Washington, DC is a very walk-friendly city. There are sidewalks and trails everywhere, and every red light seems to have a pedestrian crossing signal (most with timers telling you how long you have left to get across). Plus, drivers do wait for you to get across!

I first noticed the physical activity of DC on the cab ride from Reagan National Airport. All varieties of people were walking, running and biking alongside most every street during our 8-mile cab ride. We even saw people boating and rowing on the Potomac River.

The National Zoo



Our hotel was located just a short walk from the National Zoo and that was our first attraction to visit. Admission to the zoo is free and it is a great zoo. Our group was fortunate enough to have a guided tour. Our guide, Lesley, was a volunteer who knew and shared so much information about the zoo and the animals. She also shared some of her travel experiences in Africa with us. We were not able to see all of the animals but we did get to see one of their prized giant pandas, and one of my favorites, the meerkats.

The Monuments

The next day, we caught the Metro to the National Mall (Not a place to shop, by the way—no stores.) The Metro is the most inexpensive and efficient way to get around DC. It’s a subway and if subways are new to you (as they were to me), this one is pretty easy to navigate.

We walked seven and a half miles this day, most of it on the Mall, but some getting there and back, and some going to dinner that night.

We visited the Washington Monument, Lincoln Memorial, WWII Memorial and the Vietnam Memorial and the White House. Our group of nine (fellow BellaOnline editors) stopped a few times during the day for educational sessions. During the first one on stretches beneficial for walkers, we were joined by two teenage skateboarders (male) who wanted to learn some stretching exercises, too.

The Museums

On Sunday, we got a late start to get to the Museums. It was rainy and everyone was tired by this time. We’d covered about 15 miles in two days, and that is a lot of walking even for me. We still managed to walk over five miles this day, though.

The “Smithsonian” is not one museum, it’s about seventeen. Admission is free but they do accept donations. We were only able to see two museums, and only a little bit of them. So, you really need several days just for museums. We visited the Museum of Natural History, where I spent most of my time in the Geology (rocks and gemstones) area. The Hope Diamond is the star of the show, but there are many, many fabulous jewels. And, if you like rocks and stones, they have a vast and impressive and beautiful collection.

At the National Gallery of Art, we toured the outdoor sculptures and then went to the “West” building because I wanted to see the Leonardo da Vinci painting they have there, “Gineva”. Looking upon this and other centuries-old works of art is an awe-inspiring experience. I could easily have spent days in this museum.

Weather

When we visited (last week in April), we had weather from hot and sunny to chilly with rainy in just a couple of days. Temps in the mid 80’s on a sunny day can get pretty hot walking around the National Mall looking at the monuments. I suggest well-fitting walking shoes, a good digital camera, plenty of sunscreen, sunglasses, water and umbrellas, depending on the forecast.

Walkers will love visiting Washington, DC. You have to be picky about how you spend your time and I think you should allow an extra day or two because you just cannot rush seeing the great sites there.

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