Anonymous
Post 01/15/2026 21:46     Subject: Historic sites in DC and nearby
Anonymous wrote:You could do a history tour by hitting the National Museum of the Navy at the Navy Yard, then head up 8th Street SE to see the Marie Barracks, and then on to Eastern Market. All historic, mostly off the tourist track. You could even tack on Wheat Row and/or Folger Shakespeare Library.

I think kayaking out of Georgetown is a great way to see DC from a different angle. And of course there's all sorts of historical stuff the Georgetown to see just by walking around.

C&O Canal, which can be accessed at a number of spots.

Baltimore's Walters Museum of Art has an amazing collection. Suits of armor, Fabrege eggs, illuminated manuscripts, and more.


The Navy Museum is closed (except for private events) while they build a new one.
But the Army and Marine Corps museums are open.
Anonymous
Post 01/15/2026 20:14     Subject: Historic sites in DC and nearby
You could do a history tour by hitting the National Museum of the Navy at the Navy Yard, then head up 8th Street SE to see the Marie Barracks, and then on to Eastern Market. All historic, mostly off the tourist track. You could even tack on Wheat Row and/or Folger Shakespeare Library.

I think kayaking out of Georgetown is a great way to see DC from a different angle. And of course there's all sorts of historical stuff the Georgetown to see just by walking around.

C&O Canal, which can be accessed at a number of spots.

Baltimore's Walters Museum of Art has an amazing collection. Suits of armor, Fabrege eggs, illuminated manuscripts, and more.
Anonymous
Post 01/15/2026 17:05     Subject: Historic sites in DC and nearby
Anonymous wrote:Mount Vernon, Monticello, and Montpelier

Library of Congress and Capitol

Baltimore and Fort McHenry

Annapolis and over the Chesapeake Bay Bridge to Kent Island for crabs (May-September)

St. Michael’s is lovely as well

Old Town Kensington for antiquing



And Lewes, DE
Anonymous
Post 01/15/2026 17:04     Subject: Historic sites in DC and nearby
Mount Vernon, Monticello, and Montpelier

Library of Congress and Capitol

Baltimore and Fort McHenry

Annapolis and over the Chesapeake Bay Bridge to Kent Island for crabs (May-September)

St. Michael’s is lovely as well

Old Town Kensington for antiquing

Anonymous
Post 01/15/2026 13:00     Subject: Re:Historic sites in DC and nearby
Frederick Douglass house in Anacostia is terrific -- when we went, you had to go on guided (and pre-reserved) tour with a park ranger, who was amazing.
Anonymous
Post 01/15/2026 11:30     Subject: Historic sites in DC and nearby
Anonymous wrote:A bit further away, but we recently did the guided Gettysburg battlefield tour where a certified park guide drives your car and narrates the entire time. It’s AMAZING. Think it was $40ish per hour with a minimum of 2 hours?


Yes, Gettysburg is cool, and be sure to see the cyclorama— it’s incredible. Way more interesting and impressive than I expected.

A little known site: The Samuel Mudd House in southern MD. The guided tour is really interesting.

Also, Dumbarton Oaks Museum in Georgetown. And it’s free!
Anonymous
Post 01/15/2026 11:26     Subject: Historic sites in DC and nearby
We and our kids enjoyed Monticello, it’s very pretty. Also Luray Caverns.
Anonymous
Post 01/15/2026 11:19     Subject: Historic sites in DC and nearby
I really liked Lincoln's Cottage. Timed guided tour of the interior and a cell phone app walking tour of the grounds.

I personally wouldn't do Mount Vernon now if these guests will be coming back. Wait until the new exhibits open, which I think might be in April, but you should verify.
Anonymous
Post 01/15/2026 11:18     Subject: Historic sites in DC and nearby
A bit further away, but we recently did the guided Gettysburg battlefield tour where a certified park guide drives your car and narrates the entire time. It’s AMAZING. Think it was $40ish per hour with a minimum of 2 hours?
Anonymous
Post 01/15/2026 11:05     Subject: Historic sites in DC and nearby
First of all, even if you've already visited the mall, The National Gallery of Art deserves a visit on each and every trip to DC. It never looks the same twice, with new world-class exhibits, changing out of permanent exhibits, and lovely seasonal floral displays, it's a can't miss for me several times a year.

If you haven't been there, also check out:
The Library of Congress
The Portrait Gallery
The Navy Yard and Riverwalk.
Anonymous
Post 01/15/2026 10:50     Subject: Historic sites in DC and nearby
The People’s House
Bureau of Engraving and Printing (currency)
Anonymous
Post 01/15/2026 10:49     Subject: Historic sites in DC and nearby
Mount Vernon
Old Post Office Tower - for the view at the top
Spy Museum
Hillwood Estate
Planet Word Museum
Anonymous
Post 01/15/2026 10:47     Subject: Historic sites in DC and nearby
Mount Vernon
Frederick Douglass ( Anacostia )
Fort McHenry
Anonymous
Post 01/15/2026 10:44     Subject: Historic sites in DC and nearby
Mount Vernon
Fort McHenry
Harper’s Ferry
Any of the various civil war battlefields
Fords Theatre
Fort Washington
Old Town Alexandria
Anonymous
Post 01/15/2026 10:42     Subject: Historic sites in DC and nearby
Which one do you recommend for out of town guests who have already visited the places on the Mall?

For a school field trip?

For a guided tour either for one person or a couple?