Explore

Sites:

Best Place to Pay Respect:
Arlington National Cemetery

Best Place to Learn Everything:
The epicenter of nearly everything known to man, the Library of Congress – The Library does not allow the public to borrow books. The institutional mandate is to serve Congress. However, WISE will receive a special day of orientation at which time, you will obtain reader cards that allow you to access materials while you are using a reading room.

Best Place to Imagine the Possibilities:
National Air and Space Museum

Best Place to be Overwhelmed:
The depths of hatred are on display at the United States Holocaust Museum

Best Real Estate Tour:
Stop at the world’s most famous address at the White House

Best Place to Feel History:
Ford’s Theatre

Best Place to Live JFK’s Vision:
John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts

Best Place to Embrace the Present:
Carter Barron Amphitheater The outdoor venue’s annual lineup includes free shows that provide a great respite from the city.

Best Place to Cozy up to A Scientist:
Sit on Einstein’s lap and have your picture taken.

And other must-do items……

• Bike or run along the C&O Canal, starting in Georgetown.
• Rent a boat and kayak on the Potomac from the Thompson Boat Center
• Atlas District/ H Street, NE (and more)
• Congressional Cemetery (and more)
• 20 Secret Gardens & Green spaces
• Washington Nationals
• Just up the road – The Baltimore Orioles
• DC United – (…and their crazy fans – Barra Brava & Screaming Eagles: both fan clubs have great pre-game tailgate parties and they welcome all new comers)

Music Venues:

Go hear some music. Music venues drawing national acts include:

• the Legendary 930 Club
• The Birchmere
• WolfTrap
• Merriweather Post Pavilion
• the place formerly-known-as the Nissan Pavilion (Jiffy Lube Live)

New York City:

If you have the energy, you can get to NYC and back in one day. The cheapest option is the “Chinatown buses” – so called because they run from Chinatown, DC to Chinatown, NY. There are many options, including: Bolt Bus and China Town Buses.

Amtrak is very comfortable, quick (3 hours), fun, and the trains run all day, everyday. Roundtrip price about $98 -190 depending upon day and time of travel.

Philadelphia:

About halfway between DC and NYC and is also a day-trip option

Beaches & Parks:

• Rehoboth Beach, Delaware
• Delaware beaches
• Ocean City
• Maryland beaches
• Bike Rock Creek Park on the weekends when they close the roads to vehicular traffic.
• National Zoo – Remember that the zoo is part of the Smithsonian, and all Smithsonian facilities are FREE!

Food & Drinks:

• Ben’s Chili Bowl
• Five Guys
• Matchbox Pizza
• 2Amy’s Pizza
• Florida Avenue Grill
• Restaurant Judy on 14th Street (U Street Metro, Green Line)
  Mexican beers for a couple of bucks during happy hour. Also has yummy food, and music on some nights.
• Eastern Market

Eat, drink, socialize & use the free internet at:

• Busboys and Poets
• Tryst