Places To Visit in Washington

Q: I plan to visit Washington with my family next year. I have a good idea of the museums on offer and the main government buildings such as the White House, the Senate and the Supreme Court, but would like to know of other good places to visit in the city. - Howard Long

A: You can start off with a walk through Georgetown, the city's beautiful historic district, with great shopping, restaurants and and plenty of historic sites. For outdoor fun, take a picnic and enjoy spectacular views of the Potomac River at Great Falls Park. This 800 acre park located 20kms from Washington, it offers hiking, kayaking, rock climbing, bicycling, and horseback riding. You could enjoy a great day out at Mount Vernon, the 500-acre estate where George Washington and his family lived. There's plenty to explore, including the 14-room mansion and the slave quarters. Whatever their ages, your children are bound to enjoy a visit to Six Flags America, a thrilling theme park just 30 minutes from dowtown. The park offers more than 100 rides and a vast water park. It is open from April to October. For entertainment, check what is showing at the Kennedy Center for the Performing arts, which features some great shows and events. Alternatively, you can attend a concert at Wolftrap Farm Park. The park hosts indoor and outdoor concerts and is located in Vienna, Virginia, only 20 minutes from Washington. You will find the city's liveliest nightlife in Adams Morgan neighbourhood, which features cuisine from Asia to Africa and Latin America. You will also find a wide range of nightclubs, coffee houses, bars and shops. (2/10/11)