Washington instead of New York?

Question

We are a family of 3 (hubby and teenage daughter) who love New York. We are thinking of visiting Washington this year instead but we are worried that we might be underwhelmed. Would there be enough to do and see or might we get bored and wish we were in NYC?!!

Any thoughts or ideas are greatly appreciated.

Answer

Washington DC offers a very different experience compared to New York City, but for a family trip, it can be equally engaging if you plan carefully. While DC isn’t as bustling as NYC, it has a dense concentration of museums, historic sites, monuments, and outdoor spaces that make for an active and educational visit.

Here are some considerations to help you decide:

Museums: The Smithsonian museums are free and offer a wide variety of topics that appeal to teenagers and adults alike. The National Air and Space Museum, National Museum of American History, and National Museum of Natural History are particularly popular with families.
Historic and Political Sites: You can tour the U.S. Capitol, the White House (advance reservations required), Supreme Court, and Library of Congress. Walking the National Mall provides a sense of scale and history that is unique to DC.
Monuments and Memorials: Lincoln Memorial, Jefferson Memorial, Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial, and World War II Memorial are all walkable along the Mall and provide photo opportunities and learning moments.

Activities to keep a teenager engaged:

Walking or renting bikes along the National Mall or Tidal Basin
Visiting the International Spy Museum or Newseum (if it reopens) for more interactive exhibits
Exploring Georgetown for shopping, food, and waterfront strolls
Taking a river cruise on the Potomac or a Segway tour of the monuments

Other practical points:

DC is very walkable, and the Metro makes it easy to get around without a car. Unlike NYC, traffic is generally less chaotic, and sightseeing is concentrated in a central area.
Two to three full days can allow you to see many highlights, but planning by theme (history, science, politics) will help maximize your experience.
Compared to NYC, DC is quieter in terms of street life and nightlife, so if your family loves the non-stop energy, shopping, and theater of NYC, you might notice the difference.

In summary, Washington DC can be a highly rewarding destination for a family, particularly for educational, historical, and outdoor experiences. While it lacks the commercial energy and iconic skyline of NYC, its concentration of world-class museums, monuments, and historical sites ensures there’s plenty to see and do for teens and adults alike.

Washington instead of New York?

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