Calling Washington DC area DISers!
- Thread starter olena
- Start date
I'm not a resident but a repeat visitor, does that count?
We just went back in April, and we had a good time.
Few tips:
The Metro is amazing, and can get you where you need to go very easily. If you get a hotel near on on a Metro stop, you've got it really easy! (Just down the escalator you go!)
Washington Monument tickets go away quickly. You get timed tickets, and they are first come first serve. There are NO BATHROOMS in the Washington Monument! The closest one is a porta potty on the rear area, and the castle if you can hustle across the mall! (porta potty lines are long)
The American History museum is very nice. Be sure to explore all three floors!
The Natural History museum is very neat too, although there are some dated dioramas in there. There is a neat baseball exhibit there that opened up when I was there early April (yes, what is baseball doing in Natural History? Didn't make sense!). That was very informative.
The Air and Space Museum is good if you like that sort of stuff. There is a new Air and Space musuem in Virginia, but we haven't gone there.
The Hirshorn has some interest popular art if you like that.
The African Museum is very very peaceful.
There is also a very cool sculpture garden near there as well.
The Castle had a very interesting Salvador Dali exhibit back in April.
DO NOT stand up during the changing of the guard in Arlington Cemetary. YOU WILL GET YELLED AT! Arlington Cemetary is a long walk from the entrance to the JFK stone.
National Zoo is a lot of fun. Get there early to see some very active animals. From the Woodley Park metro stop, it is a bit of a hike (uphill), but going back is a breeze!
There is a bag search in every Smithsonian. The lines were really long later in the day. If you got there around opening time (I think it waS 10) it wasn't too bad.
We just went back in April, and we had a good time.
Few tips:
The Metro is amazing, and can get you where you need to go very easily. If you get a hotel near on on a Metro stop, you've got it really easy! (Just down the escalator you go!)
Washington Monument tickets go away quickly. You get timed tickets, and they are first come first serve. There are NO BATHROOMS in the Washington Monument! The closest one is a porta potty on the rear area, and the castle if you can hustle across the mall! (porta potty lines are long)
The American History museum is very nice. Be sure to explore all three floors!
The Natural History museum is very neat too, although there are some dated dioramas in there. There is a neat baseball exhibit there that opened up when I was there early April (yes, what is baseball doing in Natural History? Didn't make sense!). That was very informative.
The Air and Space Museum is good if you like that sort of stuff. There is a new Air and Space musuem in Virginia, but we haven't gone there.
The Hirshorn has some interest popular art if you like that.
The African Museum is very very peaceful.
There is also a very cool sculpture garden near there as well.
The Castle had a very interesting Salvador Dali exhibit back in April.
DO NOT stand up during the changing of the guard in Arlington Cemetary. YOU WILL GET YELLED AT! Arlington Cemetary is a long walk from the entrance to the JFK stone.
National Zoo is a lot of fun. Get there early to see some very active animals. From the Woodley Park metro stop, it is a bit of a hike (uphill), but going back is a breeze!
There is a bag search in every Smithsonian. The lines were really long later in the day. If you got there around opening time (I think it waS 10) it wasn't too bad.
Hiya Olena!
Cindy gave you great advice on the monuments. I might also suggest Georgetown for having lunch with me!
If you guys have any extra time, I'd love to see you again.
Its hot and very humid here in the summer. Still a great time to be here. If you can plan your trip around the 4th of July the firework display on the Maill is great and something everyone should experience once.
There is lots to do and see here. Help me narrow it down and let me know what your interests are (i.e., will you want to sightsee the whole time, what type of restaurants do you like, do you care about nightlife, etc.) and how long you will be here for. I can give you some suggestions based on that.
Cindy gave you great advice on the monuments. I might also suggest Georgetown for having lunch with me!
If you guys have any extra time, I'd love to see you again. Its hot and very humid here in the summer. Still a great time to be here. If you can plan your trip around the 4th of July the firework display on the Maill is great and something everyone should experience once.
There is lots to do and see here. Help me narrow it down and let me know what your interests are (i.e., will you want to sightsee the whole time, what type of restaurants do you like, do you care about nightlife, etc.) and how long you will be here for. I can give you some suggestions based on that.
olena
<font color=green>Emerald Angel<br><font color=mag
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Great suggestions!
The Baseball As America Exhibit is on my list! I read about it on the Hall of Fame web site and lamented not being able to see it. But now I will.....
We're flying in on July 31 and leaving August 6th. We're staying at the Loews L'Enfant Plaza. The location is supposed to be excellent. There's a Metro station beneath it. We will not have a car.
We don't have our days planned. I imagine we'll be visiting museums. I think we'll go see the Washington Monument, but I doubt we will ascend to the top. I would love to see the Declaration of Independence and Constitution. That's possible, isn't it? They're at the National Archives.
I'm not sure about personal safety though. We are smart enough to not be out after dark. What else should we be aware of though? Which areas should be avoided altogether? What situations will we likely encounter?
A DIS meet sounds fun....
The Baseball As America Exhibit is on my list! I read about it on the Hall of Fame web site and lamented not being able to see it. But now I will.....
We're flying in on July 31 and leaving August 6th. We're staying at the Loews L'Enfant Plaza. The location is supposed to be excellent. There's a Metro station beneath it. We will not have a car.
We don't have our days planned. I imagine we'll be visiting museums. I think we'll go see the Washington Monument, but I doubt we will ascend to the top. I would love to see the Declaration of Independence and Constitution. That's possible, isn't it? They're at the National Archives.
I'm not sure about personal safety though. We are smart enough to not be out after dark. What else should we be aware of though? Which areas should be avoided altogether? What situations will we likely encounter?
A DIS meet sounds fun....
I lived in DC for eight years, though it was quite few years ago... Here's a tip I discovered:
Instead of getting off the metro at the Woodley Park/Zoo stop, get off at the Cleveland Park stop. The walk is about the same distance, but it is DOWNHILL. To return, walk to the Woodley Park/Zoo stop, again downhill. If things haven't changed too much in ten years there are some great ethnic restaurants in both the Cleveland Park and Woodley Park neighborhoods.
Have a great time. I would love to go back and visit some time soon.
Mary
Instead of getting off the metro at the Woodley Park/Zoo stop, get off at the Cleveland Park stop. The walk is about the same distance, but it is DOWNHILL. To return, walk to the Woodley Park/Zoo stop, again downhill. If things haven't changed too much in ten years there are some great ethnic restaurants in both the Cleveland Park and Woodley Park neighborhoods.
Have a great time. I would love to go back and visit some time soon.
Mary
/
mchames is right about the zoo. Many neat restaurants there! And the zoo is free!
I'd suggest the tourmobile for at least one day (the day you want to go to Arlington Cemetary). The tourmobile actually makes 2 or 3 stops in the cemetary (Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, JFK's grave, and I think Lee's home?) and that alone is worth the price of the ticket. Arlington is a LOT of walking.
There is a boat trip you can take down to Mt. Vernon which is very nice. That will give you a way to get there since it's not on the metro. The tickets are available at any tourmobile stand.
The only tourist type place I know of that's in a questionable area is Ford's Theater. And that would be fine as long as it's normal daylight hours.
I'd suggest the tourmobile for at least one day (the day you want to go to Arlington Cemetary). The tourmobile actually makes 2 or 3 stops in the cemetary (Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, JFK's grave, and I think Lee's home?) and that alone is worth the price of the ticket. Arlington is a LOT of walking.
There is a boat trip you can take down to Mt. Vernon which is very nice. That will give you a way to get there since it's not on the metro. The tickets are available at any tourmobile stand.
The only tourist type place I know of that's in a questionable area is Ford's Theater. And that would be fine as long as it's normal daylight hours.
Tina
Tagless and bitter about it
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If you plan to visit the new Air & Space Museum in Virginia (Dulles), be sure to go EARLY. Be there at opening time. We went a few months ago and it was very interesting, but once the crowds started rolling in, it was horrible. Go early and don't go hungry.
DisneyMomx7
DIS Legend
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- Mar 26, 2004
- Messages
- 12,420
We're repeat visitors because our son attend American University! We love the Smithsonian, Ford's Theatre, Arlington National Cementary (be sure to see the changing of the guard, it's very stirring) and the Smithsonian. We always stay at the Willard Intercontinental Hotel. THere's a really good restaurant near there called the Oceanaire - fantastic seafood. Also previous poster was right about the Metro - it's great. Have a great trip.
HollyJoy
DIS Veteran
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- Feb 4, 2004
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- 6,684
I don't live in D.C., but just outside in Maryland. There is so much to do around here, you couldn't possibly get bored. Be sure to pack comfortable shoes, and appropriate clothing.. it gets VERY hot and HUMID during the summer, and the mosquitos are awful. The Metro will take you just about anywhere you want to go around the city, and is probably your best bet. Parking is a nightmare.
Here are a few websites for you to check out:
Washington D.C. homepage
DC registry
DC Pages
Enjoy your visit! You've gotten lots of good advice from previous posters. Make sure you visit the National Zoo and see the Giant Pandas!
Here are a few websites for you to check out:
Washington D.C. homepage
DC registry
DC Pages
Enjoy your visit! You've gotten lots of good advice from previous posters. Make sure you visit the National Zoo and see the Giant Pandas!
You're pretty safe in the touristy areas of D.C., even at night. Now if you get lost on the Metro and end up in Anacostia, you might want to turn around and quick. 
But for the most part, you'll feel comfortable in the touristy areas no matter what the hour. The neighborhood of your hotel gets a little quiet at night -- you'll find much more to do in Foggy Bottom, Dupont Circle or Georgetown.
I second the idea of renting a tourmobile -- everyone I know who has used one raves about how good they are. I also second the idea of Mt. Vernon, I always love visiting there.
Let me know if you want to try and get a meet together!
But for the most part, you'll feel comfortable in the touristy areas no matter what the hour. The neighborhood of your hotel gets a little quiet at night -- you'll find much more to do in Foggy Bottom, Dupont Circle or Georgetown.I second the idea of renting a tourmobile -- everyone I know who has used one raves about how good they are. I also second the idea of Mt. Vernon, I always love visiting there.
Let me know if you want to try and get a meet together!
Pooh's Pal
Soon to be dancing with My Pal Po
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- Mar 30, 2001
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We were just there on May 1st and 2nd..not as long as your trip(although, we'd like to go back longer next time!) as we were on a school trip.
When the kids boarded the bus to go home on Sunday, myself and another parent who flew down with me(instead of doing the buses with 100+kids
)we hoped on the Amtrak from Baltimore-BWI into Washington and took a tourmobile all around the city on Sunday. (Like tkd lisa suggested) That is a way to see all of the city and you can get on and off wherever they stop. We did the Arlington Cemetary..the National Cathedral which were wonderful, Also the Koren war and the new WW2 monuments which were very moving! We didn't get off in Georgetown, which I will do next time, the town looked so cool, with great restaurants too!
www.tourmobile.com (they offer Night tours also!)
www.oldtowntrolley.com
When the kids boarded the bus to go home on Sunday, myself and another parent who flew down with me(instead of doing the buses with 100+kids
)we hoped on the Amtrak from Baltimore-BWI into Washington and took a tourmobile all around the city on Sunday. (Like tkd lisa suggested) That is a way to see all of the city and you can get on and off wherever they stop. We did the Arlington Cemetary..the National Cathedral which were wonderful, Also the Koren war and the new WW2 monuments which were very moving! We didn't get off in Georgetown, which I will do next time, the town looked so cool, with great restaurants too! www.tourmobile.com (they offer Night tours also!)
www.oldtowntrolley.com
I don't remember the exact price of the tourmobile, but I seem to remember $30 something... we walked to all the monuments from our hotel, so we didn't do that.
I want to say $37 but I might be wrong on that.
Yes, I would also say that the Fords' theater area can get a little interesting at night! I'm used ot urban areas so it really didn't bother me, but it may bother you.
The area near the Arboretum, is well, more scarier (IMO!) than the Fords theater area. I think the Arboretum is the Anacostia stop, but I might be wrong. The Arboretum looks beautiful, but I wont go to it because of the area.
I want to say $37 but I might be wrong on that.
Yes, I would also say that the Fords' theater area can get a little interesting at night! I'm used ot urban areas so it really didn't bother me, but it may bother you.
The area near the Arboretum, is well, more scarier (IMO!) than the Fords theater area. I think the Arboretum is the Anacostia stop, but I might be wrong. The Arboretum looks beautiful, but I wont go to it because of the area.
Here is a link to the Smithsonian's home page. If you scroll down the side, it has links to each of their major institutions including the National Zoo. www.si.edu I was just at the zoo yesterday with my son's 3rd grade class. It was wonderful. One of the Mom's was able to print out a map & a listing of the day's events - including feeding times for the various animals. (Saddly the octopus died the night before our trip - natural causes.)
DC is a great city to walk around in. The architecture is wonderful.
DC is a great city to walk around in. The architecture is wonderful.
welovedisneyx4
<font color=blue>I have this sudden urge to put my
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DH and I went to DC last summer. I had won tickets to the Jimmy Buffet concert at the Nissan Pavilion (Awesome time!!!
) We didn't have a lot of extra time, so we went to tour DC about 12 midnight-2:00 am. We had a blast. There was still alot of police out and about and we felt very safe. Of course, we coudn't go in much, but we walked to alot of places like the White House and monuments, etc. At that time, there wasn't as much traffic... which was good b/c DH went down a 1 way street the wrong way!!!! I was yelling NO! NO! (It was pretty funny since we didn't have a wreck) We could tell when we had gone into the wrong parts of town--what a difference a block or two makes! I wouldn't necessarly recommend touring this way, but we had a blast and would do it again. We want to go again soon and take DD & DS and actually go during the day (like normal people!) My uncle lives in Alexandria, so we would have a place to stay.
Have fun on your trip!!
) We didn't have a lot of extra time, so we went to tour DC about 12 midnight-2:00 am. We had a blast. There was still alot of police out and about and we felt very safe. Of course, we coudn't go in much, but we walked to alot of places like the White House and monuments, etc. At that time, there wasn't as much traffic... which was good b/c DH went down a 1 way street the wrong way!!!! I was yelling NO! NO! (It was pretty funny since we didn't have a wreck) We could tell when we had gone into the wrong parts of town--what a difference a block or two makes! I wouldn't necessarly recommend touring this way, but we had a blast and would do it again. We want to go again soon and take DD & DS and actually go during the day (like normal people!) My uncle lives in Alexandria, so we would have a place to stay. Have fun on your trip!!
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