Travel to Washington DC and Stay at the Courtyard by Marriott Embassy Row Hotel

Convention Center (0.5 mi)
Georgetown (0.5 mi)
The White House (0.5 mi)
Monuments (1.0 mi)
U.S. Capitol (1.0 mi)
Smithsonian Institute (1.0 mi)
Federal Bureau of Investigation (1.0 mi)
John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts (1.0 mi)
Smithsonian Institute (1.8 mi)
Washington Monument (1.8 mi)
Smithsonian Museums (2.1 mi)
Arlington National Cemetery (2.5 mi)
The Pentagon (3.0 mi)
Brookside Botanical Gardens (11.5 mi)

Government Buildings

White House (1 mi)
1600 Pennsylvania Ave., NW
Washington DC 20500
(202) 456-2200
The home of every US president except George Washington. You can purchase tickets from the White House Visitor Center, located at the southeast corner of 15th and E Streets. Tickets are timed from 10 a.m. until 12 noon. Advance tickets are not available. They are issued on the morning of the tour only, on a first-come, first-served basis starting at 7:30 a.m. Up to 4 tickets per person. All tours subject to change or cancellation.

Bureau of Engraving & Printing (1.4 mi)
14th & C Sts., SW
Washington DC 20228
(202) 874-2330
866-874-2330
See currency printed at the rate of 8,000 sheets per hour on the guided, 35-minute tour.

U.S. Capitol (2 mi)
Capitol Hill
Washington DC 20515
(202) 225-6827
Under the magnificent white dome, senators and representatives meet to shape U.S. legislative policy.
Free guided tours leave every 15 minutes in the Rotunda daily 9 a.m. - 3:45 p.m. and include the Statuary Hall, the original Supreme Court chamber and the Crypt, intended burial place of George and Martha Washington.
Open 9 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. (to 8 p.m. Memborial Day-Labor Day) except New Year's Day, Thanksgiving, Christmas.

Supreme Court of the United States (2.3 mi)
First St. & Maryland Ave., NE
Washington DC 20543
(202) 479-3211
Visit the place where the highest judgment is served.
Open Monday-Friday 9 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Lecture in court c every hour on the half hour 9:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. when court is not in session. Admission: Free.

Library of Congress (2.4 mi)
10 First St., SE
Washington DC 20540-4990
(202) 707-8000
The world's largest library with almost 119 million items in three buildings. One highlight is one of the world's three perfect vellum copies of the Gutenberg Bible. On permanent display is American Treasures of the Library of Congress, a rotating exhibition of rare and unique items.
Open for visitors Monday-Saturday 10:00 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. Closed Sunday and all federal holidays. Free admission.

The Pentagon
I-395 south to Boundary
Channel Dr. Exit
Arlington VA
(703) 695-1776
Tours of the Pentagon are available to schools, educational organizations, and other select groups by reservation only. Groups interested in touring the Pentagon should contact the Pentagon Tour Office.

Memorials & Monuments

Washington Monument (1.2 mi)
15th & Constitution Ave., NW
Washington DC 20001
(202) 426-6841
1-800-967-2283
The monument is not to be missed during a DC trip. One of the tallest masonry structures in the world, the monument was dedicated to the memory of the first U.S. president in 1885. Free elevator ride takes you to the top for a spectacular view.
Open 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. everyday except Christmas and the 4th of July

Lincoln Memorial (1.4 mi)
West Potomac Park at 23rd
St., NW
Washington DC
(202) 426-6841
Overlooking the Reflecting Pool, the Washington Monument and the U.S. Capitol, the monument houses the19-foot marble statue of the 16th president with inscriptions of his Second Inaugural Address and the famous Gettysburg Address.
Open daily except Christmas. Free. Park Ranger in attendance 8 a.m. - midnight.

Korean War Veterans Memorial (1.5 mi)
Independence Ave. at the
Lincoln Memorial
Washington DC
(202) 426-6841
Built by the Korean War Veterans Memorial Advisory at a cost of $18 million in donated funds, this memorial, located on a 2.2-acre site adjacent to the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool, features a sculptured column of 19 foot soldiers arrayed for combat with the American flag as their symbolic objective. A 164-foot mural wall is "Freedom Is Not Free" and is etched with 2,500 photographic images of nurses, chaplains, crew chiefs, mechanics and other support personnel.
Open daily 8 a.m. - midnight. Free.

Vietnam Veterans Memorial (1.5 mi)
Constitution Ave. & Henry
Bacon Dr., NW
Washington DC 20001
(202) 634-1568
The granite walls of the moving V-shaped Vietnam memorial are inscribed with the names of the 58,209 Americans missing or killed in the Vietnam War.
Open 24-hours; Park Ranger on site 8 a.m. - midnight.

FDR Memorial (2 mi)
1850 West Basin Dr., SW
Washington DC 20024
(202) 376-6704
A 7.5-acre site near the Jefferson Memorial, this memorial depicts the 12 important years of Franklin Delano Roosevelt's presidency through a series of four outdoor gallery rooms. The park- like setting, including waterfalls and quiet pools feature ten bronze sculptures depicting President Roosevelt, Eleanor Roosevelt and events from the Great Depression and World War II. Wheelchair accessible.
Open daily except Christmas. Free. Park Ranger in attendance 8 a.m. - midnight.

Jefferson Memorial (2 mi)
15th St., SW
Tidal Basin, South End
Washington DC
(202) 426-6841
Beneath the marble rotunda, the 19-foot statue of the third U.S. president is inscribed with passages from the Declaration of Independence and other famous Jefferson writings. Open daily except Christmas. Free. Park ranger in attendance 8 a.m.-midnight.

Arlington National Cemetery (2.5 mi)
Arlington, Virginia 22211
703) 607-8000
More than four million people visit the cemetery annually, many coming to pay final respects at graveside services, of which nearly 100 are conducted each week, Monday through Friday. A first stop on a trip to the cemetery should include the Visitors Center, located by the cemetery entrance, where maps, guidebooks, exhibits, information services (to include grave locations), a bookstore and restrooms can be found.

Museums

Capital Children's Museum (0.0 mi)
800 3rd St., NE
Washington DC 20002
(202) 675-4120
The Children's Museum is a 30,000 sq. ft. chock-full of hands-on exhibits focusing on culture, the arts and sciences. Families can explore together the art of animation, wear lab coats to do science experiments in a real chemistry lab, drive an authentic Metro bus, climb an ancient Mayan pyramid or discover the origins of hot chocolate. Ideal for children ages 2-12.
Open Tuesdays-Sundays and holiday/summer Mondays. Admission: $7 per person, $5 for active military personnel with i.d., $5 for senior citizens and free for children under 2 and musuem members.

National Geographic Society (0.1 mi)
1145 17th St., NW
Washington DC 20036
(202) 857-7588
Explorers Hall, the Society's museum, offers free educational, interactive, and visually stimulating changing exhibits on a broad variety of topics. Browse the NGS Store.
Open daily (9 a.m. - 5 p.m. Monday - Saturday and holidays, Sunday 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.). Closed Dec 25th.

Decatur House Museum (0.6 mi)
748 Jackson Pl., NW
Washington DC 20006
(202) 842-0920
Decatur House, built in 1818 is one of the oldest surviving homes in Washington, DC and one of only three remaining residential buildings in the country designed by father of American Architecture, Benjamin Henry Latrobe. Known for its architecture and prime location across from the White House, Decatur House is one of the capital's most desirable addresses and home to many of our nation's prominent figures.

Corcoran Gallery of Art (0.8 mi)
500 17th St., NW
Washington DC 20006
(202) 639-1782
Washington, DC's oldest art museum features French impressionist art, Dutch and Flemish masterpieces, and Post-impressionists and American art from colonial times to the present.
Open Wednesday-Monday 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. (to 9 p.m. Thursday). Donation: Adults $5, $3 Seniors and Member's Guests, $8 families, $1 students, free for members and children ages 12 and under.
Free admission on Mondays all day and Thursdays after 5 p.m.
Group tours by appointment only.

DAR Museum (1 mi)
1776 D St., NW
Washington DC 20006
(202) 879-3241
The museum, featuring 32 period rooms is sponsored by National Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution. The rooms are a superb collection of pre-1840s furnishings and a gallery with changing exhibits.
Open Monday-Friday 9:30 a.m. - 4 p.m., Saturday, 8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Closed Sunday. Free admission.

Woodrow Wilson House Museum (1 mi)
2340 S St., NW
Washington DC 20008
(202) 387-4062
Washington, DC's only presidential museum. The former home of President Woodrow Wilson and Edith Wilson following their White House years features original furnishings, presidential memorabilia and changing special exhibits.
Open Tuesday-Sunday 10 a.m.- 4 p.m. Admission: Adults $5, students $2.50. Groups: Adults $4, students $2.50. Group tour by appointment. Available for private functions.

The Phillips Collection (1.1 mi)
1600 21st St., NW
Washington DC 20009-1090
(202) 387-2151
America's first museum of modern art features works by Cezanne, Diebenkorn, Dove, Eakins, Klee, Manet, Matisse, O'Keeffe and more. Classical music program every Sunday (September-May). Artful Evenings program of live music, gallery talks and cash bar Thursdays throughtout the year.
Open Tuesday-Saturday 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Thursday til 8:30 p.m. Sunday noon-7 p.m. (Summer Sunday hours 12-5). Closed Monday. Weekend admission will vary with cost of special exhibitions. Weekday admission by contribution. Under 18 free. Guided group tours by appointment.

International Spy Museum c/o Bill Adams (1.2 mi)
800 F St., NW
Washington DC 20004
(202) 393-7798
Hosting the largest collection of international espionage- related artifacts open to the public, the museum tells the story of the spy-craft throughout the ages, across the globe, and today.

The Textile Museum (1.3 mi)
2320 S St., NW
Washington DC 20008-4088
(202) 667-0441
The Textile Museum features rotating exhibitions of historical and contemporary textiles and a Textile Learning Center that explores textile techniques, makers and their cultures.
Open Monday-Saturday 10-5; Sunday 1-5. Suggested donation $5.

National Gallery of Art (1.4 mi)
2000B South Club Drive,
Landover, MD 20785
(202) 737-4215
The mission of the National Gallery of Art is to serve the United States of America in a national role by preserving, collecting, exhibiting, and fostering the understanding of works of art, at the highest possible museum and scholarly standards.

Jewish Historical Society of Greater Washington (1.4 mi)
600 I St. NW
Washington DC 20001
(202) 789-0900
The Oldest synagogue building in Washington, DC, this historical society now houses the Lillian and Albert Small Jewish Museum. The building is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and features a restored sanctuary.
Open Sunday - Friday by appointment. Suggested donation: $3.

National Museum of the American Indian (1.5 mi)
4th & Independence Ave., SW
Washington DC 20560
(202) 633-1000
This museum prides itself to be a centerpiece for preservation, study and exhibition of the life, arts, culture and history of the native peoples of the Western Hemisphere. It also features educational and public programs, including ceremonies and performances.
Free, but passes may be required; call to confirm.
Open daily 10am-5:30pm, except Dec. 25.

Marian Koshland Science Museum (1.6 mi)
6th & E Streets NW
Washington DC 20001
(202) 334-1201
Visitors to the new Marian Koshland Science Museum will glimpse the frontiers of today's leading scientific research, such as the potential effects of global warming.

National Building Museum (1.6 mi)
401 F St. NW
Washington DC 20001
(202) 272-2448
This private non-profit institution examines and interprets American achievements in architecture, design, engineering, planning, and construction. The museum presents exhibitions, lectures and educational programs, publishes books and a quarterly journal..

Navy Museum (2.3 mi)
805 Kidder Breese St., SE
Washington Navy Yard
Washington DC 20374-5060
(202) 433-4882
Housed in the old Naval Gun Factory, the museum's collection features the foremast fighting top from the USS Constitution, the bathyscaphe Trieste, ship models, medals, uniforms, photographs and fine art. Hands-on and great for kids: Including working submarine periscopes and WWII gun mounts.
Open Monday-Friday 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. (to 5 p.m. April 1-Labor Day); Closed weekends and holidays. Free admission. Visitors must call in advance.

Folger Shakespeare Library (2.5 mi)
201 East Capitol Street, SE
Washington, DC 20003-1094
Admin- (202) 544-4600
Box Office- (202) 544-7077
The mission of the Folger Library is to preserve and enhance its collections; to render the collections accessible to scholars for advanced research; and to advance understanding and appreciation of the Library and its collections through interpretive programs for the public.

National Archives & Records Administration (2.9 mi)
7th & Pennsylvania Ave., NW
Washington DC 20408
(202) 501-5000
The holdings of the original Declaration of Independence, Constitution, Bill of Rights and more than 3 billion records.
Open daily 10 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. except Christmas; extended summer hours. Group tours by appointment, call (202) 501-5205. Free admission.

Pope John Paul II Cultural Ctr (3.7 mi)
3900 Harewood Rd., NE
Washington DC 20017
(202) 635-5400
Washington's must-see museum is a dynamic experience for visitors of all ages and denominations. State-of-the-art technology in interactive exhibits, world-class art, papal memorabilia and documentary films offers the chance to engage the mind and nourish the soul., Children's Gallery, Museum store, and Cafe. Group fee: $4.00/person. Free parking.

National Museum of Health & Medicine (4.6 mi)
6825 16th Street NW
Washington DC 20036
(202) 782-2200
Features exhibits on human biology, Civil War medicine, contemporary health issues, and the world's most comprehensive microscope collection. Learn the secret behind our 7 1/2-foot-tall skeleton, see some amazing antique medical instruments and even view the bullet that took Lincoln's life.
Open daily 10 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. Except Christmas. Free admission.

National Museum of Women in the Arts (4.6 mi)
1250 New York Ave., NW
Washington DC 20005
(202) 783-5000
Holds a good collection of more than 2,500 works by women artists from around the world. Including Cassatt, O'Keeffe, Kahlo and Nevelson.
Closed Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Years Day. Admission charge varies, tour package available.

Washington Dolls' House & Toy Museum (5 mi)
5236 44th St., NW
Washington DC 20015
(202) 244-0024
Carefully researched collection of antique dolls' houses, dolls, toys and games, plus a comprehensive museum shop. Open Tuesday-Saturday 10 a.m. - 5 p.m., Sunday noon - 5 p.m. Birthday parties in Edwardian Tea Room by prearrangement. Museum Director Flora Gill Jacobs will autograph her books, The Doll House Mystery and The Toy Shop Mystery.

Smithsonian Museums

Smithsonian Institution Information Center (1.5 mi)
P.O. Box 37012
SI Bldg. 153 MRC 010
Washington DC 20013-7012
(202) 357-2700
Known as the Castle, the oldest of the 14 Smithsonian museums in Washington houses the crypt of founder James Smithson, 2 orientation theaters, scale models of Washington's monumental core, interactive touch-screen program in 6 languages, 2 electronic wall maps, plus multilingual information and assistance.
Open daily 9 a.m.-5:30 p.m. except Dec. 25. Free admission. Walk-in tours Monday, Friday-Sunday, call for times.

Smithsonian American Art Museum (2.2 mi)
8th & G Sts., NW
Washington DC 20013-7012
(202) 357-2700
Closed for renovations through 2006. The world's most important American art collection of paintings, sculptures, prints and drawings, photographs and folk art from the 18th century to the present.

Anacostia Museum & Center for African American Hist.& Cult. (1.3 mi)
1901 Ft. Pl., SE, MRC520
Washington DC 20013-7012
(202) 357-2700
This Smithsonian museum focuses on the collection, study, and exhibition of African American culture and history.
Open daily 10 a.m. - 5 p.m., except Dec. 25. Free Admission. TTY: (202) 357-1729.

Arts & Industries Building (2.0 mi)
900 Jefferson Dr., SW
Washington DC 20013-7012
(202) 357-2700
Changing exhibitions offers Discovery Theater, children's performances.
Open daily 10 a.m.-5:30 p.m., except Dec. 25. Free admission. TTY: (202) 357-1729.

Freer Gallery of Art (1.5 mi)
12th & Jefferson Dr., SW
Washington DC 20013-7012
(202) 357-2700
Outstanding collection of Asian art and works by 19th- and 20th-century American artists. The opulent Peacock Room is the only surviving example of American expatriate James McNeill Whistler's interior design.
Open daily 10 a.m.-5:30 p.m., except Dec. 25; extended summer hours determined annually.
Free admission. Group tours by appointment (minimum 10, maximum 45). Call (202) 633-0467 or (202) 786-2374 (TTY), Monday-Friday. Tours for individuals with visual and hearing impairments by appoinment.

Hirshhorn Museum & Sculpture Garden (1.5 mi)
7th & Independence Aves., SW
Washington DC 20013-7012
(202) 357-2700
Superb collection of 19th- and 20th- century sculpture and paintings in an architecturally beautiful cylindrical museum and adjoining outdoor garden.
Open daily 10 a.m.-5:30 p.m, except Dec. 25; extended summer hours determined annually.
Guided group tours and tours for visitors with disabilities by appointment; call (202) 357-3235 (ext. 114) or (202) 633- 8043 (TTY), Monday-Friday.

National Air and Space Museum (1.5 mi)
6th & Independence Aves., SW
Washington DC 20013-7012
(202) 357-2700
The world's most visited museum houses the Wright Brothers' 1903 Flyer, Lindbergh's Spirit of St. Louis, Apollo 11 lunar command module and an incredible collection of aviation and space technology treasures. Lockheed Martin IMAX theater shows spectacular films daily (admission). Albert Einstein Planetarium presents several programs daily (admission).
Open daily 10 a.m.-5:30 p.m, extended summer hours determined annually. Free admission. Group tours, tours for visitors with disabilities and theater/ planetarium booked by appointment.

National Museum of African Art (1.5 mi)
950 Independence Ave., SW
P.O. Box 37012
Washington DC 20013-7012
(202) 357-2700
Devoted to the collection and study of African art.
Open daily 10 a.m.-5:30 p.m., except December 25; extended summer hours determined annually. Free admission. Tours for groups and visitors with disabilities by appointment; call (202) 357-4600 ext. 222 (voice) or (202) 357-4814 (TTY) Monday-Friday.

National Museum of American History (1.9 mi)
14th St. at Constitution Ave.,
NW - MRC 623
Washington DC 20560-0623
Phone: (202) 357-2700
Description: Among the wealth of Americana: the flag that inspired The Star-Spangled Banner and selected first ladies inaugural gowns and quilts. Popular exhibitions include Information Age, Field to Factory, American Presidency: A Glorious Burden, and American Encounters.
Tours for groups and for individuals with visual and hearing impairments by appointment.

National Museum of Natural History (1.4 mi)
P.O. Box 37012
Natural History 428, MRC 135
Washington DC 20013-7012
(202) 357-2700
The museum houses the 45.5-carat Hope Diamond, dinosaur fossils, Insect Zoo and the world's largest African bush elephant. The Samuel C. Johnson IMAX Theater shows spectacular films daily (admission).
Open daily 10 am-5:30 pm; extended summer hours determined annually. Closed Dec. 25. Free admission.

National Portrait Gallery (2.3 mi)
8th & F Sts., NW
Washington DC 20013-7012
(202) 357-2700
Closed for renovation until 2006. Unique collection of portraits of famous Americans from the world of politics, sports, literature, stage and screen. The Hall of Presidents features official portraits of U.S. presidents.

National Zoological Park (2.1 mi)
3001 Connecticut Ave., NW
Washington DC 20008
(202) 673-4717
Thousands of exotic animals, including two giant pandas. Amazonia is a re-created microcosm of the world's largest rain forest.
Open daily. Free admission. Guided tours and group tours by appointment.

Renwick Gallery of the Smithsonian Amer. Art Museum (2.2 mi)
17th & Pennsylvania Aves., NW
Washington DC 20013-7012
(202) 357-2700
Permanent collection and exhibitions of American crafts. This gem of a musuem, located in a historic building near the White House, is dedicated to exhibiting American crafts from the 19th to the 21st century. Special exhibitions of American art are on-going during the renovation of the museum's main building.
Open daily 10 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Closed Dec. 25. Free admission. Group tours by appointment; call (202) 275-1693. Metro: Farragut West.

Arthur M Sackler Gallery (1.8 mi)
1050 Independence Avenue, SW
Washington, D.C. 20013-7012
202.633.4880
The Arthur M. Sackler Gallery is a museum known for it wide-ranging exploration of Asian art and culture through innovative exhibitions. In front of the Sackler Gallery is a hand-painted truck from Pakistan, that was at the 2002 Smithsonian Folklife Festival and is now a temporary exhibit.

United States Holocaust Memorial Museum (1.4 mi)
100 Raoul Wallenberg Place, SW
Washington, DC 20024-2126
(202) 488-0400
The United States Holocaust Memorial Museum is America's national institution for the documentation, study, and interpretation of Holocaust history, and serves as this country's memorial to the millions of people murdered during the Holocaust. Museum has gift shop, visitor's center and café.

Cultural Centers

John F Kennedy Center (1.5 mi)
2700 F Street NW
Washington, DC 20566
Tickets and Information: 800-444-1324 or 202-467-4600
Admin. Offices: 202-416-8000
The John F. Kennedy Center for performing arts is a haven for dance, theater, concerts and other such activities. Two months after President Kennedy's assassination, Congress designated the National Cultural Center as a living memorial to Kennedy, and authorized $23 million to help build the arts center.
Free guided tours are offered daily from 10am-5pm Monday-friday, and 10am-1pm Saturdays and Sundays.

MCI Center (1.5 mi)
601 F St., NW
Washington DC 20005
Phone: (202) 628-3200
Fax: (202) 661-5067
An interactive mix of sports entertainment, sports history and sports retail, the new destination MCI Center Experience one of the newest attractions in Washington, DC-. The home of Washington's NBA's Wizards, NHL's Capitals, WNBA's Mystics and the Georgetown Hoyas..

Gardens and Parks

Washington, DC Parks
West and East Potomac parks, their 720 riverside acres divided by the Tidal Basin, are most famous for their spring display of cherry blossoms and all the hoopla that goes with it.

West Potomac Park encompasses Constitution Gardens; the Vietnam, Korean, Lincoln, Jefferson, and FDR memorials; a small island where ducks live; and the Reflecting Pool (see section 2 of this chapter for full listings of the memorials). It has 1,628 trees bordering the Tidal Basin, some of them Akebonos with delicate pink blossoms, but most Yoshinos with white, cloudlike flower clusters

East Potomac Park has 1,681 cherry trees in 11 varieties. The park also has picnic grounds, tennis courts, three golf courses, a large swimming pool, and biking and hiking paths by the water.

Created in 1890, Rock Creek Park, purchased by Congress for its "pleasant valleys, primeval forests and open fields, its running waters, tranquility, its light and shade, its, its beautiful and extensive views," is a 1,750-acre valley within the District of Columbia. One of the biggest parks in the nation, parts of Rock Creek are still wild.

Rock Creek Nature Center and Planetarium
5200 Glover Rd. NW
202/426-6829
Open Wednesday through Sunday from 9am to 5pm
The Nature Center and Planetarium itself is the scene of numerous activities, including weekend planetarium shows for kids (minimum age 4) and adults; nature films; crafts demonstrations; live animal demonstrations; guided nature walks; plus a daily mix of lectures, films, and other events.

Not far from the Nature Center is Fort DeRussey, one of 68 fortifications erected to defend the city of Washington during the Civil War. At Tilden Street and Beach Drive, you can see a water-powered 19th-century gristmill grinding corn and wheat into flour It's called Peirce Mill, and it's open to visitors Wednesday through Sunday from noon to 4pm. Poetry readings and workshops are held during the summer at Miller's Cabin, the one-time residence of poet Joaquin Miller. There's convenient free parking throughout the park.

One of the great joys of living in Washington is the C&O Canal and its unspoiled 184 1/2-mile towpath. You leave urban cares and stresses behind while hiking, strolling, jogging, cycling, or boating in this lush, natural setting of ancient oaks and red maples, giant sycamores, willows, and wildflowers.

Fletcher's Boat House, which is about 3.2 miles out of Georgetown and is a good place to rent bikes or boats or to purchase bait, tackle, and a fishing license. If you hike 14 miles, you'll reach Great Falls, a point where the Potomac becomes a stunning waterfall plunging 76 feet. Or drive to Great Falls Park on the Virginia side of the Potomac. Or maybe you'd enjoy the more relaxed mule-drawn 19th-century canal boat trip led by Park Service rangers in period dress.

Enid A. Haupt Garden
10th St. and Independence Ave. SW202
202- 57-2700
This stunning garden, named after its donor hosts elaborate flower beds, 1870's cast-iron furninshings, turn of the century urns, and 19th century lampposts. Don't let the garden's ground level fool you, you are actually on the roof of the sub-ground Sackler Gallery. The Island Garden near the Sackler Gallery, entered via a 9-foot moon gate, has benches shaded by weeping cherry trees. A Fountain Garden outside the African Art Museum provides shade by hawthorn trees.
Free admission Closed Dec 25 Late May-Aug daily 7am-8pm; Sept to mid-May daily 7am-5:45pm

Brookside Botanical Gardens (11.5 mi)
1800 Glenallan Ave.
Wheaton MD 20902
(301) 962-1400
The botanical gardens are splayed over 50-acres featuring formal and informal gardens and two indoor conservatories with lush tropical plants and changing seasonal displays. Gardening programs for adults and children. Gift shops and special events year round.

Patuxent Research Refuge (18.6 mi)
Patuxent Research Refuge is one of over 500 refuges in the National Wildlife Refuge System administered by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. The National Wildlife Refuge System is a network of lands and waters specifically for the protection of wildlife and wildlife habitat and represents the most comprehensive wildlife management program in the world. Units of the system stretch across the United States from northern Alaska to the Florida Keys and include small islands in the Caribbean and South Pacific. The character of refuges is as diverse as the nation itself. The National Wildlife Visitor Center and North Tract are the only areas open for visitor activities.

National Wildlife Visitor Center
10901 Scarlet Tanager Loop
Laurel MD 20708-4027
Phone: (301) 497-5760
The National Wildlife Visitor Center is one of the largest science and environmental education centers operated by the U.S. Department of the Interior. This unique facility seeks to impart to young and old alike an increased knowledge of and appreciation for the earth's vital resources. It highlights the work of those who strive to improve the condition of wildlife and their habitats.
The Visitor Center is Open daily from 10:00 am.- 5:30 PM. National Wildlife Visitor Center

United States National Arboretum 3501 New York Ave. NE 202-245-2726 The Arboretum is a must-see for all horticulturalists. Its 9 1/2 miles of paved roads meander through 444 hilly acres of azaleas, magnolias, hollies, dwarf conifers, and boxwoods. One the many highlights, next to the Japanese Garden, is the National Bonsai and Penjing Museum, which includes a bicentennial gift from Japan of 53 beautiful miniature trees, some of them more than 3 centuries old. Other highlights are the Herb Garden, the historic rose garden (150 old-fashioned fragrant varieties) and 10 specialty gardens including the American Friendship Garden and the Asian Collections. Check out the new monthly moonlit tour, a strenuous 5-mile hike through the Arboretum grounds as you make your way by the light of the full moon. These tours have proven popular, so reserve in advance (tel. 202/245-4521). Open Daily 8am-5pm; bonsai collection 10am-3:30pm. 40-min. open-air tram tour Apr-Oct Sat-Sun 10:30 (may be presold to groups) and 11:30am, 1, 2, 3, and 4pm

Theodore Roosevelt Island
Theodore Roosevelt Island
George Washington Memorial Parkway
c/o Turkey Run Park,
McLean, VA 22101
703/289-2500.
A serene 91-acre wilderness preserve, Theodore Roosevelt Island is a memorial to the nation's 26th president, in recognition of his contributions to conservation. The island is a preserve of swamp, marsh, and upland forest that's a haven for rabbits, chipmunks, great owls, fox, muskrat, turtles, and groundhogs. Observe flora and fauna in their natural environs on 2 1/2 miles of foot trails. Statue of Roosevelt and read about conservation philosophy.

Visitor Centers
Great Falls Tavern Visitor Center
11710 MacArthur Blvd.,
Potomac, MD
301/299-3613

Georgetown Information Center
1057 Thomas Jefferson St. NW
202/653-5190

Great Falls Park (22.5 mi)
9200 Old Dominion Dr.
Great Falls VA 22066
(703) 285-2965
Park open dawn to dusk. Visitor center open 10 a.m.-5 p.m. daily.

National Aquarium (38.8 mi)
501 East Pratt Street
Baltimore, MD 21202
410-576-3800
The National Aquarium in Baltimore, the greatest attraction in Baltimore's celebrated Inner Harbor, shows that the city really knows how to show off its water stars. Visitors soon find themselves eye-to-eye with sharks, rays, and other very large creatures. A simulated rainforest ecosystem, and regularly scheduled dolphin shows round out the attractions.
Admission is high, and the wait can be long, but both are worth it.

Marriott Ranch (67.9 mi)
5305 Marriott Ln.
Hume VA 22639
(540) 364-2627
Beautiful 4,200-acre working cattle ranch, 1 hour from Washington, DC in Blue Ridge setting; 15 minutes from Shenandoah National Park. Trail rides, entertainment and Chuckwagon Dinner Theater. (Available only for groups by prior arrangments).
Open Tuesday-Sunday. Trail rides: 10 a.m., noon, 2 p.m. (minimum riding age is 10); reservations required. Admission: Tuesday-Friday $25, Saturday-Sunday $27.50. Groups receive $2.50 discount (minimum 5 people).

Family Travel

The Top Attractions For Kids

Folger Shakespeare Library: A huge library with lots of books, readings and fun stuff for kids

Arthur M Sackler Gallery: Show your kids a taste of the East with wide-ranging exhibitions in Asian Art and Culture.

Federal Bureau of Investigation: Gangster memorabilia, crime-solving methods, espionage devices, and a sharp-shooting demonstration.

Bureau of Engraving & Printing: Kids enjoy looking at immense piles of money as much as adults do.

Capital Children's Museum: Features more than 30,000 sq. ft. of hands-on interactive exhibits focusing on culture, the arts and sciences. Families can explore the art of animation, wear lab coats to do science experiments in a real chemistry lab, drive an authentic Metro bus, climb an ancient Mayan pyramid or discover the origins of hot chocolate. Ideal for children ages 2-12.

Corcoran Gallery of Art: DC's oldest art museum features French impressionist art, Dutch and Flemish masterpieces, and Post-impressionists and American art from colonial times to the present. Open their eyes to the masters.

National Zoological Park: Kids always love a zoo, especially one with Pandas!

Ford's Theatre & Lincoln Museum and The House Where Lincoln Died: Booth's gun and diary, the clothes Lincoln was wearing the night he was assassinated, and other such gruesome artifacts.

Lincoln Memorial: Kids know a lot about Lincoln and enjoy visiting his memorial. A special treat is visiting after dark (the same suggestion for the Washington Monument and Jefferson Memorial).

Navy Museum: Features the foremast fighting top from the USS Constitution, the bathyscaphe Trieste, ship models, medals, uniforms, photographs and fine art. Hands-on and great for kids: Including working submarine periscopes and WWII gun mounts.

National Air & Space Museum: Spectacular IMAX films, planetarium shows, missiles, rockets, and a walk-through orbital workshop.

National Museum of Natural History: A Discovery Room just for youngsters, an insect zoo, shrunken heads, dinosaurs, and the new IMAX theater showing 2-D and 3-D films.

National Museum of American History: The butterfly garden, locomotives, Archie Bunker's chair, and an old-fashioned ice-cream parlor.

Newseum: Kids can ham it up as an ace news reporter, then take home the videotaped performance to show their friends.

The Phillips Collection: America's first museum of modern art features works by Cezanne, Diebenkorn, Dove, Eakins, Klee, Manet, Matisse, O'Keeffe and more. Lots to looks at.

Washington Monument: Easy to get them up there, hard to get them down.

Washington Dolls' House & Toy Museum: Featuring doll's houses, dolls, toys and games. Offers Birthday parties in the Edwardian Room.

Six Flags Amusement Park (15.7 mi)
13710 Central Ave.
Mitchellville, MD 20721
301-249-1500
Six Flags America features more than 100 thrilling rides, shows and attractions! Headlined by eight fun and furious roller coasters, the park also features live Hollywood-style shows plus a huge water park, Paradise Island, filled with more than a million gallons of splashin' action.

Sports & Recreation

Rock Creek Park Horse Centre
5100 Glover Rd., NW
Washington DC 20015
Phone: (202) 362-0117

Thompson Boat Center
2900 Virginia Ave. NW
Washington DC 20037
(202) 333-9543
1-800-654-6308
Canoes, rowing shells and kayaks for rent, April-October, 6 a.m. - 8 p.m. daily. Lessons available. Also, all-terrain and cruiser bike rentals.

Tidal Basin Pedal Boats
Ohio Dr. & Tidal Basin, NW
Washington DC 20242
(202) 484-0206
Enjoy this unique activity in the shadow of the Jefferson Memorial. Individual and group rentals available, March-September, 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. daily.

Washington Sailing Marina
1 Marina Dr.
Alexandria VA 22314
(703) 548-9027
Sunfish, Windsurfers and Daysailers for rent, April-October, 9 a.m. - 6 p.m. daily. Lessons available. Also, all-terrain and 15-speed bike rentals.

West Potomac Park Paddle Boats
15th St. & Maine Ave. SW
Washington DC 20024
(202) 479-2426
Enjoy paddle boating March-September on the beautiful Tidal Basin. Boat rental daily 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.

Wolf Trap National Park for the Performing Arts
1624 Trap Rd.
Vienna VA 22182
(703) 255-1900
Wolf Trap presents a broad spectrum of performing arts programs, including pop, classical, country, dance, jazz and blues, year-round at both its beautiful national park setting and it's smaller, more intimate indoor venue.

Woodlawn Plantation
9000 Richmond Hwy.
Alexandria VA 22121
(703) 780-4000
Woodlawn was the home of Eleanor Custis Lewis, granddaughter of Martha Washington who married George Washington's nephew. A beautiful example of Federal-Era architecture built in 1805. Open Mar.-Dec., 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. Closed Jan.- Feb.

Rock Creek Tennis Center
16th & Kennedy Sts., NW
Washington DC 20011
(202) 722-5949
A tennis facility operated by Guest Services, Inc. and authorized for concession by the National Park Service.
Golfing:

Atlantic Canoe and Kayak 1201 North Royal St. Alexandria VA 22314 (703) 838-9072 1-800-297-0066 Guided quiet water tours. From historic Georgetown to wildlife-filled bays of the Eastern Shore. Sunset, moonlight, half/full days, overnight trips. Custom trips up to 60 people. Team building, retreats, waterfront restaurants, catering.

Golf

The Courses At Andrews AFB
4442 Perimeter Rd.
AAFB MD 20762
(301) 981-4404
A new level of golf enjoyment. A 3 course, 54 hole golf facility in close proximity to the Washington Metro area. Andrews AFB offers 3 courses, putting greens, practice range, spacious clubhouse, big banquet areas, golf-shop and cart rentals. An excellent complex to host outings, ice breakers, receptions, etc.

Dulles Golf Center & Sports Park, LLC
21593 Jesse Ct.
Dulles VA 20166
(703) 404-8800
Team, group and corporate picnics, picnic tables, tents and pavillions. Catering available offering beer and wine. Golf range, miniature golf, batting cages, beach volleyball, basketball and horseshoes.

American Golf Corporation
11875 Sunrise Valley Rd.
Reston VA 22091
(703) 620-2470
American Golf, the worlds largest golf course management company has three outstanding courses in the Washington Metro area; Takes reservation for three Golf Clubs, Reston National, Virginia Oaks and Bristow Manor.

East Potomac Park Golf Course and Driving Range
Ohio Dr. @ Hains Point
Washington DC
(202) 554-7660
(18 holes; 6600 yards; 72 par; 3.0 miles away) Also offering miniature golf, call: (202) 488-8087.

Cross Creek Golf Club
4701 Bay Hill Drive
Beltsville MD 20705
301-595-8901
Cross Creek Golf Club is the latest gem from the Ault, Clark design team. Cross Creek is an upsale public facility with bentgrass tees, greens and fairways. This wooded 18 hole championship course, with Little Paint Branch Creek meandering through the course, several drastic elevation changes and rock outcroppings on several holes is a must play for golfers in the mid-atlantic region. Cross Creek is conveniently located off 1-95, just two miles north of the Capitol Beltway.

Langston Golf Course and Driving Range
(18 holes; 6200 yards; 72 par; 3.0 miles away)

Rock Creek Golf Course
Rock Creek Park
1600 Rittenhouse St., NW
Washington DC 20011
(202) 882-7332
(18 holes; 5000 yards; 65 par; 3.0 miles away)

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