Washington DC carry on bags
 

We arrive in Washington DC about 12:30 and want to spend 3 or 4 hours on the mall visiting the Air and Space Museum before we go to our hotel.
The question is where can we check 3 carry on bags for a few hours some where at a museum on the mall?

Nowhere, most likely. Remember, DC has some of the tightest security in the nation and therefore there are not places where you can just leave random bags. Also, you really don't want to have them with you whilst walking around the Mall.

Can you take them to your hotel and leave them there, even if you can't check in? That makes the most sense.

The only place I know that checks bags is the baggage checkroom near Gate A at Union Station, but you might need to have an Amtrak ticket to use it.

You might go to the Smithsonian web site to check their options, especially at "The Castle" where there are various member privileges associated with the magazine subscription (about $12 per year).

As I recall, the lockers that used to be in the Air & Space Museum were taken out after 9/11; they would be much too small for luggage, in any case, even the carry-on variety. Your best bet will be to go to your hotel and leave them with the bell desk if your room isn't ready for you to check in. (Union Station may have lockers, but why bother making a trip there, instead of to your hotel?)

The lockers at Union Station have been closed. There is now a baggage checkroom instead.

You might call the Air and Space Museum and ask if they have a cloakroom and what their rules are regarding bag storage. Since your bags are carry ons and presumably aren't large, you may be able to leave them. General Information 202.633.1000

One year ago I checked with Smithsonian on this matter. I was advised that only certain museums had facilities for SMALL bags, and that I would have to submit to having luggage checked.

Best to check directly with Smithsonian to get the up-to-date scoop.

Thanks for the info.
It looks like we will have to go the hotel before starting our sightseeing.
We arrive DCA and are staying in a hotel in Bethesda. To bad we have spend the time on the metro going to Bethesda and then back to the Mall.

Unfortunately, we live in different times. Security is paramount here in DC.

It's only about an hour to get Bethesda and back to the mall, if that's any consolation. And you won't be lugging your bags around on the Mall, which is a blessing.

I am SURE that I wasn't asked for tickets when I used the parcel check at Union Station last spring ... altho I DID have to show identification. I had taken MARC from BWI.

Most, if not all the museums in the city have had only limited checkroom facilities and these very much pre-date any 9/11 "concerns."

I am sure you are not happy with the idea of going all the way to Bethesda but you are the person who chose that particular hotel and you are the person who has decided to do it on the Metro.

Sometimes getting answers to logistical questions first is helpful in choosing hotel and transport options.

Yikes, Top, perhaps the OP did NOT choose that hotel, or perhaps they're in DC on Bethesda-based business and just wanted to make the most of their arrival day.

to "Anonymous"
You got it right.
You are exactly and completely correct.

Wow, Top, hostile much?