Any good tips on Washington, DC?

[NJOYURLIFE]

My children and I spent a weekend in Olde Alexandria on our way to Florida back in June. It was a last minute thing, so not well planned. However, I agree with the using the metro. I also wished that we had had time to contact our local congressmen/senators to get tickets to certain things like the White House, but this has to be done way in advance. Also, I was surprised about how there is so much that is free to do. The one thing that I will change the next time I go is to purchase one of those bus passes that take you around especially for the memorials. We had gone early in the day to the museums and then went back to rest planning to go to the memorials in the later afternoon. Well, after looking at the map and seeing where the metro was and where the memorials were, we all decided to just skip the memorials. I think the buses were something like $40 a person, so I know it could add up. I just know that it will be something that we do the next time we head down there, along with contacting our representatives to see what tickets they can get us.

[hcwhcw]

PraiseAdonai, it's probably good that you're staying at a hotel in downtown D.C. as opposed to an outlying area, because that way, if you want to cab home at night instead of taking the Metro, you can always do that more easily and cheaply. That's great that you're taking your dog with you on vacation. Lucky dog! :-) Just curious, what are you going to do with your dog during the day, for example, when you go visit museums or other places where you can't bring in the dog?

[PraiseAdonai]

Any more good tips for D.C.?

[mama2kangaandroo]

Watching this thread with interest! We are planning a trip for this fall with 2 young children. I'm interested in the bus tour. Has anyone done that? Also, what hotels are within walking distance to Smithsonians?

[vasusan]

We usually stay at the MAriott when we stay overnight in DC. It is convenient to walk to the Smithsonian attractions. There are several in downtown DC, so you would have to look at the Marriott site to see which is closest to the things you want to see. We have never been disappointed.

Do get your tickets to Washington Monument before u come at nps.gov. We also enjoyed the spy museum. You can purchase tickets ahead of time for that as well at ticketmaster. It is best if kids can read before you go to the spy museum as many of the displays have written explanations and explain days of international spys. Young kids would be bored.

Have fun!

[marion10]

You can get tickets for the Capital ahead of time as well. One of my favorite places to eat is the cafeteria at The Museum of the American Indian, The food is fantastic and wonderful- the portions are huge and I usually split a plate.

[justlucy06]

Taking a group of middle schoolers to DC for a week in March. We've got 25 travelers and are looking for ideas especially about where to stay.