A Traveler's Guide to Washington DC

The capital of the United States, traveling to and in it, can be a daunting task. You may have questions about what to do, what's a ripoff, and how to not waste your day in a museum.

Firstly, do not go in the winter. As a person from Florida, I went during January, and this I can honestly say was a mistake. We were freezing and had to purchase clothes. It was, however, a very fun trip nonetheless. So. if you can help it you should definitely go in any other season that doesn't have the brutal cold that is a Northern winter. (Plus you can see the lovely cherry blossoms in the spring.) If you are packing for winter, definitely bring a very thick winter coat on hand, thermal underwear and long sleeves can go a long way as well. Now, if packing for any other season, pack t-shirts, a light hoodie, jeans, shorts, good running shoes, and a hat or two if you are coming in the summer.

Now, you are probably waiting for me to tell you what you MUST do on the first day in DC. If you are driving in from the Virginia side, for the best view of DC you should go across the Potomac River on the Arland D. Williams, Jr. Memorial Bridge. This gives you a lovely site of the Washington Monument, Thomas Jefferson Memorial, and the Pentagon. While in Washington DC, the restaurants you must eat at is "The Hamilton", which is a huge staple of DC and the price is about the equivalent to that of T.G.I. Fridays, but is much better, I promise you. In Georgetown a good place to get dessert is a cupcake store called "Sprinkles" where they have a wide range of flavors and offer cute treats for your dogs. The same goes for "Baked and Wired" in Georgetown, which offers more variety of baked goods besides cupcakes. "District Taco" is also good, but not the best Hispanic food I have eaten, as I live in Miami.

For sights to see, some major ones you must see are the average ones: the Lincoln Memorial, The Washington Monument, The U.S capital, The Library of Congress, The White House, The Vietnam War Memorial, and The Korean War Memorial. Also, personally I believe that the Natural History, Space and Aeronautics, and History, Smithsonian Museums are the best. Also, if you have little kids (about from ages 1-11) the Holocaust museum might be a little too graphic for them. It's great for everyone older than that, however. Visiting the different embassies on embassy day is also an amazing experience. (The Canadian Embassy has an ongoing photography exhibit about famous Canadians. I went and it's pretty interesting.) Now, if you are like me and does not live in a place that does not have a subway or basements, the DC subway system can be amazing for getting around easily, and a great experience for anyone who has never been in a subway before.

Now, as some final words, don't expect China town to be big; it's not. Don't go in winter (unless you want to freeze for buttocks off.) Also, yes, you have to pay for bags at stores in DC (it's about 5 cents per bag). As a person living in the state of Florida, I did not know this.

I believe this is now where I leave all my readers. I do so hope that you took notes of this article and heed my advice, and you will be sure to survive in the amazing city that is Washington DC.