Weekend in DC

"Denny" wrote in message


Well, thinking about doing a weekend in Washington DC... I know we
have had this discussion in the past but I'm too lazy to look it up -
and things may have changed...

I ask the wisdom of the group which is the best airport to use?

This probably depends a lot on what you intend to do and how long you intend
to stay. My home base in Leesburg, VA (KJYO), for instance, is no sleepy
town any more and offers the closest VFR access to DC (with minor
limitations). Car rental and nice hotel accommodations are readily
available, too. You'll need the rental car, though, as public transportation
to/from DC is limited to buses and rush hour schedules.

Manassas, VA (KHEF) offers easier access to public transportation (via
Virginia Railway Express commuter rail), but that, too, is limited in
schedule.

Gaithersburg, MD (KGAI) is the most convenient to public transportation with
a true Metro station (vice commuter rail) fairly close by.

Any suggestions on a hotel?

Let us know what airport you plan to use and we'll offer hotel suggestions.


What are the 'must' touristy things to do?

NASM's Udvar-Hazy Center at Dulles (KIAD). There's an inexpensive shuttle
bus from the downtown museum if you end up staying closer to downtown. This
is the only place they can showcase the larger exhibits like the Enterprise
shuttle, the Concorde, SR-71, Enola Gay, etc. The docent-guided tours are
good, but I also enjoy just exploring.

Walking the National Mall is an obvious "must" with stops at The Wall,
Jefferson, Lincoln, Washington and WW2 memorials. The FDR memorial is, IMO,
grossly out of scope. Any of the Smithsonian exhibits are obvious choices
along the way, but the American History museum will be closed for renovation
until Fall 2008.

The Navy Memorial is also interesting and has a convenient Metro stop.

If you have the time, a harbor dinner cruise on the Potomac is entertaining
with nice views.

Mount Vernon is a fairly short drive out of town and provides a nice respite
from "the rush".

I'd also recommend a tour of the Capitol.

--
John T
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