Washington Trip Report
 

Washington Trip Report

I post a short rundown of my trip to D.C. Thanks to all who helped make my trip so enjoyable. We did a lot in the time and some times only got a flavour of the place but it was a great trip, thank you D.C.

Day 1 7th. July
Arrived around 6pm. Traffic busy as security in D.C. had been stepped up due to the London bombing that day. Booked in to hotel (Capitol Hilton on 16th.) room was great, looked right on to the White House 2 blocks away. Then went to eat then had an early night after long day travelling.

Day 2 8th. July
Went to American History Museum (V. Good) Then on to the Old Post Office, went up lift to top and had great views over city. Then on to the Aquarium this was the only disappointment of our trip, not a lot to it. It may be better for family’s with small children. On way back went past White House to get some photos.

Day 3 9th. July
Took a Trolley Tour and went to Arlington Cemetery, when in Arlington Cemetery I would recommend using the Tourmobile buses as it is quite hilly and a big area to cover. After Arlington we continued with the Trolley tour of the City. Great interesting day.

Day 4 10th. July
Walked from hotel to Lincoln Memorial then on to Vietnam memorial, Korean Memorial, W.W.II Memorial and Washington Monument. Finished off at the Holocaust Museum which was incredible and very moving. This was our longest trip and quite tiring but well worth it

Day 5 11th. July
Took metro and spent the day at the National Zoo. Great day out!

Day 6 12th. July
Took Metro to Union Station, beautiful building, plus shops and restaurants. Went on to Library of Congress and had a guided tour. What a magnificent building, a must see! Then walked round Capitol building.

Day 7 13h. July
Walked to F.B.I. Building but closed to public for renovation. Went on to Spy Museum, really good, spent over 4 hours there. Then on to Fords Theatre and the Peterson House. Interesting talk at Theatre on history of building and events.

Day 8 14. July
Took bus to Georgetown. My wife enjoyed that! Plenty of good shops and places to eat!

Day 9 15h. July
Went to Air and Space Museum and American Indian Museum. Both great and a must see.

Day 10 16h. July
Visited the natural History Museum. Great place for families, so much to appeal to all ages.

For breakfast we went to Starbucks, Cosi, Firehook Bakeries, Corner Bakery, Union Station
& Caribou Coffee. I thought the best was Caribou Coffee but they were all good.

For Dinner we went to Bertuccis, Luna, Californian Pizza House, Heritage Indian Restaurant all on Connecticut towards Dupont Circle, also went to Hard Rock Café on my Son’s birthday which as great . When they found out it was his birthday they gave him a free sundae and made him sit in a chair in the middle of the café and got everyone sing happy birthday to him. He will not forget that night!
I thought the best was Luna, great food and tremendous service. We went there three times!
Our server Alice is going to Paris shortly on vacation, have a great one Alice!
My son would of course argue for Hard Rock Café but he thought Luna was great too.

Sounds like you had a great trip. I would agree that the DC aquarium is not worth a visit. Next time make the trip to Baltimore to see their aquarium - much better.
Luna's is a great restaurant, and affordable too! CPK - california pizza kitchen has great salads. I often just get a half size, and a bowl of soup - very filling.

TTP

seahatch, great report! How were the rooms at the Capital Hilton? I know the hotel is conveniently located, but was wondering about the room size and whether they were kept up nicely. I am considering either the Capital Hilton or the Doubletree Suites for an upcoming DC trip. Thanks.

Hi curiousgeo,
Our room was great,it was a large room with two bouble beds and we were lucky that it was on a corner of the building so had a window looking up K St. and one looking down 16th from which we could see the White House two blocks away.
Housekeeping was v.good. as I said we were lucky with our room. It`s always a bit of a lottery on position unless you know a particular hotel layout but if you go with a decent hotel they should be able to advise on the best choice for your needs.
Good luck with your trip.