Jets road trip 2011: Washington D.C.

The Jets travel to the nation's capital to play the Redskins on Dec. 4. If you're going to take a road trip to watch the Jets play at FedEx Field that weekend, here's a list of 10 things to do and places to eat while you're in town. Use the comments section at the bottom to share your favorite places.

Old Ebbitt Grill
675 15th St. NW
202-347-4800

The Old Ebbitt Grill opened in 1865 and is just a few blocks from the White House. It was a favorite of presidents Grant, Cleveland, Harding and Theodore Roosevelt. It's one of the more affordable eateries in the area, serving breakfast, lunch and dinner. The walls are decorated with 18th century artifacts. The oysters and crabcakes are a must and don't forget to visit one of the restaurant's three bars.

The Palm
1225 19th St NW
202-293-9091

If you're a steak lover looking for a fancy night out, head to The Palm near Dupont Circle. It's a little pricey and you must dress appropriately with business casual preferred. In addition to its reputation as an excellent steakhouse, it also is known for serving very good lobster. Be sure to check out the walls of The Palm as they are lined with numerous drawings of celebrities, musicians, athletes and, of course, politicians.

Larry's Ice Cream
1633 Connecticut Ave NW
202-234-2690

With 38 homemade ice cream flavors, the kids will thank you for taking them to Larry's. Along with ice cream, sorbet and milkshakes, it also serves cupcakes to satisfy those who have large sweet tooth. It can be a bit pricey, but there is a lot from which to choose. Larry is a character, so you also get a little entertainment while you wait for your dessert.

Jaleo
480 7th St NW
202-628-7949

Very popular restaurant in the D.C. area specializing in tapas. Tapas are small Spanish plates that are mainly eaten as appetizers or snacks. There can be a variety of foods on the plate, including poultry, meat and vegetables. Jaleo is small, so you may have to wait for a table if you don't have a reservation.

Visiting the U.S. Capitol
202-226-8000
visitthecapitol.gov

The Capitol Visitor Center is open from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Saturday. The first tour kicks off at 8:50 a.m. and the last tour is conducted at 3:20 p.m. Admission is free, and if the Senate and House are in session you may visit the gallery where they meet. Access to the House and Senate galleries is through the upper level at The Capitol Visitor Center.

Visiting the White House
1600 Pennsylvania Ave.
202-456-7041

To visit the White House you must submit a request through your Congressman. Requests can be submitted up to six months in advance and no fewer than 21 days in advance. Tours are conducted Tuesday through Thursday 7:30 a.m. to 11 a.m.; Fridays 7:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.; Saturdays 7:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Admission is free.

International Spy Museum
800 F St NW
202-393-7798

Sure, you can visit one of the free 18 Smithsonian museums while in Washington, but what about the International Spy Museum? Want the complete story behind some of the most intriguing espionage cases in history? Here you'll discover articles by Museum staff, professors, journalists and former spies. Many artifacts are on display that are visible to the public for the very first time in history. Admission is free.

Newseum
555 Pennsylvania Ave NW
888-639-7386

News junkies will drool when they enter the gigantic Newseum. It's so large that you might not be able to see all of it in one day. It includes more than 14 theaters showing historic broadcasts and award-winning documentaries. Visit its interactive newsroom that puts you in the role as reporter and photographer on deadline. Don't forget to visit the Front Pages Gallery showing more than 700 front pages from newspapers in the U.S. and around the world from that day. The Newseum is not free, but when you buy a pass it is good for two consecutive days. You may need both days, considering the size and amount of content that is offered.

National Zoo
3001 Connecticut Avenue NW
202-633-4480
nationalzoo.si.edu

The National Zoo is a part of the Smithsonian Institution. The zoo is home to more than 2,000 animals of nearly 400 different species, including the world-famous pandas, Tian Tian and Mei Xiang. The zoo is open every day except on Christmas. Check its website for special group packages.