Unusual or lesser known experiences in Washington DC

In My Humble Opinion
41

I love the Renwick–it’s a much smaller Smithsonian museum so it feel very manageable. I agree with the recommendation of the National Building Museum.

One thing that not a lot of people do: State Department Diplomatic Reception Room tours. You have to set this up in advance, but if you like swanky well-decorated interiors it’s pretty cool. Might not be possible given your timeframe.

Another thing that few tourists seem to get to? The Kreeger museum. Granted it’s not really accessible by public transport, but worth it if you’re an art nut. I think it’s the first time I’ve ever gazed on a Picasso next an open window, feeling the breeze, hearing birds sing.

42

You know, given how diverse the suggestions in this thread and given how much we can differ about things like the Spy Museum and the more well known parts of the Smithsonian, I think that you could do better by buying a guide to D.C. and looking for things that you’re interested in. I know that we like to think of ourselves as off-beat experts that can make better recommendations that any guide book. The fact is though that you can get equally good suggestions from a guide book which will be more diverse that any thread here, however long.

43

However - you have to purchase that SmarTrip card first, which costs 5 dollars.

I don’t recall whether they’re sold in machines or not; we have had ours for some years and purchased them at a walkup window.

44

Oooh - there are bike tours and just plain bike rentals available. Friends of mine did a guided bike tour when they were here a couple months ago.

45

They have them in vending machines in many stations. Here’s a current list: http://www.wmata.com/rider_tools/metro_service_status/advisories.cfm?AID=1172

Supposedly they will have them in all stations by 9/1.

I disliked the Spy Museum. It was a place where I knew pretty much the minute I walked into the first hall that it was going to be lame and boring, but having paid the exorbitant entrance fee, I felt obliged to waste time at least pretending to look at most of the exhibits. Thumbs down on that one. It’s really a personal preference, but my feeling was that it sounded way better than it actually was and was certainly not worth the price. If you’re going to pay for a museum, the Newseum is better.

46

True for adults, but kids love it! The checkpoint Charlie part can be a bit freaky for them - best skip that bit if they are prone to nightmares.

47

Old Town Alexandria also has a rockin’ farmers market on Saturdays (I think). I believe they claim to be the oldest farmer’s market in the US. It’s on a Metro stop, too, with a short walk or free shuttle to the OTA part.

You can get breakfast there (baked goods, fresh OJ, etc.) and then walk around OTA. We took a fascinating tour of an old apothecary there and had the whole place to ourselves. Medical care was brutally fascinating way back when. The docent was so happy to have us visit that we got an extended tour.