Request for DC Family Vacation Advice

[Prairie Pubbie]

Freeper Advice needed for DC family vacation

[Prairie Pubbie]

Our Freeper family is planning a family vacation ("kids" are 20 and 17) in May or June to DC. It will be our first visit there to see our national monuments! We're planning to stay 8 nights and leaning toward the Alexandria area. We would like the excellent, trustworthy help and advice of Freepers regarding ideas about where to stay (economical but nice & safe area), which airport to use, hints about the public transit system (we don't plan to rent a car), etc. Any advice or thoughts and experiences (must do's,things to avoid, great places to eat, etc.) would be greatly appreciated! We definitely won't be in Kansas anymore! This is the first thread I've ever started, so I apologize if I've done anything incorrectly.

[SquirrelKing]

Exhaust vents make an inexpensive, warm place to sleep at night.

[theDentist]

If you want to see the White House, you need to show up very early to get tickets for the tours. And I think you're limited to 4 tickets. Call ahead. Oh, and try to time it for the height of cherry blossom time.

[eyespysomething]

Having been to DC only a few times, I would strongly recommend the Vietnam Veteran's Memorial, especially with the new interest in it. Just seeing all those names really drives it home. It is such a somber experience, but one that makes you grateful for your own life, and recognize the sacrifices other made.

And the Smithsonian Museums, all of them!

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. Gosh, what's the name? You walked in, low wall on the left, and the bar was ahead to the left, with circular booths and tables looking out the window on the front left, and tables on the right.

[ladtx]

Can't give advice on where to stay but a couple of "must see" places is the Smithsonian and the U.S. Mint (there's something awe-inspiring seeing bales of money).

[dakine]

Learn the "Metro" system, so you can see D.C. area without getting off at the "wrong" station...

I'll think of more as the day goes....

[nina0113]

bookmark for later response

[prion]

Spend all your time in the Smithsonian. You won't even scratch the surface in a week.

[dawn53]

I love Washington, D.C.

If you're into walking long distances you won't have any trouble.

If you're not, learn the public transit system, be prepared to grab taxis, or book a Grayline Bus Tour.

[general_re]

If you want to see the White House, you need to show up very early to get tickets for the tours.

Last I knew, you can't get tickets at the door at all. If you want to tour the White House, you must get tickets by contacting your Congressman, and popular dates get snapped up very quickly. Ticket requests should be made as far in advance as possible, up to six months in advance - i.e., if you're planning on going in May or June, get tickets now...

[Grumpy Bear]

Personally, I found the White House tour to be a snoozer. The Smithsonian and the Capitol building were much more interesting. Be sure to stop across the Potomac and check out Washington's old digs at Mt. Vernon.

[Diva Betsy Ross]

Get a subway map and list of stops to plan your route to monuments.

Call you Congressman for free tickets to the White House so you don't have to wait in line.

I recommend the Omni Shoreham- Great location. Historical as well.

HERE

Have fun!

[6ppc]

Mariott Crystal City and Mariott Crystal Gateway usually have very good weekend deals. They are only a few blocks from each other and there is a Metro station next to one of them (can't remember which).

If I was going right now I would make the new Air and Space annex a must see. Also, the gem and rare coin exhibits at the Smithsonian are must see as well.

I recommend flying in to Reagan National and use the Metro and cabs for transport. You can save a bit of money flying in to BWI, but transport from BWI to DC will offset the cost savings, so Reagan National is IMHO a better choice.

[general_re]

Taking a drive out to the Air and Space annex at Dulles airport is well worth the time.

[HairOfTheDog]

And I think, for the Smithsonian, plan at least two days for it.

[what's up]

I find Ford's Theatre fascinating.

The National Zoo is good too...and free.

If you want a nice, quiet place, Rock Creek Park is a good bet.

[DooDahhhh]

Look in to the Holiday Inn in Old Town Alexandria. Don't know how much it is but area is nice. Arlington would be another close in area. Also, Fairfax, va. has a cue bus that goes to the metro station, and voila, you can do the whole dc area. However, Old Town also has a bus, but I am not sure of its route; surely it goes to metro as well. The Hampton Inns have good rates & breakfast as well. Look up these cities on the internet. National airport would be the most convenient. The best way to tour, I think, is to catch that tour bus that makes the rounds and you can get off at particular sites and catch the next one when you are ready. There is a new air & space deal out at Dulles Airport. There is an airport shuttle service to take for that if you like. You can get most all bus and metro schedules from the net. And I think you would need to work that out before you get here in order to make the most of your time. Need more info - email to pat.stevens@verizon.net

[6ppc]

Almost forgot...be sure to go to the International Spy Museum...great exhibit. Buy your tickets in advance. If you walk up you will wind up having to wait several hours for your time slot.

[billb]

The hottest new attraction in town is the Spy Museum. You can't go wrong staying at the Mayflower Hotel.

[randita]

May is too late for cherry blossoms. They are in bloom around Easter usually.

Spend at least two days in the mall area seeing the White House, Capitol, various Memorials and the Smithsonian. The kids will especialy like the natural history one, I'll bet.

The Vietnam Memorial is not near the Mall, but is well worth seeing. Dittos for the U.S. Treasury where they print money. Fun for kids.

Check when the Commandant Drum and Bugle Corps/Silent Drill Team performs at the Iwo Jima Monument--I believe it's Tuesday evening in the summer. That is a must see - it's free.

Also plan an evening at Wolf Trap Farm. They have great shows there. Stop somewhere and get a picnic lunch (Greek chicken and the fixings is a great option) and picnic on the grounds before the show. You'll have a great time.

If you want something more formal, check out offerings at the Kennedy Center -- very elegant setting right on the Potomac.

The Baltimore Harbor and Aquarium is just up the road a bit. That's a good choice for kids.


More to do than you'll have time for, I'll bet.