There are 19 Smithsonian museums in Washington, D.C. - enough to cater to every taste, age and interest. If you have only a limited amount of time, start with the two main buildings: the Smithsonian National Air & Space Museum and the Smithsonian Institution National Museum of Natural History. The majority of the museums are located on Independence Avenue, making it easy to hop from building to building. The Air & Space Museum is particularly famous as home to the Apollo 11 command module and the Spirit of St. Louis plane. Other Smithsonian museums that merit a visit include the National Museum of the American Indian, which holds Geronimo's rifle, and the National Museum of African American History & Culture. A bit farther away is the Postal Museum, which features vintage mail planes, trucks and railway cars, as well as a reproduction of a 1917 post office.
The Kennedy Center offers a free one-hour concert every evening throughout the year. Starting at 6 p.m., musicians, orchestras, dancers and special musical performances light up the Millennium Stage. Arrive at least half an hour before the show to secure good seats, since the seating is on a first-come, first-served basis. If you come before 5 p.m., you can also enjoy a free guided tour of the Kennedy Center, which takes you through the main theaters and the halls. The tour provides detailed information on the history of the building and the many artworks scattered throughout the theater.
When it comes to Washington, D.C., attractions, nothing beats a free tour of the White House. While free, tour tickets are limited and must be obtained in advance. To secure a ticket, contact your elected member of Congress and let him know how many tickets you need and for what days. Try to provide a few options, so you have a better chance of obtaining the tickets needed. Tours start at 7:30 a.m. Tuesdays through Fridays. Arrive early, as tickets aren't numbered and only a few people are allowed inside at a time. The tour allows access to the State Dining Room, the Diplomatic Reception Room and the Green and Blue rooms.
