What to see/do in DC?--adding trip reports, page 11 to start

[pigletliz]

Make sure to call your elected official to let them know you are in town. Our Congresswoman's Chief of Staff invited us to stop by her office. We got pictures with her and her aide was able to give us a tour of the building. Kind of cool to see the state names on the door. (Big fan of Mr. Smith Goes to Washington)

I thought the Ford Theater was open. According to their website, they are taking reservations for the tours.

http://www.fordstheatre.org/home/performances-events/tours/fords-theatre-and-fords-theatre-museum


Have a great trip!

 

[sunkist]

We just got back from DC yesterday! We went to the Ford's theater Friday. You had to go in and get tickets to the theater. Then after the tour which is really good you go over to the Peterson house. The museum is not opened yet. We stayed at the Hilton in Silver Springs Maryland, it was walking distance from the metro, plenty of shopping,and resturants. One day we went to Baltimore about 30 mins away and went to Hersey Pa. about 2 hours away. Enjoyed everything!! Plan on going back, Maybe we stay in Alexandria.

 

[YoYoAurora]

Don't forget about the US Mint and the Washington Monument. You need tickets for both, but they're free.

I highly recommend the Spy Museum. It does cost, but is so worth it, especially for spy/espionage and history buffs.

Definitely let your US representative and senator know you'll be in town and ask for an appointment. A visit to Congress is impressive, even when Congress is not in session.

Enjoy!

Susan

 

[hockeyplayer]

We did the Segway tour in May. Took the evening tour (6-9 p.m.) Expensive, but worth it. You have to be 16 or older though. (I did see a younger child riding, but I think they had taken him out in the alley for a "test run" to make sure he could handle it.)

 

[Janet Hill]

We will not have a car but not opposed to renting one for a day to take a side trip. Are there any good ocean beaches within reasonable driving distance? We are staying in Old Town Alexandria if that makes a difference.

Closest beaches are: Dewey Beach and Rehoboth Beach in Deleware, Ocean City Maryland, and Virginia Beach Virginia.

I live in Alexandria and when my daughter was in 9th grade, I drove her and a friend to Ocean City for the day. It was a very long day as it's about 3 hours each way, but they enjoyed the day.

 

[lovemygoofy]

This might not be your thing but I thought it was pretty neat. I just saw it for myself a couple weeks ago.

http://www.twilight.mdw.army.mil/

The Old Guard goes through an hour long show with the Army Band showing military men from the first one until now. It's free and an hour long and at dusk in the evening which is about the only time to take in a show outside with the humidity.

 

[rwdavis2]

You can get Holocaust museum tickets online. That way you won't waste any time going over there in case it's sold out for the time you want to go. Just google it for the web site.

Another thing is to go over to Arlington Cemetery and catch the Tourmobile (they have a web site). You can take it either around just the cemetery (superb tour) or it goes through the entire mall area in DC. You can get off and on at your leisure. Saves a lot of walking if the weather gets hot. Remember it's 2 miles for the Lincoln Memorial to the Capitol building.

Air and Space is a must (for me) and catch one of the Imax movies. There is also a sister museum out near Dulles Airport which is about 2x the size. But most of the really historical things are at the one on the mall.

Just as if you're going to WDW, get to the museums at opening (10am I believe). American History gets crowded quickly. It was just re-opened last fall after a 2 year refurb.
Bob

 

[fireworks fan]

Hi- I just wanted to add my vote for Mount Vernon and Arlington National Cemetery. If you are visiting for historical sites, those are definite musts, especially if you are already staying in VA. I would also plan a day for the Mall, visiting all the monuments. Have a great trip-I love DC!

 

[manning]

This might not be your thing but I thought it was pretty neat. I just saw it for myself a couple weeks ago.

http://www.twilight.mdw.army.mil/

The Old Guard goes through an hour long show with the Army Band showing military men from the first one until now. It's free and an hour long and at dusk in the evening which is about the only time to take in a show outside with the humidity.

I saw the old guard fife and drum at williamsburg last month. They put on a great show.

 

[kathymc]

If you go to Arlington Cemetary I highly suggest taking the tram tour. Saves you from alot of hot walking and the guides are terrific.

 

[golfgal]

Ok, I got a guide book and have the kids highlighting things that sound interesting. I am looking at maps in the book and trying to plan things out that are close by each other. How far apart are the various Smithsonian museums? We have 6 days to do tours, etc, not enough to do everything but we should be able to do quite a bit. Also, how big is the "mall" and how far apart are the various monuments?

 

[rwdavis2]

Ok, I got a guide book and have the kids highlighting things that sound interesting. I am looking at maps in the book and trying to plan things out that are close by each other. How far apart are the various Smithsonian museums? We have 6 days to do tours, etc, not enough to do everything but we should be able to do quite a bit. Also, how big is the "mall" and how far apart are the various monuments?

Your map should give you an idea of the actual distances. It's probably about 1/2 mile from the American History to the Native American museum. These 2 are the farthest apart on the Mall. It's 2 miles from Lincoln Memorial to the Capitol building.

 

[golfgal]

Your map should give you an idea of the actual distances. It's probably about 1/2 mile from the American History to the Native American museum. These 2 are the farthest apart on the Mall. It's 2 miles from Lincoln Memorial to the Capitol building.

The map is ok, just measure the scale type map though, not distance markings. Thanks for the help.

 

[HighClass]

My favorite thing in the Smithsonion was the Hall that showed all the first ladies in their ACTUAL Inaugural Ball Gowns (Of course the earliest First Ladies had clothes "of the period")

It was interesting to see how women got taller in modern times

Mom had contacted her State Representative (this was many, many years ago)
and we got the more extensive White House tour-I liked seeing the "China Room" with all the official china displayed from wayyy back.

 

[golfgal]

My favorite thing in the Smithsonion was the Hall that showed all the first ladies in their ACTUAL Inaugural Ball Gowns (Of course the earliest First Ladies had clothes "of the period")

It was interesting to see how women got taller in modern times

Mom had contacted her State Representative (this was many, many years ago)
and we got the more extensive White House tour-I liked seeing the "China Room" with all the official china displayed from wayyy back.

My Dad is very politically active, ok, obsessively active, and I put him in charge of getting us White House tours if he can. Hopefully we get one, that would be VERY cool!

 

[torinsmom]

We are leaving Monday and are getting really pumped. It is just me and DS14. We will only have 2 1/2 days, but I hope we can see a lot. If we enjoy it, I'm sure we will be back. Here is what we have planned so far...

Monday--arrive at hotel at 11:15

12:00pm—Metro—red line to Metro Center, blue line to Smithsonian.

Lunch
Lincoln Memorial
Vietnam Veterans Memorial
White House visitor center
Capitol

6:00—dinner and back to hotel(this could be later if needed)

Tuesday

7:00am—Red line to Metro center; blue line to Smithsonian

Go to The Washington Monument to get a timed ticket 15th street
Go to Bureau of Engraving a Printing to get a timed ticket 1:30pm(Raoul Wallenberg Place or 15th street)
Jefferson memorial

By 10am---National Air and Space Museum
Guided tour at 10:15am

12pm National Museum of Natural History

Smithsonian Castle

Bureau of Engraving and Printing tour

Washington Monument tour

More museums if time permits

Wednesday

9:00am—check out and take red line to metro center, then orange line to Ballston. Put bags in car, then reverse to go to National Zoo

10:00am—National Zoo

1:30—Metro;red line to Gallery Place/Chinatown

2:00pm—International Spy Museum

3:30pm—Red line to Metro center, orange line to Ballston

4:00pm—Leave for home


So what do you think? Am I missing anything spectacular? I plan to take note of things we would like but don't get to and then go those next time.

Also, anyone know of a site that will give directions from metro stations to certain attractions? I have a few maps, but I worry about getting lost.

Marsha

 

[Hoodie]

We are leaving Monday and are getting really pumped. It is just me and DS14. We will only have 2 1/2 days, but I hope we can see a lot. If we enjoy it, I'm sure we will be back. Here is what we have planned so far...

Monday--arrive at hotel at 11:15

12:00pm—Metro—red line to Metro Center, blue line to Smithsonian.

Lunch
Lincoln Memorial
Vietnam Veterans Memorial
White House visitor center
Capitol

6:00—dinner and back to hotel(this could be later if needed)

Tuesday

7:00am—Red line to Metro center; blue line to Smithsonian

Go to The Washington Monument to get a timed ticket 15th street
Go to Bureau of Engraving a Printing to get a timed ticket 1:30pm(Raoul Wallenberg Place or 15th street)
Jefferson memorial

By 10am---National Air and Space Museum
Guided tour at 10:15am

12pm National Museum of Natural History

Smithsonian Castle

Bureau of Engraving and Printing tour

Washington Monument tour

More museums if time permits

Wednesday

9:00am—check out and take red line to metro center, then orange line to Ballston. Put bags in car, then reverse to go to National Zoo

10:00am—National Zoo

1:30—Metro;red line to Gallery Place/Chinatown

2:00pm—International Spy Museum

3:30pm—Red line to Metro center, orange line to Ballston

4:00pm—Leave for home


So what do you think? Am I missing anything spectacular? I plan to take note of things we would like but don't get to and then go those next time.

Also, anyone know of a site that will give directions from metro stations to certain attractions? I have a few maps, but I worry about getting lost.

Marsha

Probably the biggest things not on your list is the National Archives to see the actual Constitution, Bill of Rights and Declaration of Independence as well as the American History Museum. It's fairly easy to add on the National Archives to the museums on the Mall as it's across the street from the Sculpture Garden on the Mall. Note that the Smithsonian station is no where near the Lincoln Memorial. You'd be better off at Foggy Bottom and walking down. This link lists the best metro stop for each attraction:

http://www.wmata.com/pdfs/pocket_guides/english.pdf

Regardless, DC is A LOT of walking. The distance from the Lincoln Memorial to the Capitol building on the other end is a little over 2 miles. Your schedule seems a bit agressive given the amount of walking needed and the size of each attraction. Plan on at least 2 hours in the Spy Museum. There's a lot to see and the set up of the museum requires you to walk through from beginning to end. If it's during a high volume time, getting around the people alone will eat up a lot of time. Also, your travel to the zoo will probably take longer than the hour allotted as you will be hitting the end of rush hour. My tip for the zoo is to park at the last parking lot in the back, not the first one. The zoo is on a huge hill and the back parking lot is at the bottom of the hill. THat way you walk uphill during the first part of the day when you feel refreshed and can return downhill when you're getting tired.

If you are looking for something to eliminate, I'd chose the Smithsonian castle. It's more impressive from the outside.

OP - make sure you hit Arlington Cemetary and if you do rent a car or can find a shuttle, Mount Vernon is a great little side trip. I think there's a boat you can take from Old Town to Mt. Vernon as well.

 

[Hoodie]

More suggestions:

The Newseum. Expensive, but very interesting.
The National Cathedral. I always add this on to my Zoo day. They offer tours and you can go up to the tower and see DC. They also have some very pretty rose gardens. Try to find the Darth Vader gargoyle (yes, it exists!) It's one of my favorite DC attractions.
The American Indian museum - even if it's just for the food court! By far the most interesting of the Smithsonian food offerings.

 

[torinsmom]

Probably the biggest things not on your list is the National Archives to see the actual Constitution, Bill of Rights and Declaration of Independence as well as the American History Museum. It's fairly easy to add on the National Archives to the museums on the Mall as it's across the street from the Sculpture Garden on the Mall.

How funny; those are the two places I have written in to try and hit if we have time. Hopefully, we will have time. I should have bid on three nights instead of 2, but may try to get a 3rd night somewhere cheap in Arlington once I am actually there. It's so hard to know what will be a decent hotel when you're searching online.

Note that the Smithsonian station is no where near the Lincoln Memorial. You'd be better off at Foggy Bottom and walking down. This link lists the best metro stop for each attraction:

http://www.wmata.com/pdfs/pocket_guides/english.pdf

Thanks for this! I have maps and books, but none had this type of list.

Regardless, DC is A LOT of walking. The distance from the Lincoln Memorial to the Capitol building on the other end is a little over 2 miles. Your schedule seems a bit agressive given the amount of walking needed and the size of each attraction.

I will definitely look over the maps and see what to change. We don't plan to see everything in the museums, since we plan to go back in the next year if we enjoy our trip.

Plan on at least 2 hours in the Spy Museum. There's a lot to see and the set up of the museum requires you to walk through from beginning to end. If it's during a high volume time, getting around the people alone will eat up a lot of time.

That's good to note!

Also, your travel to the zoo will probably take longer than the hour allotted as you will be hitting the end of rush hour. My tip for the zoo is to park at the last parking lot in the back, not the first one. The zoo is on a huge hill and the back parking lot is at the bottom of the hill. THat way you walk uphill during the first part of the day when you feel refreshed and can return downhill when you're getting tired.

I will be taking the metro from Woodley Park(we are staying at the Marriott Wardman Park) to Ballston Mall to out luggage in the car and then back to Woodley Park(on the metro) and walking to the zoo. Are you saying that it will take more than 1 hour even on the Metro? I have no idea as to distances from the stations and all that.

I am not parking at the zoo(walking from the metro), so what entrance should I go to? Which will be easier for our walking through the zoo and then back to the metro?

If you are looking for something to eliminate, I'd choose the Smithsonian castle. It's more impressive from the outside.

OP - make sure you hit Arlington Cemetary and if you do rent a car or can find a shuttle, Mount Vernon is a great little side trip. I think there's a boat you can take from Old Town to Mt. Vernon as well.

So, we'll just look at the outside of the Castle. Don't know if we will get to the cemetery this trip. If we get the extra night, we definitely will.


Thanks so much for all the info. I went to DC once in 7th grade for a day trip, LOL. I don't remember a thing.

Marsha

 

[lovemygoofy]

How funny; those are the two places I have written in to try and hit if we have time. Hopefully, we will have time. I should have bid on three nights instead of 2, but may try to get a 3rd night somewhere cheap in Arlington once I am actually there. It's so hard to know what will be a decent hotel when you're searching online.



Thanks for this! I have maps and books, but none had this type of list.



I will definitely look over the maps and see what to change. We don't plan to see everything in the museums, since we plan to go back in the next year if we enjoy our trip.




That's good to note!



I will be taking the metro from Woodley Park(we are staying at the Marriott Wardman Park) to Ballston Mall to out luggage in the car and then back to Woodley Park(on the metro) and walking to the zoo. Are you saying that it will take more than 1 hour even on the Metro? I have no idea as to distances from the stations and all that.

I am not parking at the zoo(walking from the metro), so what entrance should I go to? Which will be easier for our walking through the zoo and then back to the metro?



So, we'll just look at the outside of the Castle. Don't know if we will get to the cemetery this trip. If we get the extra night, we definitely will.


Thanks so much for all the info. I went to DC once in 7th grade for a day trip, LOL. I don't remember a thing.

Marsha

The only thing I can tell you for certainty is that it will be crowded in the museums and just waiting to get into the museums. I know you have specific ideas and exhibits but sometimes the lines are long to get inside and just navigating around the tour groups and the day dreamers can get irritating. Either block a bit more time for your museums tours or be prepared to not see everything.

If you do Arlington, pay the $6 or $10(I can't remember) for the tourmobile tour because it is stinking hot and humid here right now and the walk would be miserable. The tour takes you around the things of interest and tells you the history that you might not know.

One tip I can tell you is to bring the sunscreen and water in a little backpack. There are few places on the mall to buy water but it is something like $2 a bottle. When we go into the city, we carry a tiny backpack with water bottles and plenty of sunscreen. You will have to have it checked everytime you go through security but we've never had an issue with anything and filled the bottles up inside the restrooms and purchased cups of ice when resting.

If I could, I'd set up a kiosk and sell water and sunscreen and cameras and batteries like at disney. I'd make a fortune!