The Old Stone House, part of Rock Creek Park and the National Park Service, is in the heart of Georgetown's shopping and dining area on M Street. The simple building is one of the oldest known structures in DC. Tours of the house are free; a ranger is on site occasionally, but most tours are self-guided. The adjoining gardens are open to the public during daylight hours, offering quiet repose for area workers and tourists alike.
The Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C. honors the American men and women who served and sacrificed their lives in the Vietnam War. The memorial consists of the Three Soldiers statue, the Vietnam Women's Memorial, and its best-known part, the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall etched with the names of more than 58,000 war dead or missing. The black, granite wall, often called "The Wall That Heals," is highly polished so that its reflective surface lets visitors see themselves as they honor fallen soldiers.
How to get to the Vietnam Veterans Memorial
The Vietnam Veterans Memorial, located near the National Mall, is accessible by car, public transportation, and bike. General parking is available along Ohio Drive SW between the Lincoln Memorial and the Thomas Jefferson Memorial. Handicap parking is available on Daniel French Drive SW. The nearest Metro station is Foggy Bottom/George Washington University at 23rd and I Streets, NW.
Best and worst time to go to the Vietnam Veterans Memorial
Cherry blossom time in early spring is the best time to visit the memorial, which is open 24 hours a day. It will be crowded, but the white and pink cherry blossoms make the visit particularly beautiful and joyful. Weekdays will be less crowded than weekends; early morning is particularly tranquil. Avoid major spring and summer national holidays when everyone visits Washington, D.C.
Admission to the Vietnam Veterans Memorial
Admission is free.
Must see/do at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial
Make a paper rubbing of a loved one's name engraved on the wall. Catalogs, with the location of each name, are available near the entrances of the memorial.
Other places to visit near the Vietnam Veterans Memorial
The Vietnam Veterans Memorial is ringed by some of Washington's most famous landmarks -- Lincoln Memorial, Washington Monument and World War II Memorial. If you're in the mood for a hike, cross the nearby Memorial Bridge, and visit Arlington National Cemetery.
Insider tip for visitors to the Vietnam Veterans Memorial
Bring tissues. Walking the Memorial Wall is a uniquely stirring, emotional experience. Be prepared for whatever feelings well up – sadness, reverence, gratitude for service and sacrifice.
Author's bio: Lisa Kaplan Gordon is a writer who lives in McLean, Virginia. Visit her website: www.lisakaplangordon.com
A beautifully landscaped park located right on the Anacostia river and surrounded by great restaurants, Yards Park has much to offer museum-weary travelers in Washington D.C. More active tourists will enjoy the kayaks and paddle boards for rent as well as its scenic paths, while those looking for a rest will appreciate the ample bench space, gardens, and generally relaxing atmosphere.
Parking and Transportation at Yards Park
Yards Park is easily accessible via both public transport and car. Metro riders should get off at the Navy Yard stop on the green line and walk to the park; it's about four blocks away. Those using the bike share system can take advantage of the bike docks on either the intersection of 3rd and Tingey or M and 2nd streets. Drivers can see available parking lots and rates at the Yards Park website. Travelers should avoid driving to the park during Nationals games, as most available parking will almost certainly be occupied.
Best and worst time to go to Yards Park
Friday evenings during the summer are by far the best time to visit Yards Park. This is when visitors can take advantage of the free concerts playing there from roughly 6:30 to 8:30pm. Either bring a picnic dinner and make an informal evening of it, or sit outside at one of the many superb restaurants on the premises and enjoy a complementary show with your meal.
Admission to Yards Park
Admission to Yards Park is free. The park is open every day of the week from sun-up until two hours after sunset. Visitors should check the calendar to see if there are any special events going on though, as this may limit access.
Must see/do at Yards Park
Visitors with children should definitely take advantage of the two large (but shallow) fountains that children are invited to play in. One has jets that shoot randomly into the air that kids love to dodge, while the other is a large pool with a waterfall at the front.
Other places to visit near Yards Park
Yards Park is located right near several excellent restaurants including Agua 301, Osteria Morini and Bluejacket (as well as Ice Cream Jubilee, for the more dessert-inclined among us). Travelers looking to catch a game can walk to Nationals ballpark from Yards Park, while those who are interested in history can take a tour of the display ship USS Barry, parked in the harbor outside the Navy Barracks.
Insider tip for visitors to Yards Park
The best part of Yards Park is the free activities. From yoga to concerts to food and wine tastings, the park has a lot to offer. To get a schedule of events, check the Yards Park calendar.
Author's bio: Margaret Sessa-Hawkins has been living in DC since she was born, with the exception of a few brief residential stints in Malawi, South Africa, and the UK. When not writing, she spends her time working on aerial acrobatics and fostering kittens, both of which are really fun facts to bring up at D.C. cocktail parties.
The Georgetown Waterfront Park spans ten acres along the Potomac River waterfront, between the National Harbour and the Key Bridge. The park has walking paths, scenic overlooks and even a meditative labyrinth. Construction of the park, designed by Wallace, Roberts and Todd, began in 2008 and is scheduled to wrap up in 2010.
