Hi, folks! I need some help with planning a trip next summer to Washington DC with my DH & DS. I thought it would save us a little $$$ by trying to stay at one of the military bases there in the area, but I'm a little confused as to what the pages are saying for the different posts/bases on their MWR pages, and I'd really like to stay somewhere really close to METRO access, as it's probably going to be cheaper for us to fly than drive, gas being the way it is... Anyone have any ideas or recommendations? I know Andrews AFB is on the green line, FT Myer is near the blue line (but not super-close), and there are a few others near Alexandria and at Anapolis... Help? Thanks!

Annapolis won't do you any good on the weekends.. MARC only runs M-F during working hours. you would have to drive to a METRO station. we are twenty minutes from Annapolis and it takes us 45 minutes to get to the nearest Metro Stop.
Since the Pentagon stop is no longer open to ID holders unless you actually are assigned there, you can't even use that option.

You absolutely do NOT want to drive within DC itself, traffic sucks and parking is worse. the Zoo Parking lot is FULL by 10 am all summer.

Your best option is probably to find a hotel that is either close to a METRO stop, or bite the bullet and rent a car. I seem to have misplaced my METRO Map that shows all the stops, but if I can find it, I will give you some ideas to narrow your search down.

Hints:

when going to the National Zoo. DO NOT get off at Woodley Park/National Zoo. Go one stop further to Cleveland Park. It is the SAME distance to the Zoo , only level on the surface and the escalator ride is only about a 75 degree incline, not 85. No lie, it's STEEP one. so steep in fact that strollers are absolutely forbidden. Bonus is on the way back, there are several eateries, including a terrific Asian Fusion place that offers a little bit of everything.

Depending on where along the Mall you want to start your Day, L'enfant Plaza may be a better option to get off instead of Smithsonian. That stop does bring you out right across the sidewalk from the natural History Museum. The American History Museum is scheduled to re open in September of this year, no word on whether that is on time or what. whatever you do, no matter HOW close the map makes it look, DO NOT TAKE Foggy Bottom!! for one the sidewalks along there are narrow..one person wide, and there is parking all along. two, it's STEEP.

You cannot do the Mall justice in one day. depending on how old your Daughter is, and what your expectations are, you may want to plan for three days there. At Most you can do one or two Museums in a day. It can take two hours just to get through all of the FDR memorial.

It's a HIKE from the Washington Monument to the Capitol, and an even bigger hike to Lincoln and the rest of the Gang. I can almost guarantee there will be a peddler hawking Maps for a donation at the entrance to the Smithsonian Stop. spend the two bucks, it's a TERRIFIC map, and you help out the homeless of DC. or you can get a different one inside any Museum.

Metro Tickets: get the one day pass.. any time after 0900 M-F and all day weekends and holidays. This is especially cost effective if you plan on using the Metro for multiple trips on any given day. Any employee at the entrance can show you which machine to use and how to purchase them.

Other places of interest include Arlington, The Tidal Basin and the National Spy Museum.

at the WW2 Memorial, see if you can find Kilroy. yes, there is a Kilroy somewhere on the memorial. It is NOT listed in any of the brochures. Along the Mall between Washington and the Capital, tucked mainly forgotten off the path, is a round cupola. THAT is the Washington DC WW1 Memorial, commemorating the DC servicemembers of WW1. the restaurant attached to the Spy Museum is to die for( I highly recommend their ginger lemonade.) The Lone Sailor Statue at the Navy Memorial presides over a map of the globe. a Not to be missed attraction is the Women's Memorial by Arlington. It's a BEAUTIFUL piece.

I don't have kids so I can't offer any insight on any of the kid friendly activities in the area. Other than the Zoo, which is of course worth a entire day trip..and just like the Museums..it's free to get in.

Mrsjvb

WOW, thanks! I've been to DC myself a couple of times, but the kilroy I never noticed! Wow! I guess Hubby and I just really are looking to not pay an arm and a leg to go next summer... That's why I thought military lodging would be great to use...

Thanks so much for the tips and hints, I'll be sure to save this info, and the next time I have to go to DC for work stuff, I'll try to recon some stuff.

Marriott had some great deals with free subways passes at their suites in Bethesda the last time I stayed there. We often stay with out kids, but when there have been times there where too many to stay. Look at suburban hotels in Maryland and Virginia that have package deals. You may do better and have a better location.

Marriott is always my first choice and they are really catering to their guests these days. I found a great No Thank you, no posting hot links. that included the room, transfers, passes and more.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: mainedawg,