We're thinking about going to Washington, D.C. for our one year anniversary. My history-loving husband is about to explode from excitement. Travel tips from anyone who's been?
Totally dont know me....Whatever. Fly into Reagan National Airport. Find a place to stay in Old Town Alexandria near King St. Metro Station. take cab or hotel shuttle from airport. It will save you most of the cost of rental car. Take metro into DC. Rent a car only for trips away from area. Go to five guys hamburgers in old town Alexandria. 2 days in DC to see everything. no white house tour. It's lame. Arlington Cemetery has a metro stop. Consider renting bikes to get around DC. Take a long drive on the George Washington Parkway and go see mount vernon. It's on that parkway. Take a frisbee to gravelly point park. The planes fly super low over it. Best vacation ever.
LOVE DC! You'll have a blast. Arlington cemetery is unbelievable. You won't need a car - we never get one when we go. Just stay close to everything and you'll be fine. Oh I'm jealous - I haven't been in years.
If you come in the Spring the city will be swarming with tourists. So just be aware when planning tours, etc.
If you want to tour the Capitol/White House, you can set that up through your state Rep. or Senator's office.
I agree on the Five Guys tip. Yum. Although my new local favorite is called Ray's Hell Burger. E-mail me and I'll give you the scoop (this place doesn't even have a sign).
Definitely plan to Metro in. You can get pretty much anywhere you need to go. And when you do the museums, just be aware that they're HUGE and will take you at least half a day to walk through.
P.S. Plan to have breakfast at the Eastern Market (Capitol South metro stop). Market Lunch (in the main farmer's market pavilion) is a locals favorite. Super yummy french toast and legendary blueberry-buckwheat pancakes.
Wow. There is seriously so much to see there that I would definitely have a schedule already planned out before you go there. Like what you will go to on what days. That's what we did---and it's seriously the way to go. That way you can see things that are close to each other and not miss anything. Talk to your senator beforehand. They are who you get certain tickets from (like how you tour the White House and the Capitol)--you have to plan ahead for those tickets (atleast when I went). Let's see---I think that's about it. Oh--and take an umbrella or two. Also---we took the Metro pretty much everywhere...cheap and EASY! You'll have so much fun. And pretty much everything is FREE. Can't beat that.
We just went there for Spring Break! It was sooo much fun. Still need to post about it...OK here's my tips...
Go to Old town Alexandria! It is the cutest old city with fun shops and cool buildings. We only spent a couple hours there but I could have done a whole day.
Theres a cupcake place called Red Velvet and the are the BEST cupcakes Ive ever had. I'de go back just for them. I'll email you the address.
I really liked the Botanical gardens, its gorgeous. Plan on spending a while at all the smithsonians.
We had 3 full days in the city and I think it was just the right amount of time.
The drive to Mount Vernon is beautiful! Just be aware that it costs 15 bucks a person to actually do the Mount Vernon tour and it ends at 4. We got there at 3 so we didnt have enough time to go through but Ive heard it awesome.
If you wanna go to the top of the Washington mounument you need to get tickets in the morning, especially if your going in the Spring. They sell out pretty quickly.
I do love D.C. though...if that is your choice, I am very happy for you :) (my favorite places are the library of congress and #3 and Jamie's list). Also they have little paddle boats that you can rent to go around the scenic pond near the Lincoln Memorial. The rooselvelt memorial is one that I also love...great quotes engraved there.
Lived there, loved it. Don't try to pack it all in in the time you are there though. There is a lot to do and see, but just pick a few each day and then spend QT at each place... If you are into the live music/ethnic food and fun... find Adam's Morgan. It is like a street full of little cafe's and music bars and there are places to go dancing... if he's/you're into that thing... The food places in DC are choice though, so even if you don't get out much, you WILL eat well. :)
14 comments:
Totally dont know me....Whatever. Fly into Reagan National Airport. Find a place to stay in Old Town Alexandria near King St. Metro Station. take cab or hotel shuttle from airport. It will save you most of the cost of rental car. Take metro into DC. Rent a car only for trips away from area. Go to five guys hamburgers in old town Alexandria. 2 days in DC to see everything. no white house tour. It's lame. Arlington Cemetery has a metro stop. Consider renting bikes to get around DC. Take a long drive on the George Washington Parkway and go see mount vernon. It's on that parkway. Take a frisbee to gravelly point park. The planes fly super low over it. Best vacation ever.
You don't know me - but here's some advice - I've been a few times:
1. Don't go between June and October. You'll hate yourself.
2. Try to find a hotel close to where everything is so you can just walk everywhere.
3. The Hollacaust museum is the best.
Wow - you don't know me either :)
LOVE DC! You'll have a blast. Arlington cemetery is unbelievable. You won't need a car - we never get one when we go. Just stay close to everything and you'll be fine. Oh I'm jealous - I haven't been in years.
Have a great time :)
If you come in the Spring the city will be swarming with tourists. So just be aware when planning tours, etc.
If you want to tour the Capitol/White House, you can set that up through your state Rep. or Senator's office.
I agree on the Five Guys tip. Yum. Although my new local favorite is called Ray's Hell Burger. E-mail me and I'll give you the scoop (this place doesn't even have a sign).
Definitely plan to Metro in. You can get pretty much anywhere you need to go. And when you do the museums, just be aware that they're HUGE and will take you at least half a day to walk through.
P.S. Plan to have breakfast at the Eastern Market (Capitol South metro stop). Market Lunch (in the main farmer's market pavilion) is a locals favorite. Super yummy french toast and legendary blueberry-buckwheat pancakes.
Wow. There is seriously so much to see there that I would definitely have a schedule already planned out before you go there. Like what you will go to on what days. That's what we did---and it's seriously the way to go. That way you can see things that are close to each other and not miss anything. Talk to your senator beforehand. They are who you get certain tickets from (like how you tour the White House and the Capitol)--you have to plan ahead for those tickets (atleast when I went). Let's see---I think that's about it. Oh--and take an umbrella or two. Also---we took the Metro pretty much everywhere...cheap and EASY! You'll have so much fun. And pretty much everything is FREE. Can't beat that.
There are Segway tours in DC. I looked at them last week. Google it, you won't be disappointed.
We just went there for Spring Break! It was sooo much fun. Still need to post about it...OK here's my tips...
Go to Old town Alexandria! It is the cutest old city with fun shops and cool buildings. We only spent a couple hours there but I could have done a whole day.
Theres a cupcake place called Red Velvet and the are the BEST cupcakes Ive ever had. I'de go back just for them. I'll email you the address.
I really liked the Botanical gardens, its gorgeous. Plan on spending a while at all the smithsonians.
We had 3 full days in the city and I think it was just the right amount of time.
The drive to Mount Vernon is beautiful! Just be aware that it costs 15 bucks a person to actually do the Mount Vernon tour and it ends at 4. We got there at 3 so we didnt have enough time to go through but Ive heard it awesome.
If you wanna go to the top of the Washington mounument you need to get tickets in the morning, especially if your going in the Spring. They sell out pretty quickly.
Such a fun vacation! Take lots of pics!
Sorry that was Danica, didn't know I was signed in under my boss's account...
Can we come? I've never been but I really want to. We are white trash and thought Vegas would be a fun anniversary trip. D.C. is much classier.
If you have time, come visit your cousin in Philly!
uhhhh.....BOSTON???
I do love D.C. though...if that is your choice, I am very happy for you :) (my favorite places are the library of congress and #3 and Jamie's list). Also they have little paddle boats that you can rent to go around the scenic pond near the Lincoln Memorial. The rooselvelt memorial is one that I also love...great quotes engraved there.
Thanks for the tips everyone!
Lived there, loved it. Don't try to pack it all in in the time you are there though. There is a lot to do and see, but just pick a few each day and then spend QT at each place... If you are into the live music/ethnic food and fun... find Adam's Morgan. It is like a street full of little cafe's and music bars and there are places to go dancing... if he's/you're into that thing... The food places in DC are choice though, so even if you don't get out much, you WILL eat well. :)
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