Surviving DC - Tips for Tourists

It's springtime in Washington, DC. The cherry blossoms and the tourists are in bloom. I'm allergic to at least one of them.

Repairs were completed recently on the
Washington Monument after the DC earthquake.
The scaffolding was still up in this photo.

This is a gorgeous time of year to visit DC. Unfortunately, that means it is insanely crowded as well, so I thought I'd offer a few hints for visitors - some more serious than others.

Those people on the Metro reading the newspaper or staring glumly at their cup of coffee that they aren't allowed to drink? They're commuters going to work. They don't want to be there, but they have no choice and are insufficiently caffeinated. Don't poke or otherwise harass them. It's not nice to torment the animals and they bite.

Consider taking the metro after 9 a.m. on the way in and after 6:00 p.m. on the way out. It will save you some money since metro jacks up the prices during rush hour as much as $1.50 each way and it will be less busy. Commuters don't have choice when they ride. You do. Besides, early dinners are easy in DC because worker bees are leaving the city.

Walk left, stand right on Metro escalators lest you get run over. Seriously.

DC is loaded with great photo opportunities. All of them can be taken without standing in the middle of the street. It's a bad idea. The buses will take you out. (VERY serious. Buses have huge blind spots and you're not bigger than them.) I will never understand this one. Do you stand in the middle of busy streets at home?

The pond around Constitution Gardens

Visit the Mall and all the popular monuments. Jefferson, Lincoln, Washington, MLK... They are all beautiful, but consider consider visiting the Roosevelt Memorial and other lesser known monuments. The Ford Theater is fascinating. Buy tickets online ahead of time. I also like the Constitution Gardens.

Spend lots of money. DC needs all the revenue it can get.

If you ask which way to the Smithsonian, don't be surprised if the person you asked sighs. There are 19 Smithsonian museums, including two Air and Space museums. (One is on the Mall and one is near Dulles International Airport in Virginia.) You should know which Smithsonian you want to go to.

Most of all, enjoy your visit!