Washington, D.C. Travel Advice

#27
#27
I recommend staying at the Wyndham National Harbour in Oxon Hills, Maryland. Concierge there will hook you up with several different options as far as sightseeing tours and they will pick you up directly outside the hotel (bus tour seeing all the sights including Arlington, White House, Lincoln, Jefferson, et al)... You will be within a 5 minute drive to a metro station where you can head to Smithsonians, Spy Museums, Fords Theater, etc...

National Harbour is a great place to stay and has several options for entertainment at night for boys your age. MGM just opened a huge casino at National Harbour so the traffic might have increased but the concierge tours with Wyndham were great as well as the convenience to the Metro Station (pay a few bucks to park at Metro but go anywhere including a Nats game)
 
Last edited:
#28
#28
kiddiedoc said:
Thanks for the input. My boys are 13 and 10, good shape, have hiked 12+ miles. I was thinking it would be cool to stay downtown near the big sights, but the thoughts on Arlington are interesting.

We will definitely hit the spy museum.
Click to expand...

We were at Arlington for a funeral, so we stayed in Arlington proper near the Rosslyn station. It was plenty convenient for us.

Actually, now that I mention it, walking through the cemetery in the procession behind the caisson is what made me want go back the next day. It is an absolutely fascinating place, literally stories everywhere. Their app is handy, but I found myself google-ing people left and right.

Your boys are the perfect age to walk everything.

Oh and ditto to the night tours of the mall. Go during the day, and go back at night. Korean War Memorial is a must see at night.
 
#29
#29
kiddiedoc said:
Thanks for the input. My boys are 13 and 10, good shape, have hiked 12+ miles. I was thinking it would be cool to stay downtown near the big sights, but the thoughts on Arlington are interesting.

We will definitely hit the spy museum.
Click to expand...

Who are your points with? The Willard is a very cool Hotel with lots of history
 
#31
#31
If you will have a car available, drive out to Herndon VA and hit up Virginia Kitchen. One of the best breakfasts I have ever eaten, maybe the best. As for DC, the metro is great for getting around. Just watch where you get off!

Ignore the vintage website - http://www.vakitchen.com/default.html
 
#32
#32
The Old Post Office used to let you go to the top where you could see the whole city. Used to be one of the best free things to do.
 
#34
#34
I would stay in Alexandria. There is a hotel near the metro on King St. ( Hampton Inn?) that is very convenient. As for what to see I recommend the D.C. Zoo, Air and Space Museum, and American History museum. All of those are free.
 
#35
#35
rich4pres said:
I would stay in Alexandria. There is a hotel near the metro on King St. ( Hampton Inn?) that is very convenient. As for what to see I recommend the D.C. Zoo, Air and Space Museum, and American History museum. All of those are free.
Click to expand...

National museum of Art, the National Archives, and the Natural History Museum are amazing also. All the DC museums are top notch.
 
#36
#36
Looking at really convenient options near the WH/museums, any input on the JW Marriott, W, or Global Luxury Suites?
 
#38
#38
kiddiedoc said:
Looking at really convenient options near the WH/museums, any input on the JW Marriott, W, or Global Luxury Suites?
Click to expand...

Stayed across the street from the JW Marriott, its very nice. It isn't a short walk to the White House, but is doable. 10th street has an underground lot with pretty reasonable parking. $20 a day I think.
 
#39
#39
kiddiedoc said:
Looking at really convenient options near the WH/museums, any input on the JW Marriott, W, or Global Luxury Suites?
Click to expand...

The W has a great location and is a typical W hotel - modern feel, colorful lights and kinda a hip vibe. It was the classic Hotel Washington before being sold and going under a massive renovation in the 2000s.
 
#40
#40
We lived in northern VA for 18 years. Not sure how far out you want to travel. Will you have a rental car other than just doing the metro?
There are several historical places within 1-2 hours from DC. Manasses Battlefield is an interesting place to visit.
Mount Vernon and Arlington Cemetery are worth the visit plus the Lincoln Memorial. Also the Capitol Building. Outside of DC is the Air & Space Museum near Dulles Airport.
 
#41
#41
I was watching a special on Netflix about the Althorp Estate/House. Watching it reminded me of the farm grounds at Mt. Vernon. I know it's crazy, but that's one of my favorite/most peaceful places. Just going and finding a bench our in the farm area.
 
New posts
You must log in or register to reply here.

VN Store



Back
Top