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

[mominwestlake]

Has anyone done the capitol tour by getting the tickets available online through the capitol tour center?

Last time we went through our congressman. One of his aids took us around. When we got to the part where you actually go in the chambers she just dropped us off because it was her lunchtime. This time I was thinking of just taking the tour through the capitol center.

 

[torinsmom]

As far as the metro, what I did was to plan out my day using the metro website. They have a trip planner tool where you can put in where you are starting and ending and it will tell you all the times AND the fare. I used those fares to decide how much to put on our cards. We ended up putting $20 on each for our 3 days of touring and had to add $2 at the end. Oh, and make sure you know which way you are going, because knowing to take the red line is not enough; you need to know which way to go. There is a free map at the metro website too.

Here is an example of our first day:

10:37 Orange Line towards New Carrollton, get off at Metro Center, 10:52.
11:02 Red Line towards Shady Grove, get off at Woodley Park 11:08 $1.35


11:15am—Arrive hotel; check in and store luggage

11:51am—Metro—red line towards Glenmont, get off at Metro Center 11:57 $1.35

12:00 Lunch with Althea at Corner Bakery

1:10 Metro Center---blue line towards Largo Town Center, get off at Federal Triangle at
1:11 $1.35



White House visitor center(1 hour)
Lincoln Memorial (30 min)
Vietnam Veterans Memorial(30 min)

6:02 Federal Triangle—Orange line towards Vienna, get off at Metro Center at 6:03

6:08 Red line towards Silver Springs, get off at Union Station at 6:14 $1.65



Dinner at Union Station

7:41 Red line towards Shady Grove, get off at Woodley Park 7:52 $1.35

Marsha

 

[torinsmom]

You DO realize that the Air and Space Museum and the Washington monument are a long ways apart, right? We did the Lincoln Memorial and the WW2 Memorial when we did the Monument, as well as the Vietnam Vets and Korean War Memorial. Just that walk took forever.

Marsha

 

[torinsmom]

We were not able to get a tour either. I had my Dad try because he knows his Senator very well, did a lot of work on her campaign. Maybe this is why we didn't get one too.

So how was your trip-will you do a trip report, soon, like before we leave next weekend

Okay, here is our trip report; nothing too exciting though.

Day 1--Monday

We drove in from NC and arrived at the Ballston Parking Garage at around 11:30. We found our way to the Metro skywalk and jumped on the next train towards DC. After a transfer at the Metrocenter station, we arrived at our hotel, the Marriott Wardman Park at around 12:30. The metro stop was right at the bottom of the bus entrance, so we were checking in within 10 minutes. Our room was ready and we were happy to see we had a view of the Washington monument.

We hopped back on the metro and headed down towards the Federal Triangle, hoping to see the Whitehouse and a few other sights before dinner. We got close to the Whitehouse, but were turned back by the police. They had the whole area closed off, and I was NOT happy to have walked forever to not even see a corner of the Whitehouse! So, we sat down on a park bench close by and had a little lunch(hot dog and soda, $5)

All of a sudden we hear this loud noise and turn to see a helicopter coming in low. It said United States of America on the side. Then another, and then a third came. At this point, I had an idea that we were seeing the President coming in from somewhere! At least we like to think so. One helicopter landed and the others flew away.

After the helicopters were gone, the police opened up the walkway and we got to see the White House as close up as you can get without a tour. Pretty neat to be standing that close, especially when we are sure we just saw our wonderful President just fly in.

After the White House, we walked on over to the Washington monument or at least by it. We were headed for the Lincoln Memorial and went through the new WW2 memorial to get there. It is really nice!

Let me just say that the walk from the Washington monument to the Lincoln Memorial is a long one! It seemed like it took forever and thank goodness there were bathrooms on the way(although they were nasty) The reflecting pool was not as beautiful as it looked in Forest Gump, and with all the ducks and geese, I can understand why, LOL. All the way to the Memorial, I kept thinking about having to walk BACK, but once we got there, I was just amazed at the size of the monument and the message it carried. It almost made me cry.....

After the Lincoln Memorial, we were beat. We hurriedly went through the Korean War Memorial and took the long walk back to the metro. We had seen a pizza place across from the hotel, and we got some pizza, then hit the CVS next door for 12 packs of soda. Then we crashed!

 

[jillyb]

I am so glad I found this post! We're planning on going to D.C. August 13 - 18. I bought the UG to Washington, D.C. and Fodor' Family Washington D.C. with Kids. Both have great information.

We're staying at the Embassy Suites in Vienna, VA (Tysons Corner). I know it's going to be a bit of a ride on the metro but it's the only place we could afford! They do have a shuttle to the Dunn/Loring metro station but I need to find out when they leave and what's the latest they pick up. We get a complimentary hot breakfast and don't have to pay for parking.

We know what we want to see/do but I haven't gotten an itinerary put together yet. I may do that this week and get some feed back from some of you guys that are local and/or who have been.

Marsha: we're driving from NC too. How long did it take ya'll to get there? I drove up there by myself in October and it seemed like it took me forever; and I only made one stop! LOL We're coming from the Concord area. I know with the girls we can count on at least two stops. Sounds like ya'll a good first day!

 

[luvmy3jewels]

My family is also from NC and planning to drive to DC next month. We are staying at the Marriott Metro Center, and so far this post has been very helpful with our travel planning!

 

[Green Tea]

We're staying at the Embassy Suites in Vienna, VA (Tysons Corner). I know it's going to be a bit of a ride on the metro but it's the only place we could afford! They do have a shuttle to the Dunn/Loring metro station but I need to find out when they leave and what's the latest they pick up. We get a complimentary hot breakfast and don't have to pay for parking.

I have stayed there many times. It is affordable! I love the location so close to Tyson's. There are many food places on the road where the hotel is located. We've parked on weekends at Dunn Loring easily. Weekdays you will be better with the shuttle, I think. If the shuttle isn't at a convenient time (I think they will pick you up when you call) you could take a taxi. You will have a fairly long train ride into the city, but that's okay.

I *think* they even have a life guard at the pool.

 

[torinsmom]

I am so glad I found this post! We're planning on going to D.C. August 13 - 18. I bought the UG to Washington, D.C. and Fodor' Family Washington D.C. with Kids. Both have great information.

We're staying at the Embassy Suites in Vienna, VA (Tysons Corner). I know it's going to be a bit of a ride on the metro but it's the only place we could afford! They do have a shuttle to the Dunn/Loring metro station but I need to find out when they leave and what's the latest they pick up. We get a complimentary hot breakfast and don't have to pay for parking.

We know what we want to see/do but I haven't gotten an itinerary put together yet. I may do that this week and get some feed back from some of you guys that are local and/or who have been.

Marsha: we're driving from NC too. How long did it take ya'll to get there? I drove up there by myself in October and it seemed like it took me forever; and I only made one stop! LOL We're coming from the Concord area. I know with the girls we can count on at least two stops. Sounds like ya'll a good first day!

We drove from Hillsborough and it took 4 1/2 hours. I imagine from Concord, you are looking at 6 1/2. I hated the drive, especially once we were on 95. All those trucks! They aren't allowed in the left lane, so they ride your bumper in the right lane

Marsha

 

[torinsmom]

Okay, Day 2.....

We got up early and headed on out to get tickets for the Washington Monument. We took the metro and got there around 7:40 and there were definitely plenty of people there before us. The ticket office opened at 8:30am and we got tickets for 7:00pm. I would suggest getting there earlier on a weekend or a holiday. By the time the ticket office opened, there were about 300-400 people behind us.

We hopped on the metro and went back to the Woodley Park stop to get some breakfast. There is a McD's right there, so we got a cheap meal. THen we hopped back on the metro and went up one stop to the Cleveland Park stop. Another poster had suggested this would make our walk downhill and I really do appreciate that! We walked the few blocks to the National Zoo. Nice that it's free, but if you want a map, it will cost you $2, LOL. I would suggest printing our a free one here http://nationalzoo.si.edu/Visit/ZooMap/NationalZooMap07.pdf

We had a great time at the zoo. The pandas were probably my favorite, while my son liked the Sloth bear and the bald eagles. We spent the better part of 4 hours there. We had lunch at the Panda cafe, basically burgers and fries like Disney and Disney prices too. At the end of the main walk, you can take a shuttle back to the main entrance. From there, we walked downhill to Woodley Park. After all that walking, we were pooped and basically just rested until around 6. Then we took the metro to the Smithsonian exit for our walk to the Monument.

Okay, so your time on your ticket does NOT mean you will go up in the elevator at that time. We got there at 10 minutes before 7(like our ticket said) but they were still taking people up who had 6:30 tickets. I guess it depends on how much time people spend up top. We got called at 7:15 and then had a wait inside for another 15minutes. Once we got up top, the view was AMAZING! You could see for miles and miles! Definitely worth the wait!

After the Monument, we decided to go to Union Station for a late dinner. That place is really cool! I think there are 3 levels of stores and restaurants in that place! We ate and browsed and then went back to the hotel to get some shut eye.

 

[jillyb]

We drove from Hillsborough and it took 4 1/2 hours. I imagine from Concord, you are looking at 6 1/2. I hated the drive, especially once we were on 95. All those trucks! They aren't allowed in the left lane, so they ride your bumper in the right lane

Marsha

Yeah...it's going to be a drive. *sigh* Since the 13th will basically be a travel day we'll probably just check in to our hotel, hang out at the pool and find some place for supper. We may even check out the Tysons Corner area a bit. I definitely want to have an early night!

 

[jillyb]

Okay, Day 2.....

We got up early and headed on out to get tickets for the Washington Monument. We took the metro and got there around 7:40 and there were definitely plenty of people there before us. The ticket office opened at 8:30am and we got tickets for 7:00pm. I would suggest getting there earlier on a weekend or a holiday. By the time the ticket office opened, there were about 300-400 people behind us.

We hopped on the metro and went back to the Woodley Park stop to get some breakfast. There is a McD's right there, so we got a cheap meal. THen we hopped back on the metro and went up one stop to the Cleveland Park stop. Another poster had suggested this would make our walk downhill and I really do appreciate that! We walked the few blocks to the National Zoo. Nice that it's free, but if you want a map, it will cost you $2, LOL. I would suggest printing our a free one here http://nationalzoo.si.edu/Visit/ZooMap/NationalZooMap07.pdf

We had a great time at the zoo. The pandas were probably my favorite, while my son liked the Sloth bear and the bald eagles. We spent the better part of 4 hours there. We had lunch at the Panda cafe, basically burgers and fries like Disney and Disney prices too. At the end of the main walk, you can take a shuttle back to the main entrance. From there, we walked downhill to Woodley Park. After all that walking, we were pooped and basically just rested until around 6. Then we took the metro to the Smithsonian exit for our walk to the Monument.

Okay, so your time on your ticket does NOT mean you will go up in the elevator at that time. We got there at 10 minutes before 7(like our ticket said) but they were still taking people up who had 6:30 tickets. I guess it depends on how much time people spend up top. We got called at 7:15 and then had a wait inside for another 15minutes. Once we got up top, the view was AMAZING! You could see for miles and miles! Definitely worth the wait!

After the Monument, we decided to go to Union Station for a late dinner. That place is really cool! I think there are 3 levels of stores and restaurants in that place! We ate and browsed and then went back to the hotel to get some shut eye.

Thanks for the link to the map! From the looks of it we'll probably be there a long time too. Was it a weekday or weekend when you went to the zoo? Was it very crowded?

 

[torinsmom]

Thanks for the link to the map! From the looks of it we'll probably be there a long time too. Was it a weekday or weekend when you went to the zoo? Was it very crowded?

It was a Tuesday, and no, it wasn't very crowded at all. I would suggest you bring some bottled water, as it can be a tiring walk. It was only in the 70's, but even at that temp, I thought I would thirst to death before we got to a water fountain.

Marsha

 

[minniebeth]

Nancy For Disney, you asked about the Holocaust Museum and your 8yoDD...
We went last year with our two DDs then 10 and 6...We used to live in Virginia and never got there and I was determined to go. We were ready to split up if need be, but we were fine. The Holocaust Museum is set up wonderfully with the sensitive material. There are walls that are a little taller than a child's height where there are photos and displays of items that are sensitive. My DH walked ahead of me with my DDs and signaled to me where to keep walking. We then tagged teamed, he would stay with the girls while I went back and read/observed a particular exhibit.
My DD6 was of course bored and was mostly clueless about the nature of the museum although I tried to talk to her about it being a museum to honor people that survived and died in a war. She knew that her grandpa fought in WWII, so there were a few things that were of interest to her.
My DD10 had read some books about the Holocaust and really wanted to learn more about it with what was appropriate for her. She was very impacted by it.
Daniel's Story is a section in the Holocaust Museum that is a children's exhibit based off a children's literature book and does a fantastic job recreating a day in a life of a child Holocaust survivor.
I'd say your DD will be good with that and take away some basics from the rest of the museum if she is interested with what is age appropriate for her.

Sorry this is so long, but I am so passionate about this museum, it was very profound for me.

 

[Claire L]

It was a Tuesday, and no, it wasn't very crowded at all. I would suggest you bring some bottled water, as it can be a tiring walk. It was only in the 70's, but even at that temp, I thought I would thirst to death before we got to a water fountain.

Marsha

Snap we were there last Tuesday as well! Got back on Sunday morning and still getting over the time difference! We also stayed near the Woodley APrk metro, at the Omni Shoreham.

Claire

 

[Nancy for Disney]

Nancy For Disney, you asked about the Holocaust Museum and your 8yoDD...
We went last year with our two DDs then 10 and 6...We used to live in Virginia and never got there and I was determined to go. We were ready to split up if need be, but we were fine. The Holocaust Museum is set up wonderfully with the sensitive material. There are walls that are a little taller than a child's height where there are photos and displays of items that are sensitive. My DH walked ahead of me with my DDs and signaled to me where to keep walking. We then tagged teamed, he would stay with the girls while I went back and read/observed a particular exhibit.
My DD6 was of course bored and was mostly clueless about the nature of the museum although I tried to talk to her about it being a museum to honor people that survived and died in a war. She knew that her grandpa fought in WWII, so there were a few things that were of interest to her.
My DD10 had read some books about the Holocaust and really wanted to learn more about it with what was appropriate for her. She was very impacted by it.
Daniel's Story is a section in the Holocaust Museum that is a children's exhibit based off a children's literature book and does a fantastic job recreating a day in a life of a child Holocaust survivor.
I'd say your DD will be good with that and take away some basics from the rest of the museum if she is interested with what is age appropriate for her.

Sorry this is so long, but I am so passionate about this museum, it was very profound for me.

Thanks so much for sharing your experience. I am feeling much better about taking DD8 now.

Okay, Day 2.....



Nice that it's free, but if you want a map, it will cost you $2, LOL. I would suggest printing our a free one here http://nationalzoo.si.edu/Visit/ZooMap/NationalZooMap07.pdf

We had a great time at the zoo. The pandas were probably my favorite, while my son liked the Sloth bear and the bald eagles. We spent the better part of 4 hours there. We had lunch at the Panda cafe, basically burgers and fries like Disney and Disney prices too. At the end of the main walk, you can take a shuttle back to the main entrance. From there, we walked downhill to Woodley Park. After all that walking, we were pooped and basically just rested until around 6. Then we took the metro to the Smithsonian exit for our walk to the Monument.

Okay, so your time on your ticket does NOT mean you will go up in the elevator at that time. We got there at 10 minutes before 7(like our ticket said) but they were still taking people up who had 6:30 tickets. I guess it depends on how much time people spend up top. We got called at 7:15 and then had a wait inside for another 15minutes. Once we got up top, the view was AMAZING! You could see for miles and miles! Definitely worth the wait!

After the Monument, we decided to go to Union Station for a late dinner. That place is really cool! I think there are 3 levels of stores and restaurants in that place! We ate and browsed and then went back to the hotel to get some shut eye.

Loving your trip report. It is getting me very excited. I printed the map!

 

[TDC Nala]

I live at Dunn Loring. Full name of the Metro station is Dunn Loring/Merrifield. It is a 45 minute ride downtown to Metro Center.

 

[torinsmom]

Okay, last day...

This was our checkout day from the Marriott. I wish I had decided to stay Wednesday night before the last minute, but alas, I didn't. SO, we got up and hauled our luggage to the metro once again and took it to our car in Arlington. HAd breakfast in the mall(lots of food places here) and headed for the Smithsonian museums.

It was a sprinkly day, and when we got off the metro, we were approached by some scary looking men selling umbrellas. I declined, as we had umbrellas in my bag. One of the guys asked if I wanted a free map, and to be nice I said sure. Then he started asking if I wanted to give a donation to the homeless shelter. Seeing as this guy smelled like beer and the maps were the ones you get at hotels for free, I said not now. Well, the guy jerked the map back out of my hand! LOL, I guess something can go from free to costing in a millisecond.

We headed on up the street; our destination was the Air and Space Museum. It is quite a haul from the Smithsonian station and someone told me that L'Enfant Plaza is closer to Air and Space. Anyway, we made it and were faced with a HUGE line to check bags/get in. We discovered later that the line at the back entrance in almost non-existent, so I would try that entrance if I were to go back.

Inside it was pretty neat. Lots of airplanes, rockets, etc. Can you tell I'm not a man? LOL My son convinced me to go on the simulator and I can't believe I paid to get bruised up! That thing doesn't hold you still and goes upside down! I have done Cyber SPace Mountain at DQ, but this is a lot worse.

We toured a little more and then had to strike out for our tour of the International Spy Museum. We decided to walk, because our tickets were for 2pm and we would have had to transfer lines on the metro. It was definitely a long walk! The SPy Museum, IMHO, is not worth $18. Again, I am not a man, so maybe that is it. It only took us an hour to get through it. Then we went to the Spy Cafe, where they advertised chicken finger(but didn't have them) and french fries(but didn't have them), so we left and got a hot dog on the street instead.

Next, we went to the Museum of Natural History. Lots of interesting exhibits here, but boy was it crowded! We spent about 2 hours looking at all the neat stuff and exploring the gift stores.

Just a note; during the summer, some of the museums are open later than 5:30, so be sure to check. We didn't even start the Museum of Natural history until 5:30, so we had a late evening.

After we were done, we went back to the metro and took it back to Arlington. We had dinner at the mall at a place called Rocket Burgers. It was a 50's theme and the food was YUMMY! Then we headed to the car to drive to the Hilton(got for $70 on priceline) for our last night. Unfortunately, Mapquest's directions were NOT right, so were on our own trying to find the hotel. I thought I had seen the exit when we were coming in on 395, so I headed back to 395 North. Well, 395 NOrth, takes you into DC and it was getting dark and rainy, so UGH! We ended up getting off at the next exit, which was the Pentagon to turn around. There wasn't a turnaround, but by the grace of God, I did see how to get back to 395 SOUTH.

We finally found our new hotel, The Hilton Landmark in ALexandria. OMG, they put us on the top floor and we had an amazing view of DC. We also had a sunroom instead of a balcony and it was really cool. Next morning, we were off and back to NC. Busy roads and lots of trucks, UGH.

Anyway, we had a great time, and I hope everyone else has a great time as well.

I'll post some pictures once I get them uploaded.

Marsha

 

[Claire L]

Marsha (Torinsmom),

Sounds like you had a great time. Did you get caught in the rain on Thursday? We were in Arlington Cemetery and boy did we get wet!

Claire

 

[torinsmom]

Torinsmom,

Sounds like you had a great time. Did you get caught in the rain on Thursday? We were in Arlington Cemetery and boy did we get wet!

Claire

I think we got out of town just in time. We were gone by 10 or 10:30. I heard it rained hard in NC while we were gone as well. I am so glad we had nice weather, with temps mostly in the 70's!

MArsha

 

[minniebeth]

I'm enjoying reading the trip reports...
Thanks for sharing tips, knowledge and experience, everyone!

My recommendation would be: if anyone does go to the International Spy Museum and is looking for something to eat while there, there is a restaurant right across the street, Gordon Biersch....it is a brewery, but we stumbled upon it and was very family friendly for us. The portions were huge and the food really good, we could have easily shared all our meals.
We really liked it, only to find they have a location right here in Columbus, lol.