My daughter and I opted to visit Washington, D.C for Spring Break, instead of the traditional South. This worked for both of us. We both wanted to visit the museums, I wanted to sample thee food, and the crowds were better for me.
Washington, D.C (District of Columbia) was not what I had expected. Granted, I’m not too clear on that but I know I did not expect to find a beautiful city with clean, wide sidewalks and an aesthetically pleasing grid appearance all interspersed with numerous oases of green, amongst other things. Washington D.C is the capital of the United States and is also a city (D.C). It is the seat of the federal government. Besides the President’s White House, a strong government presence is clear even in the numerous boxy solid buildings that litter a part of the city. And I cannot stress this enough, I have never seen so many black, tinted SUVs in my life. Washington, D.C sits on the edge of the Potomac River and borders Maryland and Virginia. Its Metropolitan area includes both states. D.C is home to 672,738 residents, all who pay some of the highest taxes in the country but do not have government representation, unlike other states.
Getting Around
Getting around DC was easy. We took an Uber from the airport to the hotel, and they also have Lyft. There were also quite a few traditional taxis available as well (although I was told the best place to find them was at a hotel. We did use one from the National Mall though). One option we enjoyed was using mass transit. We took the subway a couple of times, and it was simple to navigate. I particularly liked the clean subways and trains. We also used the bus on one occasion and that was easy enough as well – especially since they accepted cash in addition to travel passes.
Accommodation
I found out a mere 4 days before the trip that I had erroneously forgotten to hit the ‘Book’ button for accommodation at the time of trip planning – a good 2 months out. That meant scrambling at the last minute and of course, the cost had doubled. Lesson learned – very painfully, I might add. We ended up ay the Marriott in Georgetown. As locations go, it was not central. It was almost an hour walk to the museums. Still, I loved the area.
The hotel itself was rather nice. We had a spacious enough double queen-bed room. The bathroom was a little tight but still functional enough. I have to say I was impressed by the gym. It may just be the biggest one I’ve ever used in a hotel. It boasts several machines and was roomy enough to be able to work out without feeling hemmed in. I liked the big lobby area. It had several sitting areas before ending in a large bar with surrounding seating at the far end. As such, I would stay here again.
Things to do
I think most people visit the Capital to immerse themselves in the history of this country. We were certainly those visitors. A major D.C draw are the museums. They are numerous and mostly free. Given how huge they are, we could only do two a day there were so many more that we did not even get a chance to see. Granted, we may have been able to fit in more, but we walked everywhere and thus we were pressed for time. The museums also don’t open until 10AM and close at 5:30PM, thus limiting visiting time even further.
In addition to museums, we also had and option to visit the Capital’s Federal buildings, including the Whitehouse, the Capitol, the Senate as well as monuments like the National Monument and the War memorials. As always, there are plenty of tours to choose from.
National Air and Space Musem
I booked our timed entry visit online the day before the visit. We found out when we arrived that the museum was a stickler about the timing. They would not let us in even fifteen minutes before and we had to join the long line that was already waiting.
The museum was a worthwhile visit. We were able to easily complete it in under two hours, walking extremely slowly going through the exhibits. We were able to hang out in the café for a little over 30 minute before heading on to the next museum. While there were no obvious charging ports, we lucked out when we found a table near a pillar that had an outlet. By the way, the café is horrendously expensive. We spent almost $15 on 3 bottles of water. I regretted asking my daughter to getting the 3rd bottle. It occurred to me that the Food trucks outside the museums were likely cheaper.
National Museum of African America History and Culture
This gorgeous bronze architectural delight sits at the edge of the end of the mall, just across the Monument. I was unfortunately unable to find tickets in advance. However, the museums release same day tickets and I was able to snag two of them.
Unlike the Air and Space Museum, we were able to enter about 15 to 20 minutes before our timed entry. We found an extensive museum, with the history section below ground, leading up to current events and culture above. The reality was sobering, but the museum also conveyed a sense of joy and spirit that has never been smothered.
Hirshorn Museum and Sculpture Garden
This is one of the museums that does not require a timed entry. Entry was simple, and there were no lines to get into. I was disappointed though to find the sculpture garden (which is what I really wanted to see) under construction. The rain also discouraged a venture into the gardens for the limited scuptures in place. This was the fastest visit. We were able to complete it in a little under an hour.
National Mall
Our flight into D.C actually took us parallel to the Lincoln Memorial side of the Mall, making for spectacular ariel views despite the cloudy skies. We returned later to walk the beautiful grounds. I have to say the design and architecture of the Mall is really mind blowing. The stone and concrete structures make convey a timeless, enduring strength. At the same time, the surrounding open, and inviting green space also speaks to the fundamentals of welcoming all to this nation.
Memorials and Reflecting Pool
The Memorials are clustered together throught out the Mall Park, enabling one to move seamlessly through. I found the Lincoln Memorial, WWII Memorial, and the Reflecting pool more captivating at night that droning the day. My daughter and I were obviously not the only ones who thought so as it was more crowded than when we went during the day. We did not see the Vietnam Memorial during the day and I have to say it showed well as well under the night lights.
Washington Monument
The Monument juts out prominently at one end of the Mall, set on a small hill. It’s an impressive structure from outside. And it also boasts amazing views to the Lincoln Memorial across the way. We never got a chance to see the inside of the Monument. However, It is free to do so, and I could have either booked in advance via the National Park Service website or gone to the office in the hopes of getting a same day ticket.
Shopping
The shopping is as robust as ever in D.C. My daughter and I forayed around Georgetown where we found all manner of shops, most of which did not appear to be known brands. As expected, pricing was moderate to high.
Georgetown
I recommend a visit to Georgetown for any D.C visitors. I found a vibrant and cool neighborhood. Of course, we won’t mention gawking at the multimillion dollar homes just beyond the main shopping drag. My daughter and I took one of the side streets that brought us to the waterfront. That, in itself, was worth exploring.
Sakura Matsuri Japanese Street Festival
We missed the cherry blossoms, but to my daughter’s everlasting delight, we caught the Japanese festival. We had to pay a fee to enter the condoned off area. The prepaid line to enter was very long. There were a lot of stalls ranging from food to merchandise. There were also several stages where performances were held – singing, drumming, Anime cosplayers parade. Unfortunately for me, the food lines were insane. My daughter and I stood for over an hour in one line to get food. Still, my daughter was excited about it and I would certainly do it again (except maybe arrive a little earlier).
Food Tour
There were several food tours on offer on TripAdvisor. I chose the one in Georgetown because it was closer to where we were staying. It was unfortunately rainy, and my umbrella broke. However, it was still a phenomenal tour despite this. Our guide, Wayne, was wonderful. He not only imparted historical facts about the area, but he also did it with a snarky sense of humor that was helpful to retaining information. The food was next level good. So all, in all, it was a great tour and it didn’t break the bank.
Food
The food in Washington D.C was phenomenal overall Foodie Experience in Washington DC – HER//Excursions (herexcursions.com) . I really enjoyed the variety of cuisines on offer, and we mostly did not need to venture far from where we were staying to get it either. I actually see myself visiting the capital just to indulge to be honest.
Nature
I knew on the taxi ride from the airport that Washington D.C was indeed, nature friendly. I was shocked, delighted and simultaneously alarmed to see people biking and walking right by Reagan International airport. Research later revealed that they actually have a trail you can use to walk or bike to and from the airport. Call me weird but as a nature-lover, I find that extremely cool Washington D.C Greenspaces – HER//Excursions (herexcursions.com)HER//Excursions (herexcursions.com).
Safety
It turned out that I not have stressed as much regarding safety. And I think that the media is to blame for that. Granted, the city was not particularly busy with the first flus of spring, but still, both my daughter and I felt safe in the capital. I felt comfortable leaving my daughter to her devices for a time, and I was certainly comfortable alone. And both of us used the metro individually. Safety is also likely buoyed by the federal government’s heavy presence.
Miscellaneous
I loved the layout of the city. It’s mostly grid like, which makes for easier navigation. I also found the city to be one of he cleanest I’ve ever visited. It exuded a certain pride, one I easily embraced as my own. Be warned though, Washington D.C is a generally expensive city to visit. It’s saving grace are the number of free things on offer for visitors. But prepare yourself.
So, was it a good decision to visit Washington D.C for Spring Break? Absolutely! My daughter and I both enjoyed it immensely.
