Help with Washington DC Itinerary
Sep 28th, 2006, 03:11 PM
#1
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Help with Washington DC Itinerary
We will be in DC for 3 days with our two boys ages 10 and 13. We have narrowed it down to the things we want to see, but not knowing the area, I need help on what to do each day as to what is near each other and doable. will we be able to fit all this in, plus we have tickets to the National's game on saturday night. Do you think all this is possible, and if not, what would you eliminate. Please help!
We will be there Sat, Sun and Mon
Bureau of Engraving (open Monday only - need tickets by 8:00 am)
Fords Theatre
thomas Jefferson Memorial
WWII Memorial
FDE Memorial
Korean War Veterans
Vietnams Veterna
Old Post Office
White House Visitor Center
Washington Monument (tickets by 8:30 am)
Lincoln Memorial
Tour of Capitol (Saturday)
Air and Space
Natural History
National Zoo
National Portrait
National Archives
Arlington Cemetery
National Cathedral
National Aquarium
We will be there Sat, Sun and Mon
Bureau of Engraving (open Monday only - need tickets by 8:00 am)
Fords Theatre
thomas Jefferson Memorial
WWII Memorial
FDE Memorial
Korean War Veterans
Vietnams Veterna
Old Post Office
White House Visitor Center
Washington Monument (tickets by 8:30 am)
Lincoln Memorial
Tour of Capitol (Saturday)
Air and Space
Natural History
National Zoo
National Portrait
National Archives
Arlington Cemetery
National Cathedral
National Aquarium
Sep 28th, 2006, 04:08 PM
#4
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First off , yes it can all be done with planning --
if you "really" want to go to the White House - obtain a visitor pass ahead of time from a Senator or Congressional Representative -- the wait the day of your visit will be just as long, however, without the pass you see 3 rooms with the pass I think it is up to 6 rooms -- the actual tour is very fast-- you can plan to be in and out within 15 minutes -- the wait however, several hours. (you need to ask, do I want to wait?)
Also, you do not mention the Holocaust Museum which is next to the Bureau of Engraving and Printing - if this is an option, the museum is free and you can obtain an entry pass (minimal charge on line) which gives you control over the day --
if you give up the White House - you can do in one morning:
Washington Monument
Bureau of Engraving
Holocaust
in the afternoon head towards the Smithsonian
Keep in mind the view from the Old Post Office is as good as the view to the Washington Monument and with less then half the wait time. SO another option is :
Old Post Office
National Museum - americana exhibits, TV & Radio Exhibits, The First Ladies Gowns etc...
Natural History - Science
(you can cross the street at t his point and fit in the Archives)
National Portrait
Air and Space
(Go to the Web site for the Smithsonian - you can print out the layouts - you probably won't want to see everything in each museum)
another option is to combine the Air & Space with the Tour of Capitol (Saturday - library of congress tour & either Library of Congress or Indian Museum - both a close walk
the : Vietnams Veterans
Lincoln Memorial and
Korean War Veterans Memorials are breathtaking at night -- eat dinner and plan on more walking -- the boys will really love the Korean Memorial at Night!
as for the WWII Memorial -- as a structure, not much to be overwhelmed with -- the sentiment is what it stands for --
the thomas Jefferson Memorial and FDR Memorial can also be viewed at night -- oposite end of the mall from where the Lincoln Memorial is --
as for :Arlington Cemetery - all tours are escorted, and it is directly on the Metro -- impressive to see the Unknown Soldiers Graves and of course the eternal flame at JFK's gravesite -- Save towards then end of a day --
The National Cathedral is a hike - it is beautiful and the boys may be interested in seeing the moon rock in the stain glass windows -- however if they go to Air & Space they will also see moon rocks --
National Aquarium - nothing here so unusual that you would not find in another aquarium -- the National Zoo at least has the Panda -- also on a subway -- but do you want to give up half a day for this --???
Part of the planning will be coordinated with the location of your hotel -- however if you think of what you want to do and divide the time up between morning, afternoon and night time you can make it happen.
Enjoy the game!
if you "really" want to go to the White House - obtain a visitor pass ahead of time from a Senator or Congressional Representative -- the wait the day of your visit will be just as long, however, without the pass you see 3 rooms with the pass I think it is up to 6 rooms -- the actual tour is very fast-- you can plan to be in and out within 15 minutes -- the wait however, several hours. (you need to ask, do I want to wait?)
Also, you do not mention the Holocaust Museum which is next to the Bureau of Engraving and Printing - if this is an option, the museum is free and you can obtain an entry pass (minimal charge on line) which gives you control over the day --
if you give up the White House - you can do in one morning:
Washington Monument
Bureau of Engraving
Holocaust
in the afternoon head towards the Smithsonian
Keep in mind the view from the Old Post Office is as good as the view to the Washington Monument and with less then half the wait time. SO another option is :
Old Post Office
National Museum - americana exhibits, TV & Radio Exhibits, The First Ladies Gowns etc...
Natural History - Science
(you can cross the street at t his point and fit in the Archives)
National Portrait
Air and Space
(Go to the Web site for the Smithsonian - you can print out the layouts - you probably won't want to see everything in each museum)
another option is to combine the Air & Space with the Tour of Capitol (Saturday - library of congress tour & either Library of Congress or Indian Museum - both a close walk
the : Vietnams Veterans
Lincoln Memorial and
Korean War Veterans Memorials are breathtaking at night -- eat dinner and plan on more walking -- the boys will really love the Korean Memorial at Night!
as for the WWII Memorial -- as a structure, not much to be overwhelmed with -- the sentiment is what it stands for --
the thomas Jefferson Memorial and FDR Memorial can also be viewed at night -- oposite end of the mall from where the Lincoln Memorial is --
as for :Arlington Cemetery - all tours are escorted, and it is directly on the Metro -- impressive to see the Unknown Soldiers Graves and of course the eternal flame at JFK's gravesite -- Save towards then end of a day --
The National Cathedral is a hike - it is beautiful and the boys may be interested in seeing the moon rock in the stain glass windows -- however if they go to Air & Space they will also see moon rocks --
National Aquarium - nothing here so unusual that you would not find in another aquarium -- the National Zoo at least has the Panda -- also on a subway -- but do you want to give up half a day for this --???
Part of the planning will be coordinated with the location of your hotel -- however if you think of what you want to do and divide the time up between morning, afternoon and night time you can make it happen.
Enjoy the game!
Sep 28th, 2006, 04:21 PM
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gapper -
I recently posted a trip report to DC with our 3 boys ages 11, 13 and 17 - click on my name and it should be listed. It might help you. I also posted a reply to your question about restaurants in DC with kids.
I'm happy to answer any other questions you have - but please read my trip report first!
I recently posted a trip report to DC with our 3 boys ages 11, 13 and 17 - click on my name and it should be listed. It might help you. I also posted a reply to your question about restaurants in DC with kids.
I'm happy to answer any other questions you have - but please read my trip report first!
Sep 28th, 2006, 04:45 PM
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"National Museum - americana exhibits, TV & Radio Exhibits, The First Ladies Gowns etc..."
The Smithsonian's museum of American History is closed for renovations. I know the boys will be heartbroken to miss those First Ladies gowns, but perhaps they'll get another chance in the future.
All the places on hte original list are ertainly worht seeing (well, with the exception of the aquarium) but if you try to cam everything into 3 days, your boys' main memory of DC will be forced marches within and between these places.
The Smithsonian's museum of American History is closed for renovations. I know the boys will be heartbroken to miss those First Ladies gowns, but perhaps they'll get another chance in the future.
All the places on hte original list are ertainly worht seeing (well, with the exception of the aquarium) but if you try to cam everything into 3 days, your boys' main memory of DC will be forced marches within and between these places.
Sep 28th, 2006, 05:39 PM
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Thomas Jefferson Memorial; WWII Memorial;FDR Memorial;Korean War Veterans;Vietnams Memorial;Lincoln Memorial
All the above are within close (?) walking distance...allow at least 2 hours to walk this path...TJM to FDR to KWM to WWII Mem to Vietnam to Lincoln.
Allow another afternoon to explore Smithsonian Museums on other end of Mall...two museums maximum. I predict your hubby and son could spend the whole time in Air and Space.
You could take the tourmobile (http://www.tourmobile.com/index.php) which will help with transportation and expedite your sightseeing.
See this page for a suggested family tour: http://www.tourmobile.com/tours_family.php
One of Tourmobile pages gives a good map for reference as to locations when sequencing sites, but it does not give you a realistic representation of just how far apart all those places are. Make sure everyone has good comfortable (not new) walking shoes.
Traveling with males of this age, I would eliminate the zoo, cathedral, portrait gallery, archives and maybe the old post office. The aquarium is in Baltimore so do it on another trip...an all day trip.
All the above are within close (?) walking distance...allow at least 2 hours to walk this path...TJM to FDR to KWM to WWII Mem to Vietnam to Lincoln.
Allow another afternoon to explore Smithsonian Museums on other end of Mall...two museums maximum. I predict your hubby and son could spend the whole time in Air and Space.
You could take the tourmobile (http://www.tourmobile.com/index.php) which will help with transportation and expedite your sightseeing.
See this page for a suggested family tour: http://www.tourmobile.com/tours_family.php
One of Tourmobile pages gives a good map for reference as to locations when sequencing sites, but it does not give you a realistic representation of just how far apart all those places are. Make sure everyone has good comfortable (not new) walking shoes.
Traveling with males of this age, I would eliminate the zoo, cathedral, portrait gallery, archives and maybe the old post office. The aquarium is in Baltimore so do it on another trip...an all day trip.
Sep 29th, 2006, 04:57 AM
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I think gapper is talking about the Natl. Aquarium in D.C., not the one in Baltimore.
this one:
http://www.nationalaquarium.com/
It is not worth the time with only 3 days.
this one:
http://www.nationalaquarium.com/
It is not worth the time with only 3 days.
Sep 29th, 2006, 05:22 AM
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gapper,
It can be done. Here is one very efficient solution:
Saturday (in order):
Get Washington Monument tickets then taxi to Supreme Court
Library of Congress (walk)
walk to Tour of Capitol (Saturday - WHAT TIME?)
Lunch at one of Congressional cafeterias walk to
Air and Space Museum (4 hours)
Walk north of Penn Ave. along 7th street for lots of dinner options (7th between E st. and H st.)
Sunday (in order):
Metro to National Zoo (ARRIVE BY 8AM!!!)
Picnic Lunch or lunch outside zoo at a cafe on Conn. Ave. or (if you must) lunch at restaurant by the lions/tigers.
Metro to:
National Archives and then walk to
National Portrait Gallery
taxi or bus to/from National Cathedral
Lots of dinner options close to either Portrait Gallery or Nat'l Cathedral
Monday (in order):
Taxi to Thomas Jefferson Memorial
FDR Memorial (walk)
Korean War Veterans (walk)
Lincoln Memorial (walk)
Vietnams Veterans Memorial (walk)
Walk to 17th & Penn. Ave area for LUNCH
LUNCH CLOSE TO WHITE HOUSE
Walk around Lafayette Square and look at White House (outside only).
Walk around to back of White House after lunch (looking toward Washington Monument). Then head to:
WWII Memorial
Taxi to Arlington Cemetery
Metro to Old Post Office
Fords Theatre
Dinner close to Fords Theater (lots of choices)
Natural History Museum is CLOSED UNTIL 2008
SKIP The National Aquarium - NOT WORTH IT (though the one in Baltimore is - but it takes a full day trip)
Monday lunch suggestion (close to White House):
http://www.thebreadlinedc.blogspot.com/
And, again, go to Zoo early as possible in the day!
It can be done. Here is one very efficient solution:
Saturday (in order):
Get Washington Monument tickets then taxi to Supreme Court
Library of Congress (walk)
walk to Tour of Capitol (Saturday - WHAT TIME?)
Lunch at one of Congressional cafeterias walk to
Air and Space Museum (4 hours)
Walk north of Penn Ave. along 7th street for lots of dinner options (7th between E st. and H st.)
Sunday (in order):
Metro to National Zoo (ARRIVE BY 8AM!!!)
Picnic Lunch or lunch outside zoo at a cafe on Conn. Ave. or (if you must) lunch at restaurant by the lions/tigers.
Metro to:
National Archives and then walk to
National Portrait Gallery
taxi or bus to/from National Cathedral
Lots of dinner options close to either Portrait Gallery or Nat'l Cathedral
Monday (in order):
Taxi to Thomas Jefferson Memorial
FDR Memorial (walk)
Korean War Veterans (walk)
Lincoln Memorial (walk)
Vietnams Veterans Memorial (walk)
Walk to 17th & Penn. Ave area for LUNCH
LUNCH CLOSE TO WHITE HOUSE
Walk around Lafayette Square and look at White House (outside only).
Walk around to back of White House after lunch (looking toward Washington Monument). Then head to:
WWII Memorial
Taxi to Arlington Cemetery
Metro to Old Post Office
Fords Theatre
Dinner close to Fords Theater (lots of choices)
Natural History Museum is CLOSED UNTIL 2008
SKIP The National Aquarium - NOT WORTH IT (though the one in Baltimore is - but it takes a full day trip)
Monday lunch suggestion (close to White House):
http://www.thebreadlinedc.blogspot.com/
And, again, go to Zoo early as possible in the day!
Sep 29th, 2006, 08:40 AM
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Just to clarify for all, there are 2 Smithsonian museums with names that are similar and that people tend to confuse.
1) National Musuem of Natural History
2) National Museum of American History
It is the National Museum of American History (#2) that is closed for renovation until 2008. There are select, most popular exhibits from this museum that will be temporarily on display at the National Air & Space Museum starting in November 2006
1) National Musuem of Natural History
2) National Museum of American History
It is the National Museum of American History (#2) that is closed for renovation until 2008. There are select, most popular exhibits from this museum that will be temporarily on display at the National Air & Space Museum starting in November 2006
Sep 30th, 2006, 08:24 AM
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Gapper, I've been thinking about your situation because we have 9-yo boy and make frequent sightseeing trips to DC. I think Anonymous is right about trying to fit too many things into a 3-day trip. Everything on your list is worthwhile (except maybe the Aquarium), but don't be disappointed if you don't have time to see it all.
You know what your own family would find most interesting, but one part I wouldn't skip is a walk around the memorials. Start at the Washington Monument, walk to the WWII Memorial and up the right side of the reflecting pool to the Lincoln Memorial. You could keep walking around the Tidal Basin to see the Jefferson Monument and FDR Memorial, but it's a long walk for kids. I suggest saving the Jeff Mem for another trip or taking a taxi to see it.
The other things I wouldn't skip are the Capitol Building, the Air & Space Museum, The Museum of Natural History, and the National Archives.
You may already know it, but the White House Visitor's Center is not actually at the White House. It is in the Commerce Building on the next block. You'll need to walk quite a bit further to see the famous front view of the White House.
If your boys want a break from museums and memorials, you could take the metro to Georgetown and rent bikes for a ride on the C&O Canal towpath. October is a beautiful time of year in the Washington area.
I hope you have a great trip. Please write a trip report and let us know how your trip went.
You know what your own family would find most interesting, but one part I wouldn't skip is a walk around the memorials. Start at the Washington Monument, walk to the WWII Memorial and up the right side of the reflecting pool to the Lincoln Memorial. You could keep walking around the Tidal Basin to see the Jefferson Monument and FDR Memorial, but it's a long walk for kids. I suggest saving the Jeff Mem for another trip or taking a taxi to see it.
The other things I wouldn't skip are the Capitol Building, the Air & Space Museum, The Museum of Natural History, and the National Archives.
You may already know it, but the White House Visitor's Center is not actually at the White House. It is in the Commerce Building on the next block. You'll need to walk quite a bit further to see the famous front view of the White House.
If your boys want a break from museums and memorials, you could take the metro to Georgetown and rent bikes for a ride on the C&O Canal towpath. October is a beautiful time of year in the Washington area.
I hope you have a great trip. Please write a trip report and let us know how your trip went.
Sep 30th, 2006, 09:34 AM
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One other thing - If you are staying at the Hay-Adams, you will have a great view of the White House. I would skip the WH Visitors Center altogether. Your boys may get a kick out of riding the Metro. Instead of walking a 1/2 mile or so to the Mall, I suggest starting your day by taking the Metro from the McPherson Sq station to the Smithsonian station.
Oct 4th, 2006, 08:43 AM
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We are heading to DC this weekend for the Army 10-miler... we are taking along 4 kiddos ages 11-14! Anyway, I am from DC and your list sounds pretty awesome.
I would eliminate the following considering your time schedule and your boys ages:
Old Post Office - really in my opionon just an eatery these days, not too much to see/do there.
National Portrait Gallery - truly just portraits... to have the "art experience" go to National Gallery, both wings. Don't miss the gallery stores - great prints and posters for really cheap prices. East wing is a very "cool" building that I think your boys will enjoy - there is a waterfall downstairs by the bookstore/cafe.
National Aquarium - Not much to see here if it is the one in the basement of Department of Agriculture.
National Cathedral - again, if you want to keep your boys entertained, take this off your list. It is a beautiful catherdral though.
Fords Theater - a neat thing to do, but for all that you have planned, I'd save this for another visit.
Don't miss:
Washington Monument - You can get tickets to the Wash. Monument online - www.reservation.nps.gov. They are $1.50 each or you can get free first thing each morning by 8:30 - they go quickly and you are limited to the time slot available... I just checked and there are some still avail. online Friday, Sunday and Monday - none on Saturday. With the online option you can pick your time and work from there. Also you may want to do the latest time slot and then you can do other outdoor sightseeing - you'll be close to war memorials and Lincoln Memorial from here.
Lincoln and Jefferson Memorials - these are very cool to do later closer to dark. It's just a neat experience to see them at nighttime and the crowds do thin out later - this will also allow time to get through museums which close up a lot earlier. Also, rangers are around until pretty late to answer your questions.
WWII, Vietnam, Korean Memorials - these are all beautiful tributes and should not be missed. Again - doing them later is a neat experience. The Vietnam veterans memorial is quite humbling and overwhelming, you will see a lot of remembrances there. The WWII memorial is amazing - we always end of spending a lot of time at both. When at the Vietnam Memorial, don't miss the Service men's statue and the Women's memorial which are close by.
Smithsonial Museums - Where do I begin!! Be sure to grab maps when you enter each museum to figure out what you want to do and see because there is so much to do and see! Don't forget they are only open until 5:30. Okay, don't miss:
Air and Space
Natural History
American Indian (very new and I thought very cool - also right next door is the Botanical Gardens, they are beautiful and it's free)
The Castle - across the Mall and a really cool building.
Again, the art galleries, east and west wing buldings
American History closed last month for renovations.
Archives - not to be missed, it's quick to get in and out and a really neat experience.
White house and Capital are great if you have tours lined up I'd definitely do.
Bureau of Engraving - my kids love this place.
Arlington Cemetary - if you have time, be sure to go for the Tomb of the Unknowns - a very moving experience. They are only open until 5 p.m this time of the year, I'd go first thing in the morning for this stop.
The zoo - we love the zoo, it's a very favorite of ours. If time allows we always go! Take the metro to this one. Parking is a little limited and pricey too. Park is open until 8 p.m. buildings until 6 p.m.
I would suggest one additional stop and only because you have boys in tow - The Spy Museum. I've never been, but it sounds pretty neat - they have a website - spymuseum.org - it's near the gallery place metro stop down town (don't forget to go for a metro ride too!!!).
I just have to mention with the exception of buying your wash. monument tickets online, parking, metro if you choose, and the spy museum - everything listed here is free. That is so amazing to me. Have fun and I hope this helps!
I would eliminate the following considering your time schedule and your boys ages:
Old Post Office - really in my opionon just an eatery these days, not too much to see/do there.
National Portrait Gallery - truly just portraits... to have the "art experience" go to National Gallery, both wings. Don't miss the gallery stores - great prints and posters for really cheap prices. East wing is a very "cool" building that I think your boys will enjoy - there is a waterfall downstairs by the bookstore/cafe.
National Aquarium - Not much to see here if it is the one in the basement of Department of Agriculture.
National Cathedral - again, if you want to keep your boys entertained, take this off your list. It is a beautiful catherdral though.
Fords Theater - a neat thing to do, but for all that you have planned, I'd save this for another visit.
Don't miss:
Washington Monument - You can get tickets to the Wash. Monument online - www.reservation.nps.gov. They are $1.50 each or you can get free first thing each morning by 8:30 - they go quickly and you are limited to the time slot available... I just checked and there are some still avail. online Friday, Sunday and Monday - none on Saturday. With the online option you can pick your time and work from there. Also you may want to do the latest time slot and then you can do other outdoor sightseeing - you'll be close to war memorials and Lincoln Memorial from here.
Lincoln and Jefferson Memorials - these are very cool to do later closer to dark. It's just a neat experience to see them at nighttime and the crowds do thin out later - this will also allow time to get through museums which close up a lot earlier. Also, rangers are around until pretty late to answer your questions.
WWII, Vietnam, Korean Memorials - these are all beautiful tributes and should not be missed. Again - doing them later is a neat experience. The Vietnam veterans memorial is quite humbling and overwhelming, you will see a lot of remembrances there. The WWII memorial is amazing - we always end of spending a lot of time at both. When at the Vietnam Memorial, don't miss the Service men's statue and the Women's memorial which are close by.
Smithsonial Museums - Where do I begin!! Be sure to grab maps when you enter each museum to figure out what you want to do and see because there is so much to do and see! Don't forget they are only open until 5:30. Okay, don't miss:
Air and Space
Natural History
American Indian (very new and I thought very cool - also right next door is the Botanical Gardens, they are beautiful and it's free)
The Castle - across the Mall and a really cool building.
Again, the art galleries, east and west wing buldings
American History closed last month for renovations.
Archives - not to be missed, it's quick to get in and out and a really neat experience.
White house and Capital are great if you have tours lined up I'd definitely do.
Bureau of Engraving - my kids love this place.
Arlington Cemetary - if you have time, be sure to go for the Tomb of the Unknowns - a very moving experience. They are only open until 5 p.m this time of the year, I'd go first thing in the morning for this stop.
The zoo - we love the zoo, it's a very favorite of ours. If time allows we always go! Take the metro to this one. Parking is a little limited and pricey too. Park is open until 8 p.m. buildings until 6 p.m.
I would suggest one additional stop and only because you have boys in tow - The Spy Museum. I've never been, but it sounds pretty neat - they have a website - spymuseum.org - it's near the gallery place metro stop down town (don't forget to go for a metro ride too!!!).
I just have to mention with the exception of buying your wash. monument tickets online, parking, metro if you choose, and the spy museum - everything listed here is free. That is so amazing to me. Have fun and I hope this helps!
