Transportation to memorials from airport
 

Any suggestions for transportation from Ronald Reagan to downtown in the area around the memorials? Not familiar at all with train or subway service there.

The subway/Metro has a stop right at National Airport that will take you downtown to any memorial you want. If you have luggage, however, it's a little more of a hassle.

I know the cherry blossoms are a crapshoot based on weather, but does anyone know what the chances are of there still being blossoms on 4/19 which is a week after the festival/parade? We are going to extend a layover and make a quick trip downtown if there might still be an opportunity to see them. I guess the question is how broad is the window?

I'd say there will be almost no blossoms remaining as late as April 19, because the peak blossoming is usually around April 3.


The National Park Service issues its predictions for blooming season and peak dates each year. This year's are not up yet, but should be within a week or so -- watch this site:

http://www.nps.gov/nama/planyourvisi...ssom-bloom.htm

trg,

So.. this is an "airport layover" trip? How long do you have? If it's only 2 hours, then I suggest you take a taxi. Have them drive you around to see the Jefferson, Lincoln, Capitol, White House (H st. side) and maybe park while you hop out to see the Roosevelt, WWII, and Vietnam Memorial. The whole thing will cost about $50-$75, depending on length. Money very well spent to maximize your very limited time.

If you have a little more time, then a cheaper option is to Metro to the Smithsonian Metro station. Then walk west on Independence Ave to the Jefferson, then Roosevelt, Lincoln, Vietnam Memorial, White House. Hop on the Metro at Farragut West (17th St. side) for the return trip to Reagan airport.

Not really a layover, we are just going to delay our next flight a day. We should be at the mall by noon and will have all day, flying out the next day.

FWIW, the monuments are best seen at night!

You can do a lot by Metro -- here's a REALLY helpful map -- you can zoom in on it to see the neighborhoods around/between the stops: http://www.wmata.com/maps/metrorail_street_map.cfm

In that case you are fine. Take Metro. Consider starting with lunch. There are no places to eat near the memorials save the gross hot dogs from the streetside carts.

You could start at Farragut West and lunch at Breadline (M-F only) close to the White House - http://thebreadlinedc.blogspot.com/

Or spluge for an exquisite lunch at Cafe du Parc (Metro to the Federal Triangle or Metro Center station) - http://www.cafeduparc.com/

Or pack a picnic to enjoy at any of the park areas near the meomorials.
The lake about 500 feet west of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial is a particularly nice picnic spot.

The lake about is 500 feet <b>EAST</b> of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial. Sorry.