[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.

[hoot2]

smithsonian air and space

goddard space center

[xsrdx]

My DC Area must sees:

American History Museum

Museum of Natural History

National Air & Space Museum (& Dulles Annex!)

NRA National Firearms Museum (Fairfax)

Arlington National Cemetary

Lincoln, Jefferson, Washington Monuments

Vietnam, Korean War, Iwo Jima (USMC) Memorials

Mount Vernon

International Spy Museum

Holocaust Museum

Take the Metro and TourMobile for downtown DC - way easier than walking and parking. Keep in mind all the downtown museums have metal detectors and security inspections.

[xsrdx]

Finally, I think somebody mentioned the Pentagon, also good, and the National Archives, newly renovated.

I've been here 2 years and still haven't been to Congress or the WH, but we'll go before we leave.

[Prairie Pubbie]

What an absolute treasure trove! Many thanks!

[upcountryhorseman]

If you plan to use public transit, I suggest going armed.
(even though guns are banned in DC) Consider the Williamsburg Area: It is a safe area to stay and Colonial
Williamsburg is a must-see!

[texasbluebell]

Don't miss the Spy Museum! It was fascinating. Centrally located.

Long lines, but it seems to move quickly.

[texasbluebell]

Not sure anyone has mentioned this, haven't read all the thread, but the Library of Congress is so beautiful you shouldn't miss it. The ceilings alone make it worth the trip.

You might want to check ahead, because I think it was being renovated for a while, and may or may not be open at this point. But shouldn't be missed, and free of course.

[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]

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.

[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.

[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!

[pamlet]

We're planning on late May - early June as well. Thanks for starting this thread.. it's very interesting reading!!

We're only going for a few days in conjunction w/a trip to North Carolina for my nephew's graduation. We've been to Washington a number of times when we lived in NC - but it's been years - and our 14 year old doesn't remember it at all - we thought it was about time to go again.

[witnesstothefall]

Arlington National Cemetary is not to be missed. WADR, it's much more powerful than the Viet Nam memorial, much bigger, and much more profound.

The Smithsonian just opened a brand new annex to the Air & Space Museum, housing a Concorde, a Shuttle, a moon lander, and other wonders. But it's out by Dulles airport. The Smithsonian will have bus service out of DC, no doubt.

Lots of off-the-beaten-path museums: Corcoran Gallery, the Naval Museum is fascinating, many others.

Don't miss the Holocaust Museum, but come prepared to question humanity itself.

[Prairie Pubbie]

Thanks everyone! Keep 'em coming!

[TruthNtegrity]

Interleaving in and around a previous reply, here are some ideas I have. I have many more but will FReepmail you with some of those.

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

This year, the cherry blossoms are "due" the 2nd week of April, I think. But DC is a madhouse and it's not a bad idea to miss this!

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.

You could spend way more than 2 days in the mall area. The Capitol is at the East end - there are tours there you can get from your Congress critters - write them and ask for Capitol building tours, a White House tour or ropeline visit. Next there is the Washington Monument. Someone else has described this - you get your tickets first thing in the Morning, go do something else until the time of your tour. Between the Washington Monument and the Lincoln Monument, and closer to the latter, is the VietNam wall.

To the South of the Lincoln Monument are some new sites - and FDR memorial and another I can't remember right now.

There are tour companies that run around from all the sites - you can hop and off as you require and they are fun. You can find out about them from the sites that someone else sent.

Don't forget the Washington Zoo. The panda bears are just about the only attraction I go there for but that's me. I love Panda bears, having grown up in New York and having Pandas at the Bronx Zoo. I even visited the London Zoo, and yes, it was to see the Panda bear.

But there are birds, giraffes, elephants, all sorts of animals and they are in attractive cages or penned areas.

Ask the hotels for "Summer school is out" specials. They all run them. Some of the hotels that folks have mentioned are very, very pricey. However, there are always convention or summer specials - you just have to ask for them. The hotels/motels all have 800 numbers to save on long distance.

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.

There are also Army tatoo's and the Navy puts on a veritable Broadway show quality production for the Summer. These are memorable and free; they usually only require tickets. Again ask your Congress critters for tickets to these special productions.

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.

I can't add anything to that one. Wolf Trap is a regular Summertime event for Washingtonians. I attended numerous of them when I lived between Baltimore and DC, in Laurel, MD. It got even easier to attend when I moved here to No. VA. There are all price levels but "lawn" is cheapest and the most fun. You can show up early, picnic on the lawn, and then sit back and enjoy the concert.

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

Don't forget - there's a US mint to visit, where they print dollar bills; the FBI building with a tour; the Supreme Court which may have a tour if the Court is not in session when you are here; as you can tell, there are tours for just about everything.

Productions at the Kennedy Center range from symphony concerts, plays, opera, to informal guitar or piano recitals on the roof. And the view from the terraces at night are spectacular.

Which reminds me, there are Potamac cruises to take, where you can see the DC shoreline from the water. But there is one company with ridiculously expensive prices - can't remember the name right now but you'll know it when you see it!

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

Baltimore Harbor, for me, was more fun when the McCormick spice company was there, and a tour of the plant was part of the trip. Mmmmm, can still smell the cinnamon mingled with pepper! But it's not there anymore. Baltimore Harbor and Aquarium would be a trip for the rail that someone else suggested. Easiest way to travel up and back, and you get to see some of the scenery between DC and Baltimore.

I'll take a look in the Sunday paper and see if there are items of interest for your trip. If there are any, I'll FReepmail you with the opportunities, as they arise.

I'd also suggest getting a copy of the Washingtonian magazine. They rate restaurants by price and there are a bunch of excellent restaurants where you and your family can eat on the cheap. My favorite restaurant on the corner of Chinatown appears to be a hole in the wall but after you wend your way around the takeout counter having gone through a singularly unattractive doorway, you are greeted with a 14 table restaurant with excellent food, with entrees topping at $14. That's spectacular in DC. Most are in the $9-10 range. It's on the corner of 8th and "I".

If I can be of any further help, let me know. I'll be glad to make some calls for you and save you the cost. I'm local - in No. VA, 7 miles West of DC.

[centexan]

Our family went the week of July 4th 2002. Ditto most of the posts so far. We flew into Reagan - the view is wonderful. The Metro is great, safe and clean. We stayed at the Holiday Inn Smithsonian - it's two blocks from the air and space museum and a metro station. Perfect for us. Contact your congress critter now for Capitol tours and passes. You can spend the entire week on the mall at the museums. The FBI tour is great. Mount Vernon via a boat trip is worthwhile. We walked the monuments by day and night - they are special both ways.

We were there a week and would have liked to have spent another four or five days. Have fun!

[AGreatPer]

I did not read the entire post so excuse if it has been covered.

If you have transportation while in DC, there is the greatest seafood market in the world. How to discribe this?

You go to the Wash Monument and parellel the river. There are 16 20 foot long boats that sell and cook seafood. It is next to Phillips Seafood Restaurant. I recommend it.

[Virginia-American]

Two places I always recommend (I'm a native of the DC area)

National Arboretum - has every kind of tree and bush that can grow here. Unfortuantely, no picnicking

The Textile Museum. Privately-owned, not far from the Phillips Collection (N. of Dupont Circle)

Neither of these places attracts a lot of tourists.

[ladyjane]

Semper Fi! Now that I've got your attention - the most moving place I've been in DC is the first Marine Corp barracks near the Capitol. Perhaps some Freepers can give you the exact location. It is in SE, I think. Every Friday evening as the sun is setting they have a parade and close order drill as they take the flag down. Your congress person can get you tickets and sometimes there are rush seats. It is very moving to see hundreds of marines in their spectacular uniforms. Even more moving is when the band starts playing the Marine Corps Hymn and a third of the audience immediately stands at attention. I lived in DC for a few years and took in just about every site I could. This sunset event is the single most memorable one.