Washington DC (Non Honeymoon Travel)

Re: Washington DC (Non Honeymoon Travel)

• saraschilling88

  

  October 2012

  Definitely go to the Arlington National Cemetery.  I went there when I was 15 and was moved by the experience even then!  If you go there, definitely watch the Changing of the Guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.  Also, I believe that is where JFK & Jackie Kennedy Onassis are buried and they have an "eternal flame" between their graves which was interesting to me.
  
  I'm not really familiar with the area, having only been there once so I can't help too much other than recommending Arlington, The mall (loved going up to the Lincoln Memorial as there are inscriptions on the walls), and at the Lincoln Memorial you can take a picture of the Washington Memorial reflected in the reflecting pool.  I thought it was pretty neat!!
  
  I don't remember where we stayed, but if you are nearby it there was a boat tour on the Potomac River and we went in the evening (you can see some of the Mall from the boat).  I've heard the night tour is very cool because the Licoln Memorial is lit up for the tour.  If that is an option for you I would recommend that too!
  
  I hope you have fun in D.C.!!

  

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• Sue-n-Kevin member

  

  October 2012

  My son lives in the DC area and works in the city, and we've visited several times.
  
  I would probably lump together the Smithsonian Museums for one day, maybe 2. They are (pretty much) all in a row along both sides of the Mall. I'd probably do one end of the Mall (Capitol end) with some of the Museums, then do the other end (Lincoln Monument, FDR, Jefferson Monument, WW II Monument/Memorial).
  
  Aside from the things you mentioned, our 2 favorite things were the Library of Congress (you could spend a few hours in there, there is so much, but the guided tour is really cool), and the Bureau of Engraving. The Bureau of Engraving has timed tours, and you can see bills coming off printers in sheets, then piled 2 feet high on pallets. Really cool. You can buy uncut sheets at the store at the end.
  
  We have not been to the Supreme Court yet. I also highly recommend Arlington Cemetery. The changing of the guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier makes the hair on the back of my neck stand up. You can get maps at the entrance and find Joe Louis' grave (near the tomb of the unknown soldier), plus the Kennedy's.  
  
  Not sure you will like the Spy Museum. There is an admission fee, which I recall is fairly high. It is cool, but I'd probably save that for another time with so many other things to see that are free.
  
  I'd also recommend Ford Theater, where Lincoln was assassinated, and the house across the street where he died. I believe it's near the White House, but I could be wrong.
  
  Our favorite restaurant, and it's a popular one, was Founding Farmers.
  
  I'd recommend checking www.tripadvisor.com for restaurant reviews in different areas. I'm not familiar with the Arlington area other than the cemetery.
  
  Good luck and enjoy your trip. It's become one of my favorite cities.

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• Katred08

  

  October 2012

  Just a few other things to add....The Portrait Gallery is my favorite of the Smithsonians....they have the presidential portraits, which I think are really neat. 
  
  I second above poster about the Spy Museum--it was fun, but it's sorta pricey (not really, but compared to so many free ones, it seems like it!), but my main issue was that it took a loong time to get through and felt like it ate up a big chunk of the day.  Doing that, plus the garden tour, plus natural history might be a little much for one day.  
  
  FI and I took a paddleboat ride in the tidal basin the last time we were in DC and it was a fun way to spend an hour. They might be closed for the season, but it's worth checking out.  You paddle around right in front of the Jefferson Memorial and can get some good photos from a different perspective.

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• hoffse member

  

  October 2012 edited October 2012

  OK I lived about 3 blocks from where you are staying for a whole summer in college.  Not many great restaurants in Crystal City, but there's a mall there where you can eat. I would head into Alexandria proper and eat there (if my memory is correct it's the last stop on the blue line - very obvious by the name) - lots of cute restaurants and boutiques and things within a couple blocks of the metro stop - you can just wander around.  FI and I joke that our dream is to retire in Alexandria (not that we could ever afford those houses - real estate in DC is hard to come by).

  
  

  Spy museum is not worth it.  I didn't go to a single museum with an admission fee while I was living there and still didn't see everything.  I went to the spy museum on a later trip and thought it was a waste of time.

  
  

  You need to take a day (or 8) and do the national mall.  The museums are huge, free, and are all in a row like PP mentioned.  The museum of natural history is amazing, but so is the national gallery of art.  The national gallery has the largest degas collection outside of the Degas house in France.  Their Asian art museum is also amazing - I took another trip there in college on a research grant and got to study in their archives.  The best museum restaurant is the native american museum - very good food there and lots of veggie options.

  
  

  I ditto PP that the library of congress is seriously cool.  My anniversary gift from my FI (he was there that summer as well) was a researchers pass into the library of congress.  I read the 7th harry potter book in their main reading room on the day it came out.  It was incredible.  The Supreme Court is amazing, but I wouldn't listen to the lecture unless you like legal stuff.  I'm a lawyer so I would probably listen, but I also stay semi-aware of what cases they're hearing.  The Supreme Court and library of congress are next door.

  
  

  I would also pick between the capitol tour and the white house tour.  There is so much else to see there that signing up for too many tours really wastes valuable time.  There's a way to get into the capitol without standing in line - you go through security at one of the side buildings that are not cool looking and ride the underground tram that all the staff use.  You go through security again when you get out, and voila - no lines.  A friend of mine and I did that, and we wandered around the capitol unescorted for an hour or so.  We actually saw Bobby Kennedy giving a speech on the house floor.... we weren't supposed to be there, but we wore suits and security didn't make us leave.

  
  

  My other favorite places are Georgetown and the national cathedral - they are a hike, though, and you won't see everything that's worthwhile on the mall in the few days you will be there.  So I'd save them for your next trip.

  
  

  The space museum is good (though the secondary one off the mall is better), the Lincoln Memorial is alright, the Washington memorial is sort of boring, and the WWII memorial is over the top.  My favorite memorial is the one to FDR.  It's a bit off the beaten path.  The Vietnam memorial is also amazing, as is Jefferson's.

  
  

  I would not go to the national archives.  You will stand in line for hours to see the constitution, and I mean alright it's the constitution but it's not like we haven't changed a few (many) things here and there in terms of following it.   I did a ton of constitutional law in law school, it's part of my current practice, and I would still have no interest in standing in line to see it.  That's just my $0.02.

  
  

  Arlington is incredible, and I highly recommend it.  That said, it's HUGE so it does take some solid time.  The changing of the guards is very moving.

  
  

  My favorite places in a nutshell: library of congress, downtown Alexandria, National Gallery of Art, National Cathedral, Arlington, FDR's memorial

  
  

  
  

  

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• Lisa50 member

  

  October 2012

  I disagree that taking both the Capitol and White House tours "takes up valuable time."  If both places interest you, then it's not a waste of time. You're coming to my wonderful home town to take tours and soak it all up -- go for it. 
  
  You may spend as much or as little time at Arlington National Cemetery as you like and enjoy the experience.  I've never taken a tour; I've only been there when running and for burials.
  
  I agree, wholeheartedly, that the Spy Museum (I've never been) seems overpriced when every museum in the Smithsonian has free admission.  Everyone has their personal preferences -- let yours drive the museums you choose to visit.  The nice part about the museums is that you can move through at your own pace.
  
  One place not on your list for consideration that I highly recommend is the Holocaust Museum.  It would require some shifting of your schedule, but worth it if it interests you.
  
  My recommendation is to remain flexible. You have a great location for going back and forth into DC. Be sure to check Metro's schedule for the days you'll be in town. Sometimes, there is construction/track work which creates delays.
  
  Have a great trip!

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• amyelise25 member

  

  October 2012

  They have been trying to build up the Cyrstal City area for years and there are a bunch of restaurants around there that are worth checking out.  Jaleao being tops since it is a Jose Andres restaurant.   It is on Cyrstal Drive along with a bunch of other places (anything from Chipotle to Ruth Chris).  Another fun area in Crystal City is 23rd street.  I haven't been there for years, but it is a row of restaurant (not chains) of all different cuisines. 
  
  One Metro Stop up is the Pentagon CIty Mall, which is really nice, and Pentagon Row which is a really nice outdoor shopping area with some very nice restaurants as well.  If the weather is nice, you can dine outside in the courtyard.
  
  Two metro stops down is King Street, which is the top of Old Towne Alexandria.  You should check that area out one night.  The best part of the area is at the bottom of King Street.  There are free or cheap busses to take you down there.  It's a beautiful colonial town that is full of fun shops and restaurants. 
  
  I've also avoided the Spy Museum since they built it because it seems like a tourist trap.  I have enjoyed the Newseum (which is pricey... $20), but if you love news and world events it is a great place to visit. 
  
  Pick your Smithsonian based on your personal pleasures.  If you like science... then make sure you do the Natural History and Air and Space.  If you like Art, then hit up the Portrait and National Gallery.  If you like History, than do the American History (one of my favorites).  The Air and Space and American History are general crowd pleasers whenever I have guests in town.  The Holocost Museum is also incredibly moving and something everyone should do once.
  
  If you happen to be around the Native American Smithsonian around lunchtime, eat there.  They have the most amazing food!!!  The museum is just OK, but the food is so interesting.  It's really close to the National Gallery and Air and Space.  It's a little pricey, but it's so unique and tasty.
  
  I like doing the monuments towards the end of the day.  You get the pretty light from the sunset and the crowds are more tolerable.  You also get the see the Korean Memorial (just to the side of the Lincoln) in the dark, which is so COOL.  Remember that the Washington Monument is closed, so don't bother trying to find tickets for that.
  
  I love the WWII memorial.  Both of my grandfathers fought in that war, so I always love visiting it. 
  
  Bring good shoes.  It sounds like you will be doing a lot of walking.  Things look a lot closer than they seem on the Mall, be wary of that.  At least the weather should be in your favor. 
  
  Oh... and the zoo is just OK.  I've seen better zoos.  But that is just me.  It's hilly.  Get off at the Cleveland Park Metro stop so you are walking downhill into the zoo.  When you are done you can continue walking downhill to the Woodly Park metro.  There are several restaurants along the way if you want lunch.
  
  Enjoy!!!
  

  

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• saraschilling88

  

  October 2012

  I agree with going to the American History Smithsonian.  I loved that one when I was there!!  Also, I agree with the side trip to Mount Vernon if you get a chance.  I was pretty amazed by our visit to Mount Vernon!
  
  I didn't get to go to the Holocaust Museum (our party split into 2 and I was more interested in the American History Museum), but if I ever get to go back to D.C. I will make sure I can go there. 

  

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• dazyabbey

  

  October 2012

  Awesome lots of great suggestions and advice.
  
  We have looked through the list of Smithsonian Museums and those two are our main priority (Air and Space & Natural History). We tend to like science/natural things and tend to get bored easily with traditional art museums and US History. As for the Spy Museum after months of talking about this trip my fiance finally said "I want to go to the Spy Museum" and that is pretty much the only thing he wants to do so it is staying on the list. We also tend to go to the Zoo's in almost every place we go to just to see them (Exception was London Zoo). We really want to see the Panda's so I hope they will be back out by then.
  
  I did run our itinerary by the Washington DC forum on Trip Advisor and they said we have a very leisurely pace set up. I am trying not to overplan and if we get done with something ahead of time or have time before something else we can always check out a different museum. We plan on walking around the Mall at night because we hear that is when it is the best for pictures/viewing because of lack of tourists and the gorgeous lights. We do plan on coming back again one day and this is just a short starter trip.
  
  Thanks for all of the advice and it really helps and we will be taking this advice and itinerary advice to heart and change it around depending on what we decide.

  
  06.09.2012

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• dazyabbey

  

  October 2012

  Ohh for sure we are taking the Lecture off of our Itinerary. So more time opened up there! I think we might do the US History museum... not sure yet.

  
  06.09.2012

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• Lisa50 member

  

  October 2012

  In today's Washington Post: http://www.washingtonpost.com/fallarts, the Fall museum guide.  Remember, though, admission is free for all Smithsonian museums downtown.  That's not the case with the other museums.  Enjoy planning and have a great trip!

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• KatWAG member

  

  October 2012

  I lived in DC for several years.
  
  Without writing you a novel my 2 pieces of advices are: Don't go to the spy museum unless you are bring along a 7 year old boy. It is so cheesy and expensive. I was so disappointed that i took out of town friends there. Go to the Newsuem instead. And the national zoo is just a zoo. I mean they have pandas. And the pandas are cute but its just a zoo.
  
  2 of my favorite restaurants are Georgia Browns (right by the White House) and Founding Farmers in Foggy Bottom. Both are super easy to get to by the Metro.

  

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• phfiely

  

  October 2012

  This is random but I live in the apartment building literally across the street from your hotel! This might be too late, but there are actually a bunch of good restaurants in Crystal City. Jaleo on crystal drive is my favorite. There's also this burger place called Good Stuff Eatery that opened recently owned by some celebrity chef. Omg best veggie burger everit was some kind of cheese and mushroom thing. Obviously they have regular burgers too. Freddie's is a fun gay bar on 23rd street, and Tortoise and Hare is a sports bar right next door. Crystal City Restaurant is in fact not a restaurant but a random strip club. You definitely can't tell from outside and people always make that mistake lol. I like Cafe Pizzaiola's pizza and blondies.

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• dazyabbey

  

  October 2012

  In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_honeymoon_washington-dc-non-honeymoon-travel?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding BoardsForum:11Discussion:1e522f0d-dc58-4dd3-93f9-1264a15cc263Post:e80c34af-9f56-4a28-bbb0-7373ff61cf2c">Re:Washington DC Non Honeymoon Travel</a>:
  [QUOTE]This is random but I live in the apartment building literally across the street from your hotel! This might be too late, but there are actually a bunch of good restaurants in Crystal City. Jaleo on crystal drive is my favorite. There's also this burger place called Good Stuff Eatery that opened recently owned by some celebrity chef. Omg best veggie burger everit was some kind of cheese and mushroom thing. Obviously they have regular burgers too. Freddie's is a fun gay bar on 23rd street, and Tortoise and Hare is a sports bar right next door. Crystal City Restaurant is in fact not a restaurant but a random strip club. You definitely can't tell from outside and people always make that mistake lol. I like Cafe Pizzaiola's pizza and blondies.
  Posted by phfiely[/QUOTE]
  
  Haha that is really random! I will be checking in tonight! Pretty excited.
  
  I will check out some of those restaurants when we get in. Thanks for the suggestions!

  
  06.09.2012

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• [Deleted User]

  

  October 2012

  I agree with previous posters, the spy museum was terrible. Also, we did a lunch cruise called the Odyssey twice. That was great. They have dinner options too. It cruises you down the Potomac. We did not get to go by the monuments by water but that would probably be pretty cool. My partner was stationed there for 4 months this year.

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