The Best of Washington, D.C. (Sightseeing Edition)

While sight-seeing in Washington, D.C. might seem like something that only tourists do, it is a great way for new residents to learn their way around town. Plus, D.C. offers so much in terms of sites, festivals, and events you really don’t want to miss out on it on all the fun. Of course - you don’t have to do it wearing an FBI sweatshirt or wandering aimlessly around in the Metro tunnels. Because you are probably already familiar with the standard sites that Washington, D.C. serves as home to, I will review some of the off-the-beaten-track opportunities you may not be too familiar with.

If you've read Dan Brown’s Lost Symbol, then be sure to check out the Scottish Rite's Temple, right outside of Dupont Circle. The temple offers a fascinating tour detailing the history of the Scottish Rite in America, including little known facts about certain former presidents who served as free masons.

Many people don’t know that the Department of State offers guided tours of their Diplomatic Reception rooms, where they wine and dine foreign dignitaries. This is probably one of the best tours I’ve ever been on in D.C. It is excellent – beautiful architecture and antiques and an informative narration about the history of the rooms. Guided tours are offered Monday through Friday at 9:30 am, 10:30 am, and 2:45 pm and are 45 minutes in duration. Reservations are required and should be made approximately 90 days in advance, due to the large volume of requests.

At Mount Vernon, you can see George Washington’s old home which now has a museum and gardens honoring his legacy. This is an absolute must-see for the history fans, and it also happens to be very family friendly as well. The new interactive museum does a good job of holding everyone’s attention and I'm confident you will find the way they portray the early years of American history to be very moving. You can also walk through the estate by waiting in line for a timed ticket. Plan to spend the whole day here as there is plenty to keep you busy.

If you're ready to spend some time outside, check out Rock Creek Park which sits up in Northwest D.C. and stretches on for over 2,800 acres. Rock Creek Park serves as a quiet haven where you can escape the hustle and bustle of city life as well as a place where you can get a good workout in. The park offers a number of hiking, running, and biking trails, as well as more formal programs such as ranger-led walks and horse-back riding. Make sure to secure your horse-back riding reservation about 2 months in advance, as it fills up pretty far ahead of time.

One really fun activity is cheering on D.C.’s soccer team, D.C. United at RFK Stadium. Tickets come as cheap as $15 and you are guaranteed to have a good time. Soccer fans get pretty crazy and it’s impossible not to get swept up in the excitement. Games typically start at 7:30pm and if you get there early, you can join the big crowd of tailgaters.

If you’re looking for a new way to experience the city, rent a kayak at Thompson Boat Center, located in Georgetown. Rentals run Monday – Sunday 8:00am – 5:00pm and end when the water temperature dips below 55 degrees. Click the above link to learn more.

I hope that you take advantage of all Washington, D.C. has to offer. This is such an incredible city with a unique culture you won’t find anywhere else. If you have a particular interest, then chances are you can find it here. For relocation assistance to help streamline your move and transition to the District, please reach out to us at info@new-todc.com