Lizzy87

We're taking our first trip to DC First week in April. Hoping the cherry blossoms will be in bloom. I already have the capital tour reservation and waiting on White House tour (requested at the earliest date possible through my congressman's office). We plan on spending quite a bit of time at the Smithsonian museums. Will crowds be so bad that we won't be able to enjoy the exhibits? Is there a time of day when the museums are less crowded? Any input will be appreciated.

NewbE

Most of the Smithsonian museums, especially the ones along the mall, are very large and built to handle large crowds. School groups and families on spring break and school groups from the DC area can inundate the monuments and museums, but I think you will still be able to enjoy them. IME, first thing in the morning through to lunchtime is worst at the museums; the monuments are fine any time because they can absorb crowds better, being outdoors. But the truth is, they may be crowded all day long, so if your schedule requires that you do museums in the morning, go for it.

Also, if you find a museum crowded at the entrance, grab a map, identify what you'd like to see that is farthest away from the entrance, and make a beeline there. Start at the back, or the top, and work your way to the front--It's an old museum-goers trick that really works!

Another thing to remember is that the Smithsonian museums are all free, so if you enter one and find it unbearably crowded, regroup and head to another one and try again later.

I hope you have a great trip!
(I saw that you're leaving on the Amtrak from Tampa--do you live in Tampa?)

fourfortravel

The National Park Service generally issues their blossom forecast around the first of March. Last year, peak blooms were from March 24 to March 31.

The "Big 3," American History, Natural History and Air and Space are almost always crowded, as they are the favorites for families and school groups. American Indian, much less so; and in the Sackler and Freer galleries you will find peace and quiet. The Hirshhorn and the National Gallery (not a Smithsonian, but also free) are rarely crowded; neither is the Postal Museum. I would save the Big 3 for after lunch if possible; families disappear back to their hotels to nap the young ones, and school groups head back to school. Oftentimes the Smithsonians will have extended hours during peak visiting times, as well.

tchoiniere

Agree with the 2 previous posts. The museums do a great job of handling the crowds but just be flexible and willing to change. The other Smithsonian I would highly recommend is the Portrait Gallery. I have never found it busy and really enjoy it. Its also open later than most museums.

Lizzy87

Newbe - Thank you so much for taking the time to send that advice. I think that was a great tip to head to the exhibit furthest away from the entrance. Sounds like my Commando Disney Trips. We have been planning this trip since the kids were little, but never had time and money at the same time. We've been saving for five years and I can't believe it's almost here.

We live in Southwest Florida about an hour from Tampa. My husband will not fly and when I saw how much it was going to cost to park our car, I said I would not drive. We plan on using the Metro anyway. So, Tampa is the closest Train Station. We will have a car service deliver us and we have a arrangements to be picked up at Union Station when we arrive in DC.

Thanks again for the response.

Lizzy87

Newbe - Thank you so much for taking the time to send that advice. I think that was a great tip to head to the exhibit furthest away from the entrance. Sounds like my Commando Disney Trips. We have been planning this trip since the kids were little, but never had time and money at the same time. We've been saving for five years and I can't believe it's almost here.

We live in Southwest Florida about an hour from Tampa. My husband will not fly and when I saw how much it was going to cost to park our car, I said I would not drive. We plan on using the Metro anyway. So, Tampa is the closest Train Station. We will have a car service deliver us and we have a arrangements to be picked up at Union Station when we arrive in DC.

Thanks again for the response.

Lizzy87

DARN - Sorry about the double post.

Fourfortravel - Thanks for the info about the blossom forecast. With the stange weather, I am hopeful we will see blooms. I've been visiting the National Cherry Blossom Site and it does seem like they are gearing up to release some current inforamtion soon. Yeah! Also glad to hear the museums may have extended hours during our stay.

tchoiniere - Thanks for the suggestion of the potrait gallery it will be a good go to should we need a break from crowds at some point.

What a great bunch of folks. Thanks.

NewbE

Hi, Lizzy--

I was just curious b/c I live in Tampa. Haven't taken the train from here, though.
You will be better off without a car in DC, for sure. Metro is safe and fairly simple, and there are always loads of tourists, so if you're a little confused at first, don't worry, you won't stand out! And DC lends itself to lots of walking as most of the things a first-time visitor would want to see are clustered near each other.

Don't be too bummed out if you miss the cherry blossoms, the area is beautiful even without them! And they are unpredictable little suckers.

Anyway, have an awesome trip! DC is a great city.

sf7307

The Portrait Gallery isn't just a place to get away from the crowds -- it's a great museum. Don't miss the courtyard for a cup of coffee or a snack.

padams421

It is a bit like Disney in that the crowds are biggest between mid-morning to mid-afternoon. You can pick less popular spots, and dining during that time. You'll be fine with some pre-planning.

Lizzy87

Newbe - It's like you read my mind. I am a little nervous about the Metro. And,I do tend to be easily confused. I'm also a little nervous about the "big city" aspect because I haven't been to many. Been to NYC once and I was the obvious tourist looking up at the skyline as I walked.

Do you think I so should try to purchase Metro cards for the family before we go or wait till we get there? Last year I saw where they had special cherry blossom Metro cards, so I'm sort of learning towards waiting till we get there.

Honestly, I am a little obsessed about the blossoms because we've been planning for so long. I really wanted to be there for the 100 year anniversary last year but it was not in the cards. But at least we'll be there during the festival.

Thanks for your time and good wishes.

Lizzy87

Sf7307 - I will definitely keep the portrait gallery in mind. I just don't want to have too many must-Dos. I tend to over plan and I am hoping we will have enough free time so we can just enjoy being there. Thanks for the tip about the courtyard.

Padams -Thanks for the tip

gail

Agree with above - just remember that Easter is 3/31 this year and that may effect your travel plans, crowds and hotel prices - some schools have altered their vacation schedules so tyhey have the last week in Marcvh or first week in April off.

NewbE

Lizzy, I don't really know about which Metro card is best or when to buy them, but more than one person has written about that here, so try a search. I remember at least one good explanation was posted.

I'll say it again, don't worry too much about the Metro! Sure, you may get an annoyed look from a commuter, but Washingtonians are well used to tourists. Take your time at the station, look at the map if you need to, and ask an attendant if you get really bewildered. The heavily touristed stations usually have a Metro employee or two, especially during Spring Break and Cherry Blossom time.

Compared to NYC, DC is slower-moving, more Southern, really, and nowhere near as densely packed. I think it's one of the few cities I;ve seen that really looks like its postcards.

sf7307

I would order a SmartTrip card for each of you in advance, loaded with some $$. - even just $10 each. Then you can add money to them during your trip if you need more.

http://www.wmata.com/fares/smartrip/

fourfortravel

Don't bother purchasing one of the Fastpass or other Metro options. Buying a SmartTrip card will cost $5, but it's still a better value than any of the pass options. If you want a special cherry blossom SmarTrip card, you may have to wait until you arrive to purchase one rather than buying them online. Cards can be purchased at all of the Metro stations.

Lizzy87

Gail - Um, No, I had no idea Easter this year. I just picked the dates based on wanting to be there during the best time for the Cherry Blossoms. Our school district is on spring break the second week of March and I just AssuMEd Easter was around that time.

I can't tell you how terrifying this news is to me. I made reservations last May, So, that's covered. I was lolly gagging around about making reservations for restaurants until yesterday, and I'm already bumming because some restaurants I wanted to go to have no availability or limited time choices.

I'm not going to let it ruin our vacation (she repeats to herself over and over). I'm sure with a little bit of therapy I'll be fine.

Lizzy87

Newbe - Thanks for the encouragement regarding the Metro and big city aspect. My husband is a pretty big guy so I usually feel safe. I only fear looking stupid but you have convinced me it's okay to look like a tourist.

Regarding the Metro cards were going to get the SmartTrip cards when we arrive. Ma and Pa Kettle qualify for the senior Smart Trip cards and I understand those have to be purchased in person at the Metro Center. Hoping for a cherry blossom theme! Thanks sf7307 and fourfortravel.

obxgirl

You're going to do fine on the Metro. One advantage to staying in Foggy Bottom is being on the blue line which you can ride to the stops closest to the White House and the National Mall w/o having to change trains. Look at a map ahead of time to see which stops are nearest to your museum destination -- don't assume it's the Smithsonian stop.

Also keep in mind that the shortest distance between two points isn't necessarily on the subway. Walking might be faster and more scenic. You can take advantage of DC's Circulator, a series of bus lines that run to and from the heavily touristed areas. $1 a ride (half that for seniors) with your SmarTrip cards. http://www.dccirculator.com

There are some really good apps that will help you navigate public transportation with real time arrival/departure info for subway and buses as well as trip planners and maps. I use Find a Metro DC. (it was 99 cents on iTunes)

As mentioned, Smithsonian's American History, Natural History and Air and Space will have extended hours until 7:30pm. IMO 4 till closing is the best time to hit those or some aspect of those 3 that was too busy the first go round.

You've got tickets to tour the Capitol. Get online tickets now, free or small admin fee, if you plan to see the National Archives or the Holocaust museum.

IMO, the places where crowds really detract from a visit are the Newseum, the Spy Museum and the Holocaust Museum. All 3 require a lot of reading and close up viewing. If you have an interest in either the Spy M or the Newseum I'd be there before the doors open. Newseum opens at 9 am. It's pricey but tickets are good for two days.

tchoiniere

The Metro is the best Subway system I have seen in the US. Well-marked, clean and easy to use. There are always people around to help and don't be afraid to ask. I have never gotten turned around and gotten on the wrong train like I do in NY. I agree with the previous poster about reading a map and choosing the appropriate Station