FAQs - Washington DC *DELETED* About This Page:

[AKLRULZ]

Post deleted by Dad2jbj

[AKLRULZ]

Post deleted by Dad2jbj

[Teddysmom]

I used to be in a bagpipe band and we went here every year. One of the most impressive things I ever saw was the National Catherdral. Now while I am not the most religious girl you will ever find it ROCKED!!

[shannie75]

<font color="purple">Here is my two cents...

PARK THE CAR and walk or use the Metro!!! It is not worth the time and aggrivation of driving in DC. Between all the traffic, 3/4 of the streets are one way (and not the way you want to go), the streets that run diagnally, it is easy to get lost. Invest in a good tourist map that lists all the sites, and start walking. Almost all the touristy stuff is availible though the Metro stops as well.

Shannon </font>

[Wendyismyname]

Thanks Steve! With my upcoming trip to DC and others going there, having a FAQ will be most helpful!

I'd like to hear your experiences and advice about the different places too.
Thanks for making this sticky, it'll be so easy to find!

Wendy

[SarahJ]

I went to DC about 5-6 years ago and two of the most amazing sites I saw were the Lincoln Memorial and the Vietnam memorial at night. There's just something about seeing those two sites at night that makes them extra special.

[denwol]

Just thought I'd post a link to the most recent Washington, DC thread, in case it has any info that may be useful...

Recent Washington, DC Thread

I'll be in DC for President's Day weekend, with the family, so I'll post any pertinent info when I return.

[Straitlover]

I just found this researching for a possible September trip:

If you plan on using the Metro for 3 or more days, rather than buying the $6/day pass, they have a 7 day pass for $20.

The 1 day pass is not good before 9:30 AM. The 7 day pass is good for up to $2 fare from 5:30 - 9:30 AM Mon-Fri; if your fare is over $2 you just pay the difference.

[DVC_Don]

Post deleted by Disnydad

[fanofpan]

We will be vacationin in DC this summer from Jun 6-10. My mom grew up there so I have been back lots of times but my husband and kids have never been. My Grampa was career military at Andrews who loved the Smithsonian and the Zoo. This trip I want to do the "traditional" things but also show my kids a few things that are off the beaten path. As I plan more, I will add a few ideas for some of you.

One thing to do right away if you are planning on going is to right to your congressman or rep. You need to request tour tickets through them for several institutions now. Some of these include, the white house (slim to no chance), FBI Building, The Bureau of Engraving.

Our plans right now are to ride the Amtrack from Cincinnati on June 6. We are staying on Dupont circle and will utilize the Metro. On Friday we are picking up a rental car so that we can stop at Gettysburg and wherever else we want to while we meander our way home to Ohio.

Sorry for rambling but I am very excited about this trip. Almost as much as a WDW trip but not quite. I am finding that it is harder to plan than WDW. Probably because I haven't been there in so long and I want to do a variety of touring while we are there.

[RocklandRVers]

I agree about parking the car. A car is almost useless in DC unless you are driving through. Not much parking to be had anywhere close to the big attractions.

I prefer the tourmobile. We park in Arlington Cemetary which is the main transfer point for tourmobile. Then for just a couple of bucks you have a narrated tour which you can ride all day and get off and on as many times as you want. They run about every 10 - 15 minutes so never a long wait. Plus they have stops at just about every major attraction in DC. They also have a tour of Arlington Cemetary and stop at JFK's grave and the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. You have to take in the changing of the guard. It brings chills.

They also have package tours to other sites in the area like Mount Vernon etc. Well worth the money IMHO.

[kv3291]

I used to live in DC and work at the Smithsonian. Loved it..but if you are not from around there, just hop on the metro. Old Town Alexandria, Va is a great place to visit. Lots of quaint shops and old taverns to eat at. Remember to go to Mt Vernon...my most favorite place in the world..and view the Potomac river from George Washington's back porch. A great place to eat at is Generous Georges...home of the pasta pizza pie. The pasta dishes are served on individual pizzas. My favorite is the chesseburger or cheesesteak pizzas. And it is decorated so wonderfully. Lots of chrome tables and funky and fun decor like carousel horses hanging from the ceilling. You can find 2 Generous Georges in Alexandria, Va. Another great place to go is Paul Garber storage facility for the Smithsonian's air and space museum in Maryland about 15 minutes outside the city. You need to call and get on a list at least 3 months in advance for a tour. If you don't, you can't go on the tour for security reasons. But this is a behind the scenes tour and you get to see where they restored the Enola Gay and where they do some restoration work and some planes and stuff that very few ever see. This is a 3 hour tour and is worth it if you are interested. And make certain you see the Hope diamond in the natural history museum. If you have kids and get to the natural history museum around 10:00 am head to the insect zoo. They have live insects and you can watch them get fed. You might want to double check on the feeding time if your kids really want to see it. Any more questions, feel free to ask. Sorry, I tend to ramble.

[Valerie]

I live about 15 miles outside of DC and I still love going downtown to see the sites. It is an amazing feeling standing on the Mall and looking at The Capitol, the Washington Monument and the Lincoln Memorial.

They have now opened the an annex of the Air and Space Museum called the Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center. It is about 20 miles outside of DC at Washington-Dulles International Airport. They have round-trip shuttles for $7 from DC. I haven't been yet, but I heard it was great. The space shuttle Enterprise, the Enola Gay, and a Concord are on display.
Click here for more information:

Udvar-Hazy Center

[BritDisFan]

We went to Washington DC a few years ago and the place which left the biggest impact on us was the Jewish Holocaust Memorial Museum. We had to book the day before as it was very busy, we honestly spent about six hours in here it was so moving, I must admit I burst into tears a few times as some of it is so traumatic, nobody speaks when they walk round they just absorb the information and smile at each other in a sympathetic manner.

I don't recommend it for young children but as a couple or with older children who understand about the holocaust it is a must see, everyone should try and see this who can, It is a very important part of history which must NEVER be repeated.

Karen