Go Back  Fodor's Travel Talk Forums > Destinations > United States
Reload this Page >

A question to the Washington DC experts...

Search

A question to the Washington DC experts...

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old May 11th, 2007, 06:38 PM
  #1  
Original Poster
 
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 61
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
A question to the Washington DC experts...

We are going next week for a 3 days visit to this interesting city for the first time. Is it possible to rent a bike and go arround visiting the important monuments, museums, etc. or in the contrary is not wise to do so? Are there bike paths along the main streets?
Thanks in advance for any respose...
orionve is offline  
Old May 11th, 2007, 07:07 PM
  #2  
 
Join Date: Sep 2004
Posts: 7,142
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Renting bikes one day is a wonderful idea.

We often ride along the Mall and around to the Memorials which can all be done done on bike paths - including Arlington Cemetary, White House, Georgetown, and the Captiol Grounds.

There are also bike racks at the Smithsonian Museums along the Mall if you want to go inside. The outdoor cafe at the National Gallery of Art is a favorite break spot.

Hopefully someone else can help with bike rental locations.
bardo1 is offline  
Old May 11th, 2007, 07:08 PM
  #3  
 
Join Date: Sep 2004
Posts: 7,142
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
There are NOT bike paths along the main streets but everything mentioned above can be done "off road".
bardo1 is offline  
Old May 11th, 2007, 09:14 PM
  #4  
 
Join Date: May 2007
Posts: 141
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Here is a helpful website with lots of useful information and maps:
http://www.bikewashington.org/

With the link for bike rentals:
http://www.bikewashington.org/rentals/index.htm

I've biked all around the Mall and monuments. Bikes are permitted on Metro rail. I've been on the C&O trail, W&OD trail with my kids and all around DC and Georgetown and Northern VA. Safe, and fun. Wear a helmet.

I would also recommend renting a kayak at the Thompson Boat Center. For a modest fee you will get an unparalled view of the city and have fun too. Go toward Georgetown and paddle under the Key Bridge. Turn around and head back while enjoying the view of the Washington Monument and the Kennedy Center. Nice to do in late afternoon when everyone else is stuck in traffic.

The best ice cream (gelato)in this part of town is in the National Gallery indoor restaurant espresso bar which is underground between the East and West wing.

Most of the major museums and monuments are along the Mall area and are accessible by bike.

Have a nice visit!
like_2travel is offline  
Old May 12th, 2007, 09:00 AM
  #5  
Original Poster
 
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 61
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Thanks for all of your responses.
The websites are very useful indeed.
I´m sure we will have fun...
Best wishes!
orionve is offline  
Old May 13th, 2007, 06:16 PM
  #6  
 
Join Date: May 2004
Posts: 1,549
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
You can rent bikes from a concessionaire at the Old Post Office Pavillion at 12th & Pennsylvania Ave., NW. The concessionaire is behind on the basement level.

Enjoy DC!
FauxSteMarie is offline  
Related Topics
Thread
Original Poster
Forum
Replies
Last Post
tuxedoKEY
United States
20
Jul 25th, 2010 02:54 PM
willis
United States
4
Jun 25th, 2009 08:28 AM
Liesl
United States
12
Jan 13th, 2009 03:12 PM
Keith
United States
4
Oct 30th, 2007 01:41 PM
Canders
United States
12
Feb 20th, 2004 11:10 AM

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is On
Trackbacks are Off
Pingbacks are Off
Refbacks are On



Contact Us - Manage Preferences - Archive - Advertising - Cookie Policy - Privacy Statement - Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information -