Things to Do
The Washington, D.C. area offers many interesting attractions for visitors. For your maximum convenience, we recommend that you rent an auto during your stay. Taxis or limousines are alternatives. Washington does have a subway system, but not all attractions are accessible by Metro subway. Excellent tour books are available for those interested in further information about our environs, and most local hotels and our staff can provide additional guidance.
The Smithsonian Institution museums, the National Gallery of Art and the Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden are all located in the "mall", between the Washington Monument and the Capitol. Admission to all these museums is free. Also located in the mall area are the Lincoln Memorial, the Jefferson Memorial, the Vietnam War Veterans' Memorial and the Washington Monument. Ford's Theater, location of Abraham Lincoln's assassination, and the Holocaust Museum are a short walking distance from the mall.
Arlington National Cemetery, immediately across the Potomac River from the Lincoln Memorial, provides a remarkable setting for reflecting on the commitment by men and women for the preservation of the United States of America. Also in the cemetery is the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and Arlington House, once home to Robert E. Lee and Mary Custis Lee.
Mount Vernon was George Washington's home estate, a self-contained community, overlooking the Potomac River. The Mansion House farm has changed little in 200 years. The grounds and buildings are today as Washington designed them and reflect daily life of the residents in the 1700s. The tomb of George and Martha Washington is also located on the estate.
The National Cathedral is located on fifty-seven acres overlooking Washington DC. The cathedral was first proposed after the American Revolution as a representation of our country's heritage of religious freedom and faith. The foundation stone was laid in 1907 and the final stone set in 1990. The tomb of President Woodrow Wilson, the only President buried in Washington DC, is located in the cathedral.
The National Zoo was created in 1889. It is for both children and adults and admission is free. There are exhibits of a wide variety including endangered species.
Georgetown, an interesting commercial and residential district with charming old homes and cobblestone streets, is located in Washington just over the Key Bridge from Virginia. Beautiful antique town homes, unusual shops and fine restaurants are located here and also in nearby Old Town Alexandria, Virginia.
Tysons Corner, approximately a 15 minute drive from the Institute, has two large malls and other shopping areas, as well as many restaurants.
Manassas National Battlefield Park (Bull Run) was established by secretarial order in May 1940 and now encompasses over 5000 acres including the majority of the battlefield areas. The First Battle of Manassas in July 1861 was the first major field battle of the Civil War. The Second Battle of Manassas in August 1862 brought the Confederacy to the height of its power and opened the way for the first Confederate campaign into the north.
The Great Falls of the Potomac is a remarkable large waterfall in an 800 acre park located 14 miles up river from Washington DC in Virginia, approximately a 30 minute drive from the Institute. President George Washington's vision of making the Potomac River navigable for trade resulted in the construction of the "Patowmack Canal" and locks in 1786 (some of which remain today) to navigate past the waterfalls.
Skyline Drive is a beautiful road high in the Shenandoah National Park overlooking the Shenandoah Valley and the Appalachian Mountain range. The park, approximately a 90 minute drive west of Fairfax, provides hiking, biking, fishing, and camping in addition to fantastic views of scenery and wildlife.
Approximately 60 minutes by car east of Fairfax is Annapolis with the U.S. Naval Academy, and the lovely Chesapeake Bay with its many attractions and water sports.
