| On The Cheap Travel |
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| Free Washington DC Washington, D. C. is a budget traveler's dream. Most museums, historic buildings and parks are free! The National Mall Spend an afternoon wandering among the presidential and war memorials. Climb the Washington Monument (tickets are free, but there is a small charge to reserve tickets in advance) and look down on the Mall's winding pathways, rippling flags and colorful flowers. Walk the length of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial and see the loving tributes visitors have left at the Wall. (Metro stops: Capitol South, L'Enfant Plaza, Smithsonian, Foggy Bottom/GWU) The U. S. Capitol The only way to visit the Capitol is by guided tour. Plan ahead, because you can't bring large backpacks, pointed objects, bottles or food into the Capitol. Pick up your tour tickets at the Capitol Tour Service Kiosk near the intersection of Independence Ave. and First St. (Metro: Capitol South) The Smithsonian Institution Museums The Smithsonian's sixteen museums showcase every aspect of American life from prehistory to the Space Age and they're all free. The National Air and Space Museum contains the Wright Flyer, the Spirit of St. Louis and many other famous airplanes and spacecraft. The National Museum of Natural History will delight lovers of dinosaurs, gemstones and animals. If you're an art aficionado, check out the American Art Museum, the newly- renovated National Portrait Gallery or the Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden, which features modern art. The National Museum of American History is closed until September 2008. (Metro: Smithsonian or L'Enfant Plaza) The National Zoo This famous zoo is best known for its giant pandas. The Zoo's Asia Trail brings together seven Asian animal species in newly-constructed habitats. The giant pandas and their cub, Tai Shan, are the stars of the Trail. The Zoo is also a great picnic location. (Metro: Woodley Park-Zoo) Free Cultural Events The Kennedy Center's Millenium Stage offers free performances every day. (Metro: Foggy Bottom/GWU) During the summer, there are free Army, Navy, Air Force and Marine Corps band concerts on or near the Mall most weeknights. In spring, fall and winter you can attend free military band concerts at D. A. R. Constitution Hall and other locations in and near the District. The National Gallery of Art presents concerts each Sunday evening. (Metro: Judiciary Square, Smithsonian or Archives-Navy Memorial-Penn Quarter) --Nancy Parode What's your favorite free thing to do in Washington DC? Tell us here. <<Washington DC Home Cheap Washington DC>> |