Washington DC trip in the works

[gardening1970]

I am planning a 5 or 6 day Washington DC trip around July 4th. My teenagers have never been to DC, and it's been 20 years since hubby and I were there last. I want to see the fireworks over the National Mall. We're interested in staying near a metro station and doing all the typical museums and monuments, of course.

Any tips or suggestions? SoWal board members are always well-informed, so I thought I'd ask for any input you guys have to offer. Thanks in advance!

 

[beachmouse]

Call your congresscritter and/or senator's office first thing on Monday morning to see what tickets they've got available yet for the days you're going to be there. You're probably a bit late for White House tickets (if they're currently doing that) but they can frequently get you (free) priority tickets to other DC places of interest.

IMO, the White House tours are kind of overrated, but it's worth doing once in your life if you get the chance.

 

[ameliaj]

Heading to DC on Monday for a 5 day 8th grade school field trip. My child's teacher is so organized, we will be seeing tons. I'll give you a report when we get back. She arranges a lot of stuff through our congressfolks. If you want to tour the capital or White House, you have to turn in info like names addresses and ss#, etc to get the tickets. We are not going to the White House because the tour there conflicted with Eucharist at the National Cathedral. The White House tour is considerably shorter than it once was before all the security.

 

[gardening1970]

Ameliaj - Hope your trip is fun and safe! I look forward to hearing about it when you return.

I've done the White House tour once and thought it was a bit of a disappointment. I am interested in touring the Capitol again and will seek passes next week.

 

[GoodWitch58]

My son and I always enjoyed the Air and Space Museum and the Natural History museum. Arlington is a "must see" IMO and even though the Pandas are gone, I'd spend some time at the Zoo...it's a nice change from the zoo in the halls of the Capitol

Library of Congress and the Supreme Court are fun to tour (great little restaurant at the LofC). Maybe see a play or take a tour at Ford Theater.

Spend an afternoon at the war memorials...interesting how each of them has its own presence. Union station is interesting and has shopping too. National Cathedral is a must see.

Funky shopping and great food in Georgetown. Saturday mornings at Eastern Market is a different, fun experience...last time I was there it was Memorial Day weekend and it was festive.

We stayed in a Condo in the NW Section, off Conn. Ave, I think...good way to be part of the city, and and you have much more privacy than in a hotel. There was a Metro right at the corner and we used it for everything. Enjoy your time. It's a great city. I used to live just outside the city and I miss it sometimes. July 4th in DC is always special. Have fun.

 

[DuneLaker]

We stayed at a Holiday Inn, but it was some time ago. The children were little, but it was close and we could walk to a number of venues. Be sure to contact politicians you know before you go. Special tours may be available for the asking. If you know any staffers that is always helpful for the inside tour.

 

[Minnie]

Staying in Arlington and taking the Metro can be a good location, there is a very nice Hampton Inn there.

 

[Sheila]

Our son moved there in November and I have yet to visit him. I'll be looking forward to your trip report. I can google, as some do, but am looking forward to get your recommendations. We are planning a mid-June visit.

 

[BeachSiO2]

Here is a link to the Washingtonian that might be helpful.

Washingtonian Magazine - Dining and Restaurants, Shopping, Politics, Entertainment, Nightlife, Real Estate, News and Events in Washington, DC, Maryland and Virginia

As for places to stay, you probably don't want to stay in Southeast or Southwest. Not many food options at night and safety is an issue if you get to far away from the south side of the Smithsonian buildings.

I would highly recommend Northwest and the closer you can stay to the Verizon Center (or a little north) the better for food options, shorter walks, the metro and the Circulator bus.

If that's too pricey when you are going, you can always stay further out and ride the Metro. Just know that there is no Metro near Georgetown (but they have the Circulator bus). Another option is near DuPont Circle but it will require Metro rides.

 

[gardening1970]

Thanks again for the input! I'm now looking at 3 hotels within a few blocks of a metro station and near the convention center.