While we stayed the summer in the historic triangle of Virginia, we took a week to “vacation” up in Washington, DC. Interested in our itinerary? Download it for free!
Pohick Bay Regional Park
Since it was a several-hour drive from Camp Cardinal to Washington, DC, we instead stayed at the Pohick Bay Regional Campground. This busy little park was laid out much like the state parks we love so much; not just a parking lot, but proper campsites.
Transportation Around DC
There are many ways to get to and around Washington, DC, though by and large, the best way to get around inside the city is on foot.
Driving in DC
Washington, DC is host to the most discourteous, impatient, and dangerous drivers that we’ve encountered to date. While we waited for turns we’d get cut off. If the light was green for more than .00023 seconds horns would sing. Additionally, while pedestrians “have the right of way,” the drivers’ slogan seems to read, “Wanna bet?” It’s no wonder the streets get closed for VIPs.
If you yield to make sure not to block an intersection, they will honk and then cut in front of you. Then try to push you off the road when you do cross the intersection. It is an every-man-for-himself Mad Max Urban area.
Parking in DC
If you choose to park in Washington, DC, there are several options.
Just east of the George Mason Memorial are public parking lots A, B, and C. While these are the cheapest spots at $7, and easiest to escape DC traffic from, they have a couple of caveats. The lots are limited to a maximum stay of 3 hours and will require you to move to another lot to pay for more time. Considering these lots are about a mile from the National Mall, you’ll need to budget your time well and plan on sending members of your party back.
There are more centralized parking options, like the Ronald Reagan Building, where one can park all day for $24, however, the deeper you get into DC, the more you have to battle the traffic.
The National Zoo has its own parking which costs $30 for the day.
Taking Public Transit
This was by far our favorite method for getting into and out of the city. Unfortunately, this can also be the most expensive way. The fare for the train was $2, per person, per trip on the weekend. During the week it jumps to $5 or more. For a family of 4 that gets steep.
Renting an eBike
One thing we noticed was a least 3 different providers of rentable E-bikes. We only utilized this once for Mom to make the journey back to the “ABC” lots to move the car and pay again. For the time saved, we weren’t sure if it was worth the cost. (Mom here: it wasn’t. It probably took me a lot longer with the E-bike, actually, as there were only specific areas where you could leave the bike. And it was really expensive!)
Monuments, Memorials, and Artifacts
The Monuments, Memorials, and Artifacts around the DC area are probably the most sought-after sight for visitors of Washington, DC. We spent one day just trying to visit all of them.
National Zoo
The National Zoo was more than just a Zoo. It’s also a history lesson wrapped in a workout! I’m not kidding about the workout; there is a 200-foot change in elevation from the east end to the west end. If you’re planning a visit, we recommend parking at the bottom of the hill and working your way up.
Air and Space Center
The National Air and Space Center was one of the best air and space museums we’ve been to. Many have reproductions; the National Air and Space Center had actual relics!
Natural History Museum
The Natural History Museum in Washington, DC was immense! One of the most extensive mineral collections we’ve seen, and their history of life exhibit is a must-see!
Botanical Gardens
The National Botanical Gardens were an oasis of peace in the middle of the nation’s capital. One can wander the outdoor plantings, peppered with cozy rooms to have a light meal, or walk inside and see an honest-to-goodness indoor rainforest!
Other Gardens and Plantings Around DC
Washington, DC is a surprisingly well-gardened city! Almost every major building has a rain garden, or a garden of plants significant to the culture the building represents. Almost every garden is well-signed with plant species and significance. There are also several “formal” gardens around some of the Smithsonian campus that are well worth the stroll.
A visit to the nation’s capital is so worth it, and you could live here for years without getting to see everything. Many of the museums have free admission and will let you bring your sack lunch in. If you’re smart, you can explore DC on a shoestring budget. Most of us are going to spend too much on parking and eating out, though, so that’s something to keep in mind. It was definitely a trip chock-full of memories and experiences!