Things To Do
Smithsonian National Zoological Park
Right off the Red Line (Woodley-Park Zoo, Adams Morgan), and one of Daniel's all time favorite places in DC! It is free, and usually just need to register timed passes ahead of time (can be done day-of).
Kramers Bookstore and Cafe
This is a bookstore and cafe, steps away from Dupont Metro station's north exit (Red Line). It's one of Becky's favorite places in DC! Kramer's has a great selection of books, cards, stationary, and a menu spanning breakfast to dinner. Dupont is also an extremely walkable area with many restaurants, cafes, and stores - so a great place to explore and not too far from Bethesda by metro.
Wonderland Books
One of Becky and Daniel's favorite pastimes is browsing a bookstore - bonus points if it is a small independent books store or a secondhand shop. This bookstore is right in Bethesda, if you would like to walk around the neighborhood full of shops and restaurants closer to the venue and hotels.
National Gallery of Art
A huge collection of historic to modern art, with a small garden and cafe incorporated in the building. There is also The National Art Gallery - East Building (more Modern art but still a mix), The National Gallery of Art - Sculpture Garden, and finally the National Portrait Gallery (which has one of Becky's favorite all weather reading spots in DC - the Kogod Courtyard). There is lots to choose from! Oh, and all these museums are free - some may require registering for a timed pass but they tend to be widely available.
Smithsonian's National Air and Space Museum
If you want to explore more *outside* our globe - hop right over to National Air and Space Museum! (We highly recommend a visit there is you can squeeze it in) You can see your pick of incredible museums and visit the Washington Monument all within half a mile of each other. The Smithsonian museums are entirely free, but typically require you to get a pass ahead of time so the exhibits are not overwhelmed with crowds. The Smithsonian Mall is accessible via metro (Smithsonian Station, a Blue, Orange and Silver Line stop). No designated parking, street parking only and is limited.