8 Tips for the Smithsonian and FREE museums in DC
Between the Smithsonian and National Gallery of Art, Washington DC has some of the best completely free museums in the entire world. In this video I’m going to give you my favorite tips and hacks to help you when you travel to DC to explore them.
Subscribe for more Trip Hacks DC travel videos -
Interested in a private guide tour? Check out what I offer -
How to Get FREE Tickets to the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History & Culture -
My must-have apps video -
Where to eat (and avoid) on the National Mall -
Download the Smithsonian app -
Download the National Gallery of Art app -
Smithsonian extended hours calendar -
Follow Trip Hacks DC on Social Media:
Top 5 Free Museums in Washington DC
Today we are going to visit some of the wonderful museums that we have. They are all free, and part of the Smithsonian. Come and join me!
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Alex Saenger
301.200.1232
Alex@AlexSaenger.com
AlexSaenger.com
Keller Williams Capital Properties
301.251.1221
On the search for your next home? Curious about what's for sale in your neighborhood? Want to find open houses nearby?
Download my app! AlexApp.AlexSaenger.com
How to Tour the U.S. Capitol, Supreme Court & White House
If you want to visit the White House, Capitol or Supreme Court when you travel to Washington DC, this video has all of the information you need to make that a reality. Make sure to plan ahead because the White House requires advance reservations and it’s highly recommended for the Capitol. You don’t want to arrive disappointed!
Subscribe for more Trip Hacks DC travel videos -
Interested in a private guide tour? Check out what I offer -
Find your representative -
Information about acceptable forms of ID, prohibited items, and other important details for when you visit the White House -
Capitol Visitor Center -
Direct link to book a tour through the Capitol Visitor Center -
Supreme Court tours and lectures -
Supreme Court calendar of oral arguments -
Follow Trip Hacks DC on Social Media:
Visit DC - The DON'Ts of Visiting Washington, DC
What tourists should not do when they visit Washington, D.C. From safety issues for car break ins, to overdoing it with the amazing free Smithsonian museums, to not being able to find a restaurant in the District, there are a number of Don'ts of visiting Washington, D.C. This video covers what tourists, travelers and visitors to the US capital should know before they visit DC so they can have the best visit possible.
Filmed in Washington, D.C.
Copyright Mark Wolters 2018
Support Us:
Special Thanks to Rob from Trip Hacks DC for stopping by and joining us. You can find his tours at or on social media @triphacksdc and subscribe to his YouTube channel
The Don'ts of Visiting The USA
The Shocks of Visiting The South of the US
What to Know about Hotels in the USA
Grab Wolters World Merchandise & Travel Gear at
Our Gear:
Sony Alpha 6000: Our favorite camera for vlogging. One of the best selling cameras of all time and its not too expensive.
Osprey Meridian Carry-on Size Travel Backpack: This is THE backpack that all of the Wolters World family use. It fits in the overhead compartment, gives you a great day pack and has an awesome warranty. We always travel with one.
Duafire Travel Adapter: helps you plug into most countries plugs around the world.
Travel Strip: One plug for your normal device, four USB plugs as well, it saves a lot of trouble and outlets when you travel.
Backup Battery Pack: Essential for travelers wanting to have a backup batter charge for their phones, cameras, and devices.
Hey There Fellow Travelers! Thank you for watching our honest travel vlogs from all over this wonderful world. If you would like to get in contact with us please follow us & send us a message via our social media channels below. Also, if you like our travel videos please feel free to share them with other fellow travelers.
Follow Us At
Virtual Field Trip - Washington, D.C.
All students need to understand the treasures, history, and beauty that their nation's capital has to offer. Explore our destination library of virtual field trips at virtualfieldtrips.org
Washington DC Street Grid, Explained
Learn how to navigate the street grid when you visit Washington, DC. Even for a tourist, once you get the hang of it, it's really not too hard!
****************************************
~Trip Hacks DC resources for your trip~
Subscribe to the channel! -
Trip Hacks DC guided tours -
Trip Hacks DC Beginner’s Guide to DC e-book -
Trip Hacks DC Recommended Hotels Guide -
Shirts & Merch –
Send us a message -
****************************************
~Resources from this video~
Download Citymapper -
****************************************
~Follow Trip Hacks DC on social media~
****************************************
~Credits~
capitol building by Loren Klein from the Noun Project
The White House by Jaime Carrion from the Noun Project
Train by Dumitriu Robert from the Noun Project
Baseball by Creaticca Creative Agency from the Noun Project
Panda by Carla Gom Mejorada from the Noun Project
Anchor by FELIX FX from the Noun Project
university by Massupa Kaewgahya from the Noun Project
Abraham Lincoln by Bonnie Beach from the Noun Project
Washington DC Weather & the BEST Time of Year To Visit
Washington DC weather varies throughout the year. In this video you’ll learn about what it’s like to visit during different seasons. Make sure to stick around for my recommendation for the best time to visit DC.
Subscribe for more Trip Hacks DC travel videos -
Interested in a private guide tour? Check out what I offer -
How to get an awesome deal on DC hotels -
Washington DC weather averages by month -
National Cherry Blossom Festival -
Information about Rolling Thunder -
Smithsonian Folklife Festival -
Library of Congress Book Festival -
Concerts at the U.S. Capitol -
Marine Barracks Evening Parades -
Downtown DC Holiday Market -
Follow Trip Hacks DC on Social Media:
5 WEIRD Monuments in Washington DC
Want to see some lesser-known weird and obscure monuments and memorials when you visit Washington, DC? Rob is joined by Carolyn from DC Design Tours to talk about five of them.
Check out DC Design Tours -
Use the code DCDESIGNHACK for a discount on your tour!
****************************************
~Trip Hacks DC resources for your trip~
Subscribe to the channel! -
Trip Hacks DC guided tours -
Trip Hacks DC Beginner’s Guide to DC e-book -
Trip Hacks DC Recommended Hotels Guide -
Shirts & Merch –
Send us a message -
****************************************
~Resources from this video~
Temperance fountain -
Titanic Memorial -
Jefferson Pier -
Freedom Bell -
Joan of Arc -
****************************************
~Follow Trip Hacks DC on social media~
Washington DC Travel Tips: 10 Things to Know Before You Go to DC
Things you NEED to know BEFORE you go to Washington DC. DC is often referred to as The District. You could easily spend a week in DC, especially if you want to see George Washington’s house in Mount Vernon and Thomas Jefferson’s house in Monticello. The City is laid out in a grid pattern with lettered streets running east-west, numbered streets running north-south. Diagonal streets — usually named after states — often intersect at circles (30 circles)
Dupont Circle is my favorite circle. Comprised of four quadrants (NE, NW, SE, and SW), which spread out from the U.S. Capitol.
Getting in
There are three Airports -- none of them actually in DC
Reagan (DCA) -- right next to DC -- connected by Metro or $20 Cab Ride
Washington Dulles (IAD)
Baltimore-Washington (BWI)
Amtrak to Union Station
Or Drive
Transportation in DC
Walk
One of the 10 of the most walkable cities in the USA
Travel + Leisure rated D.C. as the third rudest city in America,
Metro
Smart Trip Card
Capital Bike Share
175 stations across the city
Sign up for a day, or three
Taxis/Uber plentiful
Driving: Beware -- traffic is miserable and oneway streets abound
Parking is expensive -- Use parking panda
Museums
Smithsonians are free
Most on the national mall
Air and Space has 2 locations -- one by Dulles
Newseum and Spy Museum are expensive
My favorite is the Bureau of Engraving and Printing
No reservations required September 5, 2017 through March 2, 2018
Washington Monument elevator is really cool -- but it’s often broken
Best gift shops are in the museums
Government Stuff
Capitol Building or the White House, make sure to book your tickets in advance.
Capitol tour, reservations online or through your Congressional representative or senator.
Capitol Visitor Center provides a limited number of day-passes starting at 9 a.m.
White House, reserve a few months before your trip. Thru congressional representative.
Time to visit
Cherry Blossom Season
Not the summer when all the school kids are there
And the Summer is oppressively hot and humid, especially in August
And maybe not when the govt is in full swing
I like Winter -- no crowds at all
Hotels
Can be really expensive, as can parking
My favorites are the Park Hyatt and the Mayflower
Stay outside of DC in Arlington or Alexandria for cheaper hotels
Just a short metro ride in to the city
Food
The national mall and monument area has almost no food
Union Station and Le’fant plaza good for lunch, or around the white house
Avoid the Chinese food in Chinatown -- it’s all really awful
But George Bush’s favorite Chinese restaurant is just 20 minutes driving outside of DC
Peking Gourmet Inn in Fall Church -- Awesome Peking Duck
My Favorites: Potbelly
My Favorites: Moby Dick House of Kabob
My Favorites: Ben’s Chili Bowl
DC is more than just monuments and the National Mall
Get out and see the real DC
Georgetown
Penn Quarter
Adams Morgan
Smithsonian Zoo
U Street
Walk the red line
Timecodes:
DC General: 00:27
DC City Layout: 01:37
Getting in to DC: 02:35
Transportation in DC: 03:59
DC Museums: 06:02
Government Stuff: 08:51
Best time to visit DC: 10:05
DC Hotels: 11:43
DC Food: 13:51
The Rest of DC: 18:20
CLICK HERE TO SUBSCRIBE:
You might enjoy watching some of my other USA Travel Videos:
Yellow Productions on social media:
FACEBOOK:
INSTAGRAM:
TWITTER: ChrisRaney
GOOGLE+:
Check out my blog at:
Yellow Productions Merchandise:
Music:
Easy Lemon Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)
DC in 4 Days
from the first half of my spring break, ft some museums, good food, and cherry blossoms and trying to avoid the national mall
Shadows Sick - Spy Museum Visit - Washington DC Trip
Many people have asked me to put up a donation link, so here it is. If you feel that we have helped you in some way, I am open to accepting donations to the channel. Your donation received will be put back into the channels production efforts. Thank You!
GuruBrew Paypal Link:
We toured Virginia and Washington DC over the holiday's. We visited lots of cool places like the Capitol building and a spy museum in Washington. When we returned we learned that our dog of 11 years is very sick and needs surgery to remove a massive stone in her bladder. Shadow has been in our videos many times so I wanted the regular watches to know. She will be going into surgery this Friday in an attempt to remove the blockage. I will keep you updated on her progress.
The Guru Brew is a weekly entertainment show that is posted on the internet every Saturday with a frequent bonus upload on Wednesday. Our videos are mainly aimed at subjects like science, computers and technology and everything gadget related (we love gadgets). Our aim is to present these video lessons and demonstrations in a very simple, easy to understand way that any novice can grasp. Please join us as we document our techie adventures where something fun and new is always brewing.
You are invited to subscribe to our YouTube channel at no charge so that you will notified by email when a new video is published and available to view.
Music Courtesy of &
Visit us on the web at:
Have a question to ask the Brew?
*Our Second Channel
*Twitter:
*Facebook:
Obscura Day 2010- From the National Museum of Health and Medicine in Washington DC
From Sum of Change's Coverage of Obscura Day 2010. An event that was specifically off the beat and path, the 1st Annual Obscura Day was hosted by Atlas Obscura (atlasobscura.com),a compendium of this age's wonders, curiosities, and esoterica or a guide the unusual and hard to find treasures across the world.
I, (obviously) went to the DC event at the National Museum of Health and Medicine on the Campus of Walter Reid Army Medical Hospital (more on that in a bit) but Obscura Day was celebrated in over 80 cities around the world. The event kicked off in Australia with a tour of a bio-luminescent glow worm filled tunnel in Australia, and featured such diverse events, such as a trip the worlds largest tree house, an underground tour of the Atlantic avenue tunnels in NYC, a time travel buss tour of 1050s LA, and our event at the Museum of Health and Medicine in DC.
Though few artifacts at the museum were unusually obscure, the museum collects very important items to the survival of our society that many of us take for granted, such as the largest collection of microscopes and brains for research. It is one of the only museums dedicated not only to the overall history of health, but also to the study of military medicine. So it features areas on the development of human beings, from pre-birth to death, in addition to more military specific sections, such as a room about the identification of human remains.
The museum however is quite large and diverse and has over 25 million items in its collection. The most unique artifacts are probably the bullet that killed Abraham Lincoln and a fragment of his skull. This is a true rarity, not only for the historical significance of the artifacts themselves but because this is one of the few displays of the actual mortal remains of one of our countrys most historic figures, as Tim Clark, the Museums communications director describes it.
From all accounts Obscura day was quite a success around the world and I know everyone in DC had a great time. To see videos, pictures, blogs and tweets from all the Obscura Day events, go to obscuraday.com.
For more info on the museum, please go to their website ( and visit them on the campus of the Walter Reid Army Medical Hospital (while it still exists) in Washington DC.
Top Tips for Visiting the National Zoo in DC
The Smithsonian's National Zoo is the only zoo in the United States that has Giant Pandas AND is COMPLETELY FREE to visit! For families with kids or anyone who enjoys zoos, it’s a trip from the National Mall that’s absolutely worth it.
Subscribe for more Trip Hacks DC travel videos -
Interested in a private guide tour? Check out what I offer -
Check out Do DC With Kids -
Subscribe to Tina’s newsletter -
Smithsonian’s National Zoo -
Become a Friends of the National Zoo (FONZ) member -
Where to Eat and Drink Near the National Zoo -
ZooLights -
Breakfast at the Zoo -
Boo at the Zoo -
Follow Trip Hacks DC on Social Media:
Follow Do DC with Kids on Social Media:
The Most Searched Washington DC Questions
Why is DC... [fill in the blank]. In this video Rob answers the most frequent auto completes on Google about Washington, DC.
Questions and timestamps:
01:03 Why is DC not a state
02:25 Why is DC so humid
03:14 Why is DC traffic so bad
04:12 Why is DC so expensive
04:58 Why is DC Metro so expensive
05:52 Why is DC called the swamp
06:30 Why is DC the capital
07:38 Why is DC not a square
08:27 Why is DC so windy
09:04 Why is DC not represented
****************************************
~Trip Hacks DC resources for your trip~
Subscribe to the channel! -
Sign up for a guided tour -
Trip Hacks DC PODCAST -
Beginner’s Guide to DC e-book -
Recommended Hotels Guide -
Shirts & Merch –
Send us a message -
****************************************
~Resources from this video~
Pennsylvania Mutiny of 1783 -
Washington, D.C.'s Five-Letter Problem: Metro -
Another Study Blames Uber and Lyft for Public Transit’s Decline -
We need 100,000+ new homes in the coming decades to meet our regional shortage -
Trip Hacks DC Podcast Ep.5 All Aboard the DC Metro -
The Myth That Washington Was a Swamp Will Never Go Away -
Compromise of 1790 -
District of Columbia retrocession -
How the States Got Their Shapes book -
Are winters getting windier in Washington, D.C.?
****************************************
~Follow Trip Hacks DC on social media~
Planning A Family Trip To Washington DC - Tips And Discount Links
**NOTE: discounts and tips were current as of July 2019
In this video WeMcLaughlins are on location at the National Mall in Washington DC to tell you why this is our second summer in a row making the trek from Florida to visit our nation’s capital. We’ll show you ample video on location in the various attractions to see, tips for hydration, dining, tickets and planning each day of your stay.
TIME STAMPS
00:41 get oriented to the National Mall, what to bring
02:11 strategizing for your days
02:55 kids' perspective on the best things to do
04:10 what to see near the Washington Monument: National Monument, World War II Memorial, Lincoln Memorial, Vietnam Memorial, Korean War Memorial, The White House, African American History Museum, Jefferson Memorial, Holocaust Museum
05:46 what to see near the center of the Mall: Smithsonian Museum of National History, Smithsonian Museum of American History, The National Archives, Newseum
06:40 what to see near the Capitol: Smithsonian National Air & Space Museum, Native American History Museum, Supreme Court, Library Of Congress
07:00 walking around the National Mall (notes on shade & strollers)
07:40 tips for riding the DC Metro and where to park
08:38 staying hydrated on the cheap
09:31 must see attractions
14:18 tips for the Capitol Tour (hint: don't bring food!)
15:22 which attractions require tickets
17:00 where to eat near the National Mall
17:43 Arlington National Cemetery with kids
18:36 final tips on strategizing your days
19:12 surrounding attractions: Jamestown, Williamsburg, Great Falls Park, Prince William Forest Park
20:54 outtakes
DC METRO RAIL MAP: (the Metro runs constantly but routes may vary on weekends or due to construction).
ATTRACTIONS REQUIRING TICKETS:
-Ford's Theater:
-International Spy Museum: ($2 off adult tickets)
-National Holocaust Memorial Museum: (required March-August - $1 reserve charge)
-Newseum: (15% off)
-Smithsonian Air & Space Museum - Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center (Dulles Airport): (purchase tickets on location; note $15 parking fee before 4pm)
TICKETS ARE NOT REQUIRED FOR:
-All other Smithsonian Museums
-Arlington National Cemetery (walking tour)
-Capitol Tour (reservations recommended:
-Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial
-Jefferson Memorial
-Korean War Veterans Memorial
-Library of Congress
-Lincoln Memorial
-National 9/11 Pentagon Memorial
-National Archives
-National Gallery of Art
-Supreme Court
-United States Botanical Garden
-Washington Monument (re-opens August 2019; tickets are free but you can reserve yours in advance for $1.50 by calling 1.877.444.6777)
-World War II Memorial
NEARBY PARKS & ATTRACTIONS:
-Great Falls State Park:
NAVIGATION
-Apple Maps on our iPhones did a great job helping us navigate (bring a portable charger as heavy GPS will drain your battery considerably!). However, we found multiple instances where the app led us correctly as the crow flies but not necessarily in consideration of barriers or street crossing challenges. The Newseum was one example of this where we had to stop and ask for directions. The Five Guys closest to the Newseum is in an underground food court and Apple Maps did not alert us of the different elevation.
FOOD TIPS
-Food trucks surround the National Mall and there are multiple fast food restaurants just blocks from the main attractions and within walking distance. We recommend families pack lunches as purchased food expenses can add up quickly! Food is quite expensive in most of the museums.
***Attractions where food cannot be brought in (not even in your bag): Capitol Building
**Attractions where food must be sealed and closed: Smithsonian Museums (excluding the National Zoo, where there are no restrictions),
*Attractions where consuming outside food is prohibited but it is unclear whether it can remain stored in a bag: Newseum,
*Attractions where there are no restrictions on food: Smithsonian National Zoo (no alcohol and trash must be properly disposed of)
---
JOIN US ON THE MISSION TO END PTSD:
SUPPORT OUR CHANNEL ON PATREON:
OUR FAVORITE GEAR:
BEST Places to Eat on the National Mall
Learn about some of the best places to eat on the National Mall in Washington, DC. The National Mall is a bit of a restaurant desert, but there are still some good eats that you can seek out during your trip.
****************************************
~Trip Hacks DC resources for your trip~
Subscribe to the channel! -
Trip Hacks DC guided tours -
Trip Hacks DC Beginner’s Guide to DC e-book -
Trip Hacks DC Recommended Hotels Guide -
Shirts & Merch –
Send us a message -
****************************************
~Resources from this video~
Mitsitam Cafe -
Sweet Home Café -
Pavilion Café -
Eat at the USDA Cafeteria -
Get free tickets to the National Museum of African American History & Culture -
Best summer things to do in DC -
****************************************
~Follow Trip Hacks DC on social media~
7 Unique Washington DC Words and Phrases
Learn about 7 words and phrases unique to the Washington, DC area. Once you know the lingo and jargon you won't have to wonder if you hear any slang terms while you're here.
****************************************
~Trip Hacks DC resources for your trip~
Subscribe to the channel! -
Trip Hacks DC guided tours -
Trip Hacks DC Beginner’s Guide to DC e-book -
Trip Hacks DC Recommended Hotels Guide -
Shirts & Merch –
Send us a message -
****************************************
~Follow Trip Hacks DC on social media~
****************************************
~Credits~
Half smoke and dogs on the griddle at 03:56 from Flickr user T.Tseng. Used with permission under the Creative Commons Attribution 2.0 Generic (CC BY 2.0).
Capitol Half Smoke Sausage on the grill 1 at 04:02 from Flickr user William F. Yurasko. Used with permission under the Creative Commons Attribution 2.0 Generic (CC BY 2.0).
Things that Surprise Visitors to Washington DC
Washington, DC is a unique city and some tourists are surprised by the things they find when they get here. This video will help set some expectations before your trip.
Subscribe for more Trip Hacks DC travel videos -
Interested in a private guide tour? Check out what I offer -
Free things mentioned in the video:
National Mall -
Smithsonian museums -
Capitol Visitor Center -
National Archives -
Library of Congress -
National Gallery of Art -
U.S. Botanic Gardens -
National Zoo -
Follow Trip Hacks DC on Social Media:
The 5 Best-Kept Secret Spots to Visit in Washington DC
As one of the most visited destinations in the United States, Washington DC is packed with things to do. But if you're looking for must-see locations that are a bit under the radar, we have five you have to check out. Avoid the long lines and the bustling hot spots with hidden gems that you won't find in any guidebook. You'll learn about the history of the city while getting a bit of true DC flavor.
Washington DC already tops the charts as a popular travel destination, but there are a few hidden gems in the city, which is why we partnered with Hilton for this post.
POPSUGAR Food shares delicious recipes, tutorials, kitchen tips and tricks, and everything else you need to start cooking ... and eating! Hosted by Brandi Milloy, POPSUGAR Food shares easy-to-follow recipes, demos, and time-saving kitchen hacks on our show Get the Dish, and recreate the latest food crazes and invent new ones on Eat the Trend. Get the scoop on how to make everything from Cronuts to ramen burgers to vanilla cupcakes and beyond!
Subscribe to POPSUGAR Food!
Check out the rest of our channel:
Washington in 3 minutes ???? Tips for your Washington D.C. tour
Washington D.C is the capital of the United States of America and the hub of politics. We show you what to do and what so see in Washington D.C. We visit the Capitol with you and show the White House.
In Washington D.C. you can explore the National Mall with all the Museums located between the Capitol and the Lincoln Memorial. Washington in 3 minutes is a travel guide for your tour in Washington. We recommend to stay two days in Washington. For your hotel, click on this affiliate link:
#theTravellers #washington #washingtondc
Recommended stay: min 2 days
-----
The following links are affiliate links*:
-----
THE WORLD IN 5 MINUTES.
HOTEL WASHINGTON* ►
TRAIN/BUS/FLIGHT* ►
RENTAL CAR* ►
-----
CHECK YOUR FLIGHT RIGHTS IN 5 MINUTES
EUclaim* ►
-----
WORLD OF TRAVELLERS:
YOUTUBE ►
FACEBOOK ►
INSTAGRAM ►
TWITTER ►
WEB ►
-----
MUSIC:
Secret Conversations - The 126ers
The_First_Night_In_New_York_City
When_We_Found_The_Horizon
The_Rising
Magenta
Mama_s_Whisper
All music in this video are free for download with permission for commercial use.
-----
ABOUT US:
CENGIZ ►
THOMAS ►
-----
CONTACT:
MAIL ► theTravellers[at]gmx.net
-----
The links marked with * are affiliate links. If a transaction is made via one of these links, theTravellers will get a commission. There are no additional costs for you. Where, when and how you buy a product or book your trip is of course up to you.