Washington Dc

[RyanbabZ71]

Anyone from the DC area or has anyone went? Just curious as to what are some things to see? We are going middle of July (Cubs are playing in washington so I am gonna get tix). Where is the best play to stay (would like to stay away from driving downtown). Any suggestions would be a big help

 

Thanks!

[mr_bots]

I went about ten years ago with a group from school. We went to the Capitol, Holocaust Museum, Smithsonian, Arlington National Cemetary, Lincoln Memorial, Jefferson Memorial, National Archives, Mount Vernon, the Kennedy Center and an amazing Cathedral in the area. Also, we were going to go to the Washington Memorial but the elevator was broke. Watching the guards over the Tumb of the Unknowns will give you the chills and the holocaust museum will bring tears to your eyes. I'm sure I'm missing some things. It was a great trip, I'm really glad I got the opportunity to go.

[bigBP]

Usually go to D.C. a couple times a year, always have a good time. As far as not wanting to drive into town, the metro system (subway) is a great way to get around. You could find a hotel outside of the beltway by one of the outer stations (The outer stations do have parking lots, free parking on weekends I think) and ride the metro into town.

 

You can get a map of the metro system and other info here:

 

http://www.wmata.com/

 

I can't personally recommend any hotels as I usually crash with some friends when I'm out that way.

 

For sightseeing, you can spend an entire day just walking around the national mall, I personally like the Korean War Memorial. First time I was in D.C. we went out early in the morning in a pretty thick fog, was an eerie feeling looking at the statues of the soldiers in that setting. The various Museums offer a good way to get out of the heat. Also, Arlington is a must.

[Nick The Great]

I went about ten years ago with a group from school. We went to the Capitol, Holocaust Museum, Smithsonian, Arlington National Cemetary, Lincoln Memorial, Jefferson Memorial, National Archives, Mount Vernon, the Kennedy Center and an amazing Cathedral in the area. Also, we were going to go to the Washington Memorial but the elevator was broke. Watching the guards over the Tumb of the Unknowns will give you the chills and the holocaust museum will bring tears to your eyes. I'm sure I'm missing some things. It was a great trip, I'm really glad I got the opportunity to go.

 

I did something like that too. About 10 years ago also.

 

We didn't get to go to the Holocaust Museum though, my sister went and said it is very sobering. Most group trips probably do the same stuff. We did the Capitol, Arlington, Mt Vernon, Lincoln Mem, Jefferson Mem, National Archives, Library of Congress, National Cathedral, probably others.

 

Some things not on Mr Bots's list. The Vietnam Memorial is something a person should see. Korean War Memorial was interesting, but my Grandfather was in Korea. Iwo Jima is cool. We did go to the National Air & Space Museum which was cool. I'd like to go to the Natural History museum, but I like dinosaurs

 

Probably more to see than you have time to.

[99silveradoz71]

Mom and I went in November as we met my brother there. He travels to the Rockville, MD area for work, so we stayed there. Yes, as mentioned above, the Metro is a great way to get around to see what you'd like. I met up with Justin from Blackbear and had the truck tuned while there too. The mall can make for a nice day's walk seeing the sites. It was cold when we went, but mom and I still covered pretty good ground. Also, out at Dulles is the hangar that they're using for a part of the air & space museum that houses the larger stuff. In my opinion it was definitely worth the trip there. Arlington was a must for me as well. Last time I had been to DC was 7th grade and I know it was a powerful trip then as much as it was this November.

[mr_bots]

I did forget to mention the Vietnam Memorial, which was one of the most memorable events of that trip. In May, just before we went, the remains of Andres Garcia were identified. He was from the town I grew up in and his family was still there. Our group convinced the park officials to let us get a rubbing of his name as they had just removed the marking next to it that meant that his body was not recovered/identifies to take back to his family. The family was really grateful that a group of strangers cared enough to do that as they would probably never get a chance to make it to DC.

 

http://www.pownetwork.org/bios/g/g115.htm

[doverarjim]

Ryan, check around and do the Washington at Night Tour. It is well worth the money. Like everyone else has said the Smithsoian(sp) the first time I spent 3 days at the Air and space. Worst thing about it nothing opens until 10:00 or later. And for a country boy that was a killer, walking around for 4 hours until something opened. When I went in the mid 90's there was somethings to see that you can't do anymore. The FBI building with their indoor shooting range and all the wepons that they keep as evidence, and the Metro stop at the Pentgon, they had a tour of the building then it was good.

[Stouffer]

I would stay off 395 in Arlington or Alexandria. It is 10 min from the Stadium and down town. Also Old town Alexandria is a cool place. You also have Mt Vernon to check out (George Washington's Estate). Check out the inner Harbor in Baltimore as well. Camden yards where the Orioles play is a great stadium. Only 45 minutes away. There is also the new National Harbor.

[Jennabear]

Make sure you hit up the Spy Museum, my favorite place! The Dulles Air Museum is pretty cool, maybe get a tour of the White House or the Pentagon. Lots of cool old bars and such in Adam's Morgan or head out to Annapolis.

[RyanbabZ71]

nothing opens until 10:00 or later. And for a country boy that was a killer

 

I hate that half the day is already gone (I get up at 5am every day)

 

The air & space museum is #1 on my list. Probably because I work in the aerospace industry is one reason why I want to see it.

 

Thank you for all the other suggestions. We are going middle of July I just want to have a plan before we go.