Request for DC Family Vacation Advice

[Stu Cohen]

If you plan to use public transit, I suggest going armed.

WTF???

Have you ever taken public transit in Washington, D.C.???

I did so daily. For 15 years. In a row. That's, what .... 10,950 trips on DC public transit?

It wasn't all peaches and roses, but I never felt the need for an AK-47.

How many of those making these comments actually lived in the city?

Everyone is an expert on everywhere when armed with a lazy-boy chair and remote control.

[tarbuck]

We just came back from a family DC trip this week.

The Metro was clean, cheap, safe and super efficient to get around town in. Of course that was the high light of our 4 year old's trip. There's no way I'd drive myself into DC. Parking is a pain, and usually expensive.

BTW, we stayed up by Woodberry Park, in NW DC. It was less than a mile from the Zoo. Get to any of the Museums early, however, the security checks cause a bit of a bottle neck getting in.

[texasflower]

Me too! Me too! We are also going this June. My kids are about the same age as yours!

Thank you for posting this. These are questions I was wondering too.

[Stu Cohen]

Okay, here is the best tip you have yet to get, and one that few people know about.

If you do this, you will thank me.

Washington DC has a height limit on it's buildings. By law, they cannot be built more than half the height of the Washington Monument. This means that the skyline is mostly flat. One building in the central city was built in violation of this ordinance. Rumors about how it happen abound, but it is the tallest inhabitable building in the city limits.

It is called the "Cairo Building".

Get off at the Dupont Circle Red Line Station. Walk East two blocks to 17th Street. When you get to 17th Street, walk north two blocks to 'R' Street. You'll see the building on your right.

Go to the doorman, and tell him you would like to take some pictures from the roof. If you don't look like a scumbag, he will oblige.

The elevator all the way to the top will deposit you at a roof deck. The best roof deck in the city of Washington. The view is unmatched, and it is something that 99.999999999999% of tourists never see. The pictures you get from there will make everyone else's DC photo's look like recycled yawn-inspiring postcards.

It is the best view in the entire city. (yes, much better than from the top of the Washington Monument, when you see it, you'll understand). You can see the city. All of it. From the center of it. The momuments, downtown, the slums, the airport, the cathedral, the suburbs ... all the way out to Tyson's Corner 10 miles away (on a clear day). And you'll be out in the open air. 360 degree view. No porthole windows.

It is the closest thing that DC has to an "Empire State Building" smack in the middle of the city, and you will see what a large city it really is. If you do nothing else, do this. You see the entire city from one spot. Literally.

If you do nothing else, do this. Thank me later.

(there, now i've given it away and the doorman will probably not let people up to the deck once it becomes public knowlege)

If you don't go, this will be all in vain. So go, and tell me how great I am when you get back :-)

[Moose4]

I agree about Ford's Theatre. On a high school trip, we were taken to Ford's to see some gawdawful forgettable musical. I could care less about the play...I just kept looking up at that box where Lincoln was shot, remembering back to my Virginia History classes about what we got put through during Reconstruction by the Radical Republicans post-assassination, and muttering to myself, "Gee, John Wilkes, thanks a freaking LOT!"

}:-)4

[Stu Cohen]

BTW, we stayed up by Woodberry Park, in NW DC. It was less than a mile from the Zoo. Get to any of the Museums early, however, the security checks cause a bit of a bottle neck getting in.

LOL. I think you mean Woodley Park. ;-)

[Stu Cohen]

Ooops, I replied to the wrong person:

Okay, here is the best tip you have yet to get, and one that few people know about.
If you do this, you will thank me.

Washington DC has a height limit on it's buildings. By law, they cannot be built more than half the height of the Washington Monument. This means that the skyline is mostly flat. One building in the central city was built in violation of this ordinance. Rumors about how it happen abound, but it is the tallest inhabitable building in the city limits.

It is called the "Cairo Building".

Get off at the Dupont Circle Red Line Station. Walk East two blocks to 17th Street. When you get to 17th Street, walk north two blocks to 'R' Street. You'll see the building on your right.

Go to the doorman, and tell him you would like to take some pictures from the roof. If you don't look like a scumbag, he will oblige.

The elevator all the way to the top will deposit you at a roof deck. The best roof deck in the city of Washington. The view is unmatched, and it is something that 99.999999999999% of tourists never see. The pictures you get from there will make everyone else's DC photo's look like recycled yawn-inspiring postcards.

It is the best view in the entire city. (yes, much better than from the top of the Washington Monument, when you see it, you'll understand). You can see the city. All of it. From the center of it. The momuments, downtown, the slums, the airport, the cathedral, the suburbs ... all the way out to Tyson's Corner 10 miles away (on a clear day). And you'll be out in the open air. 360 degree view. No porthole windows.

It is the closest thing that DC has to an "Empire State Building" smack in the middle of the city, and you will see what a large city it really is. If you do nothing else, do this. You see the entire city from one spot. Literally.

If you do nothing else, do this. Thank me later.

(there, now i've given it away and the doorman will probably not let people up to the deck once it becomes public knowlege)

If you don't go, this will be all in vain. So go, and tell me how great I am when you get back :-)

[AnalogReigns]

As a DC native, one of my favorite places--often skipped by the touri--is the so-called National Cathedral(I think officially its the Cathedral of St. Peter & St. Paul). Yes its owned by the Episcopals, and unless you want to get mad, I wouldn't advise listening to a sermon there, however, its a full size gothic cathedral--as big and beautiful as any I've seen in England. It's on Wisconsin Avenue and Massachusetts Ave. uphill from Georgetown, which is in the North West (SAFE) part of DC.

Another neat thing about the cathedral, is they let you go up in the front towers. From there you have a complete vista of DC--comparable only to the view from the Washington Monument (without the lines).

The stained glass windows are incredible (be sure to take a tour) as is the size, architecture, and statuary of the place. It was only completed under Bush I, having been started in 1910.

I guess 80 years isn't bad in order to finish an authentic 13th century style cathedral.

It really is an awesome place--somewhere I never tire of.

[Stu Cohen]

Another neat thing about the cathedral, is they let you go up in the front towers. From there you have a complete vista of DC--comparable only to the view from the Washington Monument (without the lines).

It's a nice view ... but not nearly as nice as that from the Cairo.

(Stu feels himself getting ready to start a "best view" flame war, lol)

[CalKat]

Hey, my son and I were just in DC and we stayed at the Omni Shoreham. It was very nice, and right by a metro stop. We were there when the big snowstorm hit.

[Atlas Sneezed]

I would imagine that the BEST view is from an ultralight aircraft puttering above the mall.

[Ranxerox]

Maybe a DC FReeper can help, but there was an Irish pub just a few blocks from the Mall, and the food and atmosphere was great.

Bullfeathers?

[Stu Cohen]

I would imagine that the BEST view is from an ultralight aircraft puttering above the mall.

Hmmmm. Would that be before or after the secret service shoulder fired missle struck the craft? :-p

[tarbuck]

Woops! You're right....nothing like a little drop in blood sugar to screw me up!

[StayAt HomeMother]

Most of the above ideas are good ones but I’ll try to add some new details.

As has been mentioned, first, decide on your airport. BWI is halfway to Baltimore. Dulles is not as far away in the other direction in Virginia. Reagan National Airport, along the Potomac on the Virginia side near the Pentagon, is most convenient and has its own Metro stop but usually most expensive. Unless money is no object for you, pick the airport that is cheapest (which will probably be BWI). As has been mentioned, there is a train station at BWI that can take you to Union Station (a pretty building very near the Capitol) and from Union Station you can take Metro to your hotel. [I am assuming you are all mobile and can easily walk around for hours, say at a shopping mall or museum, and handle your luggage yourselves.]

If you are not used to heavy city traffic, you are wise to avoid a car, but that cuts down on some of the above suggestions. Perhaps you'd want to rent a car for a weekend. There are car rentals in Crystal City (on the Metro, in Virginia, between the Pentagon and Alexandria). To avoid the suggestion of advertising, I won't mention names here, but feel free to FReepmail me for a convenient rental places with weekend rates. Places to see with a car:
- Mount Vernon (very near DC, some tourist buses go here so you don’t really need a car to see it.)
- The new Air and Space annex by Dulles Airport. Free admission, but $12 to park. I understand there is a $5 or so shuttle from downtown, so you don’t really need a car for this one either.
- Colonial Williamsburg (and William and Mary if you are looking at colleges)
- Skyline Drive along the Blue Ridge
- Jefferson’s Monticello in Charlottesville (and the University of Virginia)
- Annapolis, Maryland (Naval Academy)
- If you’re a civil war buff: Sharpsburg, Manassas (also known as Bull Run - see the Freeper Foxhole from last week), Harper’s Ferry, Gettysburg

On the other hand, you can EASILY have a very full trip without needing a car. Most of the other sites that have been mentioned are on the Mall or otherwise are on the Metro. The Smithsonian is FREE and as has been indicated, the many buildings of the Smithsonian can fill your vacation. Just about everyone loves the main building of the Air and Space Museum. Get there when it opens if you want to get tickets for the omni shows, then comeback for show time. After that, your interests should be your guide. With “children” ages 17 and 20, the National Zoo (on the Metro, part of the Smithsonian, and free) is probably not at the top of your list. Come back with your grandchildren! With the ages of your family, you can safely split into two groups to visit nearby sites. If your kids are in one “team” have them stay inside the building of their choice and meet you at a specific door at a certain time. In case you like plants, the Conservatory is right next door to the Air and Space, between it and the Capitol (all three are huge buildings). Like art? (Several different museums, and you’ll need three days at least to do them any justice) Natural History? (Another full day) American History? (Don't forget the nearby National Archives)

I mentioned above some potential college visits. There are several universities within and near DC if your family is interested in “school shopping.”

Watch the weather and know where the locations of the various monuments that you want to visit. Some are rather quaint, like a desk sized block near the Archives, which is the only monument asked for by FDR. In May and June on Friday and Saturday evenings, just after sunset, you can observe a local courtship ritual: local suburban high school students frequently rent limousines and visit Lincoln and Jefferson in particular. Feel free to watch these youngsters dressed in their finest attire - it is probably the safest time to visit the monuments after dark!

Some mention has been made of Irish pubs - a couple more good ones are in Alexandria. Are there some other types of food for which you are looking for restaurant recommendations? EVERY kind is available somewhere, and yes, you CAN eat in an Irish pub!

Are you military or retired? (If so, in additions to museums and PX's there are some places to stay and “flagship" medical facilities for any possible accidents or illnesses. Bethesda Naval Hospital is even on the Metro.)

Are you looking to do some shopping? In addition to THE Mall, there are a BUNCH of huge indoor malls, including some on the Metro. You might keep this idea as a backup day if you have really bad weather. Those who hate shopping can hang out at their movie theaters. Souvenirs shopping can be completed at many locations you will probably be at or near anyway, like Union Station and in the Crystal City Underground.

And of course, FReepmail me for details on any of the above.

[retrokitten]

This is so great! It makes me want to take a trip to DC, too! LOL

[the OlLine Rebel]

"If you plan to use public transit, I suggest going armed."

Nonsense. Not on a normal daytime visit, anyway! The Metro is great.

Speaking of transportation, thought I'd add that *driving* in the city SUCKS. Not only is it a screwy system w/wheel spokes on top of a rectangle grid, circles, and split-up streets from 1 side to the other (pardons to L'Enfant), but the sign directions (or lack of) are terrible, too. GUARANTEED TO GET LOST! Esp. if you are a total stranger. Even if you know it somewhat, you're likely to lose your way if you ever try going somewhere "new".

1 time my uncle and aunt w/their daughter and son (picking up the latter at Union Sta), because of this stinky layout ended up circling a block devoted to prostitution - they had no idea they were even going around and around for a while!

[eyespysomething]

THAT's IT! Phewshew! Glad we didn't pump money into the IRA.

[the OlLine Rebel]

OK, more stuff (partly the fault of all the great comments by others)....

Agree, Union Station is a good place to see, and be if you'd like to eat or esp. shop.

Also try to see the Lee house at Arlington Cem. It's a crime how those Yankees confiscated his property - then planted the dead in his front yard so he'd feel he could never come back. Shame that the Cem was created this way - there's always a pall on it for me. (No1 tells you that, do they? No fan of Lincoln and the early Republicans here!)

Mt Vernon is a must (to see something of the TRULY great president ;-) ) if you can venture out that far and not feel you're losing time on actual DC - it is quite close but will be a day trip, essentially.

Also, if you do manage to go that far - you almost mite as well pick up some of the other "local" founder's homes. George Mason's is very nice and nearby. Also Washington's granddaughter's home.

Here's some other ideas that aren't rite in DC, but pretty close.

Great Falls park - nice park, of course, but the significance is in the site of Washington's attempt at creating a canal. Little actual artifacts, but you can definitely see the gorge they tried to use next to the Potomac as part of it. Pretty cool and even then, quite a natural wonder.

Speaking of canals, no1's mentioned the C&O Canal in MD. This starts at Georgetown, I believe, so there may be a segment there you can see. They do have very good towpaths that you can walk/bike on - often there are bike rentals at some "ports", too. I've heard there are also now canal boats, so maybe sometimes you can hitch a ride. It's neat to look over the locks and lock-houses along the canal.

Also let me mention the College Park (MD) Airport. I think this has a mini museum, but I've not seen it yet. Anyway, it's the oldest operating airport, established by the Wright Brothers (more or less).

Even if I'm wrong about the museum, you speak of FOOD - a very nice restaurant (hopefully still there, it's been a couple years) rite at the College Park airport is the 94th AERO SQUADRON. This is just plain cool - and also very nice. Cool artifacts including a few warplanes outside, very classy, romantic atmosphere in the restaurant itself (which features alot of wartime nostalgia). It's kind of expensive - but the food is very good and plentiful, and like I said, a cozy, tavern-like upscale place.

*College Park is an outer stop on the Metro, BTW! Told you it's a good system.* And of course, if you like you can try to see the local campus (my school).

Again, on the subject of outskirts and more OBSCURE sites, you mite want to check out Ft Lincoln Cemetery. Now, I'm graveyard nut, but there's even more than that. This is a beautiful place, quite unique in the layout of sacred sites to contemplate. But, this is also several other historical things in 1. 1st I'll mention the obvious - part of it is the site of a defensive city Fort for the Civil War. You'll see some of the embankments and cannon near the Mausoleum. Also there is even a leftover icehouse from the home that once sat here (Mausoleum).

Now go BEHIND (literally) the Mausoleum, rite up to the very edge of the grounds (there's a fence). There is a memorial there from the Marines to some of the marines and local units that fought here in 1814 - yes, that's rite, 1814, not 1864. This cemetery covers a great deal of the grounds of the Battle of Bladensburg, aka the Bladensburg Races (where the Americans ran from the Brits once they started putting pressure). This is really *all* that remains to commemorate the entire battle - sad, isn't it? (So much for "neglected" CW sites!) This is the last real confrontation before the Brits invaded DC; where Pres. Madison ran out to be w/the troops as Commander-in-Chief - just as his boys were turning tail.

Also in Ft Lincoln Cem is the Bladensburg Dueling Grounds. These are the grounds where many political-motivated duels took place, including the Burr-Hamilton fight. The Dueling grounds are at the left-most corner from the entrance to the Cem. Alot of stuff happened here in this few acres of ground! I guess I should thank God for the Cem, cuz otherwise there would be no remnant even of the Battle here!