Anyone Vacationed in Washington DC?

No @Sean266 on this trip lol

 

To the east, you can check out Annapolis and do a tour. There's a historic tunnel in Starbucks that leads to the state House. Mt. Vernon...Washington's pad...btw, forget about carrying a firearm (if you had one) in DC, or MD. At least don't get caught with one. Gun shows in VA are fun.

You can drive to Gettysburg on the way north too. From my personal experience, I'm not a big fan of the wine that are barreled for a short period of time (around 9 months) then bottled for sale. Basically the wine is young and not ready. Again, this is my personal experience.

 

Drove by the Capital and White House long enough to tell my brother in law at the time "look there it is". Then drove straight to Colorado.

 

Well, get ready for it because it's moving west. Not to jack my own thread, but as a nation we are becoming to quick to give up our rights in exchange for "perceived safety". And not just on the 2nd amendment. Rant over . . .

 

I did that once when I was in Baltimore a few days. Drove down to DC, drove by all the monuments, snapped pics and I was out. You can almost do the same at Mt. Rushmore LOL

 

Stay around downtown. The rest is a hood

 

Thanks. Will research all this and price it out to see if I can swing it this summer. If not, camping and exploring CO it is. We spent a ton on vacay's last year and wife is keeping our spend on a leash . . .

I do have airline points so that should cover most of the expense.

 

Here is what you do, contact your local Congressman's office. Tell them you are visiting DC and you would like the Dept of Interior tour. They can set you up with a guided tour of all the cool places to visit. If my memory serves me it included the monuments, (Jefferson, Washington, Roosevelt, Lincoln), Capitol building, Ford's Theatre including a walk across the street to the house where Lincoln died, Arlington National Cemetery (way cool tour, includes Tour of Unknown Soldier), Library of Congress, etc. This is a guided tour where you catch a bus/van at the Dept of Interior and you are driven to all the sites and the tour guide is excellent.

I have visited DC 3 times and it's always a great time and most things are free. I would recommend staying in Arlington VA at the hotel called the Virginian. It is only about two blocks from the subway and you can take a subway to anywhere in DC.

When I did the Interior tour, etc. I called my congressman and then picked up the tour tickets at his office and then drove to the Dept of Interior building where we caught the bus. The tour was an all day event. They take you to the Union Station for lunch which is also a place to see. Google it and check all this out. Here is a link to the Alaska congress that shows all the tours they can help you set up: https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/assistance/dc-tour-requests

Not sure exactly where you are but here is a list of CO districts:
https://www.google.com/search?q=col...0j69i57j0l4.6691j0j4&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8

 

Awesome info! Will look into this too.

 

With the kids, air and space and natural history are must sees. The zoo is really good too.
I always make it a point to eat at least one meal at Rosa Mexicana, great food and sangria.
The L'Enfant Plaza is a good central location to stay. It's a block off the mall and has a Metro station in the basement. From there it's two stops to Verizon Center, which puts you right at Chinatown, Ford Theater, Spy Museum and some decent eateries, including Rosa Mexicana. It's also two stops from the ball park if you want to catch a Nats game.
There's also a Russian restaurant near Dupont Circle, The Russia House, that I thought was excellent.

 

Here's a shit ton of info. Didn't post last night because it took me all night to write it! It's a lot to read but will be helpful for a kid trip to DC:

We visited DC during spring break in April when my son was 8. Great (best?) time of year because it wasn't hot and muggy as it will be in the summer, plus we got to see the cherry trees blossoming, which was beautiful. I mention this because DC is "dressier" than any other place in the U.S. we've visited. It might not be as easy to do with 3 kids in summer as it was with one in cool temperatures, but we all took one proper suit (with multiple blouses/ shirts so we could refresh), and this allowed us to blend in better... for great tables and little perks almost everywhere, plus my kid enjoyed all the nods and handshakes he got from "other professionals" everywhere we went, especially at the White House, Pentagon, Arlington, and the Old Ebbit Grill. We also saw a show at Ford's Theatre and most of the audience was dressed up-- not like here in the West where everyone wears shorts or jeans anywhere.

I know every kid is different (but with 3, at least one of yours will likely fall into the Gets Bored In Museums category).

PRO TIP: Don't visit more than 1 museum within 3 days. It doesn't matter that they're free, house the coolest stuff in the world ever, and are air-conditioned. Kids don't appreciate them like adults do. We've visited England, NYC, DC, Iceland, and Paris with ours, and this rule (with creative variations) has worked well for us.

The variations for DC: 1. We let ours help pick our "one" museum; he's a history buff, so we did the American Hx Museum. It's so huge we had to prioritize which sections to visit. We spent maybe 4-5 hours, then were all overloaded and done. That was our only "Museum" Museum during our trip.

2. We also went to the Spy Museum which we had mentioned often enough that ours really wanted to go as "his" special choice. It is kid-centered enough that it can be an exception to the 1 museum in 3 days rule. Depending on your kids' interests, it seems younger kids and adults like this one best. Get tickets in advance; they sell based on entry time (although you can go through at your own pace) and are pretty strict. Even if you don't do this Museum, the gift shop has cool stuff... if any in your family are interested in spy stuff.

3. We spent most of a day at Mt. Vernon (George Washington's plantation). You may buy tickets in advance online. I suppose the whole place is, essentially, a museum, but includes a tour of the house, walk-by-and-look-inside tours of outbuildings (livery; specialty artisans; slavequarters; etc.); working food gardens, a horse-turned grain mill, and cafeteria type food option... or you may picnic. If you want to go through the house, go early, because the line to enter gets longer as the day progresses. This was a great day because kids can run around outside and be kids. Our favourite thing here was a "Talk with Martha Washington", or something. Essentially, an actress dressed in period costume recalled her life before and married to George, his reluctance to be President and why he did it, their day-to-day life on the plantation, etc. It probably had everything to do with the particular actress the day we visited, but she was extraordinary-- answered all questions in character. The audience got bigger and bigger, as no one wanted to clear out!

We sat in the balcony and saw a show in Ford's Theatre, where Abraham Lincoln was shot. I wish I had known beforehand, there is an awesome museum in the basement, with tons of info on the history, people, and conspiracy behind the assassination. Admission was included in our theatre access but because we did not know to arrive early, we had only about 15 minutes to rush through. It is possible to visit without going to a show, and there's a (I think unaffiliated) walking tour of the area that starts outside the theatre, and is kind of a dramatic presentation of the events of Lincoln's assassination (as though you witness the discovery he's been shot, and the law enforcement response after--?) We cut this from our itinerary though; too much else to do.

The Smithsonian Museums (multiple sites throughout the district) are free, but expect LOOOOOONG lines to enter.Tip # 1: Most museums have entrances on opposite sides; the lines are longest at the main signed entrance. Tip # 2: there's a much shorter line (at all entrances) for those carrying NO BAGS. All bags are subject to search, and this takes a long time. If you have 2+ adults, it'll save time and everyone's patience to have one adult stand the long line (cause with kids, there's reason to carry enough stuff you'll need a bag for a day's outing), while the other takes kids in via the short line, and gets started looking around. That way kids don't get bored and whiny waiting an hour+ outside. I saw no signs about this, but if you have no bag, head to the front of the line and you'll be directed in.

https://washington.org/DC-focus-on/museums-national-mall

We walked through the botanic gardens. We looked at Congress from outside (by all accounts, skip going inside with kids).

We did a White House tour (good once with the 2 adults to 1 kid ratio we had, because we took turns focusing his attention and pointing out stuff that could interest him, but maybe not as much fun with 3 kids). If you like dragging your kids to look at expensive homes for sale, that you'd never actually buy--this tour is for you! I really enjoyed it but, honestly, my kid just made the best of it. To get in we contacted our congressman months in advance, made a request, then were contacted several times by various congressional interns. We provided names, dates of birth, and SSN's for all in our party, so a background check could be done in advance. Then, because we'd gone through a politician, things got... political. A few days before our visit, I was informed we would be sharing our tour entry with an Uber exec and his daughter. He was apparently too much of a big wig to exchange contact info, so there was lots of "look for a man in a yellow jacket with a 10 year old girl" drama at our 0650 meet-out-front-because-you-all-must-enter-together rendezvous. The security procedures for entry are better than anywhere else I've been. Here, you may not carry any bags! No lockers, no option except to be denied entry. So if you go, plan other stuff for the day that will not require anything more than you can carry in your pockets.

We'd been told by various "insiders" that the Old Ebbit Grill is not just touristy but actually frequented by politicos so, to continue the fun of blending in, and since it is across the street from the WH, we went dressed up for breakfast afterward. Menu items are old fashioned (poached eggs and what not), and a bit pricy. I would have liked to have ordered an olde fashioned, but skipped the drinks. The old bar is beautiful though. If o had known the tip above about the Red Cross basement cafeteria, we'd have maybe done that instead.

I don't know how regular tours of the Pentagon are arranged, but I think they're available. We had a friend who was stationed there who gave us a tour. This is where I tell you, wear comfortable shoes to DC. I thought I'd chosen comfortable dress-up shoes to wear with my suit to the WH, OEG, and the Pentagon but, Oh-Im-Gee!, my feet hurt so badly that I took my shoes off and finished touring the Pentagon in my pantyhose. There's a gift shop in the Pentagon filled with cool crap we mostly resisted. Oh, and the middle of the structure is a grassy courtyard used for breaks which includes a hot dog stand. Kinda cool. My kid liked the Pentagon but I think that was mainly because he appreciated the attention shown him by our guide and our guide's bosses-- minus that, it might not be as cool for kids.

We all LOVED Arlington!! The changing of the guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier was an awe-inspiring thing. However, despite the reverence many of us felt and displayed for this sacred place of remembrance, there're always a$$40l3$ with loud earphone, selfie-sticks, or who talk and laugh during the ceremony. I felt proud I'd prepped my kid, so he shared my outrage at the poor behaviour of others. Gggrrrrr!

Anyway, this is another place you will walk endlessly. You can get a map that shows the locations of The Tomb, JFK's Memorial, etc. Verymuch worth the walk-around. Another museum we pretended wasn't a museum so we could drag our kid through, was the home of Robert E. Lee. The walk-though tour was quick. Somewhere nearby was a tiny building that had letters and info related to Lee's feelings about how to reunify the north and south following the Civil War. This bit of info caused a great aha! moment of insight for my family and we came away appreciating that, had he not died soon after, our continued divisions between north and south may not have persisted. Go find this gem.

If you already have the U.S. National Parks" passports, take them with you. We had one from a previous trip to Yellowstone but never thought to take it to DC. It turns out several of the places we visited are U.S. National Parks, including Arlington, so passports may be "stamped". I can't remember now if Mt. Vernon is too...? Anyway, if you have them, take them. If not, be on the lookout to buy at the first opportunity, if your kids like "collecting".

Most of the museums, botanic gardens, restaurants, Congress, etc. are at one end of the National Mall, and the Lincoln Memorial is at the other. The WH is kind of off to one side, a few blocks from the Mall. The various memorials are built into the landscape all around the Mall (very well-done; sometimes you encounter one almost without knowing), and out on the side opposite the WH. Everything is walkable. The number one thing to prepare for is walking and more walking.

As others have mentioned, the Metro delivers you within easy walking distance of anywhere touristy, and driving or parking the Tundra would suck. Mt. Vernon is an exception (if you arrive early, you can grab a far-and-away Tundra spot); the Metro won't get you there.

We stayed with friends in Virginia and commuted into DC, most often by Metro (which is how we afforded the expense to do all we did, BTW. We saw the show at Ford's so we could treat them as a thank-you for hosting us).

The day we visited the WH, we drove in with our friend to the Pentagon, then took the Metro from there. Weekday commuter traffic is such a well-known horrible thing that locals/ strangers ride-share from outlying areas. Basically, people line up at points near freeway on-ramps. Each line has a different destination. Drivers pull to the front of the line, roll down the passenger window and the first in line says how many in the group. The driver will pick up whatever number he wants to transport, sometimes all strangers to each other, and all commute in together, because use of the carpool lanes requires more than 2 people. Anyway, telling you to illustrate that no one's exaggerating about how bad the commuter traffic (and lack of parking is).

Alright, Buddy, I hope this helps. I didn't want to wear you our with so many details-- but it's stuff I got a 'heads up' about from the friends we stayed with, ordiscovered while there, that made All The Difference in making our trip enjoyable. Good luck!

 

Of course I thought of one more thing (you know, so I could write MORE) :

Porschetech educated me about an America the Beautiful pass that costs $80 for one year for access to U.S. National Parks. I only just found out about it from him so have not verified which Parks in the DC area are included. But since one pass allows entry for 2 adults and 3 kids (I think), if this is valid at Arlington + even one more, it'd more than pay to buy one. I'm not up to more research but if you check our recent SoCal Off-Road meet-and-play thread, starting with post #113, you can find links so you can check. The same pass will allow you access to parks nearer home too.

 

Another thing I thought of that might be of interest is heading to Manassas and seeing the battlefield where the first battle of the civil war took place. There’s a nice little museum and plenty of monuments scattered around. Good place to have a picnic and enjoy the scenery of an area of Virginia that is still undeveloped.

 

Oh, yeah! What we did not get to do in April, that you might find during the summer, @COMiamiFan, was a Civil War re-enactment. I felt we missed out not seeing one of these (few anymore though, based on my research at the time), or visiting more battle and historical sites in the surrounding areas.

Also, to someone else's point about Philadelphia. Unless you never plan to go east again, I'd skip driving to Philly for what is, essentially, alrss than a day's worth of looking around. We were "lucky enough" to have a airplane emergency-maintenance layover in Philly once, which allowed us a full day. We saw the Bell and other "whistles", all of which were located in about a 2- block area. I'd never been as a kid, so I was glad to see it, but also crossed it off as need-not-do-again.

 

Agree about philly. Main goal is kids to liberty bell and cheesesteaks LOL

 

if you pass through Baltimore.....you HAVE to try Blue Moon Cafe. Breakfast/brunch food that is OUT OF THIS WORLD!

If you're a fan of french toast and/or Cap'n Crunch......try their Captain Crunch French toast!

You'll never look at french toast the same!

 

DC. I was born in that city. Where would you stay? Which month? How long will your stay be? Which airport are you flying into?

The crowds during the work week is part of the attraction IMO. You may see government convoys and maybe witness Marine 1 and its convoy. If there is an armed Marine at the side door of the WH, you know the President is home. Old Ebbit grill is a block from the WH.

Most of the sites are in the city. There is nothing to be scared of in that city if you are familiar with cities at all. The other sites like Mt. Vernon and the Virginia Air and space is a little bit of a hike, especially during rush hour. Uber will be your friend moreso, than cabs and the Metro. The Metro is cool in the city. Be prepared for train accidents or delays. Metro is not run by the most competent.

Weather has been wacky there the past several years.

Vietnam, WWII and the Tomb, hands down. The holocaust museum is cool, but depressing. The Spy museum is also OK, if you're into 007 type stuff. The african american museum just opened, and in the beginning it was always packed. I never went. The Smithsonians are the ones that are really the attraction. The other museums are second rate if you ask me. Find the National Mall. This will be your center point and around it you will be surrounded with attraction. Eat the street vendor hot dogs at your own risk.

Places to hang out and eat. Georgetown, Adams Morgan, Chinatown. Alexandria and Arlington, VA. You can also shootout to Manassas, VA and see some Civil War battleground. Cherry Blossoms are at the Tidal Basin. There are paddle boats there. 2 person per.

If you stay in the city, getting out of there during rush hour will be slow, staying just outside of the city will be slow getting in depending on the day and time.

Philly Cheesesteaks. Add cheez whiz to any one you can find and you have an authentic one. You don't have to go there and be disappointed. Might be the reason DC is the seat of the government and not Philly. JK

There is probably a bunch more that are slipping my mind since I took that place for granted as I lived there my whole life. Feel free to shoot me a message.

If you make it there, welcome to the chocolate city from one of its Natives.

 

Thanks @froggy78 . I've had the sammiches in Philly already. I'm more of a provi wit kinda guy. Whiz sounds too salty for my linking, but might try it one of these days. I have no idea when, where I'm flying in; still doing my research and checking flight prices. Once I map and cost everything out then I'll get to see if I go or not this year. Great info.

 

Love Cap'n Crunch (except that they get soggy so quick )

 

No problemo. @COMiamiFan

Yea, same on the cheesesteaks for me.

You have 3 airports to choose from. DCA, IAD and BWI. Typically, BWI is cheaper to fly in and out of, but that puts you in B-more (The Wire, but not as violent and serious as portrayed). DCA and IAD are comparable. If DCA, you're put into Arlington, VA. Lots of hotels there and some wind-down areas to eat and stroll (Arlington and Alexandria , MT. Vernon). IAD, you'll be outside of DC (20 or so miles). That area is congested during rush hour, but will put you closer to the Civil War Battlegrounds and the Udvar Hazy (other air and space). Cleaner area and lots of hotels, but puts you out of touch of the city by a tad.

 

Nothing wrong with a bit of sogginess in the right place.

 

these don't! baked onto french toast style texas toast.....whippped cream and syrup on top.....ok that's it, i'm going on a road trip to Bmore!

 

Is it safe to assume that it's 1 day per smithsonian museum?

 

not if you hide in the displays and wait until after hours. You wouldn't beleive what they have in the basement!

 

I've seen "Night at the Museum"; no thanks

 

You can hit a few of the Smithsonian museums a day. At least the ones that are in proximity of each other. Constitution Ave is a major artery into the NW part of the city. Along that route, you will find, Lincoln, Einstein, Art, WWII, Vietnam, WH, Air and Space, Natural History, The Monument, the National Mall, the Capitol, Archives, Postal and probably a bunch more. They are all in proximity of each other. Account for lots of walking, food and breaks, interest in the actual museum and the kids attention span. That area is jam packed with scenery and is maybe few square miles.

This is also the area that is most packed during Memorial Day with spectators and Bikers who come in from all parts of the country on my favorite weekends of the entire year. AKA Rolling Thunder. There is nothing like it.

 

I'm OK with the walking; only 1 kid will be an issue (always have that 1 lazy one). If I can hit more than 1 museum per day, then that helps with the planning. Frees up more time for other stuff. And from what I can see, other than food, hotel and Uber/train, it will be a low cost trip (I got points to pay for plane tix ). So it looks doable. Love that almost all things to do are free; my tax dollars at work!

 

You may also see who is spending those tax dollars for you. If know the names and faces of our government. You can pick them out in the crows sometimes.