Washington DC Trip... where to start?

[focusondisney]

I agree with finding a hotel that is convenient to the Metro. We are in our 60s & never use a subway anywhere. But even we find the DC Metro very user friendly. Also be aware that hotels charge a parking fee.

We have stayed in Alexandria Va & found it very convenient using the King St Metro station. With 3 or 4 days, you will definitely have to decide on priorities. The museums are only open from 10 - 5 much of the year. I would plan for 2 museums a day. Figure several hours each for the Capital & White House making that another day with maybe the National Archives the same day. Would your kids be interested in a side trip to Mount Vernon? There is also a spy museum I have heard is very kid friendly.

The monuments are beautiful at night. But we also felt there were details we couldn’t see at night, especially at the Viet Nam Memorial. The FDR, Martin Luther King & WW II Memorials haven’t been mentioned, but they are breathtaking.

 

[JaxDad]

There were other DC threads here pretty recently. You should look through those also, plus I recommend TripAdvisor forums.

 

[mnrose]

Great information, thank you!!!!! I really need to get on this. Only a few months away. I’d like to set up the tours first and foremost. We’d love the White House and Capitol tours! My kids know a good chunk of the representatives, so they’d be anxious to try to see someone they’d know (not sure if it would happen, but it would definitely make it more fun!) do I just write our senator and give the dates that we are interested in?!

I believe the time frame for requesting the tours from your Senator/Representative is right on their websites...at least it was for me. I want to say it was 60-90 days in advance, but my recollection might be rusty. It was all electronic and done right off their page, so super easy to do. They did ask for the dates of your visit, and you could indicate your preference of time, but they definitely asked you to be flexible. We went at a slower time of year and had no problem getting our first choice, although the time wasn't ideal...we had to work around that. And, they are unlikely to see much of anyone they know unless they get very lucky. We saw someone being "interviewed' by a TV station (the lights/camera thing) but that was purely luck and it sure wasn't anyone I recognized. LOL.

 

[donaldbuzz&minnie]

I'm tentatively planning for 2021 to see the cherry blossoms.

The cherry blossoms are beautiful, but just be aware that you would be choosing a very, very crowded time to visit the museums and monuments in DC, since you and a gazillion other people will have the same idea. I always tell people that a nice time to visit DC is in October or even early November. The weather is usually pretty good and the crowds are more manageable.

 

[leebee]

Hi, me again. I will second the "Monuments at Night" bus tour. You can only get off at a couple of the stops, but it absolutely breathtaking to see these monuments at night. I recommend doing this on your first night, then taking the circulator to see them "up close and personal" the next day. I believe that one of the stops on the bus tour gives you enough time to see either the Korean War Memorial or the Viet Nam Wall. Do the Korean memorial at night... far more moving/chilling- IMO it's superior at night! Do the Wall during the day. When we visited, we helped a vet find the names of men from his battalion... it was incredibly moving.

The DC Metro is easy to navigate (it's based on a series of color coded lines). It's a good way to get out to Arlington National Cemetery. We spent an entire afternoon here... it's moving to see the Kennedy burial sites, the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier/changing of the guard, etc.

Not sure if you are flying or driving, but it's easy to take the train from BWI to Union Station in DC. That's what we usually do. A car is a hindrance/liability in DC. The traffic is daunting (I learned to drive in the Boston area and have no issues with driving there, Manhattan, or San Francisco) and parking is impossible/expensive.

Don't forget how tiring it is to do museums all the time. I would recommend NOT spending an entire day in one museum. The Smithsonians are all free... so do Air&Space in the morning, take a break, do the American Indian in the afternoon, with no worries about getting your money's worth- or just take a break and do something else. I've always wanted to do the Smithsonian botanical gardens but we've never gotten there. It seems to me to be a good break from museums... a different type of museum.

Personally, I'd skip the White House tours. I have heard that, IF you can get in, they are still vastly different from how the tour was pre-9/11. Now it's pretty generic... not sure you can even get into the Lincoln Bedroom, Rose Garden, etc. AND it's kind-of a pain... no backpacks (and no storage lockers), no cameras, etc. I remember thinking we'd have to go back to our hotel mid-day to get the stuff we'd need for the rest of the day.

 

[SaintsManiac]

The cherry blossoms are beautiful, but just be aware that you would be choosing a very, very crowded time to visit the museums and monuments in DC, since you and a gazillion other people will have the same idea. I always tell people that a nice time to visit DC is in October or even early November. The weather is usually pretty good and the crowds are more manageable.

The point of the trip is to see them, so not changing the dates.

 

[Christine]

The cherry blossoms are beautiful, but just be aware that you would be choosing a very, very crowded time to visit the museums and monuments in DC, since you and a gazillion other people will have the same idea. I always tell people that a nice time to visit DC is in October or even early November. The weather is usually pretty good and the crowds are more manageable.

And more often than not, the cherry blossoms don't always cooperate on the fixed "bloom" schedule. So if you are booking your trip around that, be aware that it could be a bust. If the winter is long or too cold, they bloom late. Short, warmer winter, they bloom early.

 

[dish rag]

The cherry blossoms are beautiful, but just be aware that you would be choosing a very, very crowded time to visit the museums and monuments in DC, since you and a gazillion other people will have the same idea. I always tell people that a nice time to visit DC is in October or even early November. The weather is usually pretty good and the crowds are more manageable.

Yes. But then they would miss the cherry blossoms.

 

[dish rag]

And more often than not, the cherry blossoms don't always cooperate on the fixed "bloom" schedule. So if you are booking your trip around that, be aware that it could be a bust. If the winter is long or too cold, they bloom late. Short, warmer winter, they bloom early.

And one could go to Disney and it rain the entire week. Sometimes one just has to decide what they want and go for it. We travel any where at anytime and make it work. Saw the blossoms last season and it was worth it to us. No time is perfect.

 

[mjkacmom]

And more often than not, the cherry blossoms don't always cooperate on the fixed "bloom" schedule. So if you are booking your trip around that, be aware that it could be a bust. If the winter is long or too cold, they bloom late. Short, warmer winter, they bloom early.

This is true, lucky for us we have a park a few miles away that actually has more cherry trees than DC, and the window can change based on winter. https://www.visitnj.org/article/cherry-blossom-festival-branch-brook-park

 

[Breezy_Carol]

I’d love to see the White House!! It would be such a cool part of our trip, but I need to look into it! M

White House Tours Here is the link to the White House website about tours.

..just be aware that White House tours can be cancelled at the last minute for any reason whatsoever at the discretion of the White House),

Very true. DS is in the Secret Service and can get a limited number of tours but even after all the clearance, etc, they can be cancelled day of.

no backpacks (and no storage lockers), no cameras, etc.

I was going to mention that you are not allowed to take bags in, except a small wrislet. They have changed the rules and cameras are now allowed. If you can't get a White House tour, there is a White House visitor center a block or two away that is very nice.

Also, for restaurants, I recommend Old Ebbitt Grill . It is right across the street from the White House and very historic looking with good food.

And, one weekend in the spring, and one in the fall, there is a White House Garden Tour. Tickets available first come first serve day of from National Parks Service. You can walk all around the south lawn and gardens We enjoyed that but the dates aren't announced until closer to the weekend.

 

[Christine]

And one could go to Disney and it rain the entire week. Sometimes one just has to decide what they want and go for it. We travel any where at anytime and make it work. Saw the blossoms last season and it was worth it to us. No time is perfect.

Oh, I agree. But the poster made it pretty clear that the trip was locked in specifically for the Cherry Blossoms. As a DC area resident, I know they will have a great time and be very busy, Cherry Blossoms or not. I just know that people from out of time don't realize that, oftentimes, the Cherry Blossoms/Mother Nature do not cooperate with DC's Cherry Blossom schedule. All the events still go on, but you may not see any blooms!

 

[mrsap]

Thank you all so much!!!!! I started looking up as much info as I can! So much to see and do!! I didn’t know you could sit though a session of Congress! I’d love to do that, but do not want to waste an entire day just at the Capitol building. I hope it’s not too late to reserve a tour at the WH. I’m going to try and set both up today. Thank you all again for the wealth of information

 

[mnrose]

And more often than not, the cherry blossoms don't always cooperate on the fixed "bloom" schedule. So if you are booking your trip around that, be aware that it could be a bust. If the winter is long or too cold, they bloom late. Short, warmer winter, they bloom early.

Yes that. We didn't book around Cherry Blossom time, but the year we went most recently, as it got closer, they were calling for "peak bloom" while we were there. I got very excited. It was in advance of all the festivities planned around it, but we didn't care...we thought it would be cool to be there. Anyway, the week we were there, it SNOWED quite a bit, and needless to say, the poor blossoms were frozen. That year, there never was a good bloom on the trees. I think "planning" for Cherry Blossoms is very tough, especially given our very unpredictable climate these days. But, good luck! I'd love to have seen it.

 

[Christine]

Yes that. We didn't book around Cherry Blossom time, but the year we went most recently, as it got closer, they were calling for "peak bloom" while we were there. I got very excited. It was in advance of all the festivities planned around it, but we didn't care...we thought it would be cool to be there. Anyway, the week we were there, it SNOWED quite a bit, and needless to say, the poor blossoms were frozen. That year, there never was a good bloom on the trees. I think "planning" for Cherry Blossoms is very tough, especially given our very unpredictable climate these days. But, good luck! I'd love to have seen it.

It's beautiful. I live here and drive into DC for work and it's just bursting with glory on the few days they are at peak that it slows down all the traffic going out of town in the afternoon.

 

[SaintsManiac]

And more often than not, the cherry blossoms don't always cooperate on the fixed "bloom" schedule. So if you are booking your trip around that, be aware that it could be a bust. If the winter is long or too cold, they bloom late. Short, warmer winter, they bloom early.

Definitely aware. Can't see them without trying! Will enjoy the trip no matter what.

 

[shelemm]

My favorite thing is to see the monuments at night. Especially essential is FDR at night and WWII at night. The only one essential to visit during the day is the Vietnam Memorial. Anytime you see a park ranger, you can ask for an impromptu tour of the monument. This is great at WWII. There was a lot of symbolism given to the site chosen, the structure, and the design elements. With Uber or a taxi it is not difficult or expensive to go between FDR and WWII. In Arlington, The Air Force Memorial and Iwo Jima (Marine Corps) Memorial are also impressive at night.

Check with the Holocaust Memorial Museum to see what ages they allow.

The Kennedy Center has a free performance on their Millenium Stage every day, 365 days a year. Check on their website for which performers will be there. Library of Congress is also something to see.

 

[PollyannaMom]

...I’d like to go to the Holocaust museum with the kids. My DD, about 2 months ago, did a report on the book ‘The Boy with the Striped Pajamas.’ We then watched the movie, so she had a visual of what she just read. (She was 11, DS 8) I don’t believe she had a full grasp or understanding of what she was reading, but I think the movie definitely helped her to see what was going on. The last five minutes of the movie, I was crying and they kept asking me why am I so upset. No matter how much I explained, it was hard for them to understand, so I think the museum would definitely help. I would probably ask them first, how they feel about it, especially after seeing the movie. I definitely don’t want them to be upset, though. So we’ll see...

I wouldn't recommend the Holocaust museum at your kid's ages. (Personally, I even skipped it with a teen.) My niece went when she was about your DD's age, and was really negatively affected.

ETA: A thing I would have skipped would be Ford's Theater. Dull beyond belief unless you have a massive infatuation with all things Lincoln. We didn't enjoy it that much. OTOH, we did love the Lincoln Memorial.

We were actually really glad we made time for Ford's Theater! DS was taking just the right history class at the time, and he was absolutely awed.

...I will second the "Monuments at Night" bus tour. You can only get off at a couple of the stops, but it absolutely breathtaking to see these monuments at night. I recommend doing this on your first night, then taking the circulator to see them "up close and personal" the next day. I believe that one of the stops on the bus tour gives you enough time to see either the Korean War Memorial or the Viet Nam Wall. Do the Korean memorial at night... far more moving/chilling- IMO it's superior at night! Do the Wall during the day...

I completely agree. - It was amazing!!

If you can't get a White House tour, there is a White House visitor center a block or two away that is very nice.

This is what we did, as we booked the trip too late to arrange a tour. It was cool.

Our other favorite things were the Smithsonian museums and the National Zoo - both free, and both excellent!

 

[piglet too]

The Holocaust Museum does have an exhibit geared more towards kids. It’s called “Daniel’s Story” and is recommended for ages 8+.

My biggest surprise was just how spread out it really is, and just how tired we all were. Now, we did pack it all in to one day (Capital tour and monuments) but it was almost too much. My advice is to budget time to sit down and rest, even if just for a few minutes. I walked more in a day at Disney and didn’t hurt anywhere close to what I did that night after touring DC, but there was also a lot more sitting at Disney.

 

[NYCgrrl]

Been visiting DC for years, generally for 3 days over the Memorial Day weekend. Easy for us as it's only a 3 odd hour train ride.
As others have noted, it takes quite a bit of time to see it all so it's best to do your research in advance and decide what is most important to you to visit. All the federal administered museums are free but you will need tickets to visit some of them.

We visited the Holocaust Museum spending about 4 hours there. Unlike some others I think it's an experience for all ages since there was no discrimination by the perpetrators of this crime against humanity. We saw many families there.

A great book that will allow you to make a personalized itinerary is Fodor's; they also offer the same via their website although I still prefer to carry the book which has great maps within.

We spend a lot of our time around the Mall so prefer to stay in a nearby hotel of which there are many. Our personal fav is the Hay-Adams but the W, Inter Continental, and others are nearby as well, all at different price points. Cuts down on transport cost and time and as well are near the Metro system.

Agreeing that seeing the monuments at night is a great idea. Our regular hotel offers a private town car for visits at no additional cost.

Bring good walking shoes- you'll need them here.

Check Yelp for good eating suggestions. I find it more up to date and accurate over Travel Advisor where a lot of reviewers either grind axes or say nothing more than "great" w/o saying why.
We never visit w/o eating at Old Ebbitt Grill as it's nearby and has great prices during it's happy hours.

Don't forget nearby Georgetown for historic estates that allow you to see how the "other half lived" as well as the Avenue U restaurant scene which is always changing for the better.

Great eats and views at the following museums: the National Gallery of Art, African American, Museum of the Bible (pay entrance as its privately funded), American Indian, Phillips

There is a local chain is DC called Teaism that is quite calming for the tea drinkers, and offers beautifully made and tasting bento boxes. Great places to relax and get your bearings. Ignore most of the premade sandwiches unless they are made with whole wheat bread which are in a whole other class of good; the other breads are dry.

Still haven't visited tons of places but this thread and my Amtrak points have convinced me we should go back over the MLK weekend.. Maybeeeeeee we'll actually visit our political reps offices this time but sorry not the White House; I can see it outside our hotel window and that's good enough currently.

HTH