My son and I usually go on a fishing excursion during Spring Break, but in 2007 we decided to visit Washington DC. I began the usual Hotel search on the internet and soon discovered that this was not going be an expensive vacation. Listed here are a few tips and important places to visit so you can start planning your DC vacation!
1. If Possible, Drive
We live in N.C. so it was only a six hour drive to reach our hotel in VA. If you are taking your family this is a great way to save cash and “bond” along the way. For me, getting there is half the fun but I hate the drive home so plan to visit at least one interesting place on the way back to avoid the depression.
2. Stay in Virginia
I noticed that Hotels were much more expensive around the DC area so I expanded my search to include Virginia. We ended up choosing the Hyatt Arlington just across the Potomac River for only around $120 a night. Parking was a bit expensive though, we paid about $15 a day to park the car in the hotel parking garage.
3. Take the Train!
I purposely chose the Hyatt Arlington because of its close proximity to the subway station. Rosslyn Metro Station is only one block from the hotel entrance and for about $1.50 it will take you directly to the National Mall in about 10 minutes. I’ve been to New York, and the subways in DC are much cleaner!
4. Visit the Smithsonian
There are about 14 different Smithsonian Museums in Washington D.C. including the National Air and Space Museum (my favorite), the Natural History Museum, and the American History Museum, to name a few. Most are situated around the Mall area so you don’t need to rent a cab, just take some good walking shoes. The best part – there is no charge to visit any of the museums. Be prepared for a security check in all museums as well as any Federal buildings.
5. See the White House
No visit to Washington would be complete without visiting the White House. It’s a short walk from the Mall area but to see the inside you will need to contact a Member of Congress to arrange a tour. We just walked around the outside and took pictures but it was still a blast…
6. The National Mall
This is America’s back yard. You can spend an entire day walking around the Mall viewing the memorials so plan to do so with your best walking shoes and that nifty digital camera you got for Christmas.
7. The National Archives
This is a must see. We had to wait about an hour to see some of the most important documents in history but it was worth it. The original Declaration of Independence, The U.S. Constitution, Presidential photos, military records, report cards and much more can be found here, and once again, there is absolutely no charge.
8. Arlington National Cemetery
Any US citizen, and especially US veterans, will appreciate the beauty and solitude of Arlington National Cemetery. It is here that many of the soldiers that fought for the freedoms we enjoy every day lie in peace. While we were there I remember talking to my son about how each and every grave in the cemetery was important to the shaping of this great country in which we live.
Of course, there are just too many interesting places in our Nation’s Capital to list in this text so I would suggest you begin your vacation by creating an agenda so you don’t waste time wondering what sites to visit once you arrive. In summary, get a hotel close to the subway, take a good pair of walking shoes and you may want to purchase more memory for that new camera you have!
