Your Destination Guide to Washington DC

Despite all the wonderful attractions which DC has to offer, it does have one major aspect which acts as a source of agitation for those who attempt to drive to the city.  Parking is a high commodity and I have been on trips on which it took over 30 minutes to find a parking space, only to be obliged to find another when the two hour parking limit is up.  No more do I subject myself to this traveling nightmare.  Trips to DC are far less stressful and more leisurely when you take the Metro.

Metro Train Passing by Margaret Kimball

If you have never been to the city, the DC Metro system may seem a little intimidating.  However if you are among the majority of visitors who decide to find accommodations in the DC suburbs of Virginia and Maryland you will find the metro an indispensable transportation solution.  Planning is important! Most museum websites will include the best Metro stations and lines to take in their "how to get here" sections.  This will highlight the nearest Metro stop to your desired destination.  I have included a few tips on using this information and navigating the Metro.

The Metro system is divided into five color coded lines.  Each line takes a different route through the city in order to cover a significant portion of the destinations which visitors and commuters are likely to frequent.  The lines do intersect in several places so that one may begin on a North/South line and switch to one which covers destinations to the East or West.

Metro Smithsonian Station by Margaret Kimball

One of the most popular stops is the Blue and Orange lines' Smithsonian station which takes visitors directly to the National Mall and the home of several Smithsonian museums.  You may locate your desired line and stop using the Metro's easy to follow map which may be found on the Metro's official website.  This website is the first place to start planning your visit as it is frequently updated and will alert you to delays, route changes, station closures, and Metro policies.  It also includes information on requesting a Metro Rider Kit for a full guide to the Metro.

Once you have planned your route, you are ready to head to the nearest Metro station.  The first thing to do at the station is to acquire a Metro pass.  These may be obtained from a number of machines located near the entrance to the station.  The machines usually accept both cash and credit.  Fares vary depending on the distance which you plan to travel and the number of trips you plan to make.  Staff are on hand to help you troubleshoot any problems you have using the machines.

My personal recommendation for a day of sightseeing is to obtain an all day pass.  These cost approximately $7.50 - $9.00, depending on fare fluctuations, and allow you to travel on any line for any distance and visit any stop throughout the day.  If you are afraid of getting lost or would like to keep your travel options flexible, this is a great alternative for you.

Once you have inserted your pass into the turnstiles and retrieved it you are free to locate and board your Metro train.  Signs are located on each platform and at the heads of stairs indicating the lines and destinations which will be served by the station.

Metro Lines and Destinations Sign by Margaret Kimball

Trains are labeled both with the name of the line and the name of the last stop for the direction in which they are traveling.  For example, a train which says "Blue Line-Franconia Springfield" will be stopping at every southbound station between your current location and the end of the line which is in Franconia Springfield.   A signboard will list the estimated arrival time for trains at each platform with the abbreviated line and final destination names listed beside the time in minutes.  Red lights located along the platform will flash when a train is approaching.  Please stand back behind these lights.

Metro Time Board by Margaret Kimball

Enter the train as you would a bus, by letting exiting riders go first and then filling in the middle of the car.  Poles are available once seats are full; the Metro merely asks that riders not stand in doorways as this may pose a safety hazard.  Two seats near the doors are usually designated for use by the handicapped and elderly and must be surrendered when one of these passengers boards.  On exiting the train, you must yet again insert your pass into the turnstiles.  If you do not have sufficient money on the pass, a machine is available to add the necessary balance to the card and exit.

As any popular public location in the city, the Metro is a location which is highly conscious of threats of terrorism.  Bags may not be left unattended and a random bag check is in progress.  While you may not be chosen for this random check, it is best to comply quickly and courteously to security personnel so that you may resume your trip.  Weapons, open food containers, and non-service pets are not allowed on the Metro.  It is also a smoke-free environment.

Once you are in the city, you merely have to look for a tall black pole with a large white "M" prominently displayed on the top to locate the nearest Metro stop.  Good luck and happy traveling!

Website: www.wmata.com

Washington DC is known as a city teeming with politicians, government employees, and tourists.  However, the International Spy Museum will tell you that it is also a city crawling with spies.  With their "Spy at Night" program, the museum invites you and your friends to join the ranks of DC's secret agents for an evening.   For the low price of $20 guests 21 and older can enjoy the amazing "Operation Spy" experience in the museum and then unwind with a complementary cocktail and an exciting menu from the Zola kitchen. Read More >

Most people think of the National Mall as a thoroughfare connecting several museums of the Smithsonian Institution, the Capitol Building, and the National Monument.  However, visits to each of these locations are typically limited to hours between 10:00 am and 5:30 pm.  If you are visiting the city, you may be wondering what to do with the hours when the Mall's attractions are closed.  Take a tip from the locals, and plan a visit to the National Mall on the off hours!  This is when the true beauty of Washington DC's main tourist district shines. Read More >

Firearms enthusiasts are offered an exciting opportunity to enjoy an extensive, beautifully presented and well maintained collection of weaponry at the National Firearms Museum.  From President Theodore Roosevelt's hunting rifles to Dirty Harry's Smith & Wesson revolver, this is the home of famous firearms.  Complete with a giant statue of Charlton Heston, this museum, run by the National Rifle Association, celebrates the American right to bear arms. Read More >

If you find yourself craving pizza in DC, then head on over to "We the Pizza" just a few blocks north of the Capital building.  This restaurant proudly displays adulation designating them as "best pizza in DC".  I decided to put the pizzeria to the test this past Thursday in order to identify the pros and cons of the eating establishment. Read More >

The other day, I decided to run by the Museum of American History in Washington DC in order to beat the crowds to the museum's paramount exhibit.  The museum is the proud to be home to the Star Spangled Banner, the American flag which inspired Francis Scott Key to write our National Anthem. Read More >

Lovers of wood carvings, sculptures, and other creations will be delighted at "A Revolution in Wood" at the American Art Museum.  The museum's Renwick gallery proudly presents Fleur and Charles Bresler's collection of wood art creations.  Come discover the magnificent versatility and decorative potential of wood carvings.  This ubiquitous material is displayed in its elegant and even decadent glory in the 66 piece Bresler collection. Read More >

The Library of Congress is home to an exciting gallery dedicated to Bob Hope and the history of American comedy.  Long one of my favorite spots in the city, Bob Hope's gallery allows visitors to learn about the contributions of the great comedian, and others of his profession, to American culture.  This room is currently exhibiting "Hope for America: Performers, Politics, and Pop Culture". Read More >

If you are planning a trip to DC one thing which you may wish to look into is a membership with the Smithsonian Institution.  A Smithsonian membership is a great way to save money in Washington DC!  Memberships come with impressive discounts on a wide range of museum services.  Additionally, they come with a subscription to the Smithsonian magazine, keeping you up to date on the latest developments in one of the nation's leading museum systems. Read More >

This year I was surprised to find that I had won tickets to the National Christmas Tree Lighting.  I had never attended this event in the past and had decided to give the lottery a shot, expecting that my usual luck (or lack thereof) would kick in.  However, a few weeks later, I received an email stating that I and four of my guests would be spending this December 9^th in the standing room section during the lighting of the National tree.  I was so excited, although I had no idea what kind of experience the standing room section implied. Read More >