Washington, D.C. Travel time from Newark, DE to Washington, D.C. approximately 2 hours Arriving in Washington, D.C. – In the morning, the bus will drop us off at the Smithsonian Institution Building (The Castle) which is located on our National Mall. This building is the home of the Smithsonian Museums. You will be able to find more complete maps and additional information about our national museums and monuments here. From this location, you can explore Washington, D.C. in whatever direction you'd like. HINT: take a photo of the bus and the castle Departing from Washington, D.C. Return to the Smithsonian Castle at 5:15 p.m. for the return trip home. The BUS WILL LEAVE PROMPTLY AT 5:30 p.m. Note: The National Mall stretches across approximately 2 miles (3.21km); wear comfortable walking shoes!
PLACES TO VISIT ~ MUSEUMS
The Smithsonian Institution— 1100 Jefferson Drive SW -- the world’s largest museum and research complex—includes 19 museums and galleries and the National Zoological Park. Most Smithsonian museums and the National Zoo are free and open every day of the year except December 25.(the website has a mobile phone app) http://www.si.edu/
National Air and Space Museum –Independence Ave at 6th Street, SW http://airandspace.si.edu/
National Museum of Natural History - 10th St. & Constitution Ave. NW http://www.mnh.si.edu/visit/
National Gallery of Art - on the National Mall between 3rd and 9th Streets NW along Constitution Avenue NW. One of the world’s greatest art museums is comprised of two buildings: one holds paintings from the 13th through 18th centuries, the other exhibits modern art. http://www.nga.gov/content/ngaweb.html
National Museum of the American Indian on the National Mall between the Smithsonian’s National Air & Space Museum and the U.S. Capitol Building. – one of the most unique and beautiful buildings on the National Mall, the NMAI showcases the culture and history of thousands of tribal and indigenous groups and is the most comprehensive museum for, by and about American Indians. http://nmai.si.edu/home/
U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum on the National Mall, just south of Independence Avenue, SW, between 14th Street and Raoul Wallenberg Place (15th Street) http://www.ushmm.org/ Free admission - no passes required during off season Sept. through Feb.
National Archives Museum Constitution Ave NW between 8th and 9th Sts. Home of the original Declaration of Independence, U.S. Constitution and Bill of Rights which are housed in the Rotunda for the Charters of Freedom http://www.archives.gov/nae/visit/
National Museum of American History Constitution Ave NW at 14th St Home of exhibits and artifacts related to major themes in American history and culture from the War of Independence to present day. http://americanhistory.si.edu/
National Museum of African-American History and Culture – 1400 Constitution Ave, NW (near the Washington Monument) this is the newest museum on the National Mall; this is the only national museum which is exclusively devoted to the history, culture and life of African Americans. Admission is free but only with TIMED ENTRY PASSES which are available online http://www.etix.com/ticket/v/11570/national-museum-of-african-american-history-culture-same-day?displayType=list https://nmaahc.si.edu/
The museum cafés are the most convenient places to eat lunch. The café at the Museum of the American Indian serves authentic Native American food.
U.S.GOVERNMENT
One of the most familiar landmarks in Washington, D.C. is the U.S. Capitol Building U.S. Capitol http://www.visitthecapitol.gov/ http://dc.about.com/od/washingtondcmuseums/a/CapVisitCtr.htm ;
The White House – 1600 Pennsylvania Ave – http://www.whitehouse.gov/ One of America’s most recognizable historical and political symbols is also the home and office of the President of the U.S. The White House is at the opposite end of the National Mall from the U.S. Capitol Building. It is open to the public only by prearranged tour.
The Library of Congress - 10 First Street, SE http://www.loc.gov/visit/hours/ Experience the world’s largest collection of knowledge, culture, and creativity at the Library of Congress in Washington, DC. The Library is open to all visitors. Come take a tour, visit our fascinating exhibitions, and enjoy activities for kids and families – all free!
MONUMENTS
The Washington Monument – Directly south of the White House at 15th St and Constitution Ave NW http://www.nps.gov/wamo/index.htm unfortunately the Washington Monument is still closed and under repair due to earthquake damage in 2011. It is still a striking photo opportunity; 555 ft high classical obelisk
The Lincoln Memorial - http://www.nps.gov/linc/index.htm is part of the National Mall and Memorial Parks in West Potomac Park ; western end of the National Mall; honors President Abraham Lincoln and his leadership during the U.S. Civil War. From the top of the stairs is one of the most awesome views of Washington, D.C.; also the site of the 1963 “I Have a Dream” speech of Martin Luther King, Jr.
Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial http://www.nps.gov/mlkm/index.htm ( between the FDR Memorial and the Lincolm Memorial) honors the U.S. leader who peacefully broke boundaries of intolerance and national borders as he became a symbol recognized internationally in the quest for civil rights for all the citizens of the world.
Vietnam Veterans’ Memorial - http://www.nps.gov/vive/index.htm - across from the Lincoln Memorial – East of Henry Bacon Dr between 21st and 22nd Sts NW - honors the men and women who served in the controversial Vietnam War; chronologically lists the names of more than 58,000 Americans who gave their livew in service to their country.
The Jefferson Memorial – located on the Tidal Basin http://www.nps.gov/thje/index.htm honors the author of the Declaration of Independence, President, Stateman and Visionary for the founding of the Nation.
Artlington National Cemetery - http://www.arlingtoncemetery.mil/ President John F. Kennedy’s grave is marked with an eternal flame; at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, military guard is changed every hour on the hour in an elaborate and impressive ceremony. +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++Getting Around in Washington D.C. The Circulator Bus http://www.dccirculator.com/ is a GREAT way to get around Washington, D.C. a ride costs only $1 and buses arrive 10 minutes The Washington Metro, http://wmata.com/, the regional subway system, provides clean, safe and reliable transportation to almost all of the major attractions in Washington, DC - Fares range from $1.70 to $5.75 depending on your destination and the time of day. Fares are higher during rush hour from 5:30 to 9:30 a.m. and from 3 to 7 p.m. An all day Metro pass is available for $14. The fare is automatically deducted from your card when you exit the gates. You can keep reusing the same card and add money to it at the fare card vending machine. +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Other Places to Eat: Old Ebbitt Grill – 675 15th Street (near the White House) http://www.ebbitt.com/ The Old Ebbitt Grill, Washington's oldest saloon, was founded in 1856 This web page lists restaurants within walking distance of the National Mall. https://dc.eater.com/maps/national-mall-restaurants-visiting-dc