Backpacks in Washington DC?

[LisaR]

I am reading a bunch of guidebooks for our upcoming DC trip. They all suggest carrying water bottles, umbrellas, camera and a sweater for air conditioned buildings. They all mention the you shouldn't take a backpack because many buildings do not allow them and they do not have lockers to store them. They also said you can't carry backpacks in areas where festivals are taking place.

I understand the reasoning behind this due to the security risks. I just don't understand where I am suppose to put the water, sunscreen, camera, etc. Are backpacks really not acceptable while touring DC?

 

[luvflorida]

I've always taken a small backpack with me when sightseeing in Washington DC. All the museums have security personnel at the doors. You will be asked to open all purses and backpacks for a search, and some, (I can't remember if it applies to all), do not allow any liquids to be brought into the museums.

So, purses and backpacks are allowed, but the less you have on you, the easier it is to get through security. Some museums have two lines, one for people that aren't carrying anything, and one for people that need to have purses, bags, etc., searched.

We haven't been yet this year, so I really can't speak for 2007. Maybe someone who has been to Washington DC lately can better answer your question.

 

[welovedisneyx4]

We were in DC last summer and went alot of places and never had any problem carrying our back pack in. You did have to go through security at most buildings, but it was fine to bring them in.

 

[Mady/Sophiemom]

I had a large shoulder bag both times we were in DC last year. DH had a backpack, and both DDs did too. No problems getting into any of the Smithsonian's.

It could be different for the more secured bldgs. White House, Capital Bldg?

 

[pearlieq]

I carry a small backpack-type purse and didn't have a problem anywhere in DC last summer (Smithsonian, Treasury, Capitol, Archives, White House Visitor Center, etc.)

You just get used to the drill. Walking through pretty much any door requires going through either airport style security (everything through the x-ray machine, walk through the metal detector) or a WDW style inspection by a security guard.

I was a couple weeks before I stopped automatically emptying my pockets and opening my bags anytime I wanted to go in somewhere at home!

Traveling light will make your life a lot easier.

 

[disney1990]

We live right outside of Washington, DC and tour the city often. Backpacks have never been a problem. Just be prepared to open them for inspection.

 

[ead79]

Your timing with this question was perfect! We're hoping to visit DC in about a month, and I read the same thing about backpacks in the Unofficial Guide to DC. The only building on our touring plan that mentions no backpacks is the Capitol. I'm hoping to carry it every other day, though. I think we'll use a large camera bag the day we visit the Capitol, and we'll keep our essentials in it with the camera.