Reply To: Washington DC and Seattle things to do/see?

[peterH]

You’ve picked two good locations if you’re into plans and aviation…Really enjoyed both and would love to go back, Seattle especially.

Washington DC
– Smithsonian Air & Space Museum – as others have said excellent museum in the heart of town.
– Udvar Hazy Smithsonian Air & Space Museum – agree with others this is better but getting there (as our nr Dulles) takes time, so unless an avgeek and with limited time maybe for another trip.
– Arlington Cemetery – particularly if a nice day an interesting location to walk round and would recommend one of the tours. Easy to get to on the Metro and then you can walk back into town past alot of the memorials.
– Memorials by Night Tour – This was the night time version of the HoHo tour and I thought excellent. Gave you time at several of the memorials and seeing them lit up by night was cool.
– Spy Museum – I didn’t go and notice it has relocated and have heard good things about it since.
– Washington Monument – Spectacular views from the top and I still think impressive to go up (and say you’ve gone up) to the top of it when you see it in films and on TV.
– White House Visitor Center – Very good NPS visitor centre close to the White House.

As mentioned with Arlington, just walking around all of the various memorials and the reflecting pond can take up a lot of a day and is well worth it.

Seattle
– Museum of Flight – Exceptional and one of the reasons for my trip.
– Boeing Future of Flight Aviation Center – a definite pain (or should that be paine) to get to out at Paine Field but if you like aircraft a must do. The tour inside the Boeing factory was incredible and highly recommend. The actual centre is quite small but does have a roof top terrace that you can sit on overlooking the airfield, and if lucky see the Dreamlifter in action.
– Space Needle – a must do. Iconic building and great views.
– Sky View Observatory – quite enjoyed this viewing deck too as gives views of the Space Needle and more downtown Seattle, but I definitely pick the Space Needle over it.
– Pike Place Market – wonderful, go there hungry and then go back again at the next mealtime. Lots of good cafes, some with views out over the sound. The Crumpet Cafe was a particular favourite (food rather than views) but the cherries, cheese, chowder (in fact everything), elsewhere was also excellent.
– Food tour – there are lots on offer but I did the Savor Seattle food tour of Pike Place Market on my first morning, which I always think is a good introduction to somewhere, and would recommend it.

Oh and of course make sure you go on the iconic monorail!