Washington DC Trip Tips (1 Viewer)

[El Floppo]

But it doesn't look like there's an argument day scheduled during your visit- would have to be a day marked in red here.

especially since that's for 2016

Let's try that again

sorry gb.

it's a great idea- another trip, I think.

 

[TobiasFunke]

But it doesn't look like there's an argument day scheduled during your visit- would have to be a day marked in red here.

especially since that's for 2016

Let's try that again

sorry gb.

it's a great idea- another trip, I think.

We've got plenty of ideas over in the FFA DC thread. Let us know what I/we can do to help.

Also, not sure if you're a Yankees fan but if so they're in town for a preseason game with the Nats on the 4th.

 

[El Floppo]

But it doesn't look like there's an argument day scheduled during your visit- would have to be a day marked in red here.

especially since that's for 2016

Let's try that again

sorry gb.

it's a great idea- another trip, I think.

We've got plenty of ideas over in the FFA DC thread. Let us know what I/we can do to help.

Also, not sure if you're a Yankees fan but if so they're in town for a preseason game with the Nats on the 4th.

is that some kind of historical re-enactment? sounds cool.

 

[Swing 51]

I know it's been mentioned in the WDC thread, but...

For those coming in May, there is The Arsenal of Democracy World War II Victory Capitol Flyover on May 8th.

To honor the heroes who fought in the War and those on the home front who produced the tanks, ships, and aircraft that enabled the United States and its Allies to achieve victory, one of the most diverse arrays of World War II aircraft ever assembled will fly above the skies of Washington, D.C. on Friday, May 8, 2015, the 70th anniversary of Victory in Europe (VE) Day, as part of the Arsenal of Democracy World War II Victory Capitol Flyover. The flyover will include dozens of World War II aircraft flying in 15 historically sequenced warbird formations overhead. The formations will represent the War’s major battles, from Pearl Harbor through the final air assault on Japan, and concluding with a missing man formation to “Taps.” Never before has such a collection of WWII aircraft been assembled at one location, to honor the large assemblage of veterans gathered at the WWII Memorial for a ceremony.

On Saturday, May 9, 2015, a selection of the planes will be featured at the National Air and Space Museum’s Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center at Washington Dulles International Airport for a one day exhibition. The display will be open to the public 10:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. No advance tickets are required. Click HERE for details.

Plan on pulling my kids out of school to go. Should be an awesome sight.

Just advised work I'll be off on May 8 so I can see this flyover; should be awesome.

 

[Drunken Cowboy]

Going to DC for a long weekend in May with my 11 yr old daughter. So far, I have the memorials on the list (Lincoln, Washington Monument, Vietnam Wall). I submitted a request for a White House tour but may not get it due to timing/availability. And I have a day set for the Smithsonian.

Any good tips or things you've done or can recommend that would interest a kid her age?

Also, I'm toying between driving and a train. It looks like everything is within walking distance and there's a good subway system. Any advice is also appreciated.

Thanks, FFA'ers.

The train is clearly the way to go if you are staying downtown.

 

[Drunken Cowboy]

We're going on april 4thish.

We go to N Va all the time (fairfax county) to see the inlaws, have never run into the city with kids.

7yo boy and 3yo girl... ideas for a day in the city?

Apparently that's International Pillow Fight Day.

Kids generally like to just run around The Mall and hop in and out of museums. That can easily last a day. Cherry blossoms might be starting to bloom around then. The Botanic Garden near the Capitol has been one of my kids' favorites. Gravely Point is an open field on the Potomac where you can watch planes take off or land at Reagan Airport. Might scare the kids, but it's fun to scare kids sometimes. If you go in the National Gallery of Art, don't let your kid jump up and hit one of the picture frames. The guards frown upon that.

I took my two year old girl to the museums a few weeks ago and she loved it. We went to the Native American Museum, which supposedly has an amazing kids' area, but it was closed on Mondays. She couldn't have cared less, she just ran around pointing out all the things she recognized (boats, stars, dresses, etc). More than anything I think they just like exploring big buildings with cool layouts and lots of open space. Then we went to Air and Space, which had a kids' area as well. She was in heaven. I had to drag her out of there.

Those are the only two Smithsonian museums I've been to with my kids, but I think many of them have similar set-aside areas for young children. We've also taken her to the National Building Museum, which isn't part of the Smithsonian but has a great kids' area.

I have taken my nephew to the natural science museum. He loves it. There is a great kids area.

 

[Swing 51]

When are the cherry trees going to blossom?

The cherry blossoms are bursting toward peak bloom, having made quick progress this week. The cherry trees on the National Mall and around the Tidal Basin have gone from the “extended florets” stage on Sunday to the “peduncle elongation” stage on Monday, and now look like they are quickly approaching — if not already arrived at — the “puffy white” stage.

The National Park Service wrote Tuesday morning that the indicator tree, which typically blooms seven days ahead of the rest of the Yoshino variety, peaked over the weekend. That would suggest superb timing for a peak bloom this weekend, which is forecast to be at least partly sunny with spring-like highs.

Our readers have been watching the cherry trees with great anticipation, sending us photos on Flickr, Twitter and Facebook.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/capital-weather-gang/wp/2015/04/08/cherry-blossoms-are-bursting-toward-peak-bloom-in-d-c-photos/

Scroll down a bit for pics in above link.

 

[TheIronSheik]

We are heading down Friday after work. I'm thinking we'll have to make a second trip down in the summer to actually see anything.

 

[El Floppo]

kids and wife are there all this week. I had to stay and work.

they took the subway in from VA and walked around the mall, hit a museum (air and space?). Sounded like a nice day and the kids had a blast (mostly because they were with one of their cousins) I really wanted to be there with them to see the mall. they're seeing ringling bros circus today.

 

[Jaysus]

We are heading down Friday after work. I'm thinking we'll have to make a second trip down in the summer to actually see anything.

Dude, cherry blossoms!

 

[El Floppo]

We are heading down Friday after work. I'm thinking we'll have to make a second trip down in the summer to actually see anything.

Dude, cherry blossoms!

pictures from this week doesn't look like they're close. but I know that's bound to change on a dime.

 

[TheIronSheik]

We are heading down Friday after work. I'm thinking we'll have to make a second trip down in the summer to actually see anything.

Dude, cherry blossoms!

One of the reasons we're going. We're also going to see family, so if it's super packed, we'll just hang with them in the 'burbs and hit up DC in the summer.

 

[Swing 51]

We are heading down Friday after work. I'm thinking we'll have to make a second trip down in the summer to actually see anything.

Dude, cherry blossoms!

pictures from this week doesn't look like they're close. but I know that's bound to change on a dime.

Peak blooming still on for this weekend.

 

[TheIronSheik]

We are heading down Friday after work. I'm thinking we'll have to make a second trip down in the summer to actually see anything.

Dude, cherry blossoms!

pictures from this week doesn't look like they're close. but I know that's bound to change on a dime.

Peak blooming still on for this weekend.

How much of a madhouse will it be on Saturday? And if we go out early, will we avoid some of the crowds?

 

[Swing 51]

Yes I would bet on it being a madhouse from sun up to sun down; nice weather forecast this weekend too. How early, before noon?

 

[TheIronSheik]

Yes I would bet on it being a madhouse from sun up to sun down; nice weather forecast this weekend too. How early, before noon?

We're driving down to family outside of DC on Friday. But I would think if getting there near 7 am or so would mean less crowds, I think I could talk them into that. I figure it's going to be packed. No way around that. I'm just hoping we can move around, get some good pictures, see the sites and then bolt. We're close enough that we can come back to do full on tours and the such when it's not as busy.

 

[sdp1226]

Just made a visit this past weekend, wish I had read through this thread first. The Cherry Blossoms were not in bloom yet, unfortunately and I was also disappointed to see that the reflecting pool was drained for cleaning. We did not hit up any museums this trip, we just toured around the monuments and made sure to check out Arlington cemetery. One thing that I would suggest is to get tickets to the Big Bus Tours. You can hop on and hop off at any of their stops throughout the day. It made it much easier to hit up every major sight we wanted to see without having to do too much huffing around.

 

[dgreen]

they're seeing ringling bros circus today.

Stupid circus traffic impacting my commute.

 

[El Floppo]

they're seeing ringling bros circus today.

Stupid circus traffic impacting my commute.

arrivato, Zampano.

 

[TheIronSheik]

Well, we got up Saturday morning and we heard all about the crazy crowds. So we decided to skip the Mall and just go to Arlington National Cemetery. The people we went to see's parents are buried there. Grandparents, too. So we went in and checked it all out. As we were riding the bus to the gravesite, a wave of emotion came over me, seeing all of those white grave markers. Truly amazing images. We got to see the changing of the guard at the Unknown Soldier, we checked out JFK's site. And then we kind of milled around for a while. We thought about crossing the bridge and heading over to the mall, but we decided to come back when it was less crowded and see it then. So we got in the car, and headed back to around their place for lunch. As we pulled out of the parking lot, tons of sirens and cars went flying by us.

It wasn't until we sat down at the restaurant that we learned someone shot and killed themselves at the Capitol. Glad we decided against going to the Mall.

Family had fun, and we're all looking forward to making the trip back down there to see the monuments, maybe later this summer.

 

[skol asylum]

Any advice on a decent place to stay at reasonable prices? Wife's work will cover 2-3 days and want to add 2-3 nights but not sure i want to pay for the expensive hotel they are putting her in for the conference. Not looking for Motel 6 but something nice and a good value.

 

[BroncoFreak_2K3]

Any advice on a decent place to stay at reasonable prices? Wife's work will cover 2-3 days and want to add 2-3 nights but not sure i want to pay for the expensive hotel they are putting her in for the conference. Not looking for Motel 6 but something nice and a good value.

Was there just last week and stayed at the Holiday Inn Rosslyn (Arlington). Just across the Potomac from DC/Georgetown. Real nice hotel (has an indoor pool with life guard)and 1 block away from the Metro. Ran $190/night and had free parking. I looked everywhere and couldn't beat the price and location and the free parking element. Also has a real nice roof-top restaurant on the 17th floor.

ETA: I highly recommend if you have the time taking in the Udvar-Hazy Air and Space Museum in Chantilly, VA. Its about 30 minutes drive from Arlington, but it is well worth it, if you are into aircraft and the like. Has the Shuttle Discovery, Concorde, SR-71 and Enola Gay plus several hundred other aircraft from all eras. In addition, we did the DC by Moonlight tour and those two things were the things my wife and kids really enjoyed the most.

 

[Mr. Ected]

Anyone been to the Madam Tussaud's Wax Museum? My in-laws are in town and MIL wants to go.

https://www.madametussauds.com/washington/en/

 

[Swing 51]

Any advice on a decent place to stay at reasonable prices? Wife's work will cover 2-3 days and want to add 2-3 nights but not sure i want to pay for the expensive hotel they are putting her in for the conference. Not looking for Motel 6 but something nice and a good value.

Look for places in DC and Rosslyn/Arlington, Va on AirBnB and compare to the rates the hotels are offering.

 

[Apple Jack]

Anyone been to the Madam Tussaud's Wax Museum? My in-laws are in town and MIL wants to go.

https://www.madametussauds.com/washington/en/

oof. brutal.

 

[Mr. Ected]

Anyone been to the Madam Tussaud's Wax Museum? My in-laws are in town and MIL wants to go.https://www.madametussauds.com/washington/en/

oof. brutal.

Been there, or just general opinion? I kinda agree with you. I'm hoping they go on a day by themselves.

 

[Don Quixote]

I was at Tussaud's around when it opened. Kind of pricy for what it is. I know they have gotten some new wax figures since then, with all of the Presidents now (they only had about 10 presidents then, and it was otherwise mostly weird/random Hollywood and sports figures).

But I prefer my wax presidents to be more cheesy/corny.

 

[Ramsay Hunt Experience]

Tussaud's is hardly worth it in London. It's totally not worth it in DC.

 

[Chadstroma]

I just went last week for three days. I did a moonlight tour of the city, a guided tour of the Captial and Library of Congress and then did my own walking/biking around to the sites and museums. The moonlight tour was rushed and honestly was not impressive to me. The only plus about it was seeing some of the sites with the lights but obviously you can do that on your own.

My Capital tour ROCKED because we got hooked up with an x-Congressman which allowed us access to the floor of the House of Representatives vs just the balcony. That was pretty cool. The rest of the tour was really good too as you get a lot of info you otherwise would miss or never think about.

I would definetly do the ride share bikes and walking once you are in the city (if not staying there). Easy enough to get around with the bike for the longer distances and walk once you get in a particular area.

 

[skol asylum]

Any advice on a decent place to stay at reasonable prices? Wife's work will cover 2-3 days and want to add 2-3 nights but not sure i want to pay for the expensive hotel they are putting her in for the conference. Not looking for Motel 6 but something nice and a good value.

Was there just last week and stayed at the Holiday Inn Rosslyn (Arlington). Just across the Potomac from DC/Georgetown. Real nice hotel (has an indoor pool with life guard)and 1 block away from the Metro. Ran $190/night and had free parking. I looked everywhere and couldn't beat the price and location and the free parking element. Also has a real nice roof-top restaurant on the 17th floor.ETA: I highly recommend if you have the time taking in the Udvar-Hazy Air and Space Museum in Chantilly, VA. Its about 30 minutes drive from Arlington, but it is well worth it, if you are into aircraft and the like. Has the Shuttle Discovery, Concorde, SR-71 and Enola Gay plus several hundred other aircraft from all eras. In addition, we did the DC by Moonlight tour and those two things were the things my wife and kids really enjoyed the most.

Thanks!

 

[skol asylum]

Any advice on a decent place to stay at reasonable prices? Wife's work will cover 2-3 days and want to add 2-3 nights but not sure i want to pay for the expensive hotel they are putting her in for the conference. Not looking for Motel 6 but something nice and a good value.

Look for places in DC and Rosslyn/Arlington, Va on AirBnB and compare to the rates the hotels are offering.

Thank you too.

 

[BroncoFreak_2K3]

I just went last week for three days. I did a moonlight tour of the city, a guided tour of the Captial and Library of Congress and then did my own walking/biking around to the sites and museums. The moonlight tour was rushed and honestly was not impressive to me. The only plus about it was seeing some of the sites with the lights but obviously you can do that on your own.

My Capital tour ROCKED because we got hooked up with an x-Congressman which allowed us access to the floor of the House of Representatives vs just the balcony. That was pretty cool. The rest of the tour was really good too as you get a lot of info you otherwise would miss or never think about.

I would definetly do the ride share bikes and walking once you are in the city (if not staying there). Easy enough to get around with the bike for the longer distances and walk once you get in a particular area.

That's too bad about your moonlight tour because our guide was not rushed, took many questions and was real knowledgeable about sort of the non-typical tour type stuff. Was really fun.

Agree also about a Capitol tour if you have time to arrange it with either your US Rep or Senator (need to do a few months in advance). We arranged ours with my US Rep and really was cool accessing areas not normally open on the regular tours.

The bikes are a great option. Do not do the hop on hop off buses. Total waste of time.

 

[Chadstroma]

I just went last week for three days. I did a moonlight tour of the city, a guided tour of the Captial and Library of Congress and then did my own walking/biking around to the sites and museums. The moonlight tour was rushed and honestly was not impressive to me. The only plus about it was seeing some of the sites with the lights but obviously you can do that on your own.

My Capital tour ROCKED because we got hooked up with an x-Congressman which allowed us access to the floor of the House of Representatives vs just the balcony. That was pretty cool. The rest of the tour was really good too as you get a lot of info you otherwise would miss or never think about.

I would definetly do the ride share bikes and walking once you are in the city (if not staying there). Easy enough to get around with the bike for the longer distances and walk once you get in a particular area.

That's too bad about your moonlight tour because our guide was not rushed, took many questions and was real knowledgeable about sort of the non-typical tour type stuff. Was really fun.

Agree also about a Capitol tour if you have time to arrange it with either your US Rep or Senator (need to do a few months in advance). We arranged ours with my US Rep and really was cool accessing areas not normally open on the regular tours.

The bikes are a great option. Do not do the hop on hop off buses. Total waste of time.

The moonlight tour thing could very well have been because it was a corporate event. There were several tours of us basically at the same time. I really did not know why she was so rushed but everything was "OK, we are going out on the Capital lawn. You can take pictures but we need to keep moving along".... we actually ended up leaving like 4 people there because apparently they took too long and no one realized they were missing until later.

 

[skol asylum]

Staying here:http://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/wasgn-gaylord-national-resort-and-convention-center/

 

[dgreen]

Staying here:http://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/wasgn-gaylord-national-resort-and-convention-center/

I assume you'll have a car?

 

[Apple Jack]

Staying here:http://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/wasgn-gaylord-national-resort-and-convention-center/

wouldnt unless you have to.

 

[skol asylum]

Staying here:http://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/wasgn-gaylord-national-resort-and-convention-center/

I assume you'll have a car?

Wasn't planning on it. I see it is a bit away from the sites. Hopefully decent shuttles etc. This is where her conference is so decided just to stay in one place instead of hassle of changing rooms.

 

[dgreen]

Staying here:http://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/wasgn-gaylord-national-resort-and-convention-center/

I assume you'll have a car?

Wasn't planning on it. I see it is a bit away from the sites. Hopefully decent shuttles etc. This is where her conference is so decided just to stay in one place instead of hassle of changing rooms.

Makes sense not wanting to change rooms. Here is the bus schedule to Metro: http://www.wmata.com/bus/timetables/md/nh1.pdfMaybe the resort has a shuttle, too, but not sure. Lack of public transportation has been a big complaint about National Harbor.

There's also a water taxi to Alexandria (worth a visit) and Georgetown but I think it's kind of expensive and not really intended for regular transportation. Might be a nice option though one day. Taxi probably cheaper to Alexandria.

 

[skol asylum]

Staying here:http://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/wasgn-gaylord-national-resort-and-convention-center/

I assume you'll have a car?

Wasn't planning on it. I see it is a bit away from the sites. Hopefully decent shuttles etc. This is where her conference is so decided just to stay in one place instead of hassle of changing rooms.

Makes sense not wanting to change rooms. Here is the bus schedule to Metro: http://www.wmata.com/bus/timetables/md/nh1.pdfMaybe the resort has a shuttle, too, but not sure. Lack of public transportation has been a big complaint about National Harbor.

There's also a water taxi to Alexandria (worth a visit) and Georgetown but I think it's kind of expensive and not really intended for regular transportation. Might be a nice option though one day. Taxi probably cheaper to Alexandria.

Thanks

 

[skol asylum]

Found this...

D.C. Shuttle Service from Gaylord National

It's easy to visit capital area attractions with daily shuttle services and tours from Gaylord National's front doors.

Downtown DC Shuttle Services provide continuous service to:

Ronald Regan Building (14th Street, Between Constitution Ave. and Pennsylvania Ave.)

Union Station (Bus Terminal/Parking Garage)

Departs 7 days a week from Gaylord National's main entrance, every 90 minutes from 9:00 AM - 7:30 PM.

Shuttle locations and times:

Gaylord National Resort (Main Lobby)

Departs: 9:00 AM., 10:30 AM., 12:00 noon, 1:30 PM, 3:00 PM, 4:30 PM., 6:00 PM., 7:30 PM.

Union Station Bus Terminal/Parking Garage

Departs: 9:30 AM, 11:00 AM, 12:30 PM, 2:00 PM, 3:30 PM,

5:00 PM, 6:30 PM, 8:00 PM.

Ronald Reagan Building (14th Street, Between Constitution Ave. and Pennsylvania Ave.)

Departs: 10:00 AM, 11:30 AM, 1:00 PM, 2:30 PM, 4:00 PM,

5:30 PM, 7:00 PM, 8:30 PM.

Cost:

(Adults) One Way, $13/ Round Trip, $20/ Three-Day Pass, $49

(Children) Ages 3-12: One-Way, $7/Round-Trip, $10/ 3-day Pass, $23. Ages 3 and under: no charge

*Shuttle management will make every effort to maintain the schedule but may experience traffic delays beyond our control, especially during peak business hours. Subject to availability. Dates, times and prices subject to change. Additional restrictions may apply.

 

[Tick]

We went there 2 years ago and loved it, stayed in Alexandria.

We went there last week (I was working in Baltimore, family got to stay in the hotel for free), stayed 2/3 of the way toward Baltimore.

We'll be there around Memorial Day (daughter is in the national spelling bee in DC), not sure where we're staying but it's more central.

Some of our favorites, in rough order:

-Udvar-Hazy Air and Space Museum extension near Dulles

-Air and Space Museum

-Natural History Museum

-Capitol tour (pick a day without a lockdown)

-Monuments

Things that weren't great:

The White House sucks from the outside. We had a tour years ago and it was okay, but I wouldn't do it again.

We also saw a holocaust exhibit, not sure if it was permanent or not - hard to say much about that.

Pentagon sucked.

We poked our head in the American Indian Museum but there really wasn't anything on the ground floor - not sure if we'll go back and check out the other floors or not... it seems like that could be a really interesting topic if done well, but I've never seen it done very well.

To do:

-Postal Museum - everyone says it's better than you'd expect

-American History Museum - saw it with my wife years ago, but want to take the kids

-Baltimore's Inner Harbor - it looked neat, but a kid got sick just as we were looking for a parking spot

 

[skol asylum]

My representative's staffer has hooked me up with tours of the Capitol, Supreme Court, State Department, Library of Congress, and the Kennedy Center. Also put in a request for the White House but i doubt that will come thru as we are only 2 months out from our visit.

 

[Swing 51]

My representative's staffer has hooked me up with tours of the Capitol, Supreme Court, State Department, Library of Congress, and the Kennedy Center. Also put in a request for the White House but i doubt that will come thru as we are only 2 months out from our visit.

Look at the big shot we got here

Enjoy the city!