Washington D.C. long layover: Finalizing plans
Dec 26th, 2006, 11:19 AM
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Washington D.C. long layover: Finalizing plans
It is almost time for my trip to Bermuda with a long layover in D.C. I have checked several musuems/monuments to see if they are open on New Years Day. Here are my top picks that are open. Could someone please let me know if they are all doable from 8:45-3:10 (with time to return to the National airport)and what order I should do them in? Can I do all of them on the Metro? If I have too much (which I probably do), let me know what you think I should skip. Thanks!
1. Holocaust Museum
2. Washington Monument
3. Lincoln Memorial
4. National Archives
5. Arlington Cemetary
6. Ford's Theater
1. Holocaust Museum
2. Washington Monument
3. Lincoln Memorial
4. National Archives
5. Arlington Cemetary
6. Ford's Theater
Dec 26th, 2006, 11:36 AM
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You'll need to head back to the airport shortly after 1:00 because Jan. 1 should be a very busy travel day. You'll have only four hours so I think you should pick two sites to get full value from your visits.
If you can get a very early time for the Holocaust Museum, go there first and allow three hours, then add the nearby Washington Monument if there's time.
Or Arlington (take Metro to the cemetery and the tourmoblie inside the grounds), then walk to Lincoln and taxi back to DCA.
With either of these two choices, which are not convenient to restaurants, have lunch at the airport.
Another pair would be the National Archives (Archives metro station) and Ford's Theater (Metro Center). With this choice you could probably fit in lunch at one of the many restaurants in the Gallery Place area.
Whatever you decide, you could elect to taxi back to the airport and ask the driver to swing past some of the other sights for a quick look. This would add a few dollars to your fare (based on mileage when crossing the Potomac, though there's a fixed zone system in DC.)
If you can get a very early time for the Holocaust Museum, go there first and allow three hours, then add the nearby Washington Monument if there's time.
Or Arlington (take Metro to the cemetery and the tourmoblie inside the grounds), then walk to Lincoln and taxi back to DCA.
With either of these two choices, which are not convenient to restaurants, have lunch at the airport.
Another pair would be the National Archives (Archives metro station) and Ford's Theater (Metro Center). With this choice you could probably fit in lunch at one of the many restaurants in the Gallery Place area.
Whatever you decide, you could elect to taxi back to the airport and ask the driver to swing past some of the other sights for a quick look. This would add a few dollars to your fare (based on mileage when crossing the Potomac, though there's a fixed zone system in DC.)
Dec 26th, 2006, 11:44 AM
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I don't think you can do all of these.
I think you have to have advance tickets for the Holocause Museum. It's a guided tour at a specific time. So I'd scratch that one.
Maybe you could see the Washington Monument, the Lincoln Memorial and National Archives. Provding there is no line at National Archives. I don't know if it's open New Years Day or not.
Ford's Theater isn't easy to get to. It's not real close to anything else on your list. I'd scratch that.
Arlington Cemetary is very doable. It's on the same Metro line as Reagan. One time I checked my bags at the airport and then left and went to Arlington Cemetary.
I think you have to have advance tickets for the Holocause Museum. It's a guided tour at a specific time. So I'd scratch that one.
Maybe you could see the Washington Monument, the Lincoln Memorial and National Archives. Provding there is no line at National Archives. I don't know if it's open New Years Day or not.
Ford's Theater isn't easy to get to. It's not real close to anything else on your list. I'd scratch that.
Arlington Cemetary is very doable. It's on the same Metro line as Reagan. One time I checked my bags at the airport and then left and went to Arlington Cemetary.
Dec 26th, 2006, 12:15 PM
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I went to the Holocaust Museum website and the earliest ticket time is 11:00 so I think I will skip that. I will also skip the Ford Theater. So is the rest doable? Can you tell me the best order, Metro stop name, and the amount of time to spend at each approximately. Also, how far is the first stop from the airport. I like the idea of taking a taxi back to the airport and driving by some of the sites (maybe the White House?). Thanks again!
Dec 26th, 2006, 12:22 PM
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I'm not familiar enough with Metro stops and names to give you names of stops.
Take the Metro to the stop closest to the National Mall. You'll be able to see the Washington Monument. You don't need to walk to it as there isn't much more to see close up. Before you go look at Smithsonian website and map where the National Archives are and Lincoln Monument. Walk from one to the other.
When you get done with this, see how much time you have left. Then either go to the airport or Arlington.
Someone else here should be able to help with details of Metro stops.
Take the Metro to the stop closest to the National Mall. You'll be able to see the Washington Monument. You don't need to walk to it as there isn't much more to see close up. Before you go look at Smithsonian website and map where the National Archives are and Lincoln Monument. Walk from one to the other.
When you get done with this, see how much time you have left. Then either go to the airport or Arlington.
Someone else here should be able to help with details of Metro stops.
Dec 26th, 2006, 12:56 PM
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It might be easiest to take the tour bus that lets you get off and on through a lengthy route, including Arlington National Cemetery. Whatever you do, include the Lincoln Memorial--nothing else is quite that moving.
Dec 26th, 2006, 01:52 PM
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www.metroopensdoors.com has a great trip planner tool.
Dec 26th, 2006, 07:43 PM
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With such limited time, I the tourmobile would probably the most time efficient way to see the city as you want to see it, since walking all the way from the Smithsonian metro stop to the Washington Monument and beyond may be a little time consuming. I've done this on my own during my free time during business trips, but have never really timed myself.
I believe the tourmobile that runs around DC costs about $18 per person. Here's a map of their route, which would still require you getting into DC to join them http://www.tourmobile.com/tours_map.php
I would suggest purchasing a $6 metrocard per person to cover your limited rides in DC. Take the Blue Line to Arlington Cemetary and get tickets for the Tourmobile, which will take you around Arlington (faster than walking). It will then take you to your next stops: the Washington Monument, Lincoln Memorial. Get off at National History, and it's a short walk over to the National Archives. From there, you can walk to Ford's Theater (). You can then walk back to the National Gallery (on the Mall side) and catch the Tourmobile for the remainder of your tour, getting off at Arlington Cemetary to catch your metro back to National Airport.
If you want to do it all by metro (the cheapest option), then this is what I would suggest:
Take the blue line to the Smithsonian stop. Once out of the station, locate the Washington Monument and walk over. Right past the Washington Monument is the WWII memorial, and beyond that, the Lincoln Memorial. You can also see the Jefferson Memorial right across the Basin. I would then walk back on Constitution Avenue and head to 9th Street for the National Archives. After the visit to the Archives, I would then walk over to Ford's Theater on 10th Street between E & F streets. Then head to the airport by way of Gallery Place on the Yellow Line.
Get yourself a map of DC, or check out http://www.wmata.com, click on maps & stations for their google map of stations to help with sense of direction (I don't know about you, but a map helped my sense of direction my first business trip to DC).
Just one way of doing things, of course. Not the best way, nor the most cost effective, but a possible way.
I believe the tourmobile that runs around DC costs about $18 per person. Here's a map of their route, which would still require you getting into DC to join them http://www.tourmobile.com/tours_map.php
I would suggest purchasing a $6 metrocard per person to cover your limited rides in DC. Take the Blue Line to Arlington Cemetary and get tickets for the Tourmobile, which will take you around Arlington (faster than walking). It will then take you to your next stops: the Washington Monument, Lincoln Memorial. Get off at National History, and it's a short walk over to the National Archives. From there, you can walk to Ford's Theater (). You can then walk back to the National Gallery (on the Mall side) and catch the Tourmobile for the remainder of your tour, getting off at Arlington Cemetary to catch your metro back to National Airport.
If you want to do it all by metro (the cheapest option), then this is what I would suggest:
Take the blue line to the Smithsonian stop. Once out of the station, locate the Washington Monument and walk over. Right past the Washington Monument is the WWII memorial, and beyond that, the Lincoln Memorial. You can also see the Jefferson Memorial right across the Basin. I would then walk back on Constitution Avenue and head to 9th Street for the National Archives. After the visit to the Archives, I would then walk over to Ford's Theater on 10th Street between E & F streets. Then head to the airport by way of Gallery Place on the Yellow Line.
Get yourself a map of DC, or check out http://www.wmata.com, click on maps & stations for their google map of stations to help with sense of direction (I don't know about you, but a map helped my sense of direction my first business trip to DC).
Just one way of doing things, of course. Not the best way, nor the most cost effective, but a possible way.
Dec 27th, 2006, 01:28 AM
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You'll have to play it by ear for waether, but there's what I'd suggest:
Take the Yellow Line Metro from Reagan National to the Archives stop. Ford's Theater is close to the Archives. Substitute the Old Post Office Tower for the Washington Monument. The views are as good, and it's free, but check to make sure that it'll be open. It's a couple of blocks from the Archives.
If weather permits and you're up for a walk, you can then stroll the Mall. It's a pretty long walk to the Lincoln Memorial, but you pass the Washington Monument, WWII and Vietnam Memorials on the way. You could then walk to the Foggy Bottom Metro stop and take the Blue Line back to the airport. It passes Arlington Cemetary on the way, but skip it, it'll take too long.
Take the Yellow Line Metro from Reagan National to the Archives stop. Ford's Theater is close to the Archives. Substitute the Old Post Office Tower for the Washington Monument. The views are as good, and it's free, but check to make sure that it'll be open. It's a couple of blocks from the Archives.
If weather permits and you're up for a walk, you can then stroll the Mall. It's a pretty long walk to the Lincoln Memorial, but you pass the Washington Monument, WWII and Vietnam Memorials on the way. You could then walk to the Foggy Bottom Metro stop and take the Blue Line back to the airport. It passes Arlington Cemetary on the way, but skip it, it'll take too long.
Dec 27th, 2006, 06:10 AM
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Dayrien -- same message posted on every board this morning; new poster.
Hey dimwit -- no advertising on here and even worse trying to pretend to be a satisfied customer.
Maybe that works where you are from, but we are pretty smart here!
Hey dimwit -- no advertising on here and even worse trying to pretend to be a satisfied customer.
Maybe that works where you are from, but we are pretty smart here!
Dec 27th, 2006, 06:19 AM
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I remember hearing horror stories on the news around Christmas time about people getting to the airport 3 hours ahead of time and still missed their flight. I'm not sure, but that may have included ticket line, checking of baggage, and security. The airports should be mobbed on New Years day of people trying to get home from the holidays. 
Dec 27th, 2006, 06:42 AM
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Suggest you get transportation to Union Station, spend a moment or three admiring it (no kidding, it is awesome!) then walk down to the Capitol, take in the Library of Congress and Supreme Court at the rear, climb those famous steps you have seen on TV after many judgments, walk around to the front of the Capitol (the rear is a construction zone right now, for a new visitor center), and head on down the Mall. If you can walk the length of the Mall that day, taking in the WW!! memorial, Washington Monument (not inside and up - need to book and so on), the Lincoln Memorial (no need to book, just walk up), and then the Vietnam Memorial and up to the White House to take the obligatory glimpse through the fence at the bottom of the gardens - that will have been an awesome day for you.
Walking all that, in the above order, pulls together the entire lay of the land that you only see in fragments on TV.
Next visit, plan on entering museums and such, without the holiday crowds that would only frustrate you on this trip since you have to keep a keen eye on your watch.
Walking all that, in the above order, pulls together the entire lay of the land that you only see in fragments on TV.
Next visit, plan on entering museums and such, without the holiday crowds that would only frustrate you on this trip since you have to keep a keen eye on your watch.
Dec 28th, 2006, 06:56 AM
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Ok..I think I have it down to three things I really want to see. I want to see Arlington Cemetery, Lincoln Memorial, and National Archives. Can someone suggest a best order, approximate time for each, and the metro stops? I plan to use the Tourmobile for inside the cemetery, but the Tourmobile is not available on New Years Day for the rest of the tour. I printed out the Tourmobile map just to get a feel for the city and can't find the Nat'l Archives on it.
Thanks so much! We are leaving tomorrow morning...Can't wait!
Thanks so much! We are leaving tomorrow morning...Can't wait!
Dec 28th, 2006, 07:20 AM
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There is no convenient Metro stop to the Lincoln Memorial. You could take the Blue Line from the airport to the Smithsonian Stop, Walk to the Archives, then walk down Constitution Ave to the Lincoln Memorial, then walk across Memorial Bridge to the Cemetery. Catch the Blue Line from the Cemetery back to Reagan National.
Lots & lots of walking, unless you taxi from the Archives to the Lincoln Memorial. The Archives is on Constitution Ave between 7th & 9th.
I would get back to the airport no later than 12:30 -- that doesn't leave a whole lot of time.
Lots & lots of walking, unless you taxi from the Archives to the Lincoln Memorial. The Archives is on Constitution Ave between 7th & 9th.
I would get back to the airport no later than 12:30 -- that doesn't leave a whole lot of time.
Dec 28th, 2006, 08:51 AM
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The Yellow Line goes directly from the airport to the Archives. You can then walk two blocks up Pennsylvania Avenue to the Old Post Office and go up to the top of the the Tower. The view is great and you'll be able to size up the walk you may be about to do.
If walking to the Lincoln Memorial or beyond looks like something you'd do, walk to the Mall and pass the Washington Monument, the WWII Memorial, and on along the reflecting pool (the Vietnam Memorial will be on your right) to the Lincoln Memorial. Arlington Cemetary is directly across the river from the Lincoln Memorial.
This adds up to a lot of walking (six miles or more). There's not much to see at Arlington. Unless you've got a specific reason to go there, I'd skip it and spend some indoor time at the Mall museums instead.
If walking to the Lincoln Memorial or beyond looks like something you'd do, walk to the Mall and pass the Washington Monument, the WWII Memorial, and on along the reflecting pool (the Vietnam Memorial will be on your right) to the Lincoln Memorial. Arlington Cemetary is directly across the river from the Lincoln Memorial.
This adds up to a lot of walking (six miles or more). There's not much to see at Arlington. Unless you've got a specific reason to go there, I'd skip it and spend some indoor time at the Mall museums instead.
Dec 28th, 2006, 09:26 AM
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Skip the Holocaust Museum, it will take you most of a day, and it's very depressing! The National Archives and Fords Theater were my favorite, definitely a 'to do.' (although Fords is a little out of the way). Arlington is great, but again it's a whole day trip, a lot to see and a lot of walking. The Metro is great...safe, clean, convenient.
Dec 28th, 2006, 09:50 AM
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Anne, in her latest post, she just wants to see these sites: Arlington Cemetery, Lincoln Memorial, and National Archives.
I'm concerned about the timeframe and the distance they are to each other, especially if she is on foot.
I'm concerned about the timeframe and the distance they are to each other, especially if she is on foot.
Dec 28th, 2006, 10:38 AM
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The Archives and the Holocaust museum could each take a day to do - I'd pick one and do it and the Lincoln. Archives might be easier since it is on the yellow line right from the airport. I'd suggest taking a cab to the Lincoln and back to either the airport or a metro stop for speed. Even though it sounds like you'll already have baggage checked, you don't want to mess with the airport crowds on NYDay. Have fun!
Dec 28th, 2006, 07:18 PM
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This is the order I would travel in. Others may feel otherwise:
Arlington (Blue Line: Arlington), Lincoln Memorial (I think you can walk the bridge across to the memorial, but not sure, otherwise, Blue Line: Smithsonian), Archives (Yellow Line: Archives). Take yellow line back to airport.
The Archives' public entrance is on 9th Street and Constitution, unless things have changed recently.
Remember, you'll be there during President Ford's lying in state at the Capitol, so keep that in mind re: traveling back to the airport, as I don't know if that will affect your transportation and flight arrival times. Take this as experience from a frequent flyer to/from DCA.
Check out http://www.wmata.com for map and information on transportation. Only you can decide how long you want to stay in each place.
What time is your return flight?
Arlington (Blue Line: Arlington), Lincoln Memorial (I think you can walk the bridge across to the memorial, but not sure, otherwise, Blue Line: Smithsonian), Archives (Yellow Line: Archives). Take yellow line back to airport.
The Archives' public entrance is on 9th Street and Constitution, unless things have changed recently.
Remember, you'll be there during President Ford's lying in state at the Capitol, so keep that in mind re: traveling back to the airport, as I don't know if that will affect your transportation and flight arrival times. Take this as experience from a frequent flyer to/from DCA.
Check out http://www.wmata.com for map and information on transportation. Only you can decide how long you want to stay in each place.
What time is your return flight?
