We're taking a family trip to Wash., DC over July 4th week. What attractions, restaurants and shopping are musts in your book? Thanks!!
by 
Sweet Baby Jane
ANSWERS: 2
-
Plan ahead!! My son and I went to DC for Mother's Day a few years ago. Following 9-11, many buildings are on lockdown including the F.B.I. which we wanted to see but could not. There were no tours being conducted at the White House then either. I would check on-line and see what is available now and if special persmission for tours is needed. Absolute must-see is the Smithsonian Museum. Plan a full day for this as it is HUGE!! Washington Monument has set hours and you must be there EARLY - like 6 a.m. to get in line to get tickets. No tickets are sold later in the day. Unless you have special interests, the rest of D.C. is enjoyed by driving tour. Get a good local map and just drive everywhere. Make sure you have plenty of change for parking meters. Parking fines are outrageous!! Hope you have a wonderful trip!! Also, do not miss the Vietnam War Memorial - a very spiritual and moving experience!
-
My wife reminded me to tell you to take the trolly ride. You can catch it anywhere along the route but we usually do in downtown DC. The trolly stops at various places and you can get off and sightsee and then get on another one to continue the tour. It goes to/thru: Embassy Row, Gorgetown, The National Cathederal (sp?), Arlington Cemetary, etc. A very worthwhile ride to see lots of things. The drivers explain as they drive. Also, don't forget the Metro. We never had a car in DC. We took a cab to the hotel (I've gone to meetings there for years and have used the subway instead - can be done) The Metro has stations on the Mall, at hotels, Union Station, across the river (Potaminc) in Arlington, VA, at the airport, etc. You buy a prepaid ticket and run it through a scaner at the turnstiles. You can add $ as needed. You need to study the subway system a little, but it's very doable and less trouble than driving and finding parking. Also, it's pretty cheap.
RELATED QUESTIONS
Copyright 2023, Wired Ivy, LLC