Washington DC Trip Plan
Apr 15th, 2002, 12:39 PM
#42
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r-travels:
Thanks! I did check with tourmobile because it also says something similar on their recording but they assured me that by June all will be up and running again. I'll keep my fingers crossed!
Also, forgot to ask if anyone has seen the marine band do their free concert on the mall during the summer. It sounds fun with upbeat music and stuff. Any opinions?
Also, although the White House is not open for tours is the visitor center open? What exactly is at the visitor center anyway? Is it worth stopping by?
Thanks! I did check with tourmobile because it also says something similar on their recording but they assured me that by June all will be up and running again. I'll keep my fingers crossed!
Also, forgot to ask if anyone has seen the marine band do their free concert on the mall during the summer. It sounds fun with upbeat music and stuff. Any opinions?
Also, although the White House is not open for tours is the visitor center open? What exactly is at the visitor center anyway? Is it worth stopping by?
Apr 15th, 2002, 12:46 PM
#43
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I gotta be honest, I live here and you are tiring me out!
I think if you use 2 days for the VA suburbs and northwest DC, one day for downtown, and the other 5 for the cap hill/mall, you should be OK but don't expect a lot of time in the museums. you might want to prioritize... forget about the Navy Yard unless you have a specific reason for going there.
I think if you use 2 days for the VA suburbs and northwest DC, one day for downtown, and the other 5 for the cap hill/mall, you should be OK but don't expect a lot of time in the museums. you might want to prioritize... forget about the Navy Yard unless you have a specific reason for going there.
Apr 15th, 2002, 01:42 PM
#44
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anon, thanks for responding...
I imagine you probably didn't read the whole thread(and I don't blame you) but I have already been convinced to drop several items...the navy yard, the Hirshhorn museum, the national archives, the newseum,and national geographic are off my list.
I imagine you probably didn't read the whole thread(and I don't blame you) but I have already been convinced to drop several items...the navy yard, the Hirshhorn museum, the national archives, the newseum,and national geographic are off my list.
Apr 15th, 2002, 02:02 PM
#45
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same anon, back for more punishment! here is my list, if it were me... (if I can fit it all in that is)
THE MALL
Arlington Cemetery
BEP (what is this? I would cut it but I don't know what it is?)
Jefferson Memorial
Lincoln Memorial
Air & Space
Museum of Am History
FDR Memorial - my absolute FAVE memorial. try to see it at night. even at midnight - safe, and lots of people (but less than mid day)
Smithsonian Castle - worth a walk by, that's it. all admin offices (I volunteer)
Vietnam Vets Memorial
Washington Monument
White House (if Possible) - Way too much time to wait, unless you have a burning desire - you don't see as much as you think. half an hour tour for a who-knows-how-long wait in line.
CAPITOL HILL
Library of Congrss? maybe. some of the rooms are pretty. do you have a real reason for wanting to go?
Capitol?? sure why not. if you want to watch, write your congressman NOW.
DOWNTOWN
FBI
Fords Theatre/Petersen House
UPPER NORTHWEST
Washington Nat'l Cathedral???
VIRGINIA SUBURBS
Mount Vernon
Newseum - actually this is a very cool museum. if you can fit it in, do (unless you hate the media or something)
Old Town Alexandria??? very nice for strolling, eating, shopping.
both cool things to do:
USMC Band on the Mall Weds night
Monuments by moonlight evening tour
THE MALL
Arlington Cemetery
BEP (what is this? I would cut it but I don't know what it is?)
Jefferson Memorial
Lincoln Memorial
Air & Space
Museum of Am History
FDR Memorial - my absolute FAVE memorial. try to see it at night. even at midnight - safe, and lots of people (but less than mid day)
Smithsonian Castle - worth a walk by, that's it. all admin offices (I volunteer)
Vietnam Vets Memorial
Washington Monument
White House (if Possible) - Way too much time to wait, unless you have a burning desire - you don't see as much as you think. half an hour tour for a who-knows-how-long wait in line.
CAPITOL HILL
Library of Congrss? maybe. some of the rooms are pretty. do you have a real reason for wanting to go?
Capitol?? sure why not. if you want to watch, write your congressman NOW.
DOWNTOWN
FBI
Fords Theatre/Petersen House
UPPER NORTHWEST
Washington Nat'l Cathedral???
VIRGINIA SUBURBS
Mount Vernon
Newseum - actually this is a very cool museum. if you can fit it in, do (unless you hate the media or something)
Old Town Alexandria??? very nice for strolling, eating, shopping.
both cool things to do:
USMC Band on the Mall Weds night
Monuments by moonlight evening tour
Apr 15th, 2002, 02:07 PM
#46
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anon again..
after skimming - yes, leave off all of downtown. come back some other time for it if you like.
however, the natl building museum is COOL. (not on your list)
I forgot about the kiddies! nat hist would be neat for them, but, given a choice b/w that and the air & space - I think they would like the planes better!!
after skimming - yes, leave off all of downtown. come back some other time for it if you like.
however, the natl building museum is COOL. (not on your list)
I forgot about the kiddies! nat hist would be neat for them, but, given a choice b/w that and the air & space - I think they would like the planes better!!
Apr 15th, 2002, 02:18 PM
#47
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Sonya, I took my 10 yr old daughter last yr. We had a GREAT time... the ones you skipped were right on! She liked the Hirschorn...but not for a 6 yr old. I HIGHLY recommend the trolley at night- great way to see all the monuments at once and see Union Station.They let you out at the monuments to walk around a bit- it's all the time you need. It's on Metro, too!You can skip Arlington,too, because it includes that. One thing we LOVED was the waterfront in Georgetown. We took the bus, then walked down to the nice shopping "mall" by the Potomac, had an outdoor dinner, then did a "monument cruise" at sunset. Lots of fun!We took the metro up to the National Shrine Cathedral- that is absolutely stunning. If anyone reading this is a Catholic, this is a wonderful place to worship. It was my daughter's second favorite visit! They have a gift store, plus a nice cafeteria in the lower level. We had a delicious, reasonable brunch. Check online with the Smithsonian to find out what special exhibits will be showing. We saw the "history of pianos"- we both play, so that was great! It's good to research the museum before you go to avoid missing anything and to maximize your time. I advise breaking up the museum day with a lunch there. BTW, if your 9 yr old is female- she will love that every building has a gift shop!We missed not one, LOL! Enjoy!!!
Apr 15th, 2002, 03:55 PM
#48
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anon: BEP=Bureau of Engraving & Printing
Linda: Yes, my 9yo is female and will certainly love the gift shops!
We also purchased the passport to the national parks which has places to get a stamp (like a real passport) at many monuments and things that are run by the National Park Service.
Really looking forward to this Trip!
Linda: Yes, my 9yo is female and will certainly love the gift shops!
We also purchased the passport to the national parks which has places to get a stamp (like a real passport) at many monuments and things that are run by the National Park Service.
Really looking forward to this Trip!
Apr 15th, 2002, 04:14 PM
#49
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anon once again, trying to factor in the kids (sorry, didn't read closely enough).
THE MALL
Arlington Cemetery - yup, sure to be a crowd pleaser. not exactly the Mall though. in Virginia... but a nice walk over the Memorial Bridge.
Jefferson Memorial - the tidal basin is pretty. but it's a little hike away from the Mall.
Lincoln Memorial - the logical walking path from the Vietnam Memorial/ Washington Monument.
Air & Space - kids? absolutely.
Museum of Am History - maybe not so much for kids? although Dorothy's shoes are there...
FDR Memorial - see above. DO NOT miss, with kids.
Smithsonian Castle - see above.
Vietnam Vets Memorial - VERY moving. I still cry when I visit... read the very middle panels.
Washington Monument - ok, you need at least ONE big thing to climb. if the lines are insane, go do the Natl Cathedral instead. although you will recognize more from the Monument.
White House (if Possible) - see above. I wouldn't bother, unless you have time to burn.
CAPITOL HILL
Library of Congrss? mmm, maybe not. if you are set on the Capitol, yes. if not, skip this too.
Capitol?? again, long lines unless you get on the stick and write to your Congressman.
UPPER NORTHWEST
Washington Nat'l Cathedral. very beautiful. if you can't climb the monument, climb this. (elevators, not stairs of course, in both)
VIRGINIA SUBURBS
Mount Vernon - all sorts of animals. very cool. even us big kids like to pet the horsies. not sure if it's open as per above? really do not know. can check though.
Newseum - see above.
Old Town Alexandria??? see my comments above.
both cool things to do:
USMC Band on the Mall Weds night
Monuments by moonlight evening tour
so, in reality, now it's down to about ten or so things. the others are walk bys... sorry if the above is redundant. and I am sure you can now fit in other things if you like. what sort of adult museums would you like? the Phillips Collection is superb, and Dupont Circle is full of restaurants and stores too.
the trolley sounds grand! as a near-native, never use it (can do my sight seeing in bits and pieces!!)
and Linda reminds me of why I love it here.
THE MALL
Arlington Cemetery - yup, sure to be a crowd pleaser. not exactly the Mall though. in Virginia... but a nice walk over the Memorial Bridge.
Jefferson Memorial - the tidal basin is pretty. but it's a little hike away from the Mall.
Lincoln Memorial - the logical walking path from the Vietnam Memorial/ Washington Monument.
Air & Space - kids? absolutely.
Museum of Am History - maybe not so much for kids? although Dorothy's shoes are there...
FDR Memorial - see above. DO NOT miss, with kids.
Smithsonian Castle - see above.
Vietnam Vets Memorial - VERY moving. I still cry when I visit... read the very middle panels.
Washington Monument - ok, you need at least ONE big thing to climb. if the lines are insane, go do the Natl Cathedral instead. although you will recognize more from the Monument.
White House (if Possible) - see above. I wouldn't bother, unless you have time to burn.
CAPITOL HILL
Library of Congrss? mmm, maybe not. if you are set on the Capitol, yes. if not, skip this too.
Capitol?? again, long lines unless you get on the stick and write to your Congressman.
UPPER NORTHWEST
Washington Nat'l Cathedral. very beautiful. if you can't climb the monument, climb this. (elevators, not stairs of course, in both)
VIRGINIA SUBURBS
Mount Vernon - all sorts of animals. very cool. even us big kids like to pet the horsies. not sure if it's open as per above? really do not know. can check though.
Newseum - see above.
Old Town Alexandria??? see my comments above.
both cool things to do:
USMC Band on the Mall Weds night
Monuments by moonlight evening tour
so, in reality, now it's down to about ten or so things. the others are walk bys... sorry if the above is redundant. and I am sure you can now fit in other things if you like. what sort of adult museums would you like? the Phillips Collection is superb, and Dupont Circle is full of restaurants and stores too.
the trolley sounds grand! as a near-native, never use it (can do my sight seeing in bits and pieces!!)
and Linda reminds me of why I love it here.
Apr 15th, 2002, 04:18 PM
#50
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I am preparing for a trip to DC with a 5 year old this May and have found this feed to be a exceptional source of information. Now I am really confused . . . so much to see, so little time!! We will be staying in Arlington, what is the best way to get to the mall? I know driving is out of the question . . . ? Can one get around reasonably well, or should I hire one of those tour guides? What is the best way to move around the area? Are there areas that one should avoid for safety reasons? I am one of those people that likes to explore, but not with a small child unless the area is definately safe. Yes . . . I am only beginning to do my research!!
Apr 15th, 2002, 05:26 PM
#51
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Hi Just Me!
Yes, I have gotten some awesome advice and info on this board haven't I? I also had another thread going earlier called top 5 things to do in DC with kids. Pick Washington DC and scroll through them and you'll find it. I used that info and my "unofficial" tour book to put together our loose itinerary.
Our plan is something like this:
Day 1: Arrive around 5pm check into hotel and wander over to the Old Post Office Pavillion for dinner in the food court and to check out the view in the Old Clock Tower.
Day 2: I bought timed tickets for the Washington Monument on the NPS(National Park Service) site. Tickets are free but it is $1.50 each for processing. It was worth the $1.50 to not have to wait in line! Anyway, go up to the Monument at 9:30am and then hop on the tourmobile. We plan to stay on the tourmobile for one full circuit just to get the lay of the land and stuff. Then we will hop off at Arlington Cemetery and transfer to that tour (incl in price). Then we will continue to hop on and off for the rest of the day at the sights on our list. Obviously we won't hit all(possibly not even many) of them.
Day 3: Get the 10am tourmobile to Mount Vernon (approx 4 hrs there) then continue around DC hopping on and off again throughout the day.
Day 4: National Zoo followed possibly by Nat'l Cathedral followed by afternoon at the hotel pool. Monuments by moonlight tour that evening.
Days 5-7: Sort of up in the air. Return to places we didn't have enought time at and see the places we didn't see. Our congressman's office is setting up tours of the library of congress, the capitol, and the Bureau of Engraving and Printing to be done on these days. We also plan to catch the free US Marine Band concert on Wed night on the mall.
This of course is all in theory and may change as we go. We will be carrying with us a list of our "must see's" which is basically listed on this thread, and a list of restaurants I am compiling from another thread called "Washington DC Restaurants".
We're hoping for a great trip! Hope that some of this info can help you and others. People are so nice here and haven't gotten sick of my silly questions yet which has allowed me to gather many opinions which is better than any guidebook any day!
Happy Traveling!
Yes, I have gotten some awesome advice and info on this board haven't I? I also had another thread going earlier called top 5 things to do in DC with kids. Pick Washington DC and scroll through them and you'll find it. I used that info and my "unofficial" tour book to put together our loose itinerary.
Our plan is something like this:
Day 1: Arrive around 5pm check into hotel and wander over to the Old Post Office Pavillion for dinner in the food court and to check out the view in the Old Clock Tower.
Day 2: I bought timed tickets for the Washington Monument on the NPS(National Park Service) site. Tickets are free but it is $1.50 each for processing. It was worth the $1.50 to not have to wait in line! Anyway, go up to the Monument at 9:30am and then hop on the tourmobile. We plan to stay on the tourmobile for one full circuit just to get the lay of the land and stuff. Then we will hop off at Arlington Cemetery and transfer to that tour (incl in price). Then we will continue to hop on and off for the rest of the day at the sights on our list. Obviously we won't hit all(possibly not even many) of them.
Day 3: Get the 10am tourmobile to Mount Vernon (approx 4 hrs there) then continue around DC hopping on and off again throughout the day.
Day 4: National Zoo followed possibly by Nat'l Cathedral followed by afternoon at the hotel pool. Monuments by moonlight tour that evening.
Days 5-7: Sort of up in the air. Return to places we didn't have enought time at and see the places we didn't see. Our congressman's office is setting up tours of the library of congress, the capitol, and the Bureau of Engraving and Printing to be done on these days. We also plan to catch the free US Marine Band concert on Wed night on the mall.
This of course is all in theory and may change as we go. We will be carrying with us a list of our "must see's" which is basically listed on this thread, and a list of restaurants I am compiling from another thread called "Washington DC Restaurants".
We're hoping for a great trip! Hope that some of this info can help you and others. People are so nice here and haven't gotten sick of my silly questions yet which has allowed me to gather many opinions which is better than any guidebook any day!
Happy Traveling!
Apr 15th, 2002, 06:41 PM
#52
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Yes, this is a fabulous site. I have just begun planning this trip and feel like I am spinning my wheels! I found a lot of great info here, but still have a few questions. Good to know that I can ask them of someone!
I copied your itinerary and will build from it! Thanks!
I will call my Congressman tomorrow. Sure hope it is not too late. Now, to find the timed tickets and the tourmobile?
Thanks everyone for all the great info!
I copied your itinerary and will build from it! Thanks!
I will call my Congressman tomorrow. Sure hope it is not too late. Now, to find the timed tickets and the tourmobile?
Thanks everyone for all the great info!
Apr 16th, 2002, 03:16 AM
#53
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Hi Just me
The bureau of printing and engraving and the washington monument are the only ones with timed tickets right now. You can avoid the washington monument line by paying $1.50 per ticket and buying them online at the NPS site. Well worth it in my opinion. The Bureau of Engraving and printing ticket booth opens at 8:00am and tours start at 9:00am, the concierge at my hotel(who I called for info yesterday) said get on line at 7:30am in order to get in that day. But, my congressman's office is now going to set that up for me so I don't have to wait on that line.
I looked up your 2 restaurants at www.washingtonpost.com and typed the names in under search for restaurants. They sound much too "barish" for my group. Good luck with that!
Call your congressman or senator and ask what they can do for you!
The bureau of printing and engraving and the washington monument are the only ones with timed tickets right now. You can avoid the washington monument line by paying $1.50 per ticket and buying them online at the NPS site. Well worth it in my opinion. The Bureau of Engraving and printing ticket booth opens at 8:00am and tours start at 9:00am, the concierge at my hotel(who I called for info yesterday) said get on line at 7:30am in order to get in that day. But, my congressman's office is now going to set that up for me so I don't have to wait on that line.
I looked up your 2 restaurants at www.washingtonpost.com and typed the names in under search for restaurants. They sound much too "barish" for my group. Good luck with that!
Call your congressman or senator and ask what they can do for you!
Apr 16th, 2002, 06:55 AM
#55
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Ok, minor changes in my plan.
I found out that tourmobile is not going out to Mt Vernon until after June 15th(which is when we leave town). We are now looking into a cruise to Mt Vernon (www.spiritcruises.com) or the grayline Mt Vernon tour. Any feedback on either one?
We have also found out that tourmobile is not running their Pennsylvania Avenue part of the tour until after June 15th too.
We will still take Tourmobile the one day and hop on and hop off but not the 2nd day which was going to be a combo with the Mt Vernon thing.
Also Justme...in regard to "getting around". Here are our plans. We will not have a car. We will do the tourmobile the one day and rely on Metro or on our feet the remainder of the week. I was going to buy the unlimited 7 day metro pass but the concierge at the hotel talked me out of it. He says we won't ride it enough to make it worthwhile. He said just buy a farecard for $10 and see how far it gets us. As we are staying inside DC he says no trip will cost more than $1.10 each way. We'll see how it goes!
Since you are going before me, you will have to do a "trip report" when you get back and tell me how it worked out!
I found out that tourmobile is not going out to Mt Vernon until after June 15th(which is when we leave town). We are now looking into a cruise to Mt Vernon (www.spiritcruises.com) or the grayline Mt Vernon tour. Any feedback on either one?
We have also found out that tourmobile is not running their Pennsylvania Avenue part of the tour until after June 15th too.
We will still take Tourmobile the one day and hop on and hop off but not the 2nd day which was going to be a combo with the Mt Vernon thing.
Also Justme...in regard to "getting around". Here are our plans. We will not have a car. We will do the tourmobile the one day and rely on Metro or on our feet the remainder of the week. I was going to buy the unlimited 7 day metro pass but the concierge at the hotel talked me out of it. He says we won't ride it enough to make it worthwhile. He said just buy a farecard for $10 and see how far it gets us. As we are staying inside DC he says no trip will cost more than $1.10 each way. We'll see how it goes!
Since you are going before me, you will have to do a "trip report" when you get back and tell me how it worked out!
Apr 16th, 2002, 10:39 AM
#57
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Sonya: if you don't change Day One, Day Two et al may have to be cancelled .... I am talking about supremely bad food. Look, I am a resident - nobody in their right mind eats in the Pavillion. Give our ERs a break and dine elsewhere. I'm sorry to chime in at this late date, but remember: I warned you about the Navy Yard - my credibility ought to ne high with you guys. FLASH - final warning: do not eat at the Old Post Office. DC offers lots of other great places for kids to eat. Check Zagat's. If anyone suggests eating there, put them on the spot: ask them to name the place and describe the menu. Good luck.
