Washington, DC About This Page:

[DebbieG]

We are thinking of driving to DC in March for a long weekend - before roller hockey season starts for my DH and DS. My kids are 9 and 6. I went to college there years ago, and pretty much know what we want to do in terms of the "classics", but would appreciate any info on any newer attractions that we should consider.

Also, any suggestions on where to stay? We are coming from NJ, if that makes any difference. We are not looking for anything fancy, but definitely want safe. My DH would be TERRIBLE if the neighborhood was not safe. We would consider staying outside the city and driving or taking the metro in, but it would be great to find something in the city. FYI - we often stay at Hampton Inns, and they are fine with us. I kind of remember a hotel near the zoo that seemed nice, but don't know what it was, or how pricey it is.

Thanks for your help!

Debbie

[EmpressLizBunny]

well i live in chevy chase md wich is about 5 min from dc line and there is a hyatt right next to the bethesda metro station (wich is on the red line the main line to and from dc)wich is where my extended family stays when they come to visit and they have always given it good revievs and that area is a very nice and safe one(sorry if this isnt very helpful)

[Disneydiana]

We went to visit the “new- opened in 2004” National Museum of the American Indian at the Smithsonian. I wasn’t too excited at first (we went because it was a “must see” for my aunt). But now I am so glad I did! I was definitely one of the highlights of the trip. I definitely recommend it. Plus the cafeteria (Mitsitam Native Foods Café) served great food. [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/toast.gif[/img]

[Shadowfax]

I definitely recommend the new Museum of the American Indian, and the new wing of the Air & Space Museum out at Dulles. You can get shuttle bus tickets from the Air & Space Museum on the Mall to go to Dulles. Both were fabulous!

We stayed at the Holiday Inn Capitol which is a comfortable 5 minute walk from the National Mall and a Metro stop. We just loved the location. It felt very safe. There was a Starbucks in the hotel, and a Quiznos, McDonald's and a deli just around the corner (on the same block). We would highly recommend this hotel.

Be aware though, that the Museum of American History is currently closed for a massive two year renovation process.

[Lumieregirl]

Not everyone is comfortable doing it, but we've gone to DC three times using Priceline, and stayed at the Hyatt for $50 night.

[mitchg]

The Korean war memorial is definitely something to see, especially at night. The effect of the lighting on the bronze statues is amazing.

[DopeyGirl]

We last went in 1999 . . . for 5 days, which was SO not enough time to see everything we wanted, but we hit the highlights. [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/wink.gif[/img] (Thank goodness we are just about 3.5 hours away from DC now, so we can go back and visit what we missed before and see the things we saw then again! [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/wink.gif[/img] )


We stayed at the Hilton Arlington, which wasn't then but is now (HOLY COW) pricey! [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/eek.gif[/img] But it was very nice! The hotel was attached to the Ballston Common Mall and had a few little shops in the lobby area. There was also a Metro station right outside the front door! [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/082502yes_prv.gif[/img]

[chezp]

[ QUOTE ]
We stayed at the Holiday Inn Capitol which is a comfortable 5 minute walk from the National Mall and a Metro stop. We just loved the location. It felt very safe. There was a Starbucks in the hotel, and a Quiznos, McDonald's and a deli just around the corner (on the same block). We would highly recommend this hotel.

[/ QUOTE ]

We stayed here as well in December 2005 and we thought it was a great hotel. We were very happy with the location and felt safe here. [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/smile.gif[/img]

Our highlights from our last couple of visits have really been mentioned by others - the new Air and Space Museum at Dulles is really worth a visit. I was a bit sceptical about it, as it's not my sort of thing, but I found it really interesting. [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/waytogo.gif[/img]

We also love the Korean War Memorial - it's one of our favourites, particularly at night, as the lighting is so beautiful. Another new addition is the World War II Memorial - that's worth seeing.

[tjslgs]

One other spot worth checking out is the National Zoo. My Dsis lives in Arlington and she said the cub is finally old enough to be outside and is very active.

[karmic]

DH and I went in October- we stayed at the Embassy Suites Chevy Chase Pavilion. A very nice hotel (with free breakfast) that was attached to a mall. There was a Starbucks and Cheese ake Factory. The Metro Station was right beneath the hotel.

[poohmaine]

We stayed at the Holiday Inn on the Hill, which was two blocks from Capitol Hill and Union Station. The location was absolutely perfect. It was recommended to Passporter pparm!

At the time, it was the cheapest hotel within walking distance of the mall that also had queen-size beds (which were very important for us). If you stay there, be sure to request a room as far away from the fire station as possible.

Here is a link to my trip report if you want more info:
http://www.passporterboards.com/ubb/show...part=1&vc=1

The Museum of the American Indian is indeed amazing. AND be sure to call your senator or representative's office ASAP when your dates are set to get tours of the Capitol and the White House.

[DebbieG]

Thanks for all of your suggestions. I am looking into all of them!

We will definitely hit the zoo - that's what got me started. I saw shows about the Pandas Sunday night! I haven't been to DC since having children 9 years ago. It's time to go back. It's an easy drive (especially compared to the 9 hours to Maine that we do several times a year), so we're doing it!

KEep the suggestions coming, please. Passporter friends are the best! I really appreciate all of your suggestions and help!

Debbie

[Straitlover]

Re the American history museum closing - they do have a smallish exhibit set up at the Air & Space Museum w/ some of their items. There is something about it on their website. I was looking into it for my big vaction this year, but I decided to wait until the museum opens back up in 2008.

[mattnkatsmum]

I can't remember the name of our hotel, but it was a Westin just off Dupont Circle and it was fab! I would definitely recommend that area and hotel.

I loved DC. I could have spent a week in the museums.

[Huntermom]

We usually stay at the Marriott Suites in Bethesda, as we have family there. I have consistently gotten excellent rates-well under $100./night on the weekends. It not far out of the city and I feel very safe there when I travel with just my DD.

My kids favorite place has always been the zoo-from DS1's first trip as a toddler through out most recent trips with young adult children. The kids have always enjoyed the Air and Space Museum and the Museum of Natural History. They also like the Holocaust Museum (although perhaps not for younger children).

I think DC is one of the best family vacations, especially since all the Smithsonian museums are free.

Diane