Julie Anne Harris

Like all Smithsonians, it is excellent and free. They feature a wide range of traditional and contemporary African art. The collections are a bit smaller than many other Smithsonians, so it may take you only a few hours to go through. The museum shop is excellent. I particularly liked the beadwork. One annoyance was that some of their exhibits asked you to scan a QR code to get the explanation. Fortunately, most of the exhibits still had signs. Hopefully, this isn't where the Smithsonians are headed. I don't want to have to break out my phone while exploring the museum.

A fun museum of modern art, smaller than the other Smithsonians. Visiting probably takes less than a day. Like all the others, it is free. Just a warning, the collection is entirely, relentlessly modern, so if that isn't an aesthetic you enjoy, you might want to consider some other destination. It probably also won't be high on the list if you're trying to do the standard dc patriotic circuit. The architecture of the building and the surrounding gardens and sculptures contribute wonderfully to the impact of a visit. Too bad the main sculpture garden has been under repair for so long.

I was pleasantly surprised by the quality of this museum. It does cost $10 for an adult, but it is worth it. They have rotating displays about architecture, city design, house building, etc. The displays I saw on the border wall and architectural photography were particularly interesting. The museum has several interactive areas that seemed popular with children. The museum store was one of the best museum gift stores I've seen, with nice puzzles and toys for children and a wonderful selection of urbanism, architecture, and gardening books for adults. All in a beautiful historic building easily accessible from the judiciary square metro.

A beautiful area at the arboretum. There are collections of herbs used for dyes, medicines, food, and others grouped into thematic collections. There is also a wonderful rose garden featuring old and species roses and some pleasant walking areas.

A great local neighborhood park with impressive stairs and stonework, gardens and landscaping, benches, and plenty of green space to have a picnic or do whatever. Not close to the metro, and parking is tight, but if you're in the area, it is a nice place to hang out, gather, and people watch. It is always busy. Another nice little dc park.