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Capitalizing on Fun in D.C.
What to Do and See in Washington, D.C.
By Maria T. Olia
hotels are great for families – each room is a two-room suite, a bedroom with a king or two double beds and a living room with a pull-out couch. These two-room suites are a perfect arrangement for families with young kids who need a nap or for parents with older kids who crave some separate space. This Embassy Suites is exceptionally well located for a family trip to D.C. – it's located in the hip area near Georgetown and Dupont Circle – and the hotel is only a short walk from the Foggy Bottom Metro stop. At Embassy Suites, the room rate always includes a complimentary buffet breakfast each morning, and an afternoon "Manager's Reception" with cold drinks and munchies. The D.C. Embassy Suites also has every kid's favorite hotel amenity – an indoor pool.
Definitely not a chain Italian restaurant, Luigi's, located at 1132 19th Street, is an authentic "spaghetti house" experience. Located within walking distance of the Embassy Suites, Luigi's specializes in homemade pastas and terrific pizza – and it has veal, chicken and fish entrees too.
The National Zoo is world-class, with all the kid-pleasing animals like elephants, giraffes and gorillas. And don't miss the zoo's star attraction – the giant pandas Mei Xiang and Tian Tian. Try to go early in the day, when the crowds are fewer and the animals are most active. The National Zoo is actually part of the Smithsonian Institute and admission is always free.
Most of the attractions families will want to visit – the Smithsonian Museums, the Presidential and War Memorials – are located along the National Mall, the nearly two-mile-long, tree-lined expanse that stretches from the Lincoln Memorial to the Capitol Building. The mall is also a great place to let your kids run off some steam from sightseeing. Be sure to buy an ice cream from a vendor and take the kids for a ride on the antique carousel in front of the Smithsonian Castle at1000 Jefferson Drive.
