Easy Day Trip in Washington, D.C.

Trying to see all Washington DC has to offer can kill your feet and leave you very grouchy! Being the unofficial tour guide for friends and family, I have discovered a great one-day tour that isn't too hard on the feet and packs a lot of punch. I would love to share it with you.

Start the day early and check the weather, not fun to get caught in the rain without an umbrella. Wherever you start from make your way on the Metro to Union Station. What an incredible and exquisite old building designed in the Beaux Arts stlye. Designed as a gateway and it certainly is.

After taking lots of pictures of Union Station, inside and out, make your way out the front entrance, past the sculpture honoring Christopher Columbus to the street. Traveling south you will cross the street and follow Delaware Ave. towards the U.S.Capitol Building. It's about two blocks along the beautifully landscaped Capitol Grounds featuring really nice big trees with labels for those who are botanically inclined.You will be passing congressional offices on your left.

Arriving at the Capitol, wander along until you get to the middle of the building. This is a great spot for pictures. Turning around you can see the Supreme Court Building across the street. Walk across the plaza and down the steps to the entrance to the visitor center. The security here is like the airport, so leave your favorite pocket knife at home.

After entering the building walk towards the right and you will find a complimentary coat check. It's so nice not to have to carry around your jacket. Down a flight of stairs you will come to the ticket counters. You can make reservations online, but it's really not necessary, just go to the same day counter and they will give you a ticket and time for a tour of the United States Capitol Building. These are great tours lead by volunteers. First you will see a movie on the history of the Capitol which was nicely done. Then your tour guide takes you through the Capitol noting many features along the way. This tour is great and it's free!

After leaving your tour guide, walk towards the right and you will see a tunnel that will lead you to the Library of Congress. The tunnel travels under the street outside and brings you up into the Library of Congress - one of the most beautiful buildings I have ever seen - prepare to be amazed. Be sure to spend some time here taking note of the sculptures of children from around the world, the incredible stained glass ceiling in the center room, and the beautiful moasics on the ceilings and floor throughout. On display is one of the first printed books using movable type - the Gutenburg Bible. Also on display is the incredible Giant Bible of Mainz - completely handwritten.

If you checked a jacket, backtrack to the coat check in the Capitol Building Visitor Center. If not, you can leave this building and you will find yourself on First St. You're probably pretty hungry now and quite overstimulated - time for some refreshment. Leaving the building turn left, walking along First St, head towards the corner, stay left and walk up to Pennsylvania St. Cross to Pennsylvania and down this street you will find a plethora of eating establishments - something for everyone.

After a nice rest if you don't want to walk back to Union Station, you can walk a couple of blocks west to the South Capitol Metro Station and make your way home with lots and lots of beautiful photos. And the satisfaction of experiencing three outstanding buildings with their beautiful art and history, all in one day and in short walking distance from each other.