a beautiful 163-acre park. Need we say more?

Other museums and cultural sites:

Ansel Adams Collection/The Wilderness Society -- Permanent exhibition of noted landscape photographer Ansel Adams. 900 17th St., NW, Washington, DC 20006; (202) 833-2300. Monday -- Friday, 10:00 a.m. -- 5:00 p.m.; closed federal holidays. (Farragut West Metro Station).

Arlington Arts Center -- 3550 Wilson Blvd., Arlington, VA 22201; (703) 524-1494. Tuesday -Friday, 11:00 a.m. -- 5:00 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday, 1:00 p.m. -- 5:00 p.m. (Virginia Square Metro Station).

Arlington Historical Society Museum -- A former schoolhouse, now features Civil War artifacts, 19th-century kitchenware, ladies' fashions through the years, and more about local history. 1805 S. Arlington Ridge Rd., Arlington, VA 22202; (703) 892-4204. Friday and Saturday, 11:00 a.m. -- 3:00 p.m.; Sunday, 2:00 p.m. -- 5:00 p.m. Admission: donations accepted.

Art Museum of the Americas -- (formerly Museum of Modern Art of Latin America). 201 18th St., NW, Washington, DC 20006 (near Farragut West Metro station). (202) 458-6016. Tuesday -- Saturday, 10:00 a.m. -- 5:00 p.m.

B'nai B'rith Klutznick National Jewish Museum -- Permanent collection of Judaic ceremonial and folk art, as well as changing exhibits related to Judaism. 1640 Rhode Island Ave., NW, Washington, DC 20036; (202) 857-6583. Sunday -- Friday, 10:00 a.m. -- 5:00 p.m. Admission: donations accepted. (Farragut North Metro Station).

Bethune Museum and Archives -- Former home of Mary McLeod Bethune, famous black educator. 1318 Vermont Ave., NW, Washington, DC 20005 (near McPherson Square Metro station). (202) 332-1233. Monday -- Friday, 10:00 a.m. -- 4:00 p.m.

Canadian Embassy Art Gallery -- Special exhibits from Canadian museums and art work by Canadian artists. Pennsylvania Ave., NW, between 9th and 7th Streets., Washington, DC, (202) 682-7712. Monday -- Saturday, 10:00 a.m. -- 6:00 p.m. (Archives Metro Station).

Claude Moore Colonial Farm at Turkey Run -- Approximately 100 acres are used by an 18th-century costumed family to demonstrate a small-scale, low-income homestead in northern Virginia during the late colonial period. 6310 Georgetown Pike, McLean, VA. (703) 442-7557. Wednesday -- Sunday, 10:00 a.m. -4:30 p.m. Admission: $2; $1 children and seniors.

Colvin Run Mill Historic Site -- This award-winning 19th-century gristmill still produces cornmeal and whole wheat flour as it did nearly 175 years ago. Site also features the circa 1820 Miller's House and a renovated 20th-century dairy barn. 10017 Colvin Run Road, Great Falls, VA. (703) 759-2771. Open daily, except Tuesday, 11:00 a.m. -- 4:00 p.m. Admission: $3; $1 children.

Corcoran Gallery of Art -- Washington's oldest and largest private gallery houses extensive an American art collection and some finer European art works. 17th St. and New York Ave., NW, Washington, DC 20006 (near Farragut West Metro station). (202) 638-3211 or (202) 638-1439. Monday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday, 10:00 a.m. -- 5:00 p.m.; Thursday, 10:00 a.m. -- 9:00 p.m.; closed Tuesdays.

Daughters of the American Revolution Museum (DAR) -- Permanent collection includes ceramics, glass, silver, paintings, furniture, children's section, and 34 period rooms from the colonial period to the mid-19th century. 1776 D St., NW, Washington, DC 20006 (near Farragut West Metro station). (202) 879-3241/3254. Monday -- Friday, 8:30 a.m. -- 4:00 p.m.; Sunday, 1:00 p.m. -- 5:00 p.m.; closed Saturdays.

Dumbarton Oaks -- Here, in 1944 the first international conferences that led to the formation of the United Nations were held. Today this 19th-century mansion serves as a library and museum with an extensive garden library, fine Byzantine and pre-Columbian collections, and 10 acres of formal gardens. 1703 32nd St., NW, Washington, DC 20007; (202) 342-3200 or (202) 342-3212. Museum: Tuesday -- Sunday, 2:00 p.m. -- 5:00 p.m. $1 donation requested.

Folger Shakespeare Library -- The world's largest collection of Shakespeare's printed works and a working Elizabethan theater. This is a renowned international research library for Shakespeare and Renaissance studies. 201 E. Capitol Street, SE, Washington, DC 20003 (near Capitol South Metro station). (202) 544-7077. Monday -- Saturday, 10:00 a.m. -- 4:00 p.m.

Fort Ward Museum and Park -- This reconstructed fort and earthworks was used by Union forces to protect Washington, DC, during the Civil War. Park also has trails, open space, and picnic areas. From June 3 through August 19, enjoy evening concerts every Thursday. 4301 W. Braddock Rd., Alexandria, VA 22304-1008. (703) 838-4848. Tuesday -- Saturday, 9:00 a.m. -- 5:00 p.m.; Sunday, 12:00 noon -- 5:00 p.m.

Holocaust Memorial Museum, U.S. -- Reminds visitors of the horrors of the Nazi Holocaust and remembers the victims. Raoul Wallenberg Place between Independence Dr. and East Basin Dr., SW, Washington, DC. Admission is free, but advance passes are required for the permanent collection. Tickets for can be reserved in advance by calling Ticketmaster and paying a small service charge: (800) 551-7328; or (202) 432-7328. (Smithsonian Metro Station).

Lillian and Albert Small Jewish Museum -- 701 3rd St., NW, Washington, DC 20001. (202) 789-0900. Sunday -- Thursday, 10:00 a.m. -- 4:00 p.m.

Lyceum -- Established as a cultural and scientific center in 1839, today this Greek revival building is a museum and information center for historic Alexandria. 201 S. Washington St., Alexandria, VA 22314. (703) 838-4994. Monday -- Saturday, 10:00 a.m. -- 5:00 p.m.; Sunday 1:00 p.m. -- 5:00 p.m.

Marine Corps Museum -Exhibits include uniforms, weapons, dioramas of significant battles, documents and letters relating individual Marine experiences, and art primarily from the Vietnam era. Washington Navy Yard, 9th and M Sts., SE, Washington, DC (near the Navy Yard Metro station). (202) 433-3534. Monday -- Saturday, 10:00 a.m. -- 4:00 p.m.; Sundays and holidays, 12:00 noon -- 5:00 p.m.

Meridian International Center -- Housed in two historic mansions and a carriage house, this intercultural organization offers changing exhibitions, lectures and concerts to promote the understanding of other cultures. 1624 and 1630 Crescent Pl., NW, Washington, DC 20009 (near Dupont Circle Metro station). (202) 939-5522. Wednesday -- Sunday, 2:00 p.m. -- 5:00 p.m.

National Archives -Permanent display includes the original Declaration of Independence, U.S. Constitution and Bill of Rights, and the 1297 Magna Carta. Also includes changing exhibitions and research rooms containing the official historical documents of the United States. 8th St. and Constitution Ave., NW, Washington, DC 20408 (near Archives Metro station). (202) 501-5205 or (202) 501-5000 (tape). 10:00 a.m. -- 5:30 p.m.

National Building Museum -- (the Old Pension Building) Site of Presidential Inaugural Balls, the building contains the tallest Corinthian columns in the world. This is the only museum in the U.S. dedicated to the building arts. 401 F St., NW, Washington, DC 20001 (near Judiciary Square Metro station). (202) 272-2448. Monday -- Saturday, 10:00 a.m. -4:00 p.m.; Sunday, 12:00 noon -- 4:00 p.m.

National Cryptologic Museum -- Take a "peek behind the curtain" at a once-secret world of spying and international espionage. Located at the intersection of Maryland Rt. 32 and the Baltimore/Washington Parkway (Maryland Rt. 295), near the National Security Agency. (301) 688-5849 Open to public Monday-Friday (excluding Federal Holidays) 9:00 AM -- 4:00 PM; Saturdays 10:00 AM -- 2:00 PM. Closed Sundays.

National Inventors Hall of Fame -- Part of the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office's headquarters. Displays feature famous and not-so-famous inventors. 2021 Jefferson Davis Hwy., Arlington, VA 22202; (703) 557-3341. Monday -- Friday, 8:30 a.m. -- 5:00 p.m. (Crystal City Metro Station).

National Museum of American Jewish Military History -- Collections recall the contributions of Jewish Americans to the nation's war and peacekeeping efforts. 1811 R St., NW, Washington, DC 20009 (near Dupont Circle Metro station). (202) 265-6280. Monday -- Friday, 9:30 a.m. -- 5:00 p.m.; Sunday, 1:00 p.m. -- 5:00 p.m. except major Jewish holidays. Admission: Free, but donation requested.

National Museum of Health and Medicine -- Walter Reed Army Medical Center, Bldg. 54, 6825 16th St., NW, Washington, DC 20012. (202) 576-2418. Daily, 10:00 a.m. -- 5:30 p.m.

National Museum of Women in the Arts -- Highlights artistic contributions of women artists of all nationalities and periods. 1250 New York Ave., NW, Washington, DC 20005 (near Metro Center Metro station). (202) 783-5000. Monday -- Saturday, 10:00 a.m. -- 5:00 p.m.; Sunday, 12:00 noon -- 5:00 p.m.

Navy Museum -- The Naval Historical Center is open to the public without charge. The Center is located in the Washington Navy Yard in southeast Washington, D.C. (202) 433-4882 Open Monday through Friday: 9 a.m. until 4 p.m. -- Memorial Day through Labor Day until 5 p.m. -- Weekends and Holidays: 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. Closed: Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and New Years's Day.

Old Guard Museum -The story of the oldest U.S. Army Infantry Regiment, from 1784 to the present, is told in the only Army museum in the Washington, DC area. Building 249, Sheridan Ave., Fort Myer, Arlington, Virginia 22211. (703) 696-6670. Monday -- Saturday, 9:00 a.m. -- 4:00 p.m.; Sunday, 1:00 p.m. -- 4:00 p.m.

Phillips Collection -The first modern art museum in the U.S., housed in the founder's mansion. Includes masterworks by Daumier, Renoir, Degas, Cezanne, Van Gogh, as well as modern masters Matisse, Picasso, and O'Keeffe among others. 1600 21st St., NW, Washington, DC 20009 (near Dupont Circle Metro station). (202) 387-2151 or (202) 387-0961 (tape). Monday -- Saturday, 10:00 a.m. -- 5:00 p.m.; Sunday, 12:00 noon -- 7:00 p.m. Admission: $6.50.

Textile Museum -- Former home of George Hewitt-Meyers, now a museum dedicated to the textile arts. 2320 S St., NW, Washington, DC 20008 (near Dupont Circle Metro station). (202) 667-0441. Monday -- Saturday, 10:00 a.m. -- 5:00 p.m.; Sunday, 1:00 p.m.- 5:00 p.m. Admission: suggested $5 donation.

Torpedo Factory Art Center -- Former torpedo factory, now houses over 160 working artists offering a wide variety of styles and media including five cooperative galleries and a year-round art school. 105 N. Union St., Alexandria, VA 22314; (703) 838-4565. Daily, 10:00 a.m. -- 5:00 p.m.

Tudor Place -- Historic house museum once owned by Martha Washington's granddaughter. Many items from George and Martha Washington's home at Mount Vernon. 1644 31st St., NW, Washington, DC 20007. (202) 965-0400. Tuesday -- Friday, by appointment only; Saturday, 10:00 a.m. -- 3:00 p.m. Admission: $5 donation requested; students $2.50.