DC northern Virginia intel

[borednva]

Hey guys, going up to the northern Virginia area around dc in a bit to visit family. Wondering if there's anything specific I need to be aware of? Laws should be the same as in my part of the state unless i cross into the dmz (DC). I know I'll probably be going into dc to check out some museums and the monuments and do the tourist thing with family for a bit so no boom stick. How tight is security? i know i can't carry a gun but i usually carry a folding knife and a leatherman, leave em home for a non descript steel bodied pen? or carry an el cheapo knife and be prepared to give it up? Also usually carry a tourniquet and a light will i get any hassle for that stuff? Been a year or so since i went up so figured id consult the tribe. Any recommendations on things to see?

[dnater]

Most, if not all the DC attractions like the Smithsonian museums have metal detectors. Was there several years ago and had no issues carrying under LEOSA as a retired cop.

[Huntindoc]

When I was there 4 years ago the only Smithsonian museum with metal detectors was the air and space museum. The Capital and National Archive also have them.

[borednva]

Update. Was a fun trip and you really do need multiple days to see everything particularly if you're not going in the summer. Most museums close at 5 and open at 10 or so. Went to the Udvar-Hazy center near the airport and was pleasantly surprised by no metal detectors and cursory bag searches. Little bit pissed i left everything good back in the car. In another note a great way to piss of your liberal family members is to take them to the nra museum. Not a bad little must see.