Staying in the Downtown area provided an opportunity to walk to the National Mall, preserved by the National Park Service. With 146 acres of preserved sites, including memorials, monuments, reflecting pools, and extensive lawns, visitors are able to enjoy views, explore and picnic.
I woke early to visit and photograph a variety of monuments. I started with the Japanese American Memorial to Patriotism During World War II. This monument includes a formal apology for the inhumane treatment of Japanese Americans. I paused to honor a family friend, who was incarcerated at Tule Lake, CA. This memorial is a strong reminder to respect every person and take responsibility to teach future generations about the importance of not repeating ancestral errors.
My path passed the American Indian Museum we had visited the previous day. Admission is free. The exhibit that provided us with a thought provoking experience was the hall that showed how American Indians have been portrayed in popular culture and explain that they have had to come to terms with personal identity.
I walked to the Washington Memorial to view the Lincoln Memorial and White House from a distance. I returned to my hotel by way of the National Archives, FBI building and the National Building Museum. Several bricks had been replaced on the sidewalk and made clinking sounds under my feet as I ran through this section.
TIPS for Enjoying a Visit to D.C.
Research in advance which museums to visit - remember that they will often be crowded. Check hours of operation.
Walking is a great way to experience DC, and accessible options are available
Create a budget - free options are a good starting point and then determine your personal priorities
Consider all possibilities for finding affordable places to stay - including hostels close to the downtown, discount sites and memberships.
People-watch between 7 p.m. and 9 p.m. The sidewalks are filled with people, occasional protestors, and people dining at outdoor locations during warm weather.
Food is plentiful, check out costs by exploring menus online or posted outside the restaurants.
I will admit, the Capitol is not a place I would visit multiple times. This is entirely personal preference, I enjoy hiking, hidden spots and natural beauty. However, seeing the locations of governmental process and where our shared history is preserved and curated makes D.C. a worthwhile destination.
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