A Top Secret Guide to Washington's Favorite Places
All of the places and web sites on this page have been recommended by undercover Washington Insiders. If you have a hot tip about a Favorite Washington Place, pass it along to , and you'll see it here!
Copyright © National Capital Trolley Museum
National Capital Trolley Museum
If you like public transportation, you'll love the National Capital Trolley Museum. You can hop on a vintage street car for a ride for $4.00, browse and shop in the museum shop, and rest your tired square dance calves in the picnic grove. Hours: Thursdays and Fridays: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. (first trolley ride leaves at 10:30 a.m.). Saturdays and Sundays: Noon to 5 p.m. (first trolley ride leaves at 12:30 p.m.).
Courtesy of National Botanic Garden
United States Botanic Garden
Flowers? There's more than cherry blossoms in the spring. The United States Government invites you to watch your tax dollars grow at the United States Botanic Garden. The garden is open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. every day. You'll defintely want to put this on your list of things to do.
National Cherry Blossom Festival
You'll be arriving in town during the National Cherry Blossom Festival. Head off to the Tidal Basin and view the blossoms and the crowds. Take the Metro to Smithsonian Station, and follow the throngs from there. You can't miss 'em! The Festival has lots of activities, so check out the Festival Web Site for things to do. Bring your camera!
Courtesy of
Washington National Cathedral
Washington National Cathedral
Visit a Washington landmark, right in the neighborhood, the Washington National Cathedral. This magnificent gothic church soars above the city, a triumphal symbol of an enduring faith. See it during Holy Week for an unforgettable spiritual experience. Insiders' tip: Be sure to visit the Chapel of the Good Shepherd, a very intimate, spiritual space. Enjoy the bounty of spring in the Bishop's Garden.
National Museum of Crime & Punishment
One of Washington's newest museums, the National Museum of Crime & Punishment is not the Smithsonian. The museum has lots of interactive exhibits for those of you with a criminal bent, or just curious about bent criminals. The museum recommends that you purchase tickets and reserve visit times online. Tickets are $17.95 with discounts for 60+, military, and law enforcement. Plan your caper today!
Dumbarton Oaks
Dumbarton Oaks offers a museum featuring Byzantine and Pre-Columbian art, as well as beautiful gardens. Admission is $8.00. The museum and gardens are located in Georgetown, another destination that you won't want to miss on your insider's tour of Washington. Dumbarton Oaks offers scholarship and reflection. Georgetown offers trendy shops (bring your plastic) and college students. What a bargain!
Hillwood Museum
Hillwood Museum and Gardens promises that it is "Where Fabulous Lives." It certainly is. Marjorie Merriweather Post had a fabulous house, and planted some fabulous gardens. It being Easter, you'll want to see the Faberge eggs, too. Admission is $12, and you should make plans for your visit before you go to the museum, by calling 202-686-5807 for an advance reservation. You won't be disappointed with Marjorie's square dance dresses, either.
Madame Tussauds Washington DC
Whether they're politicians, sports figures, or movie stars, they are all part of the crowd at Madame Tussauds. The thick-headed ones end up here: in wax. George the Great Communicator is here (the first President AND the last President). So is Hillary (wouldn't that be Swank?). Will Smith, Muhammad Ali, and Brangelina have all been spotted here. For those of you who like wax jobs, this is a must see. Tickets run $19.04 (no kidding!), and you can purchase them online.
Washington Arts and Culture
Want to find out what to do today or tonight? The Cultural Tourism DC web site provides up to date information about what to do in town. You'll never be disappointed with your Washington visit!
Washington Tourism Office
If you simply can't make up your mind, check out the Washington Tourism web site. It has a zillion opportunities for fun in Washington DC, a very capital city!