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winterskigirl

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Kinda Amtrak related. I'm taking the Cardinal #50 from Chicago to D.C. and once I'm there not sure what to do. I've never been there. The obvious seems to go visit Arlington National Cemetery! I'll be there only one day. Memorial Day. Any tips where to stay? How to get around safely? I'll be traveling alone. Thanks!!
 
The first thing I do when thinking of going to someplace new is get tips on where to stay, what to do and where to eat from TipAdvisor: http://www.tripadvisor.com/ However, I've no idea what might be the safest or best way to get around town.
 
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Washington Metro will help get you around. If bikes are your thing, you can rent one. I like hanging around Georgetown myself so you should be able to accomplish that after you visit Arlington. I'm not 100%s sure but I believe the Cherry Blossom festival is around Memorial Day.

If you feel like renting a car, I'd go for it and head to Annapolis. I like Annapolis.
 
This is WAY to broad of a question.

What do you like?

I would actually say visiting Arlington Cemetery isn't necessarily the obvious thing to do if you have only one day. Mostly because I think by the time you get there and see the various things one may wish to see (such as Changing of the Guard) you can chew up 1/2 day. I do think it's worth going, but unless one has special reason to go (pay respects to a loved one for example) it wouldn't necessarily be on my list of things to do in one day.

Any of the Smithsonian Museums can easily take a day alone.

Getting around safely, get a day pass on the Metro. Easy and safe.

What are your interests and I can better advise.
 
What's your "where to stay" budget?

A $25 a night hostel dorm, or the $6500 a night, 2250 sq foot Ritz Carlton Club Presidential luxury suite?
 
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I spent a day in D.C. by myself, and I had absolutely zero issues navigating the Metro system. I never felt unsafe, and I was always surrounded by commuters and tourists while downtown. I had a great time walking around.

If you have the Google Maps app on your phone, you can use the "transit" option when getting directions somewhere. That helped me when I decided I wanted to go somewhere but didn't know which bus to catch or which Metro station was closest.
 
On the bold assumption you'll be arriving at 6:06 pm the day before Memorial day, how & when you plan on departing would, I think, prove helpful to anyone offering advise on what to do. In other words, if you're flying out late nite on Memorial day that's a whole different thing than, say, departing late morning the next day.

And don't forget to ask the staff aboard the Cardinal - some may call DC their home!
 
What's your "where to stay" budget?

A $25 a night hostel dorm, or the $6500 a night, 2250 sq foot Ritz Carlton Club Presidential luxury suite?
Ouch, that room sure has gone up since the last time I stayed there.

Just kidding.
 
The Smithsonian museums are a great, but one day is hardly enough to allow you to scratch the surface. Having done most of the Smithsonian on previous visits, on my last layover there I looked for other activities. I went to the Botanical Gardens and really enjoyed that. I also had a chance to visit Ford's Theater. And the Hirshhorn Museum has some really oddball modern art if you that type of thing interests you. Although I've always stayed near DuPont Circle (on the Red line Metro), I have considered that staying closer to the Blue/Orange line metro stops eliminates the need to switch trains if you're trying to get closer to many of the attractions. Have a good trip!
 
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Washington Metro will help get you around. If bikes are your thing, you can rent one. I like hanging around Georgetown myself so you should be able to accomplish that after you visit Arlington. I'm not 100%s sure but I believe the Cherry Blossom festival is around Memorial Day.

If you feel like renting a car, I'd go for it and head to Annapolis. I like Annapolis.
The Cherry Blossom Festival this year is March 20th thru April 12th. I concur, the Metro trains are quick, easy and safe in the DC area. I have taken them hundreds of times. Soon much to do in the DC area. I enjoyed the National Arboretum in DC if you enjoy something like that. Also, not too far away from Union Station. Within a short walk of the station are many of the Capital Hill sites as well. The Smithsonian museums are wonderful, but again so much much than you can see in a day. I always think seeing the Lincoln Memorial puts things into perspective--a very solemn and moving experience for anyone.

:)
 
You can ride the Metro to Arlington Cemetery but since its Memorial Day ( Federal Offices Closed)expect crowds, usually the President or Vice President lays a Wreath @ the Tomb of the Unknowns, and of course the Kennedy Brothers graves, along with thousands of others, are there also!

I'd recommend that you go over to the National Mall, ( in front of the Capitol, a Park, not a Shopping Center!)) and as was said, visit the Lincoln Memorial, walk along the reflecting pool, do the Vietnam Memorial ( close to the White House), stop into a Smithsonian Museum ( where the Castle is)including the Aerospace Museum!

All this is Free! There are Paid sightseeing trips that you can catch by Union Station, including ones clear out to My. Vernon, but I'd stick to the area around the Capitol, the Mall and Union Station!
 
This question really has little if anything to do with Amtrak and trying to choose from literally hundreds of potential sights in a single day is quite an undertaking. That being said here is what Frommers recommends...

In One Day

If you have limited time in Washington, D.C., and would like to have a full-fun experience of several landmark attractions (rather than a rushed experience of many), then this is the itinerary for you. Start: Metro on the Blue Line to the Smithsonian stop on the National Mall.

1 Washington Monument

People often ask: Which is taller, the Washington Monument or the Capitol? The answer is the Washington Monument. Panoramic views stretch for miles (20 miles on a clear day!) from inside the Monuments observation tower. Order free tickets in advance or be prepared to stand in line for admission. And if the monument isnt open? Then stand back and consider the fact that this 555 foot, 5 1/8 inches-high obelisk, D.C.s version of a skyscraper, is one of the worlds tallest freestanding works of masonry.

Walk up 15th Street and cross Independence Avenue to get to the:

2 Tidal Basin Paddle Boats

Rent a paddle boat for an hour and skim the surface of the Tidal Basin, sightseeing as you go: Jefferson looks on from his memorial at one end, Martin Luther King presides from the other side of the basin, and the Washington Monument stands tall over all. If the weather isnt permitting or boat season (mid-Mar to mid-Oct) is over, continue on to your next stop.

Return to and cross Independence Avenue and follow it west until you reach the:

3 Lincoln Memorial

There is joy to be had in visiting this templelike memorial to contemplate the inspiring life and spirit of the nations 16th president. Citizens of the world surround you, reading aloud the words inscribed on its walls: Four score and seven years ago our fathers brought forth on this continent a new nation, conceived in liberty and dedicated to the proposition that all men are created equal . . . Stand at the top of the memorials steps and face away from Lincoln to take in the sweeping view, from the Reflecting Pool below you, all the way to the Capitol nearly 2 miles away. In the middle distance is the National Mall, and thats where youre headed next.

Follow the path that parallels the Reflecting Pool, continuing past the National World War II Memorial and the Washington Monument, cross 15th Street, then 14th Street, to reach the:

4 National Mall

Stroll the green promenade or sit upon a bench and watch the Washington world go by: fitness buffs with buzz cuts sprinting back to the Pentagon, office workers playing hooky, and tourists like yourself, enjoying the view. Keep your eyes peeled for your senator or representative trotting past you; a number of congressional members are known to take their daily constitutional along this stretch. Once youve had a chance to catch your breath, its time to hit the museums. What interests you? Native American culture? Aviation? African art? Avant garde art? The natural world? The Smithsonians flanking the Mall cover these and other subjects. If you have time or energy for only one Mall museum, the one Id recommend isnt a Smithsonian at all. But wait, arent you starving?

Proceed eastward down the Mall in the direction of the Capitol until you reach 7th Street and the:

5 Pavilion Café at the National Gallery Sculpture Garden

Order an Italian hoagie or a Mediterranean salad and maybe some sangria, and try to snag a seat at one of the outside tables, in pleasant weather, so you can take in the sights. Be sure to wander through the entire garden to admire all 18 sculptures and a breathtaking mosaic by Chagall, the gardens newest piece. tel 202/289-3360.

Now cross 7th Street to enter the:

6 National Gallery of Art

Yes, I do believe this to be the capitals best museum, despite the fact that it is not part of the Smithsonian family. The East Wing is closed for renovations, which means you can focus on the West Wings galleries of European paintings and sculptures spanning the 13th to 19th centuries. Dont leave without checking out the gallerys special exhibits, which are always amazing, like the and "Italian Prints and Drawings". If youre here on a Friday night in summer, return to the Sculpture Garden to enjoy a jazz concert and tasty cafe items. If youre here in winter, return to the Sculpture Garden to go ice skating. And if youre here on a Sunday evening October through June, attend a classical music concert in the Gallerys Garden Court.

Read more: http://www.frommers.com/destinations/washington-d-c/674754#sthash.C92hr6Wd.dpbs#ixzz3T6NF2wVp
 
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Metro quick? On a weekend? Ha!

DC is a zoo on Memorial Day Weekend. Be aware that a lot of streets are closed (impacting bus and foot traffic) for the parade. Its a busy enough weekend that a lot of us that live here get out of town for it.
 
The last time I was in D.C. we did the hop on hop off buses (since then have also done this in Seattle and NYC). It's a good way if you have limited time and they should know what's being blocked off for the holiday. You will get a good overview of the historic sites. I would get off at the Lincoln Memorial and then you have a short walk to the Korean War Memorial. Then walk over to the Vietnam Memorial. You could catch the bus again or continue walking to the WW II Memorial. I think the two must see Smithsonian museums are the American History and the National Air and Space. You might want to stay away from Arlington because of the crowds. Whatever you decide -you will have a great time - D.C. is awesome! !!
 
The last time I was in D.C. we did the hop on hop off buses (since then have also done this in Seattle and NYC). It's a good way if you have limited time and they should know what's being blocked off for the holiday. You will get a good overview of the historic sites. I would get off at the Lincoln Memorial and then you have a short walk to the Korean War Memorial. Then walk over to the Vietnam Memorial. You could catch the bus again or continue walking to the WW II Memorial. I think the two must see Smithsonian museums are the American History and the National Air and Space. You might want to stay away from Arlington because of the crowds. Whatever you decide -you will have a great time - D.C. is awesome! !!
The first time I went to DC alone, I also did the hop on hop off buses. After I had been there several times I took the Metro, which is very easy to navigate. There is so much to see in DC that one day really isn't enough and you'll want to make a return visit some day.
 
Yeah, my question was way too broad but I have picked up a few things I like from all your responses. And, I think I'll need 2 days in D.C.

Thank you!!
 
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I love visiting Washington, DC. I don't think that Arlington National Cemetery would be on my agenda for a one day trip. I would also suggest the major highlights such as a walking tour of the mall, the washington monument, the lincoln memorial, etc. I would maybe trip to pop into the Smithsonian but the specific museum can be adjusted depending on your interest. I hear that the Spy museum is interesting (although not free) and I thought the Holocaust museum was very powerful.

Personally I would also like to stroll past the White House and up to Capitol Hill. I am not sure how the holiday will affect closures of various buildings, but I suggest you look into that before the trip.

I am also personally interested in genealogy, so I would maybe stop by the DAR library and archives or some of the other museums and libraries in town.

Good luck, I hope you have a wonderful and enjoyable trip to our nation's capitol.
 
Just to be clear, you could easily fill two weeks in Washington D.C. and never come close to seeing or tasting everything. Some of the most amazing meals and cocktails I've ever had were found in D.C. and they were worth every pretty penny. It's the kind of place you really have to visit for longer than a couple days and see again from time to time. IMO anyway.
 
We were on a 1-day layover in DC last month and enjoyed taking a tour bus to see the sites. We used one called Old Town Trolleys. They have a ticket booth towards the front of Union Station, and of course there is a website you can check to get more details. The best thing about it is you can get off and on as many times as you want.....to spend more time at places you're most interested in.
 
I believe the itinerary mentioned by tripadvisor above is a good one day tour of the city.

We have walked around the tidal basin and done Jefferson, FDR, MLK, Lincoln and Washington Memorials, a brief stop at WW2 memorial, a walk through the Botanical Garden and an hour or so at the National Gallery in one day. Whew@@.

Our last trip was touring the Capitol Building and Library of Congress, which is a fantastic adventure through history and architecture. American Indian Museum and National Gallery all in a day.

Also can do Air & Space, American History Museum, a walk around the White House, National Gallery and Postal Museums in a day.

So much to do. We have visited D.C. at least 20 times and still have lots to see.
 
I'm not sure if any of the Federal buildings are open on Memorial day. Your state senator could tell you and could also arrange for tours of various places. Through these "Executive" tours I have visited the White House, Capitol, Archives and Pentagon. There were others that were arranged through the senator's office, but it's been a while...

One of the nice things about these tours is that they are arranged in small groups with a docent to show you things you wouldn't normally see.

You have enough time to contact your senator.
 
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