As the leaves begin to change and temperatures become more seasonably comfortable, people flock to our nation’s capital to see The White House, The Capitol Building or to even stroll along the Mall. As students with only eight miles between College Park and the District, it is only right to take a quick trip onthe Metro toexplore the wonders of Washington, D.C.
Of course there are the obvious choices: a trip to the National Mall to see an old pal like Abraham Lincoln, or a visit to one of the many Smithsonian Museums (which are free of charge), or even the Jefferson Memorial.
For most students in College Park, we’ve all seen the monuments during our first trip to visit the university
or on a school field trip. So, why not challenge yourself this fall? Do something different and exploresomething new.
The Newseum, on Pennsylvania Avenue, is perhaps one of the most innovative and interactive museums in D.C. The Newseum is home to one of the largest standing pieces of the Berlin Wall and an exhibit dedicated to the news coverage surrounding the events of September 11, 2001. Interested in knowing each and every one of the pets to ever live in The White House? There’s an exhibit for that! Breathtaking, Pulitzer Prize winning picture scale the wall and chronicle the history of news and photography.
While it’s just warm enough, Tidal Basin Paddle Boats on Maine Avenue offers inexpensive paddleboat rentals with views of the cherry blossoms and the Jefferson Memorial. For those who aren’t interested in
driving their own boat, D.C. offers a variety of dinner cruises and boat tours along the Potomac River.
The National Gallery of Art, which reopens in November, has an outdoor gallery of beautiful sculptures, art and an ice rink! The United States Botanical Garden, located on Maryland Avenue, is ideal for a leisurely walk to embrace sights and smells.
The National Museum of the American Indian, the Spy Museum, the National World War II Memorial or even Arlington National Cemetery just over the Arlington Memorial Bridge are all day trips that guarantee you see the best of what D.C. has to offer.
If you’re feeling bold and adventurous, websites like Living Social and Groupon offer deals in the D.C. area on food, drinks and activities that ensure only the best of the region.
Hop on the metro, jump in a cab or get a carpool together and explore D.C. and enjoy as the fall season unravels.