Washington DC Trip

[trickblue]

My wife is a big history buff so we're going to DC next month. I've been several times on business but it's been 20+ years...

We're obviously gonna do the expected things; The Mall, Smithsonian, Arlington National Cemetery, 1600 Penn etc...

I'm interested in knowing about the "Don't Miss" things (attractions, restaurants etc...) from people that live in or frequent the area. We will be there for 5 nights and we will not have a car...

Thanks in advance!!!

 

[Tabascocat]

Tour the FBI building

 

[trickblue]

Tour the FBI building

Maybe they can give me a special tour since they'll already know I'm coming...

 

[Phoenix]

I just walked right by the FBI building

 

[Longboysfan]

The mint gives free samples .....

 

[Phoenix]

Okay, so there are like 19 different Smithsonians... my favorite is the Natural History museum but it is a little hampered right now due to the closing of the dinosaur section for a few years. Hirschhorn is underrated and near the top of my list. American History museum is okay, just for the huge original flag... Air & Space rocks (the one on the mall)...the Air & Space at Dulles is a little difficult to get to if you don't have a car but there is a bus that goes out there....it is superb. The Native American Indian museum is fantastic just for the don't-miss Mitsitam cafe restaurant which is really more like 7 restaurants in one, and is a fantastic place to eat.

Library of Congress! That is a tremendous place to visit. And the National Archives just to see the original documents on display like the Constitution and Declaration of Independence.

Kennedy Center and Strathmore are terrific for music, especially classical.

 

[Longboysfan]

There is a subway in DC. So getting about may not be too bad.
But I do not know where the Baseball park is in regards to that.
They do have a nice Zoo.
Maybe stroll past the Soviet Embassy.

 

[Phoenix]

There is a subway in DC. So getting about may not be too bad.
But I do not know where the Baseball park is in regards to that.
They do have a nice Zoo.
Maybe stroll past the Soviet Embassy.

The metro. Get a "smartcard" and load it up for ease of using the metro. Baseball park is up the Green line and there is a stop just down the street from the ballpark. Most people take the metro to the ballpark.

 

[Longboysfan]

The metro. Get a "smartcard" and load it up for ease of using the metro. Baseball park is up the Green line and there is a stop just down the street from the ballpark. Most people take the metro to the ballpark.

There you go.

 

[Phoenix]

Maybe the Caps will still be playing hockey playoffs ...if so, Verizon Center in downtown DC, and that is China Town (Gallery Place), a not too bad place for lots of restaurants... and the Verizon Center arena of course.

 

[trickblue]

I had planned to use the Metro. Back when I used to travel there it was the best subway/train in the country. I've already downloaded the app...

 

[Phoenix]

It's not bad. And they just opened up, recently, a new Silver line...and working on a phase 2 of it that will go all the way out to Dulles. Plus they are working on a new Purple line I think too.

...and I just noticed that my Atlanta Braves are in town TONIGHT! hmmmmmmmm.... I might be doing the Green line myself tonight

 

[BigStar]

Mount Vernon is a great spot to visit for history buffs and not solely because of George Washington's estate but is a great tour in itself. The National Harbor is a great day for leisure and shopping, etc. (Woodrow Wilson Bridge bw MD and VA) Both are worth the cab costs if you decide to visit. (both just outside of the city). U Street Historic District has a great walking tour that goes over the history (civil war, Duke Ellington, etc.). Safe neighborhood as well (downtown Northwest, about 10 minutes north of the Mall). On top of metro, there is a bicycle public transportation (rental bikes) that are located all over the city if you want to venture, etc. called "Capital Bikeshare". They are the red bikes you will see all over the city.

DC is a much safer city compared to 20 years ago so don't feel you have to hug the mall or Smithsonian area as much as in the past.

 

[BigStar]

The metro. Get a "smartcard" and load it up for ease of using the metro. Baseball park is up the Green line and there is a stop just down the street from the ballpark. Most people take the metro to the ballpark.

This...get a Smart Card for public transporation. It's about 40% cheaper compared to the paper fare tickets that tourist generally buy. All DC locals use the Smart Card, etc.

 

[Phoenix]

So for that Dulles Air & Space museum, there's this...

http://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/connector/routes/983.htm


Basically, take the new Silver line all the way to its current end (Wiehle) and then hop aboard a bus.


SmithsonianAirSpace retweeted
Fairfax Connector ‏@ffxconnector 42m42 minutes ago
See Shuttle Discovery up close at the @AirandSpace Udvar-Hazy Ctr. Rt 983 will transport you from Silver Line! http://1.usa.gov/1p0ACG6

 

[bsheeern]

One of the best things I've ever done there is walk around at night (all around the White House area). It's something I'll always remember. Everything is lit up so well. The pictures we took are priceless.

 

[Phoenix]

Also, if you want to try to go up inside the Washington Monument, you can request tickets in advance here:

http://www.nps.gov/wamo/index.htm


They're free but there is a postage fee I think. You can always walk up to the ticket office for the Monument and try to get one (or more) on the spot but they are usually gone gone gone... I have an advantage there because I just trundle over there during lunch, in winter when no tourists are around, and get a ticket anytime

 

[jrumann59]

Downtown proper of DC is great place do some exploring, visit the exorcist stairs over G-Town. The only palce that can get dicey is areas north and east of Chinatown, area imediately around Nationals Ballpark is getting built up just do not venture too far fromt here. if your street signs start saying SE on them turn around. I recommend Central Station over by the capital, it has some shopping, food, a nice little hub for people watching if that is your thing.

 

[Phoenix]

Oh, another Pro Tip: The Smithsonian Natural History museum has a "Butterfly Pavilion" that is pretty great. But they charge an entry fee...except on TUESDAY! If you want to see it, stop by the ticket line just outside the pavilion (3rd floor inside the museum I think) and get tickets for free. They are specific to a certain time, so I recommend getting there as early as you can to get tix for whatever time fits your schedule.

 

[YosemiteSam]

My wife is a big history buff so we're going to DC next month. I've been several times on business but it's been 20+ years...

We're obviously gonna do the expected things; The Mall, Smithsonian, Arlington National Cemetery, 1600 Penn etc...

I'm interested in knowing about the "Don't Miss" things (attractions, restaurants etc...) from people that live in or frequent the area. We will be there for 5 nights and we will not have a car...

Thanks in advance!!!

I finally got to go there for the first time about a year and a half ago. The Mall was an awesome place to walk, but I only had around 8 hours to walk around. It was a great 8 hours, but not nearly enough.

I'm definitely going to go back and finish seeing everything.