Looking for some suggestions. Next month I will be in the DC area for a week for some RTCM and NSARC committee meetings, Arlington for the most part. Normally, if I have a free day, I do some museums, etc. I have a free day of sorts, but have to meet someone at the Pentagon for lunch, so don't have the whole day to do stuff. Been to Arlington Cemetery a few times, don't need to do that again. Looking for things to do in the area in morning before I have to be at the Pentagon (11:30) and then later in the afternoon. Mind you, I can always work on the damn computer in the hotel room, but... <~> On foot, no car, just Metro.

Suggestions welcome. TIA

The "Spy Museum", downtown, easy Metro access. Its great fun and very informative. If I remember correctly, they have some WWII E&E kits on display as well.

The 9/11 Memorial at the Pentagon is a must-see. Especially at night. It's open 24/7. (see pic below from a late-night visit I did with family, we were the only people there at 10:00p)

http://www.whs.mil/memorial/


The Newseum gets rave reviews from my guests. Admission fee.

http://www.newseum.org/


Second the Spy Museum - check to see if you should get an advance ticket.


The Capitol Visitor Center (opened December 2008). See what a billion bucks can buy to secure Congress in the event of attack, showcase artifacts and provide extra office space. It's a museum in itself, very impressive.

http://www.visitthecapitol.gov/


What's new at the Smithsonian Museums:

http://www.si.edu/


If you're in to model trains, the U.S. Botanical Gardens has a great display every Christmas. This year's starts November 26. The Botanical Gardens -- adjacent to the Capitol Reflecting Pool -- underwent a major renovation a few years ago and is well worth visiting if on the Hill. Especially if you've any interest in plants - indoor and out.

http://www.usbg.gov/education/events/Holiday-Magic.cfm


You may also want to check out the new (2006) U.S. Air Force Memorial, which is near the Pentagon (1/2 mile walk).

http://www.airforcememorial.org/

Thanks for the post Doug, this will help me as well, I'll be in D.C. this summer for the weekend with my scouts before we head to the Scout Jamboree

Being a daughter of a veteran of that war, the WW II Memorial was important for me to see.

http://www.wwiimemorial.com/

Thanks for the suggestions.

Take the FBI HQ building tour, it's pretty cool. Any of the Smithsonians.

back in the late 50's when i did the FBI tour our local friends told us to take the last tour and they let people fire guns on the indoor range where they fired the Tommy gun.i think the guys who did the tour then were real agents and one showed us how to grab a pistol so the hammer would come down on the web of your thumb to block it..just a kid i said that would hurt,his response,better than getting shot.it was one of those "moments" when the real world hits you...i can tell i'm getting old,i can recall that but not where i left my keys------

I found the FBI tour dissappointing. AND any knives or pepper spray you have, will be confiscated and won't be coming back to you.
The guides didn't know what they were talking about.
Though I have to admit it was strange to see Bonnie and Clydes pistols and Dillingers Tommy Gun. We think of them as so legendary we forget that they really existed and it was in living memory.
The Sock

Silent drill platoon at USMC barracks (8th and I) evening retreat