Visiting Washington DC - Thoughts and tips (1 Viewer)

[TheIronSheik]

Well, because of my busted leg, the Baseball Hall of Fame is being pushed back to next year. Unfortunately we had to dip into some of our vacation funds to pay medical bills. Thanks a lot, Obamacare.

Any way, DC has been on our list of places to go, so we thought we could do this cheaply enough. Drive down in the morning and head back home in the evening. I'm excited because I've never been there. I've been to the capitals of Russia, Ireland and Libya, but never the US. Figure it's about time.

For a day trip, what is a must see and what should we skip? Where do we park? How should we get around town? What areas do we avoid? And how do we get in and out without getting lost in bad areas?

Any help is greatly appreciated. Again, I've never been so I'm a blank slate here.

TIA
TIS

 

[MattFancy]

This thread pretty much has everything you need.

I'd recommend riding the Metro all day. Just park your car at the nearest Metro station and go from there. If you're visiting on the weekend, it'll be free parking so you don't have to worry about paying to leave your car there.

Obviously, you'll probably want to check out the Capitol, White House, Supreme Court, Smithsonian, Air & Space Museum, National Zoo, etc.

 

[Don Quixote]

To do it all in one day, I'd probably go for the hop-on/hop-off trolley tour. I'd probably park near one of their stops (such as by the welcome center) and then ride that around.

 

[Mr. Ected]

Are you OK on walking? If so, coming down from Philly you may wany to park at a metro station, and ride in that way. Weekday or weekend? For a single day, just wandering around the mall will allow you to check off a bunch off the DC list. Monuments, a breeze through a museum or two (the beauty of the free Smithsonian!!! )

Ask more questions, and we can try to help. Lots of folks here, near DC!!!

 

[dgreen]

For a day trip for someone who's never been, I'd suggest walking The Mall from the Capitol to the Lincoln with a swing by the White House in between. Along the way will be the Washington Monument, several museums, Vietnam Memorial, and a few others. Pick a museum or two that interests you the most. That will pretty much take up a day (assuming you can move through a museum quickly and don't feel like you have to read everything). It's about 2 miles from the Capitol to the Lincoln.

 

[dgreen]

If so, coming down from Philly you may wany to park at a metro station, and ride in that way. Weekday or weekend?

Good question about Weekday vs Weekend. That will matter because Metro Station parking lots fill up early on Weekdays. I'd suggest Amtrak from Philly. That will put into Union Station which is at the Eastern end of downtown and a short walk to the Capitol to start your tour.

 

[Foosball God]

With a busted up leg you should be able to bypass lines as a cripple.

 

[msommer]

Don't do like me and walk to the National Mall. My kids were completely gassed when we got there we hardly saw the Washington monument from afar before we got in a cab back to the hotel.

 

[TheIronSheik]

Not sure about what day. I guess that would depend on which would be less crowded. Usually you think weekends are more crowded, but this is like visiting a working city. Well. I guess there's no "like" about it.

Our goal is to see all (or most) of the monuments. The White House is a must. Can you still take a tour of that? Is it worth it? Even if it's cheesy, you're still in the White House so I'd think that's pretty cool.

Museums are probably not high on the list. I only say that because we've done a bunch of them and I think the 10 year old will become bored with that. Save that for another trip. This will be more about being outside, enjoying the day, and walking around. Again, I'm not familiar with anything there, so I don't know if you can park in one spot and pretty much walk around seeing all of the monuments and such.

 

[TheIronSheik]

With a busted up leg you should be able to bypass lines as a cripple.

The leg is completely healed as of a while ago. So walking is not a problem. Our original plan was to go to Cooperstown and spend a night in a hotel and take like a weekend trip. But with money being tighter, we're just looking for a fun day trip.

 

[Foosball God]

With a busted up leg you should be able to bypass lines as a cripple.

The leg is completely healed as of a while ago. So walking is not a problem. Our original plan was to go to Cooperstown and spend a night in a hotel and take like a weekend trip. But with money being tighter, we're just looking for a fun day trip.

I was looking forward to some good Sheik stories out of this.

 

[Swing 51]

White House ToursPublic tour requests must be submitted through one's Member of Congress. These self-guided tours are available from 7:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Tuesday through Thursday, 7:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays (excluding federal holidays or unless otherwise noted). Tour hours will be extended when possible based on the official White House schedule. Tours are scheduled on a first come, first served basis. Requests can be submitted up to six months in advance and no less than 21 days in advance. You are encouraged to submit your request as early as possible as a limited number of spaces are available.

http://www.whitehouse.gov/about/tours-and-events

 

[Mr. Ected]

If so, coming down from Philly you may wany to park at a metro station, and ride in that way. Weekday or weekend?

Good question about Weekday vs Weekend. That will matter because Metro Station parking lots fill up early on Weekdays. I'd suggest Amtrak from Philly. That will put into Union Station which is at the Eastern end of downtown and a short walk to the Capitol to start your tour.

dgreen is right about Amtrak. It's about $100 for an adult, kid would be less, AAA would drop cost some. Train station is not far from the mall, also there is Metro there.

 

[TheIronSheik]

White House Tours

Public tour requests must be submitted through one's Member of Congress. These self-guided tours are available from 7:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Tuesday through Thursday, 7:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays (excluding federal holidays or unless otherwise noted). Tour hours will be extended when possible based on the official White House schedule. Tours are scheduled on a first come, first served basis. Requests can be submitted up to six months in advance and no less than 21 days in advance. You are encouraged to submit your request as early as possible as a limited number of spaces are available.

http://www.whitehouse.gov/about/tours-and-events

Damn. That sucks. 21 days in advance kind of kills that idea. Not to mention all of the other hoops to jump through. That may be checkmarked for another time though. I still think that sounds pretty cool.

 

[TheIronSheik]

If so, coming down from Philly you may wany to park at a metro station, and ride in that way. Weekday or weekend?

Good question about Weekday vs Weekend. That will matter because Metro Station parking lots fill up early on Weekdays. I'd suggest Amtrak from Philly. That will put into Union Station which is at the Eastern end of downtown and a short walk to the Capitol to start your tour.

dgreen is right about Amtrak. It's about $100 for an adult, kid would be less, AAA would drop cost some. Train station is not far from the mall, also there is Metro there.

That kind of jacks up the price, though. And while normally that wouldn't be an issue, our thought was that we were looking for a low cost day trip. If this is really the way to do it, though, maybe this won't be our day trip.

Although, I'm running out of options on where else to go. :(

 

[Don Quixote]

White House Tours

Public tour requests must be submitted through one's Member of Congress. These self-guided tours are available from 7:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Tuesday through Thursday, 7:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays (excluding federal holidays or unless otherwise noted). Tour hours will be extended when possible based on the official White House schedule. Tours are scheduled on a first come, first served basis. Requests can be submitted up to six months in advance and no less than 21 days in advance. You are encouraged to submit your request as early as possible as a limited number of spaces are available.

http://www.whitehouse.gov/about/tours-and-events

Damn. That sucks. 21 days in advance kind of kills that idea. Not to mention all of the other hoops to jump through. That may be checkmarked for another time though. I still think that sounds pretty cool.

You could do a Capitol tour instead, which is pretty cool too. They do have some same day tours available, but easier to book in advance and don't require as much notice.

 

[fatguyinalittlecoat]

If so, coming down from Philly you may wany to park at a metro station, and ride in that way. Weekday or weekend?

Good question about Weekday vs Weekend. That will matter because Metro Station parking lots fill up early on Weekdays. I'd suggest Amtrak from Philly. That will put into Union Station which is at the Eastern end of downtown and a short walk to the Capitol to start your tour.

dgreen is right about Amtrak. It's about $100 for an adult, kid would be less, AAA would drop cost some. Train station is not far from the mall, also there is Metro there.

That kind of jacks up the price, though. And while normally that wouldn't be an issue, our thought was that we were looking for a low cost day trip. If this is really the way to do it, though, maybe this won't be our day trip.Although, I'm running out of options on where else to go. :(

Four people? Cheapest option is clearly just to drive into DC and park. It'll be like $20-$30. To take the metro in and back will cost more than that.

 

[Don Quixote]

I don't think you need to do Amtrak, or Metro even. It may depend on how busy a time it is that you visit, but you can often luck into parking in East Potomac Park or West Potomac Park (by the Jefferson and FDR memorials). If that is filled, there are plenty of parking garages in Foggy Bottom/GWU that are options too. Lots downtown too, but that may be easier on a weekend (but even on a weekday, you can drive around a bit and find a garage with availiability).

 

[TheIronSheik]

White House Tours

Public tour requests must be submitted through one's Member of Congress. These self-guided tours are available from 7:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Tuesday through Thursday, 7:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays (excluding federal holidays or unless otherwise noted). Tour hours will be extended when possible based on the official White House schedule. Tours are scheduled on a first come, first served basis. Requests can be submitted up to six months in advance and no less than 21 days in advance. You are encouraged to submit your request as early as possible as a limited number of spaces are available.

http://www.whitehouse.gov/about/tours-and-events

Damn. That sucks. 21 days in advance kind of kills that idea. Not to mention all of the other hoops to jump through. That may be checkmarked for another time though. I still think that sounds pretty cool.

You could do a Capitol tour instead, which is pretty cool too. They do have some same day tours available, but easier to book in advance and don't require as much notice.

That would be cool, too. I think we'd be up for any type of tour through a government building. I think by balancing out monuments with tours, we can keep the attention span of the 10 year old to where she might have fun learning new things. That's the main goal. To have a fun time and possibly learn something along the way.

 

[TheIronSheik]

So what's the consensus on least busiest time to visit? Weekend or weekday?

 

[fatguyinalittlecoat]

Assuming two week lead time, 1 adult round trip Philly to DC and back is under $75.

Throw in a daily Metro pass and it's 80 bucks. I just don't see the point in trying to park.

He should spend over $200 on trains so he doesn't have to spend $25 on a parking lot?

 

[fatguyinalittlecoat]

In addition, I don't know this for sure, but I'm doubtful that the Shiek lives in the Philly train station. So he would probably have to park there.

 

[Ramsay Hunt Experience]

Assuming two week lead time, 1 adult round trip Philly to DC and back is under $75.

Throw in a daily Metro pass and it's 80 bucks. I just don't see the point in trying to park.

He should spend over $200 on trains so he doesn't have to spend $25 on a parking lot?

Didn't see the four people. I deleted.

 

[TheIronSheik]

In addition, I don't know this for sure, but I'm doubtful that the Shiek lives in the Philly train station. So he would probably have to park there.

This is a solid point. Driving to Philly would be out of the way, too. So an hour drive to Philly, then park, then train.

Again, I don't mind spending money on planned trips. We do it a lot. But this is supposed to be a low cost alternative fun day. That's why I'm saying, if it's worth it to pay the money to go this route, I'll put this on the backburner and save it for a planned trip.

I guess the idea is to spend around $100 for the whole trip. But that's not firm.

 

[QuizGuy66]

The Washington Monument is a large sweltering rock. It also involves climbing. With a good leg I'd recommend it only if the line was 0 and you were really jonesing to go up in it. With a bad leg and limited time there are much better things to check out IMO.

-QG

 

[fatguyinalittlecoat]

I guess the idea is to spend around $100 for the whole trip. But that's not firm.

You can do this no problem. The monuments and museums are all free.

 

[QuizGuy66]

Kids might like this: http://www.spymuseum.org/

-QG

 

[Don Quixote]

White House Tours

Public tour requests must be submitted through one's Member of Congress. These self-guided tours are available from 7:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Tuesday through Thursday, 7:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays (excluding federal holidays or unless otherwise noted). Tour hours will be extended when possible based on the official White House schedule. Tours are scheduled on a first come, first served basis. Requests can be submitted up to six months in advance and no less than 21 days in advance. You are encouraged to submit your request as early as possible as a limited number of spaces are available.

http://www.whitehouse.gov/about/tours-and-events

Damn. That sucks. 21 days in advance kind of kills that idea. Not to mention all of the other hoops to jump through. That may be checkmarked for another time though. I still think that sounds pretty cool.

You could do a Capitol tour instead, which is pretty cool too. They do have some same day tours available, but easier to book in advance and don't require as much notice.

That would be cool, too. I think we'd be up for any type of tour through a government building. I think by balancing out monuments with tours, we can keep the attention span of the 10 year old to where she might have fun learning new things. That's the main goal. To have a fun time and possibly learn something along the way.

Ok. Here's the link for Capitol tours: http://www.visitthecapitol.gov/plan-visit/book-tour-capitol#.U7rwmZRdWSo

The hop-on/hop-off trolley that I mentioned is another thing that might help with that. They point out sites of interest along the way (since you are skipping the Smithsonian/Archives you could take it from the Capitol to the monuments or vice versa). Not sure what the cost of that is though.

 

[dgreen]

So what's the consensus on least busiest time to visit? Weekend or weekday?

For parking purposes, I'd suggest arriving earlyish (9 AM) on a weekend. There are many free parking spots around The Mall. On weekdays, they have a 2 hour limit (to discourage commuters from using them) and weekends have no time limit. The Museums don't open until 10 AM, so spots are usually available in the morning and then fill up quickly later in the morning.

I'm sure there's a map out there somewhere, but off the top of my head I can think of free all-day parking at several spots. There are two parking lots on the west side of the Capitol that are reserved on weekdays but open to the public on weekends. They appear as Pennsylvania Avenue and Maryland Avenue on maps, but they have diagonal parking spaces. The are just east of 3rd Street NW and border the Capitol Reflecting Pool. Other spots are along Madison and Jefferson Drives between the Washington Monument and the Capitol. There's also Ohio Drive south of the Lincoln Memorial and near the Jefferson Memorial. I can't remember what parts of Constitution Avenues now have meters, but I'm pretty sure the blocks west of 17th Street NW are free. Oh, there's also a small lot along Maine Avenue along the Tidal Basin (just south of the Washington Monument).

Get to DC early and you should be able to get something easily. If not, just hit a garage within a couple blocks of The Mall and don't waste too much time circling around a city you aren't familiar with to save $20.

 

[dgreen]

My kids (11, 9, and 7) love the US Botanic Garden. It's right by the Capitol. At first they whine about going into a plant museum, but they always have fun. As mentioned, pretty much every museum/building along The Mall is going to be free. Even if you don't think your 10 year old will be interested, it really doesn't cost anything to hop in. You can just as easily walk right out and go to the next spot if the kid is bored.

 

[TheIronSheik]

My kids (11, 9, and 7) love the US Botanic Garden. It's right by the Capitol. At first they whine about going into a plant museum, but they always have fun. As mentioned, pretty much every museum/building along The Mall is going to be free. Even if you don't think your 10 year old will be interested, it really doesn't cost anything to hop in. You can just as easily walk right out and go to the next spot if the kid is bored.

Awesome. This is great information.

 

[TheIronSheik]

I almost forgot:

Where is Arlington National Cemetery in respect to the National Mall? I mean, I know they aren't near each other. But how far away? And is it open to the public? Seems like that would be a nice place to visit to explain to the young'n what it means to give your life to your country. And how we are able to say we are free. If nothing else, just to show our respect.

 

[Brony]

Cripes, how much does the Baseball Hall of Fame cost?

 

[TheIronSheik]

Cripes, how much does the Baseball Hall of Fame cost?

Well, we wanted to go there and stay at the hotel people on here recommended. I believe the room was like $300 a night or something crazy like that. But they said the experience was worth it. It's also a much further drive, so it would end up being a 2 or 3 day trip.

 

[fatguyinalittlecoat]

I almost forgot:

Where is Arlington National Cemetery in respect to the National Mall? I mean, I know they aren't near each other. But how far away? And is it open to the public? Seems like that would be a nice place to visit to explain to the young'n what it means to give your life to your country. And how we are able to say we are free. If nothing else, just to show our respect.

I'm not trying to discourage you from going to Arlington Cemetery if that's important to you, but you can have similar discussions with her at the Vietnam Memorial or other war memorials that are actually on the Mall. That seems like it would be more convenient.

ETA: Arlington is only a few metro stops away from the mall, so it is definitely doable if you want.

 

[Don Quixote]

I almost forgot:

Where is Arlington National Cemetery in respect to the National Mall? I mean, I know they aren't near each other. But how far away? And is it open to the public? Seems like that would be a nice place to visit to explain to the young'n what it means to give your life to your country. And how we are able to say we are free. If nothing else, just to show our respect.

Open to the public, and not too far, but a bit off the path. There's a bridge behind the Lincoln Memorial that crosses the river and takes you there.

ETA: It looks like it also a stop on the trolley tour that I mentioned: http://www.trolleytours.com/washington-dc/washington-dc-map.html

 

[TheIronSheik]

I almost forgot:

Where is Arlington National Cemetery in respect to the National Mall? I mean, I know they aren't near each other. But how far away? And is it open to the public? Seems like that would be a nice place to visit to explain to the young'n what it means to give your life to your country. And how we are able to say we are free. If nothing else, just to show our respect.

I'm not trying to discourage you from going to Arlington Cemetery if that's important to you, but you can have similar discussions with her at the Vietnam Memorial or other war memorials that are actually on the Mall. That seems like it would be more convenient.

ETA: Arlington is only a few metro stops away from the mall, so it is definitely doable if you want.

Interesting. Didn't think about that. That could work too.

Whenever I see pictures of Arlington, it just looks so amazing. The size of it alone. Just thought that in person it may be even more so.

 

[Mr. Ected]

Having just done one of these up in Boston, The Duck Tour might be very cool. You take a converted amphibious vehicle on a guided tour around DC. A portion of the tour is in the Potomac River. On the Boston one, my kids were able to drive, FUN!

Try looking on Groupon or LivingSocial for discounts, that is how we got ours.

 

[chet]

I went with my family in the spring and one highlight was the Newseum--a museum dedicated to the history of news. We budgeted a 1/2 day but could have easily spent a whole day there.

If you go, you might need to be careful in the Pulitzer winning photograph section. It was too much for my 8yo.

 

[Brony]

Cripes, how much does the Baseball Hall of Fame cost?

Well, we wanted to go there and stay at the hotel people on here recommended. I believe the room was like $300 a night or something crazy like that. But they said the experience was worth it. It's also a much further drive, so it would end up being a 2 or 3 day trip.

Just seemed strange that you would look to save money by instead going to a major city. Carry on.

I was just in DC this weekend for a family reunion and we spent an hour driving around the mall sightseeing. I was very happy to get at least one picture with my kids and the Washington Monument so I can tell them that I took them there. That buys me 5 to 10 years before any of the stuff there remotely means anything to them.

 

[QuizGuy66]

I almost forgot:

Where is Arlington National Cemetery in respect to the National Mall? I mean, I know they aren't near each other. But how far away? And is it open to the public? Seems like that would be a nice place to visit to explain to the young'n what it means to give your life to your country. And how we are able to say we are free. If nothing else, just to show our respect.

It's across the Potomas (in Arlington, naturally) - reachable by metro though, so it's doable.

All of the metro fares are in seemingly random $ amounts btw - I highly recommend you get the all-day pass.

-QG

 

[Disco Stu]

 

[scorchy]

He should spend over $200 on trains so he doesn't have to spend $25 on a parking lot?

Scooby was probably including the additional cost of fixing broken parking gates. Sheik will be fine as long as he doesn't try to drunkenly limbo underneath one.

 

[Ramsay Hunt Experience]

He should spend over $200 on trains so he doesn't have to spend $25 on a parking lot?

Scooby was probably including the additional cost of fixing broken parking gates. Sheik will be fine as long as he doesn't try to drunkenly limbo underneath one.

Got off scot free for that you *****^.

 

[Doctor Detroit]

Lots of hot deaf chicks at Gallaudet University, if you're into that kind of thing.

This trolley tour is pretty good, I took some family on it and it hits all the right spots. Probably a good day 1 overall, then go back to the museums/most interesting attractions on your own.

Stay off the metro during rush hour, I'm on there and I hate tourists like Europeans hate the plague. glllllllllllllllll

 

[Doctor Detroit]

If so, coming down from Philly you may wany to park at a metro station, and ride in that way. Weekday or weekend?

Good question about Weekday vs Weekend. That will matter because Metro Station parking lots fill up early on Weekdays. I'd suggest Amtrak from Philly. That will put into Union Station which is at the Eastern end of downtown and a short walk to the Capitol to start your tour.

dgreen is right about Amtrak. It's about $100 for an adult, kid would be less, AAA would drop cost some. Train station is not far from the mall, also there is Metro there.

That kind of jacks up the price, though. And while normally that wouldn't be an issue, our thought was that we were looking for a low cost day trip. If this is really the way to do it, though, maybe this won't be our day trip.Although, I'm running out of options on where else to go. :(

Four people? Cheapest option is clearly just to drive into DC and park. It'll be like $20-$30. To take the metro in and back will cost more than that.

Metro is for those of us avoiding traffic on a weekday. It's expensive, not all that reliable, and if you go too far on the green line, you dead dawg.

 

[Dickie Dunn]

I went with my family in the spring and one highlight was the Newseum--a museum dedicated to the history of news. We budgeted a 1/2 day but could have easily spent a whole day there.

If you go, you might need to be careful in the Pulitzer winning photograph section. It was too much for my 8yo.

I wish I had allowed for more time in Newseum. I made it from top to bottom right before closing, but I felt like I rushed through a number of areas.

I did spend some decent time in the Pulitzer area ... I have a relatively close family member who is honored in there.

Note: Admission to Newseum is not free, however.

 

[dgreen]

Kids are free through Labor Day at the Newseum.

 

[chet]

I went with my family in the spring and one highlight was the Newseum--a museum dedicated to the history of news. We budgeted a 1/2 day but could have easily spent a whole day there.

If you go, you might need to be careful in the Pulitzer winning photograph section. It was too much for my 8yo.

I wish I had allowed for more time in Newseum. I made it from top to bottom right before closing, but I felt like I rushed through a number of areas.

I did spend some decent time in the Pulitzer area ... I have a relatively close family member who is honored in there.

Note: Admission to Newseum is not free, however.

Details please.

 

[Dickie Dunn]

I went with my family in the spring and one highlight was the Newseum--a museum dedicated to the history of news. We budgeted a 1/2 day but could have easily spent a whole day there.

If you go, you might need to be careful in the Pulitzer winning photograph section. It was too much for my 8yo.

I wish I had allowed for more time in Newseum. I made it from top to bottom right before closing, but I felt like I rushed through a number of areas.

I did spend some decent time in the Pulitzer area ... I have a relatively close family member who is honored in there.

Note: Admission to Newseum is not free, however.

Details please.

Sister's father-in-law