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09/07/2007 11:26:03 AM · #1 |
Hello, i've been looking at the GTG threads and Google and still cant find my answers. We are heading to DC on Saturday.
We are coming from the northern counties in Maryland so where should we park once we get to DC?
Should we park outside DC and take the metrorail?
I've never taken the rail so I wouldnt even know what to do, but if it's easiest we will do it.
Thanks
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09/07/2007 11:39:47 AM · #2 |
On weekends you shouldn't have any trouble finding parking. That is, you might have to park a couple of blocks from your destination, but it's free on the street.
Metro is a great system for getting to places Metro goes. That includes the Smithsonian museums and the National Archives. Getting to major monuments via Metro is not convenient. The Washington Monument is only about 3 blocks, but the Lincoln is maybe 1/2 mile and the Jefferson's considerably further. It's supposed to hit 90 again and be sunny, so for me, I'd rather drive than walk a mile.
Arlington Cemetery is on the Metro, but it's a 20-minute ride from downtown, plus time waiting for the train. The Zoo is also only a few blocks from Metro, but again, it's maybe a 10-15 minute ride from downtown.
I ride Metro every day to commute, and I love the system. But to hit several places in a short time, esp. on a weekend, I drive.
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09/07/2007 11:43:39 AM · #3 |
Thanks! so are there signs of where things are or a visitor center that you know of? driving wouldnt be a problem, i just figured traffic might be bad. plus it's a little harder when you dont know the area to zip around and get there fast.
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09/07/2007 11:45:34 AM · #4 |
I think there are some signs, but to be honest, I don't need them, so I don't really know what's there.
Let's start over. What do you want to see and what's your planned arrival and departure time?
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09/07/2007 11:49:57 AM · #5 |
I will get there at 12pm saturday and we will be leaving well after dark. I want to see all of the stuff you guys saw in your 2007 GTG, except for the zoo. I want to be able to take photos in daylight and the night scenes.
Originally posted by levyj413:
I think there are some signs, but to be honest, I don't need them, so I don't really know what's there.
Let's start over. What do you want to see and what's your planned arrival and departure time? |
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09/07/2007 12:26:59 PM · #6 |
Okay. I'll just tell you names of places, and you can look 'em up on Google maps.
Union Station: you can park nearby on the street or park behind it in paid parking. I'd plan an hour - that's an amazing building with a million interesting angles.
All of the monuments: I think they're much more attractive at sunset or night. For the Washington Monument and the World War II Memorial, park on Constitution as close to 17th Street as you can get. At night you'll probably get within 1-2 blocks.
Lincoln, Korean War, and Vietnam Memorials: park on Constitution as close to 23rd Street as you can get, or just walk from 17th (it's about a mile from the Washington Monument).
Jefferson Memorial: there's parking maybe 1/4 mile past it - just drive toward it and try to find signs. I don't know how to describe it well, so here's a link to a Google map. The lot is on the river, between the two chunks of I-395 below the Memorial. You can also park on Ohio Dr. SW.
For the FDR Memorial and views across the Tidal Basin to the Washington Monument and Jefferson Memorial, park near the FDR itself or nearby on Ohio Dr. SW.
Arlington Cemetery: it's closed at night, I think. Only parking option is to pay, but it's right there.
Iwo Jima Memorial: free parking on site.
Smithsonian: free street parking in front of the museums, with more on streets nearby.
If you want to find me: I'll be playing Ultimate Frisbee from 10-12:30 or so in the triangle near the FDR Memorial shown in this Google map. Here's a pic of me wearing our t-shirt. :)
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09/07/2007 12:34:59 PM · #7 |
I live on the western outskirts of Baltimore. On weekends I find parking at the Greenbelt and taking the Metro in to be most convenient. But you could also park at Union Station ($15). Unlimited day passes for the Metro are $6.50, I think, and I highly recommend getting one so you don't worry about getting on and off. Wear good walking shoes...it's required attire in D.C. I don't recommend thinking that you'll park one place, see something, then move the car. Parking is possible but the frustration of repeatedly moving the car is not worth it.
If you want to visit the Jefferson Memorial and Arlington, I suggest you do those first, parking at each should not be a huge issue. Then drive to Union and use the Metro and feet to get around. Visit the Mall in the later afternoon and evening when the light is good and the temperature cooler. Lights stay on at the monuments well into the evening.
The capitol is a short walk from Union. From there you can visit the Botanic Gardens. Oh, and you can get a tourist map from one of the bus tour kiosks...they're sufficient for getting around and they're free.
Chinatown has a lovely arch and lots of nearby restaurants. There's a CVS across from the metro stop where you can buy bottled water and snacks. From there, it's a short walk to the National Portrait Gallery which is worth the visit just for the interior architecture (newly renovated, it's the old Patent Office). NPG is one of my favorites of the Smithsonian's (which, remember are free) and it's a good place to get out of the heat and to find a restroom...they have lockers too, so you can put your gear away for a spell.
You'll be hard pressed to do all that the 2007 group(s) did in one day. We started early and there were a couple of groups.... Don't plan on going into the Capitol or up the Washington monument as the free tickets will be long taken by the time you arrive. Do plan on visiting the Lincoln Memorial and the nearby Korean and Roosevelt memorials. From the Roosevelt you'll have a beautiful view of the Jefferson over water. There are lots of large fountains at Roosevelt, as well. Bring a tripod if you can!
I love D.C.! Wish I could be your tour-guide but I'm otherwise engaged tomorrow. You'll do fine. It's a fairly easy city to get around and there's so much to see you can hardly go wrong. Good luck! Have fun! |
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09/07/2007 12:40:07 PM · #8 |
Thanks you two! I feel like this is my tour guide. I'm printing as we speak!
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