Love monuments? And do you prefer to get to look at them, instead of watching where you’re pedaling? Monuments by Moonlight might fit the bill.

Many, many years ago, just before I entered high school, we visited Washington, D.C. We had heard how bad the smog could be there; but during our visit there wasn’t much of it. The Capitol Building was beautiful at night, when all the electrical illumination made it glow.

If you still want to ride a bicycle for your tour, try the D.C. Sites at Night tour. It’s only four miles long, and graded as Easy. The entire family can join this four-mile long guided tour to the National Mall and other major points.

Don’t like being rushed through things on a “schedule”? D.C. also has self-guided tours. I like that idea. If I want to give one stop on the tour merely perfunctory attention, that’s fine. I can move on to something else. If I want to linger for hours, that’s fine, too.

When is the best time to visit Washington, D.C.? For cherry-blossom lovers, Spring is a good time; and in Fall, leaf peepers can enjoy the changing foliage.

Summers in D.C. are typically hot and humid. I don’t need to travel to find that; I get plenty of it at home! But whatever season you go there, remember to bring sunblock! A hat is a good idea, too.

So head off for the United States capital — and have a capital time!