DC/NYC in the Fall or Winter???

[jessp1021]

I am looking to plan a VERy budget friendly trip to DC/NYC for either October or March. We have train tickets to go from DC to NYC for the day so that cuts down on that cost and will be staying in Bethesda, MD and the hotel offers a free breakfast and parking and is about a block from the metro. I would love any advice on how to make this as budget friendly as possible (we will be going Thurs-Sunday) and if there is a better day (Friday or Saturday) to visit NYC. I'd also love opinions on which month would be better to visit both. We have only been in March to DC and I know the weather was all over the place but wasn't sure about October? Thanks in advance!

 

[antmaril]

DS and I visited Washington, D.C. in mid-October, 2012 and the weather was fantastic. Sunny and about 70 every day. We had a wonderful time.

 

[mjkacmom]

October in NYC is usually beautiful (except for the days around halloween 2 and 3 years ago...). March is very iffy.

 

[klacey1]

Honestly, I'd skip NYC. That is very long train ride for one day (3 hours each way) and there's plenty to do in DC.

 

[jessp1021]

Honestly, I'd skip NYC. That is very long train ride for one day (3 hours each way) and there's plenty to do in DC.

Train tickets have already been bought and we are going early in the morning and coming back in the evening which is perfect for a nap if DD chooses

 

[FergieTCat]

I'd pick October for NYC. The weather is generally nice (except for a surprise every now and again -- I'm talking about you, Hurricane Sandy!) March is the end of winter, and it's hard to predict exactly when winter ends around here lately.

 

[BaxterSaysMeoww]

Every year I go to NYC in October for Comic Con and at least for the past 2 years it's been very nice weather for October. We can usually get away with a light jacket or no jacket.

 

[holycow]

We went this past October and it was out of this world beautiful
Rained on Halloween but we were in DC!

Have a good trip!

If you could help it go to Mount Vernon. It wasn't too far away. I asked each of the kids
What was their favorite part. They all say MV

 

[bdcp]

I have lived in the DC area for most of my life and I would say Oct. March can be cold/snowy/rainy. October is usually very pretty and still comfortable temperature wise. We go to NYC every 18 months or so for shows. Weather in NYC is usually only a little cooler than DC.

 

[puffkin]

October will be much nicer weather wise for both locations

My birthday is the end of March and we have gone to NYC quite a few times to see a show or spend the day. Most of the time its cold, dreary, rainy.

And I agree with the PP about Mt. Vernon. My favorite part of our DC trip, even though it was pouring the day we were there.

 

[hlg22]

Definitely October for DC. It is when my parents usually prefer to come out and visit me because the weather is usually awesome and the crowds are gone. As others have said, March is iffier. This year, it was freezing in March and we got over 1/2 foot of snow on St. Patrick's day.

 

[SEAlla]

Definitely October for DC.

This

 

[Malibustyle23]

Add my vote for October as well. The National Zoo in DC is free. If you are up for a trip Baltimore's Inner Harbor you could visit the Baltimore Aquarium which is really nice. In the off season, usually October-March, they have a lower price on Fridays after 5pm. It gives you plenty of time to tour the entire aquarium.

Check out this page for more ideas: http://washington.org/100-free-and-almost-free-things-do-dc

 

[jmmess]

Another vote for October. Beautiful fall weather. March will be cold and still wintery. Enjoy!

 

[jessp1021]

Thanks so much guys! I think we will be heading their in October if the budget permits! We have never been to Mt Vernon but I will definitely be checking in to it.

 

[danygirl]

October is better weather in DC plus you avoid the middle and high school tour groups that come in the spring

Mt Vernon was meh for my kids. They were more into the zoo which is awesome, metro accessible and free.