solo travel to D.C.
Jan 23rd, 2013, 04:29 PM
#41
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I travel to DC on a semi-regular basis for work and am often by myself for dinner or part of the day - sometimes for much of the trip. I never have a car unless I have to have one for leaving DC - always on the Metro. I am out by myself after dark too and never had a problem. One of the things that I love about DC is that so much of life happens on the streets - 10 pm and there are plenty of people out.
Jan 23rd, 2013, 04:52 PM
#42
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While you're in town, LisaGay, the National Geographic will have a free photo exhibit, "National Geographic Greatest Photographs of the American West: Capturing 125 Years of Majesty, Spirit, and Adventure". More information here http://events.nationalgeographic.com...american-west/
With entry to the museum, FEE $8, you can also see "Birds of Paradise: Amazing Avian Evolution" http://events.nationalgeographic.com...irds-paradise/
I also second the Botanic Gardens, and any / all of the Smithsonian museums / zoo / galleries http://www.si.edu/Visit/Hours
Two things to be aware of while you visit:
1) The temperature is variable! Three days ago it was 60F; yesterday it was 22F. Metro stations and even underground transfers are pretty much open-air - the wind might be the worst thing if the temperature is low. Museum and public building temperatures are pretty variable, too, big rooms, high ceilings, the doors opening a lot...
2) I haven't been in a couple of years, but there were metal detectors and guards wanding you and checking bags at most museum entrances then. I don't think anything was prohibited at the museums except weapons and the queues moved pretty fast. If you get to the White House it will be very strict - no umbrellas, phones, backpacks, purses, cameras, etc.
I hope you enjoy your visit!
With entry to the museum, FEE $8, you can also see "Birds of Paradise: Amazing Avian Evolution" http://events.nationalgeographic.com...irds-paradise/
I also second the Botanic Gardens, and any / all of the Smithsonian museums / zoo / galleries http://www.si.edu/Visit/Hours
Two things to be aware of while you visit:
1) The temperature is variable! Three days ago it was 60F; yesterday it was 22F. Metro stations and even underground transfers are pretty much open-air - the wind might be the worst thing if the temperature is low. Museum and public building temperatures are pretty variable, too, big rooms, high ceilings, the doors opening a lot...
2) I haven't been in a couple of years, but there were metal detectors and guards wanding you and checking bags at most museum entrances then. I don't think anything was prohibited at the museums except weapons and the queues moved pretty fast. If you get to the White House it will be very strict - no umbrellas, phones, backpacks, purses, cameras, etc.
I hope you enjoy your visit!
Jan 26th, 2013, 11:00 AM
#43
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We went this past summer. What was confusing is that different venues had different rules.
At the Smithsonian museums, we weren't allowed to bring in food or regular drinks, but water was allowed. Water was important because we were there during a heat wave. Many people misunderstood this rule and left their water bottles at the door along with coke bottles etc. It was odd to me, these huge piles of recyclables all over the ground. Some people I did see sneak food past the guards. I think if you keep it in your pack and eat it in their cafe, they won't say anything.
Security was much more intense at government buildings--Capitol Hill, Library of Congress. There, you do have to throw away all drinks, including empty plastic water bottles. If you have a nice, empty, camelbak bottle, they 'might' let you keep it in your backpack. For my Capitol tour, I unknowingly got in line behind a person who must have taken every snack pack of jelly, butter and saltines, from her local Denny's. That guard went through each and every zippered section of her bags. It took FOREVER.
Archives they did a moderate check of bags, but said if you had a phone or camera out they would fine you $600. The guard was an imposing guy and he announced it in a loud voice. He said he didn't care if you were actually taking pictures or not. If it was out, you would be fined.
As Sumiyah mentioned, White House security is a league of its own. Also worth noting is that there's nowhere to leave stuff until you are done with your tour.
At the Smithsonian museums, we weren't allowed to bring in food or regular drinks, but water was allowed. Water was important because we were there during a heat wave. Many people misunderstood this rule and left their water bottles at the door along with coke bottles etc. It was odd to me, these huge piles of recyclables all over the ground. Some people I did see sneak food past the guards. I think if you keep it in your pack and eat it in their cafe, they won't say anything.
Security was much more intense at government buildings--Capitol Hill, Library of Congress. There, you do have to throw away all drinks, including empty plastic water bottles. If you have a nice, empty, camelbak bottle, they 'might' let you keep it in your backpack. For my Capitol tour, I unknowingly got in line behind a person who must have taken every snack pack of jelly, butter and saltines, from her local Denny's. That guard went through each and every zippered section of her bags. It took FOREVER.
Archives they did a moderate check of bags, but said if you had a phone or camera out they would fine you $600. The guard was an imposing guy and he announced it in a loud voice. He said he didn't care if you were actually taking pictures or not. If it was out, you would be fined.
As Sumiyah mentioned, White House security is a league of its own. Also worth noting is that there's nowhere to leave stuff until you are done with your tour.
Jan 30th, 2013, 11:42 AM
#45
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Lisa--it's not the same as hanging out on a beach, but you definitely will have fun. They key is not to get too attached to the checklist of "must-see" sites. Also, if you get museumed out, go on a boat ride of the Potomac, or do something that is totally different.
Jan 31st, 2013, 09:20 AM
#47
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It's not seeing things that's overwhelming, it's figuring out HOW to get around. I've never been on a subway or hailed a taxi or ridden many city buses for that matter. I'm trying to educate myself in a hurry how to do these things. I've realized that every time I've visited the big cities I've been driving, it's not traffic that bothers me, it's the independence and safety that comes with my wheels...go figure
Jan 31st, 2013, 09:40 AM
#48
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lisa, there's not much you can do in advance -- you'll get a feel for it once you're "on the ground". The hardest part is buying the ticket, using the system and the ticket gates is easy. Just remember you have to put your ticket in the slot at both the beginning and end of your trip.
Jan 31st, 2013, 11:52 AM
#49
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Take it one step at a time. Get to your hotel, then plot where you're going for dinner. The next day, plot your first destination, enjoy it, then plot the next one. If you're able and weather permits, you can always just walk, which may feel more manageable. As long as you have a map (paper, electronic, whatever works for you) and some money, you can figure it out. Yes, you can 
I totally understand finding a car more secure. When a friend of mine moved to DC a few years ago, he swore he'd never take the Metro or a bus, that they couldn't be easier or safer than a car. A car was just what he was used to. Being a former Washingtonian, I tried to tell him, but he had to see for himself. He became a big fan of the Metro system within a week--really.
I totally understand finding a car more secure. When a friend of mine moved to DC a few years ago, he swore he'd never take the Metro or a bus, that they couldn't be easier or safer than a car. A car was just what he was used to. Being a former Washingtonian, I tried to tell him, but he had to see for himself. He became a big fan of the Metro system within a week--really.
Jan 31st, 2013, 12:31 PM
#50
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Lisa, On my first trip to DC I was a bit out of sorts also. Once you get there and see the Metro you will see that it is much easier than you think. the only advanced planning you can do is to get a Metro map. You can get them at the Metro website or mine was on the back of my city map. For your first trip, make sure that it is not rush hour and take your time. I always stepped to the right and let the faster moving people pass me. Afterall, I was on vacation and if I had to wait 5 minutes for the next train, oh well. The worst thing that can happen is that you get on the wrong line going the wrong way. On my last trip I did this 3 times on my way to Arlington. It is easily corrected by walking across the platform to the other side and going in the opposite direction. Just do not go up through the turnstile if you need to correct your direction. By day 2 you will wish that your city had a Metro system.
Jan 31st, 2013, 06:59 PM
#51
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Lisa,
I see what you're saying now. I was fortunate in that my high school friends got me riding the city bus downtown, and then when I went away to college we looked to the older kids for help with our first trips into the city. But, you are not too old to start!
I checked the King Street Metro station which is where you said was near your hotel. All of the hotels ringing it are full-service hotels. So whichever one you have chosen, it should have a concierge or at least a knowledgeable staff member who can help you. Stop by there the afternoon you get in, and ask for help on which trains and buses you will be taking. They are there to help you. A tip is nice when they spend a lot of time with you.
I see what you're saying now. I was fortunate in that my high school friends got me riding the city bus downtown, and then when I went away to college we looked to the older kids for help with our first trips into the city. But, you are not too old to start!
I checked the King Street Metro station which is where you said was near your hotel. All of the hotels ringing it are full-service hotels. So whichever one you have chosen, it should have a concierge or at least a knowledgeable staff member who can help you. Stop by there the afternoon you get in, and ask for help on which trains and buses you will be taking. They are there to help you. A tip is nice when they spend a lot of time with you.
Jan 31st, 2013, 10:49 PM
#52
Use the mtetro site to,help plan your trip and get better understanding of the various metro lines
http://www.wmata.com/rider_tools/tri..._form_solo.cfm. It will really help you. If you need help buying your tickets speak to the stationmaster. They are usually very helpful. And if you do go during rush hours, feel happy you are in vacation and not having to rush around like the people dashing off to work. Have a great trip!
http://www.wmata.com/rider_tools/tri..._form_solo.cfm. It will really help you. If you need help buying your tickets speak to the stationmaster. They are usually very helpful. And if you do go during rush hours, feel happy you are in vacation and not having to rush around like the people dashing off to work. Have a great trip!
