Great Views Along DC’s Woodrow Wilson Bridge Trail

The Woodrow Wilson Bridge Trail is a great place for a jog along D.C.’s Capital Beltway. This 3.5 mile paved path crosses the Potomac, linking Prince George’s County, Maryland to Alexandria, Virginia. Bicyclists and runners appreciate that it connects with a network of trails in Northern Virginia and offers spectacular views of Old Town Alexandria, Reagan National Airport and the Potomac River. The trail even offers binocular stations so you can enjoy the view. Many trail users are training for an endurance event, and love the challenge of the spiral climb up to the bridge. Don’t worry about traffic since all sections of the trail are car-free.

Woodrow Wilson Bridge Trail
Interstate 495
Washington, DC 20001
(301) 699-2255
www.pgparks.com/Your_Parks/Trails/Woodrow_Wilson_Bridge_Trail.htm
www.yelp.com/biz/woodrow-wilson-bridge-trail-washington

Get Around Quick with Capital Bikeshare

Have you tried Capital Bikeshare? This bike rental service is a great way to see the sights or run errands. They boast more than 1800 bicycles at over 200 stations throughout D.C., Arlington, and Alexandria.

The rentals are intended for short trips, and one-way trips are fine. You pay a membership fee – either daily, three days, a month, or a year — the annual fee is just $75. You can take as many trips as you like and the first 30 minutes is free, with each additional half hour charged.

It’s a good idea to download their smartphone app before you set out, it lets you check the availability of bikes and open docking stations. Remember to bring your own helmet!

Capital Bikeshare
Washington, DC
(877) 430-2453
www.capitalbikeshare.com
www.yelp.com/biz/capital-bikeshare-washington

Dumbarton Oaks: A Natural Spot in Washington, D.C.

Find peace and solitude in the heart of D.C. at Dumbarton Oaks. This beautiful little botanical garden serves as an oasis away from the hustle of city living. Dumbarton Oaks is perhaps Washington, D.C.’s best kept secret!

Dumbarton Oaks was originally created to allow locals a respite away from the city, and in a sense that is what the garden still offers to all visitors. Contemplate nature in peace while never leaving the city by viewing all the magical scenery Dumbarton Oaks has to offer. In addition to the lush gardens, Dumbarton Oaks also features a museum where you can learn the history of classical art while also viewing beautiful masterpieces.

Visit the Dumbarton Oaks website to learn more about this D.C. garden!

Dumbarton Oaks
1703 32nd Street NW
Washington, DC 20007
(202) 339-6400
http://www.doaks.org/
http://www.yelp.com/biz/dumbarton-oaks-washington

Bowl In Style at Gallery Place’s Lucky Strike

Bowl in style at Washington D.C.’s Lucky Strike. There are 14 lanes with state of the art equipment, including 10 large projection screens so you can catch your favorite sporting event while you bowl.

During the day, Lucky Strike is a family friendly destination. After 8 p.m., it becomes a 21 and over lounge complete with a 50 foot bar. The bar area is a fun place to hang out while you wait for a lane and offers a small snack menu with fried favorites, flatbread pizzas, and a selection of mini burgers and tacos.

Lucky Strike specializes in entertaining large groups such as parties for kids and adults as well as corporate events.

Lucky Strike
701 7th Street NW
Washington, DC 20001
(202) 347-1021
www.bowlluckystrike.com/locations/washington-dc/washington-dc
www.yelp.com/biz/lucky-strike-washington

The Museum of Natural History: Excavating History

D.C.'s Museum of Natural History is a must-see attractions, both for District residents and their out-of-town visitors. Here you'll find everything from interactive animal exhibits to galleries of precious gems. Some exhibits trace the development and migration of the human family; others show off the worlds of other species, like the Museum's "Hall of Mammals." A dinosaur exhibit presents these enormous creatures up-close and in-person, while an exhibit on Ancient Egypt reveals one of the oldest world civilizations. There's so much more to see at the Museum of Natural History, so be sure to wear your walking shoes and plan to spend a few hours browsing through the treasures at this Washington museum.

National Museum of Natural History
10th Street & Constitution Avenue NW
Washington, DC 20560
(202) 633-1000
http://www.mnh.si.edu/
http://www.yelp.com/biz/national-museum-of-natural-history-washington

National Museum of American History: A Top D.C. Museum

Get an intimate view of history at Washington, D.C.'s National Museum of American History. Featuring an array of touchstones, from military and political history to pop culture staples, this museum allows visitors to travel back through time in a sense.

The collections encompass a range of fascinating subject matter. The advertising collection goes through the history of persuasive items meant to entice Americans. The currency collection shows how money has changed America, and how currency itself has changed since the inception of the country. The agriculture exhibit puts the emphasis on the role farmer’s play in our society, while the popular entertainment collection showcases an array of distinctly American personalities who’ve hit it big over the years.

Visit the museum's website to find out more!

National Museum of American History
1400 Constitution Avenue NW
Washington, DC 20004
(202) 357-1300
http://americanhistory.si.edu/
http://www.yelp.com/biz/national-museum-of-american-history-washington

Connect with Nature at the Rock Creek Park Nature Center and Planetarium

Connect with nature at the Rock Creek Park Nature Center and Planetarium, which serves as the visitor center to Rock Creek Park. Visitors of all ages will enjoy the free exhibits on native wildlife, as well as watching turtles and reptiles that now call the center home. The Discovery Room offers interactive environmental education for young children through kids in middle school.

The Nature Center houses a free planetarium that offers both children and adult programming, including a Seasonal Night Sky presentation on the weekend – check their website for times and special features. If you love wishing upon a star, come by for an evening stargazing session once a month in the Spring, Summer and Fall.

Short, self-guided nature trails surround the visitors’ center, but there are over 32 miles of trails throughout the park – many which wind along the shady creek.

Rock Creek Park Nature Center and Planetarium
5200 Glover Road NW
Washington, DC 20015
(202) 895-6070
www.nps.gov/rocr/planyourvisit/naturecenter.htm
www.yelp.com/biz/rock-creek-park-nature-center-washington

Smithsonian American Art Museum: A Top D.C. Art Museum

Lovers of fine art have found a home at the Smithsonian American Art Museum. Focusing primarily on American work, this branch of the Smithsonian features work from many eclectic artists through both permanent collections and rotating exhibits.

With over 7,000 artists represented here the American Art Museum is a like a master class on American artists, from contemporary masters such as the world renowned Christo to the quiet, understated elegance of Edward Hopper. There are also quite a few multimedia presentations, including films, sculpture, and other means of expression. Of course, the beauty and majesty extends beyond the art work housed here.

Be sure to visit the rooftop courtyard for an unbelievable view of the District!

Smithsonian American Art Museum
8th Street & F Street NW
Washington, DC 20560
(202) 357-1300
http://americanart.si.edu/
http://www.yelp.com/biz/smithsonian-american-art-museum-washington

Tudor Place Historic House and Garden: Historic Beauty in Washington, D.C.

Tudor Place is a truly hidden gem of the Washington, D.C. area. Whether you are enamored with its gentle beauty or interested in seeing D.C. through the lens of history, you are sure to be impressed by all Tudor Place has to offer.

The beauty of this stately home emblematizes the gorgeous architectural styles of Washington, D.C.'s historic past. Tudor Place features sweeping archways, floor to ceiling windows offering views of lush gardens, and rich tapestries covering much of the house. You can take “Specials Focus House Tours” that center on one aspect of this stately abode.

Tudor Place is surrounded by majestic gardens, too, which means visitors can enjoy the pleasures of green space together with the experience of this historic home.

Tudor Place Historic House and Garden
1644 31st Street NW
Washington, DC 20007
(202) 965-0400
http://www.tudorplace.org/
http://www.yelp.com/biz/tudor-place-historic-house-and-garden-washington

Library of Congress: The Fount of Knowledge

The creativity and knowledge of the American people can be found at the Library of Congress. If there is a book or recording of great or little note, chances are you'll find it at the Library. In fact, this is the largest library in the world! Founded to be used mostly as a research facility for members of Congress, the Library of Congress is also a first-class research facility for other citizens.

But it’s not a place where you can check out books – oh no, this is a place to view first editions by classic authors such as Twain and Fitzgerald, or modern writers like King. Biographies, fiction, medical, scientific, and pretty much any other book can be found here. And you’ll be blown away by the amazing architecture and interior décor.

The Library of Congress is open Mondays through Saturdays from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Library of Congress
101 Independence Avenue SE
Washington, DC 20540
(202) 707-5000
http://www.yelp.com/biz/library-of-congress-washington-3

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