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I am going to be having an internship in the summer and wondering, during my free time, what is enjoyable to do in the city? And how is the commute to the city and best course of action of getting there?
I am guessing just on the outskirts of the city, but very close. I don't know of the exact locations as of yet. But would just like various places of interest.
Okay well generally commuting from the suburbs into the city is more painful than from the city into the suburbs.
If you're going from the suburbs to the city, there's no real "best" course of action, just the least painful. You're basically choosing between anthrax and ebola. The Metro is cheaper than driving, but if you're going to be in Arlington taking the Orange Line, it's gonna be packed during rush hour. Whereas being out in Fairfax near the Vienna Metro station (it's the Western terminus of the Orange Line) you'll usually find a seat. But then you're also gonna have a longer commute time. Driving generally sucks... I-66 is a parking lot.
What's fun to do... hmm... go see the monuments and museums for one. Even as a 15 year resident I still enjoy doing that. Are you 21+? Hit up some bars in Dupont Circle or U Street or Adams Morgan. See a show at one of the many theaters. Go for a bike ride on the Mount Vernon trail.
What CAN'T you do here? It would help if you shared some of your interests. Do you like going out to bars and clubs? Museums and art galleries? Outdoor activities? Readings and lectures? Live music performances? There's something for everyone here, so if you give us a bit to go on I'm sure you'll get plenty of suggestions.
I typically like the museums and art galleries, love going on hikes as there are mountains by where I live. I also love the ideas of lectures and live music!
I am guessing just on the outskirts of the city, but very close. I don't know of the exact locations as of yet. But would just like various places of interest.
The outskirts of the city are not 'very close'. It is an oxymoron. The furthest suburbs will require a car for commuting. Some nearer suburbs have metro access. Most neighborhoods within the District are well-served for the daily commute by either metro or bus. And of course, the length of time depends on which suburb you choose and where you are going. A commute from Arlington to Georgetown could take fifteen minutes. A commute from Springfield to Rockville could take 90 minutes.
Museums: The Smithsonian, obviously. Take your pick, they have 16 museums (all free).
Hiking: Rock Creek Park is a obvious choice within the city. There are other sources of 'nature' in the area, such as the C&O canal, but they don't necessarily involve 'hiking' per se.
Music: The Kennedy Center has music recitals of varying kinds every day. It is called the "Millenium Stage" and you can look on their website to see what is playing every day. Also, the National Gallery of Art offers jazz at their outdoor sculpture garden (with a lovely wading pool to cool your tootsies on a hot humid summer's day).
Lectures: The smithsonian offers all kinds. You may also want to follow the Daily Candy DC for other events such as those at bookstores.
Bus is an option too, depending on where in the "outskirts" you're referring to. I got from Alexandria to Foggy Bottom (including a transfer at the Pentagon) in about 45 minutes in the morning.
Look into any of the outdoor movies that are shown in the summer. Screen on the Green is the most popular (on the National Mall), but is once again having budget issues this year. Most have some sort of "theme" to the movies they choose to show. Last year in addition to SotG there were also movies shown in Crystal City (superheroes), Rosslyn ('80s), and the Navy Yard area (also '80s).
Try to meet people and get a trip to go whitewater rafting in West Virginia or go hiking in Shenandoah.
There are also some interesting social/recreational sports leagues. Kickball is very popular, but there's also bocce, soccer, and softball. I'm sure there are others, but those are just the ones I know about.
In the summer there are usually outdoor concerts in Farragut Square (in addition to jazz in the Sculpture Garden), and I think I also saw something in the zoo last year. During the day there's also live music in Wilson Plaza (just outside the Reagan Building at 13th & Pennsylvania) if you're in the neighborhood. It makes for a good place to sit during lunch.
They're not the best team in the world, but I still like going to Nationals games. It's easy to get cheap seats and just hang out on a nice night to watch the game.
(My god, I can't wait for summer!)
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