Washington Area Resources

Information at your finger tips:

National Park Service Area Park Information 619-7222

National Archives Exhibits Information 501-5000

Smithsonian Institution Visitors' Information 357-2700

Dial-A-Museum 357-2020

Skywatchers' Line 357-2000

Metro System Metro and Bus Information 637-7000

Professional Theaters:

JOHN F. KENNEDY CENTER FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS

New Hampshire Avenue at the Rock Creek Parkway

Information & Tickets- 467-4600 (10am- 9pm)

The Kennedy Center is the home of the National Symphony, the Washington Opera and the American Film Institute; and host to numerous touring companies. It also features free tours daily except on Christmas Day. Half-price student tickets are available with a valid ID; information can be obtained at 416-8340. A group of student of 10 or more may reserve half-price tickets through the Group Sales Department at 416-8400.

NATIONAL THEATRE

1321 E St., NW

Metro: Metro Center

Information- 628-6161

Telecharge- 1-800-447-7400

This Broadway-style theater brings theatrical, musical and dance performances to the city and offers daily tours. Student half-price tickets are available at the box office for Tuesday, Wednesday, and Sunday matinee performances.

FORD'S THEATER & LINCOLN MUSEUM

511 10th St., NW

Metro: Metro Center

Theater Information- 347-4833

Museum & Tour Information- 426-6924

Museum is open daily with tours on the half hour except 12:30. Student discounts are available on theater productions on Tuesday-Thursday and Sunday.

Regional Theaters:

ARENA STAGE AND KREEGER THEATERS

6th and Maine Ave., NW

Metro: L'Enfant Plaza

Box Office: 488-3300

Features a wide variety of productions, often reworking old scripts in a modern setting. Student tickets are available, but are subject to availability. Group discounts are available.

FOLGER SHAKESPEARE THEATER

201 East Capitol St., SE

Metro: Capitol South

Information- 546-4000

This theater presents five productions of Shakespeare and other classics; one performance is outdoors and free to the public. A substantial discount is available to groups of 15 or more, but is dependent on day and seats. Half-price tickets are available to students 1 hour prior to show time.

SOURCE THEATER

1809 14th St., NW (Mainstage)

1835 14th St., NW (Warehouse)

Information- 462-1073

Student discount of $2 depending on space availability.

STUDIO THEATER

1333 P St., NW

Information- 332-3300

Student discount of $3.00 available .

WARNER THEATER

1299 Pennsylvania Ave.

Information- 783-4000

Student half price tickets available before the show on Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday performances.

WASHINGTON PERFORMING ARTS SOCIETY

1029 Vermont Ave.

Information- 833-9800

WOOLY MAMMOTH THEATER

1401 Church St., NW

Information: (703) 218-6500

Student discounts are available.

University Theaters:

GEORGE WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY

Lisner Auditorium

Information- 994-1500

CATHOLIC UNIVERSITY

Hartke Theater

Metro: Brookland-CUA

Information- 319-5367

GEORGETOWN UNIVERSITY

Poulton Hall Blackbox Theater

37th and P St., NW 36th and N St., NW

Information- 687-6783 Information- 687-4081

GU Summer Theater Program

Information- 687-3838

Movie Theaters:

Famous Houses and Buildings:

ANDERSON HOUSE MUSEUM

2118 Massachusetts Ave., NW

Metro: Dupont Circle

Recorded Information- 785-2040

Open Tuesday through Saturday, 1-4pm. Admission is free for the self-guided tour.

U.S. CAPITOL

East End of the National Mall

Metro: Capitol South

224-3121

Tours are given daily from 9:00am until 3:45.

COLOMBIA HISTORICAL SOCIETY/HEURICH MANSION

1307 New Hampshire Ave., NW

Metro: Dupont Circle

785-2068

Guided tours are offered each Wednesday, Friday, Saturday from 12:00pm until 4:00pm.

DECATUR HOUSE

748 Jackson Place, NW

Metro: Farragut West

842--0920

This 19th century home served as the "oasis" for President Grant and the home of Commodore Stephen Decatur. Tours are offered daily, Tuesday- Friday from 10:00am to 2:00pm and Saturday and Sunday from noon until 4:00pm. General admission is $3.00 and $1.50 for students.

BUREAU OF PRINTING AND ENGRAVING

14th and C Sts, SW

Metro: Smithsonian

622-2000

This is where billions of US dollars and stamps are printed each year. Tickets are first-come, first serve, and the tour is self-guided.

FBI HEADQUARTERS

9th and Pennsylvania Ave., NW

Metro: Galley Place

324-3447

Free one hour tour takes you into crime laboratories, live firearms demonstration, etc. The building is open for tours Monday through Friday from 9:00 am until 4:15pm, but lines form very early in the morning. Advance reservations are available for groups of 15 or more.

FREDERICK DOUGLASS NATIONAL HISTORIC SITE

1411 W St., SE

Metro: Eastern Market

426-5961

Open daily, 9:00am until 4:00pm (until 5:00pm between April and August).

HILLWOOD

4155 Linnean Ave., NW

Metro: Van Ness

686-5807

This former home of Marjorie Merriweather Post has on display 19th century French and Russian decorative art, and the grounds include landscaped French and Japanese gardens. Open every day except Tuesday and Sunday from 10:00am until 5:00pm.

NATIONAL ARCHIVES

8th and Constitution

Metro: National Archive

501-5000

The Archives have on display the original American documents such as the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution. You can also trace your family history in the Research Room. This building is open daily 10:00am until 5:30 pm.

OCTAGON

1799 New York Ave., NW

Metro: Farragut West

638-3221

Once the home of President Madison, the Octagon House now contains architectural and historical exhibits. It is open Tuesday through Friday, 10:00am - 4:00pm, and from 1:00pm until 4:00pm on Saturday and Sunday. A donation is requested. Group tours are available by appointment.

OLD POST OFFICE- PAVILION

1100 Pennsylvania Ave., NW

Metro: Federal Triangle

289-4224

This former city post office now houses numerous shops, restaurants, and an elegant courtyard. It also offers tours of the 315 foot clock tower.

OLD STONE HOUSE

3051 M St, NW

426-6851

This is the oldest surviving house in Washington, built in 1765. It is open Wednesday through Sunday from 9:30am until 5:00pm. It also features a beautiful garden in back.

U.S. SUPREME COURT

One First St., NE

Metro: Capitol South

Information- 479-3000

Tours- 479-3395

Court is in session two weeks of every month. Tours are available Monday through Friday, 9:00am- 3:30pm.

WHITE HOUSE

1600 Pennsylvania Ave., NW

Metro: McPherson Square

456-2200

Five of the mansion's 132 rooms are open to the public. Tours are given Tuesday through Saturday, 10:00am until noon, and tickets can be obtained at a booth in the Ellipse between 8:00am and noon.

WOODROW WILSON HOUSE MUSEUM

2340 S St., NW

387-4062

Metro: Dupont Circle

Once the retirement home of President Wilson, this museum presents a picture of upper-middle class life in the 1920s. The home is open Tuesday- Friday from 10:00am until 2:00pm and on Saturday and Sunday from non until 4:00pm. It is closed in January, weekdays in February and holidays. General admission is $4.00 and $2.50 for students.

THE WASHINGTON POST

1150 15th St., NW

Metro: McPherson Square or Farragut North

334-6000

See the inner workings of one of the nation's leading newspapers, including the newsroom, printing presses and an explanation of the paper's history since 1877. Hourly tours are by appointment, Monday through Friday from 10am until 3pm.

THE WASHINGTON TIMES

3600 New York Ave., NW

636-3000

Occupying 5 acres adjacent to the National Arboretum, state-of-the-art technology is used in producing this daily newspaper. They offer free tours Monday through Friday from 10am until 4pm.

Historic Churches & Shrines:

FRANCISCAN MONASTERY

14th & Quincy St., NE

Metro: Brookland- CUA

526-6800

This simple, stately retreat is built in a style reminiscent of early Franciscan missions in California. Tours are offered hourly Monday through Saturday during the afternoons and in between morning masses.

ISLAMIC CENTER

2551 Massachusetts Ave., NW

332-8343

The minaret above this leading U. S. Mosque faces toward Mecca, the birthplace of Mohammed. Inside is a lovely courtyard , as well as intricate Islamic designs on the wall. It is open daily from 10am - 5pm and group tours are available by appointment.

NEW YORK AVENUE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

1313 New York Ave., NW

Metro: McPherson Square

Information- 393-3700

Recorded Information- 783-NEWS

Dial-A-Word- 347-4341

19 unusual contemporary stained-glass windows decorate this church. It is open daily and tours are given on Sundays. There is also a gift shop.

SAINT JOHN'S CHURCH

Lafayette Square- 16th & H Sts, NW

347-8766

This church is often called the Church of the Presidents, because every President since Madison has sat in pew 54 on some occasion. It is open daily from 7:00am until 4:00pm and tours are available by appointment at least two weeks in advance.

SHRINE OF THE IMMACULATE CONCEPTION

4th and Michigan Ave., NE

Metro: Brookland-CU

526-8300

This is the largest Catholic church in the western hemisphere and the seventh largest in the world. It contains 57 chapels representing ideals of American life and seven domes. Tours are available Monday through Saturday from 9am until 4pm and on Sunday, 1:30- 4:00pm.

WASHINGTON NATIONAL CATHEDRAL

Mt. St. Alban, Massachusetts & Wisconsin Aves., NW

537-6200

Built in the spectacular style of 14th -century Gothic, the cathedral is the sixth largest in the world and second largest in the U.S. The Pilgrim Observation Gallery offers a magnificent view of Washington and the surrounding area. Tours are given Monday- Saturday, 10am- 3:15pm except during services.

Libraries:

FOLGER SHAKESPEARE LIBRARY

201 E. Capitol St, SE

Metro: Capitol South, Union Station

544-7077

One of the world's finest collections of Renaissance books and manuscripts. Original folios of the Bard's work can also be found at this library. See under theaters for a description of Folger's working Elizabethan theater. Tours are available Monday- Friday, 11am- 1pm, and group tours are available by appointment. The Library is open Monday through Saturday from 10am-4pm.

LIBRARY OF CONGRESS

10 First St., SE

Metro: Capitol South

707-5458

This one of the world's largest libraries. There are two annexes: the Jefferson Building and the Madison Building. The library offers rotating exhibits, concerts, poetry readings and lectures. Free tours are given Monday through Friday, 9am- 4pm.

MARTIN LUTHER KING LIBRARY

901 G St., NW

Metro: Gallery Place, Metro Center

727-1111

This is the main branch of the city's public library system. It offers the Washingtonian Division, with many clippings and photos about the District; the Black Studies Division; the Oral History Research Center and the Star Library. It is open 9am- 9pm from Monday until Thursday, 9am- 5:30pm on Friday and Saturday and 1pm- 5pm on Sunday.

Monuments and Memorials:

ARLINGTON NATIONAL CEMETERY

Metro: Arlington Cemetery

(703) 695-3250

Here lie the remains of 175, 000 American soldiers who fought from the Revolutionary War to the present. Every hour is the changing of the guard at the famous Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. The cemetery is open daily 8am- 5pm.

CONGRESSIONAL CEMETERY

1801 E St., SE

Metro: Potomac, Stadium Armory

543-0539

Established in 1807, this is the first national cemetery. The grounds are open all year 8am until 8pm. Guided tours can be arranged and a self-guided tour begins at the office.

IWO JIMA STATUE (MARINE CORPS MEMORIAL)

Rte 50, near Arlington National Cemetery

The largest bronze statue ever cast, this 78 foot memorial commemorates all of the Marines who have died since 1775. The piece was created from a famous war photograph showing the flag being raised on Mt. Suribachi during WWII. Open daily, 24 hours.

JEFFERSON MEMORIAL

Tidal Basin, South Bank

West Potomac Park

Open daily, 24 hours. Tours are given from 8am until midnight.

ROOSEVELT MEMORIAL

Theodore Roosevelt Island between Key and Roosevelt bridges

703-289-2530

This serene island, accessible by footbridge only, is a wildlife refuge with nearly two miles of trails. Open daily from 8am until dusk. Tours are conducted upon request.

VIETNAM VETERANS MEMORIAL

Constitution Ave. Between Henry Bacon Dr. and 21 St., NW

634-1568

Modern V-shaped memorial designed by Maya Ying Lin is inscribed with the names of the 58,022 people who died or remain missing in the Vietnam War. Open daily, 24 hours.

WASHINGTON MONUMENT

National Mall at 15th St., NW

Metro: Smithsonian

426-6890

This is the tallest masonry structure in the world (555 feet) and offers a spectacular view of the city. It is open daily from 9am- 5pm.

Museums and Galleries:

SOCIETY OF THE CINCINNATI: ANDERSON HOUSE MUSEUM

2118 Massachusetts Ave., NW

Metro: Dupont Circle

785-2040

The National Museum of the American Revolution contains portraits by early American artists , books, medals, swords, glass, silver, and historic China. It is open Tuesday- Saturday, 1pm- 4pm, and admission is free. Tours are by appointment.

AQUARIUM, NATIONAL

Basement of the Dept. Of Commerce

14th St & Constitution

Metro: Federal Triangle

482-2825

This aquarium contains over 2000 specimen of native and exotic marine life including huge sea turtles and sharks. Tours are by appointment and it is open daily from 9am until 5pm. Admission is $2.00 for adults.

BETHUNE MUSEUM ARCHIVES

1318 Vermont Ave., NW

Metro: McPherson Square

332-1233

This museum opened in 1979 to promote greater public awareness of the history of black women and to serve as a research for scholarly research. It is open weekdays from 10am until 4:30 and tours are given all day until 4pm. Special concerts are offered on every second Sunday of the month. A $1 donation is asked for tours.

B'NAI B'RITH KLUTZNICK MUSEUM

1640 Rhode Island Ave., NW

Metro: Farragut North

857-6583

This museum features special and permanent museums, including a permanent collection of Jewish ceremonial art and a Judaica Museum Shop. It is open Sunday through Friday, 10:00am - 5:00pm.

CORCORAN GALLERY OF ART

500 17th St. at New York Ave., NW

Metro: Farragut West

639-1700

The city's largest and oldest private gallery houses a comprehensive collection of American art (painting and sculpture), as well as a fine European collection.

D.A.R. CONSTITUTION HALL & MUSEUM

1776 D St., NW

Metro: Farragut West

879-3241

The Daughters of the American Revolution , descendants of those who served in the Revolutionary War, maintain 30 period rooms and a collection of American decorative arts from 1700- 1850. It is open on weekdays 8:30 am- 4:00 pm and on Sundays, 1-5pm.

DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR MUSEUM

1849 C St., NW

Metro: Farragut West

208-4743

Exhibits depict the origins and early development of the National Park Service. It is open weekdays from 8:30 am until 4:30 pm and is free to the public.

DOLL'S HOUSE & TOY MUSEUM, WASHINGTON

5236 44th St., NW

Metro: Friendship Heights

244-0024

A carefully researched collection of antique dolls' houses, dolls, toys, and games. It is open 10am- 5pm on Tuesday through Saturday and from noon- 5pm on Sunday. Admission is $3.00 for adults and $1.00 for children under the age of 14.

GALLERY OF FINE ARTS

Howard University

2455 6th St., NW

Metro: Shaw- Howard University

806-7070

Alain Locke African collection. Open weekdays, 9:30am - 4:30pm, Sunday 1-4pm.

MUSEUM OF MODERN ART OF LATIN AMERICA

201 18th St., NW

Metro: Farragut West, Farragut North

458-3000

This is the only museum in the world dedicated solely to Latin American art and is housed in the Organization of American States building. It features contemporary art, the Primitive Art room and the Tropical Patio. There are also regular showings of Latin American art documentaries. It is open Tuesday through Sunday, 10:00am until 5:00pm and admission is free. Tours are available by appointment.

NATIONAL BUILDING MUSEUM

F St between 4th and 5th Sts., NW

Metro: Judiciary Square

272-2448

This is the nation's only museum dedicated to architecture and the building arts. It is open Monday through Saturday 10am- 4pm, Sundays 12pm-4pm. Tours are given on Tuesday at 11am, on Thursday at 12:15pm, and on the first Saturday of the month at 11am.

NATIONAL GALLERY OF ART

(East and West buildings)

600 Constitution Ave.

Metro: Gallery Place, Judiciary Square

737-4215

East Building: 842-6799

This museum features collections of Western European and American works. It is open Monday through Saturday, 10am- 5pm, and on Sunday, noon- 9pm. There are extended summer and spring hours. Group tours are available by appointment.

NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC SOCIETY EXPLORERS' HALL

17th and M St., NW

Metro: Farragut North (but it's a nice walk down M St)

857-7588

Exhibits of famous scientific expeditions in anthropology, oceanography, and explorations of outer space. It is open Monday- Saturday, 9am- 5pm, and on Sunday, 10am- 5pm. Admission is free.

NAVAL MEMORIAL MUSEUM

Navy Yard, Bldg 76

9th and M St., SE

Metro: Eastern market

433-4882

This museum is found at the oldest naval facility in the US. It features thousands of warships, weapons, subs, etc. A gift shop is located in Brooklyn Pilot house. It is open weekdays, 9am- 5pm, and from 10am until 5pm on weekends.

PHILLIPS COLLECTION

1600-1612 21st St., NW

Metro: Dupont Circle

387-2151/ 387-0961 (recorded)

America's oldest museum of modern art. Free concert are given on Sundays at 5pm. The museum is open Tuesday- Saturday, 10am-5pm, and on Sunday, 12pm-7pm. Tours are available.

TEXTILE MUSEUM

2320 S St., NW

Metro: Dupont Circle

667-0441

This museum was founded in 1925 with the collection of George Hewitt-Myers. It is open Monday- Saturday, 10am- 5pm, and on Sunday, 1-5pm. Admission is free, but a contribution of $5 is appreciated. Group tours are available by appointment.

U.S. HOLOCAUST MEMORIAL MUSEUM

100 Raoul Wallenberg Place, SW

Metro: Smithsonian (but it will be a walk from there)

488-0400

The historic story of the Holocaust is told through artifacts, photographs, films, and eyewitness accounts. Tickets can be obtained every morning or through Ticketron for $3. It is open 10am-5:30pm daily.

Smithsonian Museum Group:

All museums are open daily, except Christmas, 10am-5:30pm (except as noted). Extended spring/summer hours are determined annually. Admission is free to all Smithsonian museums and free walk-in tours are available at most museums. Visitors' information is available at 357-2700 and for the hearing impaired at 357-1729. Recorded information is available through Dial-A-Museum, 357-2020.

ANACOSTIA NEIGHBORHOOD MUSEUM

1901 Fort Place, SE

This museum presents changing exhibitions dealing with Afro-American history and art. It is open daily from 10am-5pm.

ARTS AND INDUSTRIES BUILDING

900 Jefferson Dr., SW

357-2700

Recreating the ambiance of the Philadelphia Centennial of 1876, the collection of Victorian Americana highlights the steam engine and other machines. Group tours are available.

BARNEY STUDIO HOUSE

2306 Massachusetts Ave., NW

357-2700

This turn-of-the-century showplace is filled with Barney's paintings and furniture. All visits are by appointment only.

FREER GALLERY OF ART

12th and Jefferson Dr., SW

Metro: Smithsonian

357-2700

The Freer houses one of the finest collections of Oriental art in the world. Also in the collection are works by late 19th and early 20th century American artists including Whistler and Homer. Group tours are available.

HIRSHORN MUSEUM AND SCULPTURE GARDEN

7th St. & Independence Ave., SW

Metro: L'Enfant Plaza

357-2700

The focus of the collection is 19th and 20th century painting and sculpture. It also features changing expeditions of modern art.

NATIONAL AIR AND SPACE MUSEUM

6th St. & Independence Ave., SW

Metro: L'Enfant Plaza

357-2700

The most visited museum in the world, it contains 23 galleries showcasing the evolution of aviation and space technology. Films are presented on a huge screen at the Langley Theater, and there is a planetarium that provides special presentations. Recorded tours are available in various languages for a nominal fee. Group tours and block seating for movies are available.

NATIONAL MUSEUM OF AFRICAN ART

318 A St., NE

Metro: Capitol South

357-2700

This is the only museum in the U.S. devoted to the art and culture of Africa. Group tours are available.

NATIONAL MUSEUM OF AMERICAN ART

8th and G Sts. NW

Metro: Gallery Place

357-2700

This Smithsonian features a permanent collection of 30, 000 works spanning 250 years of American painting, sculpture, graphic art, and photography. Group tours are available, and there is a courtyard for outdoor picnics.

NATIONAL MUSEUM OF AMERICAN HISTORY

14th St. & Constitution Ave., NW

Metro: Smithsonian, Federal Triangle

357-2700

The history of the United States and its people is highlighted by the nation's scientific, cultural, political, and technological achievements. Group tours available. This museum features a cafeteria and an old-fashioned ice cream parlor.

NATIONAL MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY

10th St. & Constitution Ave., NW

Metro: Smithsonian, Federal Triangle

357-2700

This collection of more than 81 million items documents man and his natural environment. Dinosaur skeletons, displays of early man, a living coral reef, insect zoo, and the Hope Diamond are some of the exhibits. Recorded tours are available for a nominal fee.

NATIONAL PORTRAIT GALLERY

8th and F Sts., NW

Metro: Gallery Place

337-2700

Portraits of famous Americans, sculptures and paintings are on display at this museum. There is a courtyard for picnics.

NATIONAL ZOOLOGICAL PARK

3000 block of Connecticut Ave., NW

Metro: Woodley Park-Zoo, Cleveland Park

673-4800

The National Zoo has over 3000 animals including the giant panda Hsing-Hsing. During the peak season (May 1-Sept 15), the grounds are open 6am-8pm and the buildings are open 10am-6pm. Non-peak season (Sept 16-Apr 30) has 6am-6pm for ground hours and 10am-4:30pm for building hours.

RENWICK GALLERY

17th St. at Pennsylvania Ave., NW

Metro: Farragut West

357-2700

Features exhibit of American crafts, design and decorative arts. Group tours are available.

SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTION BUILDING

1000 Jefferson Dr., SW

Metro: Smithsonian

357-2700

Popularly known as the Castle, this building is the oldest of the 13 museums that make up the Smithsonian complex. It houses the Information Center which catalogues all of the exhibits available. Orientation programs are offered free on a walk-in and scheduled basis.

Neighborhoods of Interest:

ADAMS MORGAN

Along Columbia Rd. Between 18th St. and Kalorama Park, NW

Sometimes called Washington's United Nations, Adams Morgan is a multi-ethnic neighborhood with a number of fine restaurants serving foods from around the world and small shops offering specialty gifts and grocery items. A collection of art galleries and grocery items can also be found in the area.

CHINATOWN

G & H Sts. between 6th and 8th Sts., NW

Many of the city's Chinese restaurants and shops are here in this historic area. A spectacular Chinese New Year Celebration each year.

EMBASSY ROW

Massachusetts Ave., NW between Sheridan and Observatory Circles

Here are many of the foreign embassies and chanceries established in Washington.

FOGGY BOTTOM

Area between Pennsylvania and Virginia Aves. and between 22nd and 25th Sts., NW

Once a foggy swamp along the Potomac river, it now offers a variety of cafes and restaurants, as well as many small stores and shops.

GEORGETOWN

Wisconsin Ave. & M St., NW

Long considered the heart of Washington's night life, Georgetown features a variety of restaurants, bars, and small shops. There are also a lot of historical buildings including the home President John F. Kennedy.

LE DROIT PARK

North of Florida Ave. To W St., between 2nd and 5th Sts., NW

Historic area features many fine 19th century Romantic Revival homes by James McGill.

Parks and Gardens to Explore:

ARBORETUM, U.S. NATIONAL

3501 New York Ave., NE

245-2726

The National Arboretum offers 444 lovely acres of trees, shrubs and flowering plants from across the United States and around the world. It is open daily 8am- 5pm.

CONSTITUTION GARDENS

Between Washington Monument and Lincoln Memorial.

Over 50 acres of rolling, shaded lawns with a six acre lake in the middle. There are also various memorials in the gardens.

CHERRY TREES

Tidal Basin, Jefferson Memorial

An unforgettable floral display each year in late March or early April. The hundreds of Yoshino and Akebono cherry trees were a gift from Japan in 1912.

DUMBARTON OAKS

31^st and R St, NW

339-6400

This splendid 19th century mansion near Georgetown contains an extensive Byzantine collection, Garden Library, Rare Book Room and Music Room. The house is surrounded by 10 acres of terraced formal gardens. The museum is open Tuesday though Sunday from 2pm- 5pm and a $1 contribution is appreciated. The Gardens are open daily except holidays, 2pm- 5pm.

POTOMAC PARK (EAST & WEST)

North and South of the Jefferson Memorial and Tidal Basin

On the banks of the Potomac River enjoy recreational activities, including golf, swimming, pedal-boating, picnicking and tennis. Open daily.

ROCK CREEK PARK AND NATURE CENTER

North of the National Zoo on Beach Dr.

426-6829

Rock Creek offers golf, exercise course, jogging paths, bike trails, tennis courts and bridle paths. Visit the Rock Creek Nature Center (5200 Glover Rd., NW) and enjoy nature exhibits, self-guided trails and a planetarium. Center is open Wednesday- Sunday, 9am- 5pm.

KENILWORTH AQUATIC GARDENS

Kenilworth Ave. And Douglas St., NE

Metro: Deanwood

426-6905

This aquatic garden features thousands of water plants including water lilies, lotuses, water hyacinths and bamboo growing in ponds along the Anacostia river. There is also some animal life. Flowers bloom from mid-June to early fall. Open daily, 7am until 4pm

LAFAYETTE SQUARE

Pennsylvania Ave. & 16th St.

(Across from the White House)

Metro: Farragut West

Meticulously landscaped square named after the Marquis de Lafayette's triumphant visit to America in 1824.

Attractions Near Washington:

C&O CANAL NATIONAL HISTORIC PARK

Stretches along the Potomac from Georgetown to Cumberland, Maryland

(301) 983-0825

The Chesapeake and Ohio Canal stretches 184 miles along the Potomac. In the summer, enjoy drawn trips from Georgetown to Great Falls, MD.

LURAY CAVERNS

Located off I-66 West on US-211 West

Luray, VA

(540) 635-4545

These are the largest and most popular caverns in the East. The caverns are open March 15 to June 15 from 9am until 6pm. From June 15 to Labor day, they are open until 7pm. From the day after Labor Day until Halloween their hours are 9am to 6pm. Between November 1 and March 14, they are open 9am- 4pm except on Saturdays and Sundays when they are open until 5pm. Admission for adults is $11. Group rates are available.

MOUNT VERNON

(703) 780-2000

Mount Vernon, VA (about 15 from downtown on the George Washington Parkway)

This mid-Georgian style mansion was once the home of George Washington. Fourteen rooms of the house are open to the public, and it also features 30 acres of grounds and gardens. It is open daily from 9am until 4pm (8am-5pm between April and August). Admission is $7 for adults.

NASA GODDARD SPACE FLIGHT CENTER AND MUSEUM

Greenbelt Rd.

Greenbelt, MD

(301) 286-5561

Full scale collection of rockets and satellites, along with displays and film clips of recent space flights. Visitors can see a model rocket launch the first and third Sunday of every month. Open daily, 10am- 4pm.

POTOMAC MILLS

Telegraph Rd. off I-95

Woodbridge , VA

(703) 490-5948

This is the largest outlet mall in the country. It is open Monday through Saturday, 10am- 9pm, and on Sunday, noon until 5pm.

Sports and Recreation:

BIG WHEEL BIKES

1034 33rd St., NW (Off of M St.)

337-0254

Bikes are $5/hour with a three hour minimum or $25 a day. They require a piece of ID and a credit card for deposit. Open weekdays 11am-6pm, weekends 10am-6pm.

FLETCHER'S BOAT HOUSE

4940 Canal Rd., NW

244-0461

Bikes are rented for $12 a day. Rowboats are available for $17 for the day and canoes are $18 a day. They are open weekdays 9am- 7:30pm and on weekends from 7:30am -7:30pm during the summer.

THOMPSON'S BOAT CENTER

Rock Creek Parkway and Virginia Ave., NW

333-4861

Mountain bikes are available at a rate of $8/hr. They rent canoes and rowboats for $8/hour and kayaks are available for $8/hour. Racing shells can be rented for $13 an hour and sunfish sailboats for $12/hour. Both require certification. Open 6am- 8pm.

JACK'S BOATS

3500 K St., NW

337-9642

Canoes and rowboats are available for $8/ hour or $25/day. Open 8am- 8pm, beginning in April.

TIDAL BASIN BOAT HOUSE

484-0206

Paddleboats are available for $7/ hour for a 2-person boat and $14/ hour for a 4-person boat. The Boat House is open 10am-6pm daily.

WASHINGTON SAILBOAT MARINA

George Washington Memorial Parkway

Alexandria, VA

(703) 548-9027

They rent sailboats for $10-$15 an hour depending on the size of the boat. Experience is required.

SPIRIT OF WASHINGTON

554- 8000

This boat offers dinner cruises and trips to Mount Vernon. Discounts are available for groups of 20 or more.

Horseback Riding:

BRANDYWINE STABLES

12 miles off Brandywine exit of I-495

Brandywine, MD

(301) 372-8914

Horse rental with large area and bridle paths guided an unguided. Rental is $20 an hour. Also features hay rides, bonfires, and cookouts.

ROCK CREEK PARK STABLES

Military and Glover Rds., NW

Recorded Information- 362-0117

Reservations- 362-0118

Escorted trail rides are available for $20 per person and are an hour in duration. Lessons are also offered.

Hiking:

SIERRA CLUB

404 C St., NE

547-2326

All different levels and places.

Shopping Centers: