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Frommer's Favorite Experiences

by Frommers Travel Guides
  • Watch the Supreme Court in Action: Only in Washington can one watch and listen to the country's nine foremost legal experts nimbly and intensely dissect the merits of both sides of an argument, whose decisions can affect profoundly both a person and the nation. Think of the Supreme Court justices as a team representing the U.S. Constitution, and only in their chamber do you get to see them play.

  • View Washington Landmarks by Moonlight: A must. There is nothing as spectacular as seeing the Lincoln Memorial illuminated at night, unless it's the sight of the White House, the Capitol, or the Washington Monument lit up after dark. Go by bus on Tourmobile or by bike via the Bike the Sites service; both operations offer narrated day- and nighttime tours.

  • Visit Your Senator or Member of Congress: Take advantage of your constituent status and stop by your senator's and/or representative's office in the Capitol to offer your two cents on current issues. Pick up passes to the Capitol's Senate and House chambers and attend a session to observe your elected politicians at work. Try to tour the Capitol while you're here.

  • Bicycle past the Potomac River and Around the Tidal Basin: Rent a bike and ride the paved bike/walking path that extends 11 miles from the Lincoln Memorial to the Maryland border (through Rock Creek Park). Or head the other direction from the Lincoln Memorial, following the combination of street, sidewalk, and pathway that encircles the cherry tree-rimmed Tidal Basin. The Potomac River, Rock Creek, and spectacular Washington sites are on either side of you as you make your way. For a really long bike ride, follow the pathway past the Lincoln Memorial, cross the Arlington Memorial Bridge to the trail on the other side, and pedal the 19 miles to Mount Vernon.

  • Order Drinks on the Sky Terrace of the Hotel Washington: Posher bars exist, but none with this view. The experience is almost a cliche in Washington: When spring arrives, make a date to sit on this outdoor rooftop terrace, sip a gin and tonic, and gaze at the panoramic view of the White House, the Treasury Building, the Jefferson Memorial, and more.

Washington Travel Experiences

Traveler Photos of Washington

inside lincoln memorial The White House! Great view down to the Washington monument from Lincoln steps view from lincoln memorial
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