Yeah, don't get a parking ticket. I was late feeding the meter by about 5 minutes. Ticket was $25. Meters are 25 cents for 15 minutes. I would recommend the subway. D.C is awesome by the way!

Use the Metro liberally. Driving in DC can be a nightmare, especially with parking. You can see a tremendous amount of stuff just by walking from one ed of the Mall (Lincoln Memorial) to the other end (Capital Building). I wouldn't bother with things that you have to pay for or have long lines like the National Archives or going to the top of the Washington Monument.

 

Also, make a side-trip to Arlington. There you will find the Pentagon, Arlington National Cemetery and the Marine Corp War Memorial. Arlington National Cemtery is an amazing trip by itself. I used to drive by the Pentagon every day. The highway runs within a 100 yds of the place.

If you're working pretty much 8-5 that will definitely cut into your sightseeing time.

Last time I was there, many attractions such as the Smithsonian closed around 5:00 or 6:00.

 

 

The different war memorials are impressive. If you can get to the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, it's worth taking the time. Obviously the Smithsonian, Air/Space museum, etc. I really enjoyed going to the National Archives. The Zoo is great. The National Gallery of Art is great. I've never been to Ford's Theater but lots of folks go when they're in DC.

 

There are a couple of parks close by - Rock Creek and Glen Echo. Glen Echo often has arts-related stuff going on.

 

Baltimore is less than an hour away. National Aquarium, Fort McHenry, Harborplace, Baltimore Maritime Museum, etc.

Baltimore is less than an hour away. National Aquarium, Fort McHenry, Harborplace, Baltimore Maritime Museum, etc.

 

..and if you have wheels Annapolis is very cool.

If you're working pretty much 8-5 that will definitely cut into your sightseeing time.

Last time I was there, many attractions such as the Smithsonian closed around 5:00 or 6:00.

Good point. Also, the sunsets before 5:00 this time of year, so if you don't have the weekend to sightsee, you might be looking in the dark.

..and if you have wheels Annapolis is very cool.

:thumb:

 

I did Annapolis last time I was in the area and that is one cool town.

I've been to DC twice during the past 10 months and I must say both trips were absolutely fabulous. I echo the sentiment of most of the previous posts except that the Washington Monument generally doesn't have nearly the lines during Nov/Dec as it does during the warmer months, so check it out if you get the chance. The subway is one of the easiest subway systems to navigate I've seen. If you like fine dining, you will fall in love with the area. Check out a Capitals hockey game if you get the chance. You'll find a lot of arts/culture/great food in the "DuPont Circle" area of DC. You can get to it easily on the red line.

 

Side Note: I recently told my wife that I wanted to move to the DC area and actually checked out careers in the area, but she nixed that idea quickly.:scared:

 

Also, make a side-trip to Arlington. There you will find the Pentagon, Arlington National Cemetery and the Marine Corp War Memorial. Arlington National Cemtery is an amazing trip by itself. I used to drive by the Pentagon every day. The highway runs within a 100 yds of the place.

 

I wholeheartedly agree.

Almost forgot........

 

00, since most of your free time will be at night, check out the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. There is a balcony on the top floor that encircles the building. The Center is located at the river and the views at night are spectacular. You can see the skyline of Arlington and Alexandria and several other sights in the DC area from there.

Actually, I'm going to be in Beltsville, MD for a week for work, helping out another office, and I see its near DC, which I've never been to either of these places, so it should be interesting. I'll be working like 8-5 so that may limit my tourism but I'd like to know whats interesting out there, stuff to do, casinos? Anyone spent much time out there?

I just reread your first post and the only thing I can say is, are you serious??

I loved Ford's theatre.

:thumb:

 

I did Annapolis last time I was in the area and that is one cool town.

 

I grew up between Baltimore and Annapolis. My great-grandfather was a one-time mayor of Annapolis.

 

Neat colonial town built around Church Circle and State Circle; home of the Naval Academy. But not a lot to visit after dark.

I just reread your first post and the only thing I can say is, are you serious??

 

I dont think anyone understands, that I will be working 8-5, I think i get 1, maybe 2 weekend days to do the real tourist stuff, which I really want to do, and will do my best, the casino comment was more for "night life" not the only thing I want to do, and yes I will have a rental vehicle to drive as well.

 

Lay off me on the casino question, just looking for night life entertainment in post tourism hrs:lol:

I dont think anyone understands, that I will be working 8-5, I think i get 1, maybe 2 weekend days to do the real tourist stuff, which I really want to do, and will do my best, the casino comment was more for "night life" not the only thing I want to do, and yes I will have a rental vehicle to drive as well.

 

Lay off me on the casino question, just looking for night life entertainment in post tourism hrs:lol:

Check out the Georgetown area. They have a pretty good nightlife. Must have to do with all the Gtown co-eds.

Suggestion 1. Don;t go out alone.

 

Suggestion 2. Look up some fine restruants on the internet.

Enjoy yourself and be careful driving around, as it can be a nightmare at times.