What To Do in DC in the Winter
Most people visit DC in the spring or summer, not winter. During the off-peak season, the Mall's main Smithsonian museums are much less crowded. For those who have been here before, and even for those who have not, we include below some suggestions for winter-friendly activities.Organized Excursions
Pentagon Tour
Friday, 13 January at 3 PM ("1500" in military time)
It's much more than Jay's office building; its hallways are a living museum. Building security procedures require all guests to pre-register in advance. You MUST RSVP for this event by emailing bride@jayandleanne.com with the full legal names (first and last) of each guest who will attend, no later than Monday 9 January 5 PM Eastern. We regret that non-US citizens are unable to attend. More information about required forms of identification and tour restrictions will be sent to those who RSVP.
The Pentagon on Wikipedia
Metro: Pentagon
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Library of Congress Tour
Friday, 13 January at 1 PM
Visit one of America's least-known but most amazing national treasures. On this guided tour, you'll see Jefferson's personal library collection, a Gutenberg Bible, a Shakespeare Folio, the Main Reading Room, impressive architecture, and other really cool things. Check out the rotating exhibits in the hallways, too. RSVP is requested by Wednesday 11 January 5 PM Eastern; email bride@jayandleanne.com with names. More details will be provided to those who RSVP.
Library of Congress
Metro: Capitol South
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Some Off-the-Beaten-Path Suggestions
Newseum
$20 for two-day ticket
One of our favorites, featuring interactive exhibits about news, communication, history, and the First Amendment. Try your hand at being a newscaster, catch a short film about wartime news coverage, or explore revolutionary books through a digital display.
www.newseum.org
Metro: Archives/Navy Memorial
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Library of Congress
Free
One of America's least-known but most amazing national treasures. See Jefferson's personal library collection, a Gutenberg Bible, a Shakespeare Folio, impressive architecture, and other really cool things. Check out the rotating exhibits in the hallways, too.
www.loc.gov
Metro: Capitol South
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United States Botanical Garden
Free
Did you even know we had a national botanical garden on the Mall? It is located on the south edge of the Capitol grounds, where it was originally designed as a facility to host social functions for visiting European dignitaries. Take a guided tour on your cell phone by calling 202-730-9303, or pick up some of their great Junior Botanist or Family Guide materials on-site.
www.usbg.gov
Metro: Capitol South
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Kennedy Center
Free
Our nation's home for the performing arts. The Kennedy Center is one of the most amazing venues - and amazing views! - in town. Free tours depart every 10 minutes from the Tour Desk on the A level, weekdays from 10 AM - 5 PM and weekends from 10 AM - 1 PM. Don't miss the free concerts offered each day at 6 PM on the Millennium Stage.
www.kennedy-center.org
Metro: Foggy Bottom/GWU
then take free shuttle or 5 min walk to Center
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then take free shuttle or 5 min walk to Center
National Gallery of Art
Free
The National Gallery houses an amazing collection of classical, traditional, and contemporary art, and no visit to DC is complete without having toured its collection. Don't know much about art? No problem. Free guided tours are offered several times a day; in the off-season, groups are small and the guides are amazing. Even an art novice will feel comfortable. Handheld personal audio devices (free) are also available in each building with recorded commentary on highlights from the collection. The Cascades Cafe (concourse level) is also a great place to stop for lunch during a busy day.
www.nga.gov
Metro: Archives/Navy Memorial
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