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The following reviews give you the lowdown on the best memorials, galleries, political attractions, and so on.
The best attractions
Don't miss these on your trip to D.C.
- Best memorial: The Thomas Jefferson Memorial wins because of its idyllic setting on the Tidal Basin, its gorgeous views of cherry trees and other Washington landmarks, its suggestion of Tom's home of Monticello, and the inspiring words engraved around the rotunda. The Abraham Lincoln Memorial is a close runner-up, however, for similar reasons. The view from the top of the memorial's steps is a breathtaking sweep of the entire National Mall to the Capitol dome, Lincoln's words are engraved on the walls, and this was the site of many historical events, including Martin Luther King, Jr.'s, "I Have a Dream" speech.
- Best art galleries: The National Gallery of Art is one of the world's great art museums, and it keeps getting better. But the top spot in Washington at this moment has to go to the American Art Museum and the National Portrait Gallery, which share the Old Patent Office Building in Penn Quarter. Reopened in mid-2006 after a six-year renovation, the galleries' art and venue both will wow you.
- Best spot to be emotionally moved: More than a reminder of Nazi atrocities, the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum also conducts memorable programs about genocide. At Arlington National Cemetery, the endless rows of plain white grave markers tug at your heart, silently proclaiming the sacrifice of America's military men and women. Emotions at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial flow from the constant presence of veterans and friends and relatives of the dead, who search out specific names on the black granite wall.
- Best government building: The surroundings might be a mess because of construction of an underground visitor center and ugly, stop-gap security barricades, but the Capitol remains Washington's preeminent building. The dome is the number-one symbol of American democracy. And the interior is a fascinating mix of the American democratic spirit and ornate old European decoration. Construction should be done sometime in 2007 or early 2008, but don't bet your tax refund on it.
The best free shows
Unlike the famous cherry trees, Washington's cultural scene knows no particular season and blooms year-round.
- Best free classical music: You just can't top the National Symphony 's free summer concerts at the Carter Barron Amphitheater in Rock Creek Park and on the Capitol's west lawn.
- Best free play: You can equal the National Symphony's excellence with the Shakespeare Theatre's summer performances, also at Carter Barron.
- Best free military music: The Army, Navy, Marine Corps, and Air Force bands present military concerts — where else? — at Carter Barron and outside the Capitol.
- Best free who-knows-what: In the Kennedy Center 's Grand Foyer, the Millennium Stage presents free performances every day at 6 p.m. Performers range from storytellers to headliners such as Bobby McFerrin or the Pointer Sisters.
The best stuff for kids
These attractions are sure to amuse the wee ones:
- Best animals: With 2,400 animals on 163 acres of land, the National Zoological Park — better known as the National Zoo — can keep kids hopping till they run out of juice.
- Best things to touch that you wouldn't think you'd want to touch: Children squeal with delight and parents feel a bit squeamish at the National Museum of Natural History 's insect zoo.
- Best printed products: You wouldn't think the National Postal Museum would be a big hit with the small set, but the little museum's interactive exhibits have made it a children's favorite. Kids also like to tour the Bureau of Engraving and Printing .
- Best flying objects: Because kids love things that go zoom, the National Air and Space Museum is must-see for families.
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