Posted on 03/03/2017 5:19:27 PM PST by RushIsMyTeddyBear
Will be taking a 4-day trip to DC this summer. Any recommendations on what to see and where to eat? We lucked up on a good hotel (normally $600 a night for $100 two blocks from the Whitehouse.) Have already contacted our Senator about getting approval to tour.
I'll sit back and enjoy (while writing things down.) Also tell me what to avoid.
Thanks!
Fords theatre and the House where Lincoln died are pretty cool.
Do NOT try jumping onto the stage from Lincolns box
Meals at the cafeteria in the basement of the Longworth Office building are a good deal $$$.
Mount Vernon is only about 15 miles away and is well worth a visit. Definitely see the Air and Space Museum.
Why not jump? What’s the worst that could happen?
L’Enfant Plaza
Not for the donut joint...
The American History Museum is a must.
Ocean City is way too far but fun. The bridge is cool and the crabs are delicious!
It will be oppressively hot and humid.
Potomac River Cruise to Mt Vernon was very nice.
We plan to visit there....but heard the food/ drink is pretty pricey. Will visit regardless.
Years ago (2008) there was a great Irish Pub in the basement of the Phoenix Park Hotel. The food was excellent and the price wasn’t bad.
There is the tour bus company that you can buy 1,2,3 day passes. They will do drop off and pick up all day long. They originate at Grand Central Station but you can pick them up anywhere on their route as long as you already have a pass. There are numerous locations where you can purchase their pass. They go out to Arlington, all the Memorials, Smithsonian, the Ford Theater, etc. Also Union Station is not just a transportation hub, but it also is a shopping center with numerous restaurants.
Since this is your first time you will see all the things you should on a 1st trip but, many people miss two beautiful site:
Eternal Flame at JFK memorial and grave. The view is incredible
Women In Military Service For America Memorial Foundation, which is nearby.
Be prepared. That parking lot is enormous and that time of year will be packed.
See them as early as possible to avoid heat.
Then, take a trip to Baltimore Harbor. Sumter, Navy Ships, The Yards and aquarium can all be done in a day.
That way you get a two Fer...
Smithsonian Aerospace will consume at least an afternoon, as will Natural History.
Be sure to walk around the White house, stand in Lafayette Park, at least walk into the Willard, walk by the old War Mansion.
Jefferson, Lincoln, WWII and Vietnam wall are all bear each other.
Go under the Lincoln Memorial.
Go by Treasury, near white house.
Etc...
Joy, I know you can recommend some cool places!
Joy, I know you can recommend some cool places!
The Smithsonian Museums (you can spend the whole day there and not even begin to see everything there), The National Archives (to see the Declaration of Independence & Bill of Rights, Embassy Row, The Capitol, Supreme Court, Library of Congress, Washington, Lincoln, & Jefferson Memorials. The Tidal Basin and the Cherry Trees. The Treasury building. Just to name a few. All of those will be within walking distance of your hotel I might add. They also have guided tours.
Also tell me what to avoid
Northeast (shame too because the National Arboretum is located there) & Southeast D.C., these are the higher crime areas.
Ewwwwww, NO!
Avoid Comet Ping Pong.
And I second Mount Vernon. And if you can have lunch at the Mount Vernon Inn. Excellent food.
Smithsonian Museums (Air and Space and American History were my favorites,) Holocaust Museum, Vietnam Memorial, WWII Memorial, Marine Memorial, Jefferson Memorial, Lincoln Memorial, Bureau of Engraving.
Fun little private museum is the Spy Museum.
A few additiona suggestions if they work out:
Nats baseball game - pretty neat stadium and we’ll see about this year’s team
Mt Vernon- Great to learn about our first President
Air and Space Museum (and by the way if you rent a car and head west Udvar-Hazy near Dulles Airport, and Manassas/Bull Run battlefield)
Yours is the best idea!
It is well worth getting the passes....
....it will be hot and muggy and you can wear yourself out walking...
...hopping off and on the bus saves wear and tear
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