Any good tips on Washington, DC?

[PraiseAdonai]

Hello,

Taking a trip to Washington, D.C. soon.

Any tips on where to eat? Or any other tips?

Thank you.

[saving-n-va]

Don't know where you are staying but if you are in a hotel that has a shuttle service to the Metro stations (subway) I highly suggest you take advantage of the Metro system to get around DC. Traffic is a nightmare and parking in DC very expensive. I love using the Metro to get around, we never drive into DC. If you aren't used to MAJOR traffic, it can be quite shocking how bad the traffic can be. DH's dad visited last week, and was complaining about it, we said it wasn't as bad as we expected. (we were driving to Baltimore).

Where to eat? Hmmmm depends on what areas you will be in. Food in the Mall area is expensive, but you can grab waters etc from the little carts around there for about $1 or so. You can carry snacks if you want. You go through security at all the museums etc, but you can carry the food in as far as I know. I've never had a problem doing it.

If you have a military ID, alot of places give discounts around here.

Washington Monument - go online to the National Parks website and you can order tickets ahead of time to go up into the monument. If not you many not get in the day you go. They are only like $1.50 or so each. Of course all the Smithsonian museums are free.

I'm on the Virginia side, so Old Towne Alexandria is kinda neat, Mt. Vernon just down the road is neat.

[judymd]

I just heard on the radio today, if you mention WTOP (radio station) you get 1/2 off the admission for the Newseum.

Don't drive, take metro. Save yourself infinite headaches, miseries and bad moods.

Depending on when you are going, you can call your Congressman or Senator for tickets and some tours.

[jeweltea]

Food at the museum (Smithsonian) cafeterias is very expensive and not that good. Take the metro into DC to avoid the parking and traffic. There are a lot of free things to do in DC (the monuments, the Smithsonian, Arlington National Cemetery, etc.) When are you going? It is very hot and humid in the summer and into September.

[jkelstaten]

I didn't see the zoo mentioned, but it's free & the pandas are great. It's a very short walk from the metro. Parking is much cheaper by the day at the metro parking than it is in the city.

If you haven't already, you can get some great deals on hotels using Priceline. Especially if you have some transportation. We regularly got a hotel in Rockville/Bethesda area for friends that were visiting and paid $50/night with last minute reservations. It's not a far drive to the metro in any suburb and the metro ride isn't bad either(much faster than driving).

I haven't come across much bad food in D.C., but there are tons of ethnic restaurants if you are into that. For a chain restaurant we love BD's Mongolian Barbeque (go at lunch and it's much cheaper) and I've heard great things about Ruth's Chris Steakhouse (it's a bit pricey though). We lived in Bethesda, it's not quite as historical as Alexandria, but still a nice quaint area.

I do recommend staying away from SE D.C. unless you happen to have friends that live there that will accompany you.

[PraiseAdonai]

You guys, thank you!!!!!!!

I booked at the Omni Sherham. Only one with a pool, pet friendly and very decent price for a hotel in downtown.!

We tried Alexandria. But, their prices are just the same as D.C. We also looked into VA. Some where also very high, too!

Funny thing in DC. The prices are lower on the weekend than, week day. Go, figure! It is usually the other way around. Try that one on a beach town, that would be great!

So the dog is happy, the kids are happy and the daddy is happy with the bill! LOL.

The food. I looked into Restaurant.com and boy, do you guys have some selection of places to eat. Yum! You guys eat good!

Like, NYC! (Your D.C. selections were: Salvadorian, Mexican, Greek, TAPAS- yum-yum, and much more!)

Yes, yes, and double yes. The Metro!!! Thank you!!!

Thanks for the tips on tickets from both of you. I tell hubby.

I am excited.

Hey, when I was a little girl I remember going to wax museum's. Where the heck are they? I don't want to see Madam Turso (spelling) in Washington. I can see that here at NYC.

I want to see some historical wax figures. I loved them as a kid.

Can you tell me where they went? Or are they in Maryland or VA?

[PraiseAdonai]

Originally Posted by jeweltea Food at the museum (Smithsonian) cafeterias is very expensive and not that good. Take the metro into DC to avoid the parking and traffic. There are a lot of free things to do in DC (the monuments, the Smithsonian, Arlington National Cemetery, etc.) When are you going? It is very hot and humid in the summer and into September.

Thank you.

Very soon!

[PraiseAdonai]

Originally Posted by jkelstaten I didn't see the zoo mentioned, but it's free & the pandas are great. It's a very short walk from the metro. Parking is much cheaper by the day at the metro parking than it is in the city. Thank you! If you haven't already, you can get some great deals on hotels using Priceline. Especially if you have some transportation. We regularly got a hotel in Rockville/Bethesda area for friends that were visiting and paid $50/night with last minute reservations. It's not a far drive to the metro in any suburb and the metro ride isn't bad either(much faster than driving). I wished I have know. We tried alot of places outside and they were just as much as DC. (We got Pooch). I will look at it tomorrow. I haven't come across much bad food in D.C., but there are tons of ethnic restaurants if you are into that. I had a preview at Restaurant. com. LOL! YUM! For a chain restaurant we love BD's Mongolian Barbeque (go at lunch and it's much cheaper) and I've heard great things about Ruth's Chris Steakhouse (it's a bit pricey though). Thanks will google tomorrow! We lived in Bethesda, it's not quite as historical as Alexandria, but still a nice quaint area. Sounds nice. I do recommend staying away from SE D.C. unless you happen to have friends that live there that will accompany you.

Thank you!

[PraiseAdonai]

Originally Posted by jeweltea Food at the museum (Smithsonian) cafeterias is very expensive and not that good. Take the metro into DC to avoid the parking and traffic. There are a lot of free things to do in DC (the monuments, the Smithsonian, Arlington National Cemetery, etc.) When are you going? It is very hot and humid in the summer and into September.

Well, put it to you this way, I will be stocking up on some "Frizz Ease" on my "do". LOL!

[PraiseAdonai]

Oh, did want to mention.

That I spent hours yesterday calling every hotel, on the pet friendly list, to see if they were really "pet friendly", what is amount for the pooch, if they had the pool, how far are you from this, how much is valet, do you have this discount so and so. I never though trying to find a hotel was that stressful!

I didn't think of posting this question yesterday. Or else I would of gotten really good tips on the town surrounding DC which you guys are posting, silly me!