There are always a handful of questions in front of families and groups visiting DC, whether they are going for the first time, or they are seasoned veterans. Those questions are what do we do, where do we stay, where do we eat, when do we visit, and most importantly, how do we get around?!?!?! Keep in mind, this will be a blog considering those who are on a budget, and these days, that includes just about all of us. Fortunately, I’ll answer each question in turn and make DC alot less stressful, and ton more enjoyable.
The first question to be answered is when do we visit. As far as hotel rates go, the best times are in April and in the latter part of the summer, just before Labor Day. Quite simply these times are the least expensive because Congress is in recess. I recently visited Washington on Labor Day weekend, stayed within a stones throw of the Pentagon, had a view of the DC skyline, all for less that $70 per night. The hotel was fabulous, warm cookie upon check-in, king bed, worked out a free parking space with the concierge, it was splendid! For school groups, the April time fame works out beautifully, the year is ending, spring break is arriving, and April gives students a chance to enjoy the Cherry Blossom Festival, and with Congress in recess it gives students a chance to see the Senate and House in all their glory. You really cannot go wrong with either season. Winter is also a good time to go, rates tend to fluctuate more from weekends to weekdays with hotels in the winter simply because of Congress being in session mostly during the week, thus driving up room rates, but Winter deals are still out there, especially in early January.
Next question is where do we stay. For the budget minded traveler, Maryland may be the best option, just make sure you are either within walking distance of a metro stop, or your accommodations provider has transportation to the nearest metro. Click here to visit the Washington DC Metro Homepage. Most larger chains will provide transportation free of charge to a metro stop. Northern Virginia is also a good option. The areas around Dulles Int’l are safe, well lit, and some chains will take you into the Vienna Metro stop for a connection into the city. Dulles is also a good option because of its Udvar-Hazy Aerospace Museum. If it’s ever flown this place has it, a cannot miss for any school group or family. Do not count out lodging in the district, again if you can work out a trip during a Congressional recess, stay in the city, look for hotels around the Pentagon/Arlington, or the Holiday Inn around the National Mall, the deals are there for the taking.
What will we want to do once we get there? Quite literally, when you come over the hill on I-95(if you come from the south), and all the city is there below you, you’ll immediately want to do everything, fortunately most of DC is free. All 15 Smithsonian Museums do not charge an entry fee. Start on the National Mall and work out from there, the Air and Space, Natural History, American History, countless Art museums, and the Zoo are all free of charge. The Lincoln, FDR, Jefferson, and Washington Monuments are all free of charge. There is a fee for advance tickets for visitors wishing to ascend to the top of the Washington Monument starting May 12, 2014. Even the powerful and moving Arlington National Cemetery, across the river in Arlington, Virginiais free of charge. It hosts some of the best views of the city skyline you’ll get while on your stay. Another wonderful attraction in DC that remains free for same day tickets is Ford’s Theatre. You’ll learn everything about that fateful night in April of 1865, that saw John Wilkes Booth assassinate President Lincoln. You’ll visit the Petersen House across the street where the President died the following morning. The theatre is both relaxing, yet moving at the same time, a can’t miss for any group. Also a can’t miss freebie is a tour of your U.S. Capitol. A tour can be arranged either through the office of your representative or by yourself on the Capitol Tour Website. For sites and sounds that charge a fee, one underrated attraction is the city’s baseball team, the Washington Nationals. Tickets can be had on the cheap, or even for $30-$50 range for field level seating. It is almost surreal, a city grounded in history with a modern major league baseball stadium right in the think of it all, a Nationals game is another can’t miss attraction.
Where do we eat? If you’re like me, you like food! For a cultural twist, lunch at any of the street side vendors around the mall is a wonderful experience. From loaded hot dogs and french fries to a gyro, these guys and gals now how to cook. Also scattered around the city that we don’t have here in the South sadly are Roti’s Mediterranean Grill. Lunch and dinner can be had on the cheap and is geared for the health conscious. Don’t let their long lines fool you, this place gets you in and out the door fast. Roti’s can be found near the White House at 1747 Pennsylvania Ave. and also near the Campus of George Washington University on I, K, and F Streets. Avoid the cafeterias around the Smithsonian museums at all costs, if you can hit up the vendors around the mall, the food is on par with what you would get at an MCL Cafeteria and it is waaaaaay overpriced. Steer clear of these places at all costs, if nothing else they are great for convenience’s sake.
How to get around? Say it with me, METRO, METRO, METRO!!! Don’t try to drive your own vehicle in DC, the outcome could be disastrous. The streets are designed for pedestrian, not vehicle traffic. The DC Metro is among the easiest to use anywhere in the world. With color coded lines and clearly marked stops, it is a travelers dream come true. A word of advice, if you are going to use it non-stop, or think you may be back for another visit, buy the plastic cards, they are refillable, and offer lower rates that the paper cards you can buy at the stations, you’ll save bundles, especially if you go back.The is also the DC ground transit system consisting of buses, those can work quite nicely if you are just looking for a quick ride to the nearest station. A fairly new phenomenon that is catching on, not just in DC, but everywhere is the bike share system. You can swipe your debit or credit card for bike rental that you can use to get from place to place, and can be returned to any bike station. It is fast, convenient, and most of all, fun! Hopefully with all the above recommendations, your next trip to DC can be safe, fun, and most of all affordable!
The Thrifty Little Traveler 