Washington DC in spring

[propita]

Hubby and I are actually planning to go, finally! Looks like the end of March, start of April. Just in time for the cherry blossoms. I went back in high school at that time and remember the weather being sunny but cool/cold--does that sound right? We're mostly planning to spend time at the Mall, the museum, monuments, etc. total tourists.

We're thinking of staying in downtown since we won't have a car and don't feel like facing a commute into town, either with the regular commuters or other tourists for the Cherry Blossom Festival. To those familiar with the area, does that sound reasonable? We already sent the online form to our Representative (who?) for tickets to everything that he could provide.

If anyone has good tips/hints, I'd appreciate reading them. Even anecdotal.

 

[Finn]

If you can afford it. Sure

 

[Tora Ziyal]

Like Finngle Bells said, if you can afford a downtown hotel, great, go for it. Otherwise, find one in Maryland along one of the D.C. Metro (subway) routes. The Metro is really easy to get around on.

 

[propita]

Well 8 nights in a nice hotel plus round trip flight from Fresno can be as low as $1400/person. Yeah, a lot of money but most of the sightseeing is free.

 

[Kira's Mom]

The sightseeing may be free, but the food and gift shops will get ya. Especially at the Smithsonian.

I love D.C., especially in the spring. There are a lot of board members in the area, too.

 

[Alidar Jarok]

Personally, I'd recommend a hotel in Alexandria, Arlington, or Falls Church and take the metro in (or, alternatively, similar places in Maryland). You'll save a lot of money that way. Yeah, it'll make the journey a bit longer but the metro runs from 5:30(ish) to midnight so you'd still have plenty of time. If you wanted to drive in, it isn't the cheapest of things, but there are some early bird specials as well. It's just not worth the cost of a hotel unless you find a great deal.

 

[1001001]

There is a Grand Hyatt within walking distance of the White House and the National Mall. I've stayed there many times. It's perfectly located (with access to the metro).

The hotel is great and you can walk, metro, or short cab ride to everything. It's on H Street NW.

A bit pricey though.

Have fun! The monuments are incredible.

 

[RoJoHen]

I want to go to DC!

 

[Mr. Laser Beam]

The last time I was in DC there was a scorching heat wave. I didn't have the energy to do all of the exploring I should have done. Fortunately by the time the evening came and it was time to head to Nats Park, the heat would generally subside...

 

[Warp Coil]

I definitely agree with the others that staying in the city is fine (if you can afford it), but staying outside of DC proper and just choosing a hotel in a good area (in VA or MD) could save some money. Just make sure it's along the Metro line. No need to drive. Parking will suck. There are a few sights that aren't easily accessible via Metro (the Air & Space Museum Annex at Dulles, for instance) so just keep in mind that you'd need to rent a car or take a cab to a few spots depending on what you want to do.

 

[nevermore]

Assuming you're comfortable with the cost, treat yourself and stay downtown. The metro stops running at midnight during the week, so if you plan to go out at all and are staying outside the area you're interested in, that's very limiting.

And yes, it can still be quite chilly at that time of year, especially at night. It can also be pretty rainy, so bring a decent coat. On the other hand, it can be quite warm. You just never really know around here - plan for anything from about 35 to 70.

Most people already know the major attractions in DC, but if you're interested in getting outside of the city and seeing some other parts of the region, I would suggest renting a car (or signing up for zipcar) and visiting historic Annapolis for a day. You can also take the MARC commuter train to Baltimore on weekdays for $7 each way. If you do the latter, I strongly suggest visiting the American Visionary Arts Museum and the National Aquarium.

 

[propita]

Thanks for the suggestions, all.

On Expedia, the prices for Arlington v. DC are close enough to just stay downtown, though that is staying at a place a step or so above a Best Western. We're not late night partiers. I figure we'll need our rest from all the walking and ~8hrs of travel (economy sucks but business is 3x as much).

The weather will be a question, but nothing to be done about that but wait and prepare closer to travel time.

Any good suggestions for restaurants? Starbucks would do for breakfast, if necessary, but lunch (or an early lunch or a late lunch/early dinner) will be our main meal each day. I saw a place online, Zaytinya, which sounds great. Do any of the museums have eateries comparable to, say, the Getty in LA?

 

[1001001]

There is a Legal Seafood at the edge of Chinatown. Fantastic! Get an oyster sampler. They're delicious.

Also, Capitol City Brewery has good food and good beer.

 

[propita]

Damn! No shellfish allowed--and my meds preclude alcohol. It makes me feel unbelievably awful with anything more than a tiny tiny amount--not drunk, they just really really don't mix. When I had a small amount of Smirnoff ice, Hubby finished it for me and said, "I told you not to have any." He hadn't quite explained why before; he didn't need to after that.

 

[1001001]

Damn! No shellfish allowed--and my meds preclude alcohol. It makes me feel unbelievably awful with anything more than a tiny tiny amount--not drunk, they just really really don't mix. When I had a small amount of Smirnoff ice, Hubby finished it for me and said, "I told you not to have any." He hadn't quite explained why before; he didn't need to after that.

I got nothing for you.

 

[bbailey861]

The wife and I also want to visit Washington in the spring for the blooming of the cherry blossoms. This year though is New Orleans in Feb for Mardi Gras. I look forward to hearing all about your trip when it is done. Have fun!!

 

[propita]

Sure thing! Assuming plans pan out.

Hubby And I are now thinking of traveling more--accumulate memories instead of things. And my not working full time means we only have to plan around his schedule. So, if he can get time off in summer, we might drive up to Oregon and Washington State, stopping at Crater Lake and Mt St Helens. At least, that's what we're hoping.

 

[1001001]

I'll be headed back to Washington DC at the end of May. There's a yearly conference at which I present. It's always a great time, except for the weather.

Last year it was so ungodly hot/humid I really questioned the sanity of stepping outside at all. We ended up walking the National Mall (one of my co-workers had never seen the monuments). It was like the Bataan Death March.



One year we went to Congress. Another year we went to the Smithsonian (American History). I think this year will be the White House.

 

[propita]

Too bad the conference is so late in the year--or so early. We’re used to dry heat here in Fresno. Dry, furnace blasts over 100 F for a couple weeks straight in the summer. My nephew was in Delaware during the blizzard last year. He said the winter cold here in Fresno is felt deeper than the blizzard ever was!

Now Hubby wants to tack on a few days in NYC! He wants to hit a couple of delis! For a guy born in Mexico and raised on rice, tortillas, and beans, he sure loves him some kosher-style pastrami! (not a euphemism)

 

[1001001]

Too bad the conference is so late in the year--or so early. We’re used to dry heat here in Fresno. Dry, furnace blasts over 100 F for a couple weeks straight in the summer.

That's what it is like here in Sacramento too.

But DC is NOT a dry heat. Two years ago when I was there it was 100 degrees and 100% humidity. It's God awful. I don't know how people live there....