visiting DC--questions...?

All of the museums on the Mall are free. That's a lot to see in a couple of days. If you have more time, head uptown to the National Cathedral. It's the sixth largest in the world.

The National Zoo is free. The lines are long for the White House and the Washington Monument. Skip them. The Capitol is wonderful but nearly impossible to enter. But right next to it is the Botanical Gardens, free.

I don't think the White House will be decorated by then, but I could be wrong.

You can check the White Houses website for info. on holiday decorating. We went to DC a few years ago, it is a wonderful place to go, with LOTS of great things to see and do. Check out the Smithsonians website and see which museums you and your family would find most interesting. They are all free to get in, and you can spend hours looking! I HIGHLY recommend the National Zoo, which is also free. If you want to go into the Capitol or Washington Monument you need tickets. The tickets are free, but you will either have to get there early enough to get in line for the Monument tickets (by 7am) or you can order them online in advance for around $1 each for the handling fee. The Capitol tour tickets I was able to print online at home. To go in the White House also requires tickets now, which I have seen that you need to request from your State Representative at least 6 months in advance. But you may get lucky if you try this close to your trip, you never know. The bureau of Engraving and printing is also very interesting. You learn all about money and get to see it being printed. Tickets are also required for that too, but they are also free, and shouldnt be too hard to get. My list of things not to miss, esp. if it`s a first trip:

1. Walk the National Mall, from the Capitol to the Lincoln Memorial (free)

2. Visit the Vietnam Memorial Wall (Free)

3.Visit the White House (Even if you dont have tickets, just see the outside)

4.Visit the National Museum of Natural History, American History Museum, Bureau of Engraving and Printing, Washington Monument, National Zoo, Air and Space Museum (Dulles Airport is the better one to visit I thought)

5. Visit Arlington National Cemetery, while there see the Changing of the Guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, visit John F. Kennedys grave site, the eternal flame

A good place that is close to the National Mall to grab a bite to eat is in the Old Post Office building, there is a food court inside. There is also a glass elevator that you can take to the top and have great views of the city. It is located behind the Natural History and American History museums and a few blocks down, maybe a 5 minute walk.

Take the subway! There is not alot of parking available, and when there is you will pay dearly. Parking at the zoo when we were there was almost $20. You can get a subway pass and ride all day for less than $10. And there are stations everywhere so it is very convenient! The stations are clean and safe, and it`s easy to get the hang of the routes and stations.