Looking for the must see's in Washington DC

[SezzySue]

DH and I will be flying to DC in August for the first time ever. So, there are the obvious must see's like the Washington Monument, Arlington Cemetery (We are both veterans), Lincoln Memorial, and the capital building. DH doesn't think we can get close enough to photograph the white house, but we will have to wait and see. Any other must sees?

[moeronn]

You should be able to get close enough to photograph the white house. For the Capitol Building, I suggest contacting your local congress-person to reserve a tour. On our trip that was probably the highlight of the area.

There are also all of the Smithsonian museums. Regardless of what branch you two served in, you would probably enjoy both of the Air and Space museums.

If you have time (we didn't), I hear the National Cathedral is worth seeing.

BTW, this should probably be in the "Talk" section.

[SezzySue]

Thank you, and sorry about that.

[semi-fly]

They put up a protective gate in front of the White House nearest the large Christmas tree across from the other monuments. If you a decent camera and lens you shouldn't have a problem getting some nice shots.

The Smithsonian Museums will more than likely take more than a day to see regardless of their proximity. There are several art galleries in the area as well, while art may not be your think I'd suggest popping in.

If you want to see the National Archive it would be wise to go prior to them opening, then line for whatever reason gets relatively long in a short period of time.

You may want to check out Chinatown on 9th street but to be honest there isn't a great deal to see in Chinatown (only movie theatre in the area is there) there is a mixture of Chinese restaurants and shops but it seems American shops are taking over.

Make sure you take a nice pair of walking shoes your feet will thank you.

[BmanH]

If you're into photographing animals there is also the National Zoo. It's one of the few zoos in the US that have Giant Pandas and best of all it is FREE! As for the White House, when I was there last year I took this photo from the protective gate semi-fly mentioned.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3603/4566509713_20288b075a.jpg

It was shot at 55mm focal length on my 40D. I poked my lens through the fence. If you have a telephoto you can definitely get a closer shot.

[vinnie6756]

If you are any kind of history buff, I suggest that you make a special trip to the Holocaust Museum. It is a very compelling and heart touching trip through the life of the "Ghetto" and it really brings to life the suffering and anguish the Jewish people endured during the war. There is also the FDR memorial, The Bureau of Engraving, and "The Wall".

[Rsuslow]

I can't think of any must sees that have not been mentioned.

But I can suggest one thing.

Pull out the camera at dusk. I got some AMAZING shots of the Washington Monument at night. As well as the WWII monument.

[shsabres]

You will have fun, I live here. The National Zoo is nice but have gone a few times and the animals are difficult to see, I took the wife a few weeks ago and saw like three animals all day. The Air and Space museum is really nice too. Any questions just lmk.