When Presidents Day rolls around, I always think about one of my favorite places to visit: Washington, D.C. There’s a plethora of things to do and see in and around the area. While many people’s experience may be limited to the typical eighth-grade trip, there’s so much more to experience.
George Washington’s Mount Vernon
Presidents Day, founded in honor of George Washington’s birthday, provides a fitting occasion to visit his home. Regardless, Mount Vernon is a beautiful place and delightful way to spend your day. If possible, I’d recommend going when the weather is warmer and wearing your walking shoes. Also, check online for information about tickets and tours.
Georgetown
Georgetown, which is actually not named after George Washington, is a charming area to shop and dine with vibrant nightlife. A fun fact about Georgetown is that scenes of The Exorcist were filmed at Georgetown University, and you can climb The Exorcist Steps (I will say they’re very steep).
The White House
A classic stop when in D.C. is the White House. Unfortunately for George Washington, he never got to live in the White House because it was under construction during his presidency. However, the presidents after him have lived in it since. I personally think it’s a necessary stop solely because of its symbolic importance.
Lincoln Memorial
My personal favorite place in D.C. is the Lincoln Memorial. Something about standing there below Lincoln overlooking the Reflecting Pool brings me peace. Also, the sides along the stairs make a nice slide (if you don’t get caught).
Tidal Basin
The Tidal Basin is the best spot to view the Cherry Blossoms in full bloom and is a nice place to go for a stroll. From there, you can also get an amazing view of the Washington Monument and Jefferson Memorial.
Museums
There are countless museums in D.C. and it’s definitely worth your time to make a trip to at least a few of them. Among my favorites are the National Air & Space Museum and the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History.
Founding Farmers
One amazing restaurant, unique to the general area, is Founding Farmers. They are driven by the idea that every detail matters. The great food and customer service they always have is a testament to this idea. Their menu is diverse, and you can’t go wrong with any of their dishes, but I’m a big fan of the Chicken Pot Pie.
Arlington National Cemetery
You can express gratitude for those who have served by visiting the Arlington National Cemetery. One particularly meaningful and iconic spot is the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. It is guarded 24/7, and being selected as a soldier to watch over the tomb is an honor. You can watch the Changing of the Guard throughout the day in order to get a full understanding of the tradition and significance.
While there are countless places to explore in D.C., I implore you to check out some of my favorites. Walking or bus tours are great the first time you go, but it’s always fun to explore at your own pace. The historical significance of D.C. makes it an enriching place to keep going back to whether it is for Presidents Day or a short trip on a random weekend.