Washington DC in the spring

[HillbillyHotRod]

So wife has never been to DC and wants to go this spring. Will not go during the cherry blossom thing as do not like crowds. Anyway where would be the best areas to stay? Plan on using the metro going to and from as have heard traffic is terrible. Was not bad when I went but that was back in the 80's. Need somewhere that is accessible to the hotel. Do not know if hotels provide shuttle to and from the station. Thanks for any hints.

 

[ssj4sadie]

Can't help with your specific questions. But man, the Smithsonian Air and Space Museum was amazing. I essentially spent my entire time there. To truly enjoy the mall would take a minimum of a week IMHO. I'm not a huge history buff, but 'MERICA-****-YEAH!

 

[*Jay*]

Havent stayed in either hotel but there is a good bit around this area and the Crystal city metro station is right by them. My advice is be out of DC before the sun goes down and if you can go to the Baltimore (National) Aquarium.

 

[ford fanatic]

Havent stayed in either hotel but there is a good bit around this area and the Crystal city metro station is right by them. My advice is be out of DC before the sun goes down and if you can go to the Baltimore (National) Aquarium.

They might get shot in Baltimore, be careful...

 

[SID297]

Be like WV Senator Joe Manchin, stay on your yacht at the Capital Yacht Club.

 

[GNBRETT]

I stayed right across the street from the Air and Space museum. I agree that is the BEST exhibit! The hotel is within walking distance of everything essentially. Yea I could stay a whole week there.

If u ever watched the mini series "From earth to the Moon" one could really appreciate what went into building the Lem.

Can't help with your specific questions. But man, the Smithsonian Air and Space Museum was amazing. I essentially spent my entire time there. To truly enjoy the mall would take a minimum of a week IMHO. I'm not a huge history buff, but 'MERICA-****-YEAH!

 

[SHOdown220]

We stayed at a hotel in Alexandria and took the train into DC every day. Hotel offered shuttles to the station, ride the train and then walk and/or uber to different parts of the city.

I can't wait to go back, visiting all the museums and landmarks there really make you proud to be an american.

 

[CobraBob]

You'll love seeing the cherry blossoms. My wife and I lived in Alexandria, VA many years ago and the cherry blossoms were always an annual highlight. Back then getting in and out of DC was brutal. Hopefully traffic flow is better today.

Places to consider seeing.
* Arlington National Cemetery and Tomb of the Unknown Soldier
* Tidal Basin (Cherry Blossoms)
* Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum
* Smithsonian Museum of Natural History
* Smithsonian's National Zoo

There are tons of nice hotels available but you probably already know that DC hotels are a lot more expensive than those in neighboring cities (Arlington and Alexandria, for example).

You'll have a good time there.

 

[TAF]

Staying in the district can be as little as under $100/night to many times that, just depending on where you stay and what level of hotel you wish to stay. For bargain stays...

Holiday Inn Washington-Capitol

Just behind the Smithsonian Air & Space Museum, just a block from the Mall and near The Capitol

BEST high $ place to stay is The Intercontinental Willard Hotel next to the White House.

InterContinental The Willard Washington D.C.

Do yourself a favor and call your Congressman and ask them to set a Capitol Tour and inquire about a White House tour (be prepared for a background check for WH tour)

If there after April 1st...see a Nationals game. If there on a Friday night, go to the Marine Barracks for their Summer Parade Ground Performance
Marine Barracks > Parades > Evening Parade

SOMUCH to do and MOST are FREE

National Gallery is a MUST, MUSEUM OF American History, too

GREAT food can be found EVERYWHERE,

I hope some of this helps.

 

[HillbillyHotRod]

Should have mentioned. We were not planning on staying in DC but outside in either Maryland or Virginia.

 

[MFE]

Now that you've clarified...you should still stay in the city. That Holiday Inn Washington-Capital is damn near perfectly situated for super easy access all around the city and surrounding areas. It's a block from the L'Enfant Metro (subway) station that will literally take you anywhere you might need to go. It's also a block from The Mall and the National Air and Space Museum. However, they're undergoing major renovations, so do your research ahead of time.

We visited 3 summers ago for a week, didn't rent a car, saved the ridiculous parking costs and hassles for Ubers. Had a blast.

 

[mammothcar1]

I can highly recommend two areas because A) You won't need a car, B) very close to DCA and, C) very kid/family friendly.

Check out Crystal City. There are many good hotels all within walking distance to the Metro. Crystal Drive and 23rd Street have very good restaurants for kids and adults, and all within walking distance.

Also, check out King Street in Old Town. Very good restaurants, right on the Potomac River and is walkable, and good for families with kids.

Both of these locations are very close to DCA, or if you drive once you check into the hotel, you won't need your car again until you drive home.

Another recommendation is to Uber or Lyft into the District rather than Metro, usually $10 to $15 dollars.

I live near Old Town and lived in Crystal City, shoot me a PM and I can give you more details.

 

[SolarYellow]

If there is one and only one thing to see, it's Tomb of the Unknown. Any description would not be sufficient. Take notice of the rubber mat on which the guard walks back and forth.

If I was going back to D.C., I'd go back to the Smithsonian as it really afford an interesting look into our country. The Holocaust Museum would be fun but someone told me it can be difficult with crowds and such.

 

[kevinatfms]

I live about 30 min outside DC in Maryland. Everyone is spot on above about staying in the city as Metro and the mall are all within walking distance(if you stay downtown).

The national mall is amazing to hang out around during a nice spring day. Cherry blossom festival is great but definitely not for the people who hate crowd.

The Smithsonians are nice but if you want to venture out to Chantilly VA, there is the Udvar-Hazy Center which houses some incredible aircraft, including an SR-71, the Space Shuttle and others. Its a bit more up to date than the Air & Space Museum and has a huge IMAX theater.

I do also suggest the Spy Museum. Its a bit different but extremely fascinating.

Arlington National Cemetery, Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and the newly renovated(our company just completed the full renovation of the house & grounds) Robert E. Lee house is a great way to spend some time.

PM me if you have any questions.

 

[HillbillyHotRod]

Would be nice to stay in the city but we are retired on a fixed income and $300 a night it a bit out of our budget.

 

[jaxbusa]

I just looked at my hotel app and found several hotels in low $100s within walking distance to the National Mall.


Sent from my iPhone using svtperformance.com

 

[HillbillyHotRod]

What app you using?

 

[black92]

I've been a few times and the last time we went we tried Ben's Chili Bowl. I enjoyed it and would go back next time we visit.

 

[SHOdown220]

If there is one and only one thing to see, it's Tomb of the Unknown. Any description would not be sufficient. Take notice of the rubber mat on which the guard walks back and forth.

If I was going back to D.C., I'd go back to the Smithsonian as it really afford an interesting look into our country. The Holocaust Museum would be fun but someone told me it can be difficult with crowds and such.

The crowds weren't too bad at the holocaust museum but we were there on a monday or tuesday I think. It is worth going in to for sure, but fun is not the expression I would use to describe it. The room of shoes is really intense, as is most of the museum.

EDIT: Agree with you 100% on the tomb of unknown, its a must see.

 

[SHOdown220]

double post