scrappinwithoutpeas
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 3,215 
Location: Northern Virginia
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Post by scrappinwithoutpeas on Jan 13, 2017 3:21:43 GMT
If you only have 3 1/2 days, I would not try for these tickets. You have to stand in line the day of and they are VERY tough to get. I would spend the time seeing things you can actually go to. I live in the DC area so here is my list. 1.You cannot go up in the Washington Monument for the forseeable future (check on this but the news reported it about a month ago). 2.The Holocaust museum is amazing and sobering. 3. Go to Good Stuff Eatery on Penn Ave. They have amazing burgers and fantastic shakes. The owner won Chopped. 4. You can do the usual Smithsonian museums and I know you don't have a car but if you can rent one, I highly recommend the Udvar Hazy Center in Chantilly, VA. It is part of the Air and Space museum and much better than the DC one. It is filled with all sorts of planes, engines, rockets and the Space Shuttle. Totally worth the drive. 5. The International Spy museum. 6. Newseum. 7. I am not sure if it is still out but try to go to the archives and see the Declaration of Independence, etc. 8. Be aware that food in the museums is horrid (except Native American Museum). 9. National Gallery of Art. 10. You cannot get here without a car but Gravelly Point state park (on the VA side) off the GW Parkway. The planes come right over your head when they are landing at Reagan National. It is really cool.11. Embassies. If you can swing visiting some of the embassies, they are really pretty inside. 12. Right now they have blocked off PA ave in front of the White House. You can't even go up to the gate to take a picture. I think it is because of the inauguration so hopefully, that should be gone by then. For March be prepared for ICE! March is generally our worst month for weather. I guarantee it will be cold as balls and the weather is totally unpredictable that time of year. ETA: Don't bother with American History Museum. They redid it a couple years ago and it is a terrible layout. I also recommend all the usual monuments but if you can go to the Jefferson and Lincoln at night, totally worth it! SaveI agree with most of these suggestions. There's a metro stop at National Airport and you can walk from there to Gravelly Point park (or use the bike path). Also, there are bike rental kiosks sprinkled throughout DC, Alexandria, and Arlington. Might be of some help. Yeah, either as cold as balls, or as hot as last summer. Or gale-force winds. Or torrential rain. Come prepared for anything!  As for museums, it all depends on what you're interested in...the American History Museum is DS's favorite of all the Smithsonian museums (and has been since he was 4 - he's now 16), even with the new layout. Both his sisters vastly prefer the Natural History Museum, and all of them dislike the Newseum. YMMV! Save |
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MissChris
Full Member
Posts: 371
Jul 14, 2014 0:46:04 GMT
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Post by MissChris on Jan 13, 2017 3:28:08 GMT
I agree with most of these suggestions. There's a metro stop at National Airport and you can walk from there to Gravelly Point park (or use the bike path). Also, there are bike rental kiosks sprinkled throughout DC, Alexandria, and Arlington. Might be of some help. Yeah, either as cold as balls, or as hot as last summer. Or gale-force winds. Or torrential rain. Come prepared for anything! As for museums, it all depends on what you're interested in...the American History Museum is DS's favorite of all the Smithsonian museums (and has been since he was 4 - he's now 16), even with the new layout. Both his sisters vastly prefer the Natural History Museum, and all of them dislike the Newseum. YMMV! SaveI always want to be sure that I have the appropriate clothes and shoes, so this isn't good....not good at all!! I'm actually hoping for some cold, since we don't get too much of that in Arizona. I already went out and bought a coat and comfy boots for walking. Thanks for the advice! |
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Post by Basket1lady on Jan 13, 2017 5:41:29 GMT
I agree with most of these suggestions. There's a metro stop at National Airport and you can walk from there to Gravelly Point park (or use the bike path). Also, there are bike rental kiosks sprinkled throughout DC, Alexandria, and Arlington. Might be of some help. Yeah, either as cold as balls, or as hot as last summer. Or gale-force winds. Or torrential rain. Come prepared for anything! As for museums, it all depends on what you're interested in...the American History Museum is DS's favorite of all the Smithsonian museums (and has been since he was 4 - he's now 16), even with the new layout. Both his sisters vastly prefer the Natural History Museum, and all of them dislike the Newseum. YMMV! SaveI always want to be sure that I have the appropriate clothes and shoes, so this isn't good....not good at all!! I'm actually hoping for some cold, since we don't get too much of that in Arizona. I already went out and bought a coat and comfy boots for walking. Thanks for the advice! The weather could be anything, just as stated. It's 12:30am right now and 60 degrees. And they are predicting ice for Saturday! We get a lot of ice in March, but that doesn't mean that DC will close down. A lot of time north of DC will get weather, but not south of DC. Or vice versa. The Metro runs for all but the very worst weather. |
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Post by monklady123 on Jan 13, 2017 11:52:56 GMT
I agree with most of these suggestions. There's a metro stop at National Airport and you can walk from there to Gravelly Point park (or use the bike path). Also, there are bike rental kiosks sprinkled throughout DC, Alexandria, and Arlington. Might be of some help. Yeah, either as cold as balls, or as hot as last summer. Or gale-force winds. Or torrential rain. Come prepared for anything! As for museums, it all depends on what you're interested in...the American History Museum is DS's favorite of all the Smithsonian museums (and has been since he was 4 - he's now 16), even with the new layout. Both his sisters vastly prefer the Natural History Museum, and all of them dislike the Newseum. YMMV! SaveI always want to be sure that I have the appropriate clothes and shoes, so this isn't good....not good at all!! I'm actually hoping for some cold, since we don't get too much of that in Arizona. I already went out and bought a coat and comfy boots for walking. Thanks for the advice! Sorry, but you've just guaranteed that it will be hot and humid the days you're here. |
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peppermintpatty
Pearl Clutcher
Refupea #1345
Posts: 4,209
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Post by peppermintpatty on Jan 13, 2017 12:31:36 GMT
I always want to be sure that I have the appropriate clothes and shoes, so this isn't good....not good at all!! I'm actually hoping for some cold, since we don't get too much of that in Arizona. I already went out and bought a coat and comfy boots for walking. Thanks for the advice! Sorry, but you've just guaranteed that it will be hot and humid the days you're here. BINGO! Save |
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paigepea
Drama Llama
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Posts: 5,609
Location: BC, Canada
Jun 26, 2014 4:28:55 GMT
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Post by paigepea on Jan 13, 2017 14:09:12 GMT
We had an uber car take us to the monuments at night. He drive us from monument to monument and we got out to view. Cost us $30. So much cheaper than getting on a tour bus to view the monuments at night. For daytime viewing we hoped on bicycles. Way better than walking the monument route!! You can rent them from anywhere. Get the app.
We checked our restaurants on trip advisor and picked ones in the top 10 that sounded good. Food was amazing. Book now before you go. Reservations there once we were there were harder to come by. It's a happening food culture so busy busy. Reserve ahead.
African American museum wasn't open yet when we were there but the building looked gorgeous. We did air and space, natural history and pop culture smithsonians. The holocaust museum was the best one we've been to outside of Israel.
ETA: we also really enjoyed the news museum.
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Post by scraplette on Jan 13, 2017 15:45:03 GMT
Gettysburg is inspiring but my first thought was too far if you only have three days - unless you are Arizona Frank Lloyd Wright fans! then you can add a side trip to Falling Water. It's a leisurely daytime trip and you'll see a lot of history, different countryside and towns.
Annapolis or Baltimore can give you a different sense of place too, and take less time.
Pack walking shoes and dress for comfort! You'll stay more relaxed if you know in advance you'll only see the highlights, with some fun extras, like Einstein. You are going to have fun!
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Post by terri on Jan 13, 2017 15:47:15 GMT
You won't get to see it all so don't kill your self trying. I lived there for 7 years, still visit and I'm pretty sure I haven't seen everything. I think the key to enjoying your trip is picking the things that you feel like you can't miss, versus trying to squeeze it all in.
You are in a great location. I lived right across the street from there for a few years and loved how easy it was to get everyplace. The metro system is good and there is a free app you can use (search Washington DC metro in the App Store and you will see it) that should make it super easy.
Here are my picks:
🔘 Museums: Air and Space Museum (one of the Smithsonians), National Gallery of Art, National Museum of American History (one of the Smithsonians) and Holocaust Museum. If you like modern art and sculpture I would add the Hirschorn Museum and Sculpture Garden to the list. I haven't been to the African American History Museum yet but I've heard it is very good.
🔘 Memorials: Lincoln, Vietnam Veterans are my must sees but if you have a personal connection to any of the others I would make time for those.
🔘 National Zoo (depending on weather) if you haven't seen Giant Pandas before I think they live up to the hype but I really like bears of all kinds.
🔘 U.S. Capitol - call one of your representatives to arrange. The White House used to be on my list but it is so much more restrictive now than it used to be.
🔘 If you want to eat and shop you could go to Union Station (the restored train station), Georgetown or Alexandria. You could go to Pentagon City mall of course but to me it is just another mall.
🔘 Restaurants - There are so many great ethnic restaurants so I would pick something you can't get at home. I hear great things about Estadio (tapas), The Regent (Thai), Le Diplomate (French), Compass Rose (Mediterranean) and recently The Bird which is new (American)
I know it's a few months away, but be sure to check weather forecast before you go. I've been there in March when it's freezing and also when it's very nice weather.
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Post by FLA SummerBaby on Jan 13, 2017 19:43:51 GMT
Even if you aren't really familiar with using subways, you will really like the Metro. Clean and easy to navigate.
Clothing? Take layers, a good coat and good walking shoes! You will do lots of walking!!!
Depending on when you are there in March -- check out the Cherry Blossom Festival dates. They are awesome to see in full splendor!
Favorite monument for me is Lincoln.
I enjoy all the Smithsonian museums, art museums and surprisingly liked the Botanical Gardens.
It is an absolutely beautiful city and area. Agree about Arlington!
Have a wonderful time planning and enjoying your trip.
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Deleted
Posts: 0
Aug 18, 2025 21:44:34 GMT
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Post by Deleted on Jan 13, 2017 19:54:44 GMT
Honestly, you are going to get many recommendations to eat at the Native American museum. Your are from Arizona. You get better and more authentic food at a taco truck.
And nobody should eat succotash at a cafeteria.
Go to the zoo. OMG the pandas make it worth it.
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Post by beyoncesister on Jan 13, 2017 21:38:44 GMT
If you only have 3 1/2 days, I would not try for these tickets. You have to stand in line the day of and they are VERY tough to get. I would spend the time seeing things you can actually go to. I live in the DC area so here is my list. 1.You cannot go up in the Washington Monument for the forseeable future (check on this but the news reported it about a month ago). 2.The Holocaust museum is amazing and sobering. 3. Go to Good Stuff Eatery on Penn Ave. They have amazing burgers and fantastic shakes. The owner won Chopped. 4. You can do the usual Smithsonian museums and I know you don't have a car but if you can rent one, I highly recommend the Udvar Hazy Center in Chantilly, VA. It is part of the Air and Space museum and much better than the DC one. It is filled with all sorts of planes, engines, rockets and the Space Shuttle. Totally worth the drive. 5. The International Spy museum. 6. Newseum. 7. I am not sure if it is still out but try to go to the archives and see the Declaration of Independence, etc. 8. Be aware that food in the museums is horrid (except Native American Museum). 9. National Gallery of Art. 10. You cannot get here without a car but Gravelly Point state park (on the VA side) off the GW Parkway. The planes come right over your head when they are landing at Reagan National. It is really cool. 11. Embassies. If you can swing visiting some of the embassies, they are really pretty inside. 12. Right now they have blocked off PA ave in front of the White House. You can't even go up to the gate to take a picture. I think it is because of the inauguration so hopefully, that should be gone by then. For March be prepared for ICE! March is generally our worst month for weather. I guarantee it will be cold as balls and the weather is totally unpredictable that time of year.   ETA: Don't bother with American History Museum. They redid it a couple years ago and it is a terrible layout.  I also recommend all the usual monuments but if you can go to the Jefferson and Lincoln at night, totally worth it! SaveYou no longer have to stand in line. The same day tickets are available online starting at 6a.m. A friend was told that you can also come around noonish and the guards will allow a certain number of visitors in based on occupancy. We are hoping to land tickets for any days following the March. If you are a foodie Bad Saints actually does have a long line but Maketto has reservations. Both are delicious. |
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