Washington DC during Easter week - are we nuts?

14 years ago

DH and I really want to take the DDs (14 and 10) to Washington DC this year. Between the girls school and sports schedules, the only time we can go is Spring Break, which is the week following Easter. This, of course, is also Cherry Blossom time.

I'm hesitant to go because this is supposed to be the busiest time of year, but it is hard for me to get a handle on how crowded is crowded. Is it like a Saturday at the shopping mall in July crowd, or Saturday at the mall a week before Christmas crowd? Or worse, like Disney World after Christmas (think 3-hours waits for attractions)?

Will we be able to see museum exhibits up close? Get dinner reservations?

Nicole

Featured Answer

kkay_md

14 years ago

The National Gallery of Art (Smithsonian, therefore free) is a fabulous museum on the mall. It has 2 buildings (East and West), and an extensive permanent collection, with lovely exhibits. Not far off the mall is the National Portrait Gallery/American Art Museum, one of my all-time favorite museums--including a great collection of Presidential portraits, but so much more (also free). The building itself is gorgeous (Gallery Place-Chinatown Metro stop).

An alternative to the art museums are the sculpture gardens, one associated with the National Gallery of Art (with a pavillion cafe) and the other with the Hirshhorn Museum sculpture garden--both fabulous, with beautiful plantings and lovely sculptures. The Hirshhorn garden is less well-known, and can be very quiet and contemplative.

If you are at the end of the mall near the Smithsonian Metro entrance, pop into the Freer Gallery for 10 minutes, and look at the Peacock Room, a confection of a room painted by James Whistler and assembled lock, stock, and barrel in the gallery. Fabulous.

The Holocaust Museum is an important museum, and I often take out-of-town guests there. It is not recommended for children under 11 years. I also suggest allowing about 4 hours for the permanent exhibit.

You should also to go the Library of Congress--if only to step inside the rotunda and look at the architecture, which is splendid.

To get into any of these buildings, you will go through security; sometimes there are scanners, sometimes guards will look through backpacks or purses. Don't be put off by those lines--they move quickly.

Enjoy your visit!

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Comments (28)

laxsupermom
14 years ago
Big Sis lives in NoVa, so we've been down to DC during Easter week several times, specifically for the White House Easter Egg Roll. DS1 is too old (read as too cool) for that now, but we've made the trip and the crowds are definitely worse during Easter week. They aren't anywhere near as bad as NYC during December, but more than the shopping mall in July. Even with robust crowds, we didn't have difficulty moving around the museums including the Natural History(dinosaurs) museum, or the Science museums 2 of the busier stops. There was a short wait to get into the International Spy museum. I don't remember it being difficult to get a dinner reservation.
cyn427 (z. 7, N. VA)
14 years ago
Nicole, even if it is crowded, it is a great time to be here-especially if you catch the cherry blossoms! It seems as if the week between Palm Sunday and Easter is usually more crowded. If it is the week of the cherry blossom festival, there will be crowds, but they are not overwhelming. Air and Space is always busy no matter when you come, but everything else is do-able. The Newseum is a must see when you are here. The Spy Museum is always a big draw, but I wasn't so impressed. If you stay in Old Town Alexandria, there is a Hilton right next to the metro on King Street which makes getting around easier. There are tons of restaurants in Alexandria (many as good as or better than those in the District), too and easy to get to since there is also a trolley that runs up and down King Street from the waterfront to the metro. I think you can email me from my page and I will be glad to give you any info you want or need. We live in Alexandria, so we would be happy to share tips based on your interests!

Cynthia
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Downsouth, we may have a few things in common. My paternal family is from TN, I grew up in IN, but have lived in a DC suburb for around 15 years. Your post doesn't say why you are unethusiastic, but I can guess why. As has already been mentioned, DC has more to do than you will ever get done, so you need to make choices and plan well in advance. And there's great variety in what to do, both within the city and within short driving distances. Monuments, museums, and the workings of our government are DC's main attractions (Ford's Theater is especially interesting). But maybe that type of thing can't enthuse you. There are people from all over the world here. Embassy Row, our own small Chinatown, the State Dept., etc are of interest to some. Still not your cup of tea? The Cheseapeake Bay is only an hour away (2 hours if you're going to cross the bridge and stand in the traffic). Ocean City and VA beach on the Atlantic are only 4 hours away. Skyline Drive and the mountains and 1-2 hours away to the west. An interesting change of pace from DC's history stops is Baltimore's Inner Harbor--just an hour away but a world away in atmosphere. Annapolis and Williamsburg are both fascinating, for very different reasons. And Alexandria is interesting as well (yep, the post about night life has it right). Like crafts and unusual stores? Ellicott City to the North, Occoquan to the south, and to some extent, Alexandria, have interesting offerings. The variety here is tremendous--I still haven't seen it all even after 15 years of trying. Talk to your husband about what kinds of things you want to do--you don't have to spend all of your time on monuments. Cons--the traffic is bad. Take the Metro as often as possible. Food costs in the downtown area are high. Hotel costs, of course, depends on where you stay. In general, the area does have the reputation of being expensive, but more for living here than for visiting. And if your hesitation is because we're living in a post 9/11 world, let me assure you of your safety. We might be a prime target but we've also got great security. Don't let the military presence you see around the Pentagon alarm you--it makes me feel safer. I have seen many visitors have a miserable time in DC, but it's because they didn't plan. They want to do everything, and it can't be done. The walking distance between, say the Washington Monument and the Capital can be a nice stroll or a forced march, depending on how much time you allow. Our summer's are hot and humid, but so are GA's--and in downtown DC, there's always an air conditioned building to duck into. And this summer has actually been a mild one for heat (but I think all the rain that has kept down the heat has made the humidity worse). If you come with reasonable expectations, you'll probably have a great time.
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2ajsmama
14 years ago
Half the eastern seaboard gets week before Easter, half after so I'd say it's better than WDW Christmas week (or even after Tgiving) when *everybody* is out of school. As Cynthia said, there are a lot of places to stay and great public transportation, so I wouldn't worry. We took DS during his spring break a couple of years ago, crowds weren't that bad though blossoms were past. We're thinking of going either to DC or Williamsburg this April.
learn_as_i_go
14 years ago
DEFINITELY use the metro; it is a good system that is generally clean and safe. Stay in a place where you can park your car for the duration of the visit and walk/metro everywhere. I live 1.5 hours south of DC and learned that lesson the hard way once during the Cherry Blossom festival. We have family that lives in DC so we get up there fairly often. Can't say how the lines would be at museums, etc. during that time as we generally avoid the area after the "lesson learned" adventure.
work_in_progress_08
14 years ago
Do it! The recommendation to use metro is a good one. We took DD and a friend to DC for summer visit and had a blast. Stayed at the L'Enfant Plaza. Not extremey pricey, we parked at the hotel and did the metro. There was a mall kind of set up under the hotel and a metro station. Very user friendly. Don't be intimidated by the public transportation, it is perfect for DC and easy to use.

Don't forget to get into Georgetown and Nora for dinner at least one nite. (leave the kids at the hotel). Very okay. L'Enfante plaza houses federal office suites as well so security is absolutely present. My DD was about the age of your 14 yr. old and she and BF ate early dinner in the hotel restaurant which was quite good, DH and I went out later in the evening. It was a nice break. Girls had their own room and had a blast.

Don't hesitate at all, crowds in DC are always around. The capital tour is a good thing to do with the kids. We had a tour by an aide to our congressman, but I am not sure that they require congressional letters any longer. Check out your local congressman's site for that info. The capital was a great tour. If you schedule in advance with your congressman you will have a more personalized tour.

We were in DC in the summer in 100 degree heat and still had a great time. Crowds for different events, but it was still so much fun!

Since you have time, go to B&N and buy a "what to see" type guide so you don't miss anything you really want to see.

Have a great time!
pammyfay
14 years ago
Oh, it'll be crowded all right! But really, I think coming to D.C. during the Cherry Blossom Festival is the ONLY time to come! It's just absolutely beautiful (if the weather conditions are right and if the rain doesn't come early to wash petals away).

Be prepared to become a veteran at using the Metro system (the subway is great; buses are so-so). Pls do not rent a car. You will really annoy the natives! LOL! (actually, there are few natives, but a lot of commuters like me who still need to get into the city for work!)

One tip: Not all the museums are free. The Smithsonian's are, but the Newseum and Spy Museum are not (and those are quite pricey, esp the Newseum; hey, I'm a journalist and I can't afford to go there!).

Another tip: If you think you want to go to the zoo, you might want to schedule it at the beginning of the trip. The Monday after Easter Sunday is traditionally African American Family Day, and it is absolutely jammed! (Of course, if you're an African American family, then go! I'm just sayin... if crowds are a concern...)
Also, concerning the zoo, you'll want to keep up-to-date on when the youngest panda, Tai Shan, is scheduled to leave for China. Sometime early this year is all we've heard so far. Tai Shan's parents will still be there for a while, tho. You just don't want to be disappointed if you were really looking forward to seeing their cub (who's not so cub-sized anymore!)

One last tip: When you plan your itinerary, do a bit of research about places to get lunch around your destinations. You really don't want to have to eat at the museum cafeterias if you can help it; they are pricey, and most don't have great food (I think the American Indian Museum's cafe generally scores higher). So you might want to think about either making a quick outing to one of the neighborhood (meaning, not downtown) markets/Whole Foods stores or a CVS so you can get PB, bread, whatever, or doing Web searches for some of the city's hidden little eateries. There are also Subway/Cosi/Quiznos sandwich places; you just have to walk a few blocks away from the museums to get to them. And streetside food carts for hot dogs and such.

It's one of the biggest complaints I hear from visitors: That just getting lunch for a family of 4 can be surprisingly expensive.

The Washington Post's website also has a nice visitor's guide. I'll link you to it.

Here is a link that might be useful: WashPost visitor's guide
nicoletouk
Original Author
14 years ago
Thank you every one so much for your advice! You have convinced me that the crowds aren't overwhelming and I plan on booking the trip tonight.

There was never any question about driving around DC! We'll probably be flying in anyway, but if we do drive that car is staying in the hotel garage!

We'll probably stay at the Embassy Suites downtown. It isn't very exciting but it is reliable and we really like the ability to stay up past the kids bedtime!

Cynthia, thanks for the offer to e-mail you! You will hear from me after I get the logisitcs of this trip planned and the kids back to school after this vacation and life is back to normal. Next week maybe?

Work in Progress, that is a great idea about just the adults going out one night. The only question is, do I trust the girls to stay in the room? I can just seee the 10 YO wanting to slip out and ride the elevators. Because, you know, we don't have elevators where we live.

Pammyfay, thanks for the heads-up on the zoo. We do plan on going to the zoo but " jammed" is too much for me to deal with. We will go later in the week. Thank you also for the link to the Visitor's Guide, it looks like there is great info there.

Things we want to do/see...

Air & Space (DH insists, me - not so much)
American History
Natural History
Congressional Tour
Printing & Engraving
Newseum
Mount Vernon
Alexandria
I would LOVE to visit some of the fine art museums.

I heard the FBI was closed to tours. The spy museum does sound fun, as well as the Old Post Office. One thing I don't understand is going to a monument. It just doesn't seem like there is much to DO there. Do you visit the monuments between museums? How much time can they take?

OH! Two other things I have thought of...

1. Is bicycling allowed on the mall? Are there bike rentals there (or anywhere)?

2. We will be there for Easter and would love recommendations for somewhere unique - and tasty - for brunch or dinner.

Thank you again for all of your advice. If there is anything else you think a first-time visitor should know, please share, I would love to hear it.

Nicole
suero
14 years ago
Contact your Congressperson now to get a guided tour of the Capitol and any other special tours, like the White House.
pammyfay
14 years ago
The monuments (except for the Washington Monument) take as much time as you want to devote to them. For example, when some people go to the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, they want to take the time to find the names of people they knew who died because of that war, so they do rubbings of the engraved names; that can take a bit of time. Other monuments? Walk around the Lincoln Memorial, gaze up in awe of the humongous statue of Lincoln, read the quotes, you're outta there.

BUT: To go up to the top of the Washington Monument, you need to get tickets (timed-entry, I think, and free; during peak visiting times, April-Sept, they are sometimes reserved months in advance, the website says), and you need to get in line very early in the morning for them. So that will probably eat up some time. Then waiting for the elevators to go up, and coming down.

You CAN ride bikes on the Mall and to the memorials (sometimes the bicyclists are more polite than the joggers!). Not sure where the rental places are, tho.

And a brunch rec: The Tabard Inn. But make reservations SUPER EARLY. This place is known for their homemade doughnuts. Only you will know whether its menu will fit your family, tho.

Here is a link that might be useful: Tabard Inn sample menus
work_in_progress_08
14 years ago
We did do a nite out just adults. The girls took nice dresses and DC has many great restaurants for dinner. I knew they would not enjoy Nora as DH and I were anxiously awaiting our return, and frankly, why waste my money to look across at two frowning faces? My "girls" were in about 6th grade. But, I am aware that two heads are better than one in some cases. Set down the rules, leave either your or DH cell with your kids so they can reach you in an emeregency. I do know that there is definitely a security presence in L'Enfant Plaza, If you stay there, there is no missing that there is fed security around all of the time.

We fed the girls in the hotel restaurant first, sent them down to dine together actually. We let them eat, and come back to the room with their key. I guess you have to decide if your kids can do okay on their own. No time like the present to start assigning a bit of responsibility and reality on them in preparation for a lovely night out during your vacation.

Doing DC is very exhausting (at least it was for me in the summer crowds). I enjoyed coming back to the room before dinner and soaking my tired feet and body for that matter in a nice bubble bath before dinner. One night out with DH was a great treat. I think if you give kids some responsibility, that gives them confidence which keeps building, JMHO.

The main reason I stayed at L'Enfant and recommend to anyone is the metro is only an elevator ride downstairs. There were also some shops in at the metro level which DD and friend enjoyed visiting sans the parents,

The metro system is so user friendly, please do not be put off if you are not a regular public transportation rider. We are not in daily life, but when traveling to DC, NYC, etc., we never drive while visiting. As long as you follow the station guide you will do very well. I think DC metro is much more user friendly (and cleaner) than NYC subways. LOL

You've gotten a lot of nice tips, use as many as you can. So far no I see no mention of Holocaust Museum. That was a must see on our to do list. However, I would advocate that everyone visit that particular museum.

Have fun!
suero
14 years ago
In Georgetown, there's Dumbarton Oaks, with its fabulous garden. It's near bus lines.
From March 15th to October 31st, the gardens are open daily, except Mondays, from 2Â6 p.m.
$8.00 general admission; $5.00 seniors (ages 60 +), students, and children (ages 2Â12); free admission for Harvard students, faculty, & staff.

Another place off the beaten path -- you need to drive to get there -- is the National Air and Space Museum Uvdar-Hazy Center in Chantilly, Virginia. Admission is free, but there's a $15 parking fee.
Full-size planes are there, including the SR-70 Blackbird spy plane, Concorde, Enola Gay, and Space Shuttle Enterprise.

You can get a pass to the Visitor's Gallery of the House and Senate by stopping by your Senator's or Representative's office.
laxsupermom
14 years ago
Actually, there's a shuttle bus that runs between the regular Air & Space Museum on the mall and the Udvar-Hazy Center so if you don't want to rent a car, you can still get there. We usually spend half the week at my sister's and the other half the week in DC at a hotel(you know what they say about guests & fish after three days.) The Udvar-Hazy is 10 minutes from her house and we always use the shuttle to get into the city one day instead of the metro.

I'll second Dumbarton Oaks, too. Just gorgeous.
graywings123
14 years ago
For Easter, I would think about the buffet at the Kennedy Center rooftop buffet:

The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. 2700 F St. NW, Washington, DC (202)416-8555. Brunch from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m. Take your picture with the Easter Bunny and receive a special treat. Enjoy a special Easter brunch with skyline views of the Potomac River. $39.95 for adults and $20.00 for children.

OR, my favorite restaurant in DC, the Bombay Club:

815 Connecticut Ave., NW Washington, DC. (202) 659-3727. The recently renovated restaurant will be offering their popular Champagne buffet brunch this Easter. Enjoy live piano music and special menu items such as seafood curry and other traditional brunch fare, as well as gulab jamun for dessert and unlimited Champagne. $28 per person.

Here is a link that might be useful: Easter brunch possibilities
cyn427 (z. 7, N. VA)
14 years ago
As long as we're making suggestions, I would strongly encourage you to visit the Supreme Court building (it is also one place with a terrific cafeteria that is not usually frequented by tourists)-just east of the US Capitol and to the north of the Library of Congress which I agree is another must-see. The kids would probably enjoy the paddle boats in the tidal basin near the Jefferson Memorial and an evening visit to the FDR is spectacular.
Jane_the_Renovator
14 years ago
I second the National Portrait Gallery/American Art Museum. It's free, right across the street from the Spy Museum, and there is a nice atrium in the middle if you want to pack a lunch. We ate lunch at the brewpub on a nearby corner and enjoyed ourselves.

My family has also loved the National Museum of Women in the Arts. It's small enough so that you don't get "museumed out." During your visit, they're having an exhibit of fashion photography and also one of fashion designer Mary McFadden's work.

And doing the White House tour is also cool. When I went, we just lined up for tickets, but I think you can get tickets through your members of Congress too.

Here is a link that might be useful: National Museum of Women in the Arts.
peytonroad
14 years ago
There is a good Italian cheap walkin pizza joint in the courtyard backyard of Watergate hotel.
I have not read all the posts but walking thru Arlington Cemetary is incredible! so beautiful! I highly recommend the Library of Congress, there is a short tour inside. I was so impressed with the old bibles and mosiac floors-just stunning!
cyn427 (z. 7, N. VA)
14 years ago
Plus, the view of the District from Arlington House (Custis/Lee Mansion-which has a wonderful tour, btw) and/or Iwo Jima is the best-great photo op.
enmafromva
14 years ago
You have been getting lots of good advice. Don't be anti Air and Space museum - it is a very cool museum and if you need some rest I love the 3D Space Station movie they have in their IMAX theater. It is narrated by Tom Cruise and you get great effects. Also - bike rentals are easy to find and the girls (and you) might enjoy a Segway tour... (think behind the Post Office Pavilion is a bike rental place). Potbelly's is another fav lunch place for out-of-towners and if you stay at the Embassy Suites close to Convention Center there are tons of very cool restaurants. Opentable.com (Pennquarter area) has reviews and let's you reserve tables. I love Zaytinya (middle eastern like tappas - mezze) and Jaleo (Spanish)...
Emmafrom(NO)va
pammyfay
14 years ago
And if you're not already overwhelmed with online research of D.C. (and beyond), here's another source to get opinions on places to eat: the D.C. section of Chowhound. I think you have to register to ask questions, but you can search the archives. I recall several postings from people coming to D.C. and asking for chowhounds' must-eat Top 5 places, so the folks on the forum there are well-versed in weeding out the just-OK stuff. Tell them exactly what your preferences are (family, budget friendly, a special wife-and-hubby place, etc.) and they can offer some suggestions.

Another good online resource for brunches, everyday eats, notable D.C. people's favorite places in D.C., etc. is Washingtonian magazine.

Here is a link that might be useful: D.C. Chowhound
nicoletouk
Original Author
14 years ago
Ooooh! More great advice! I LOVE the idea of Easter Brunch at the Kennedy Center! It is special enough for the occasion and unique to DC. Plus, I checked it out on Chowhound (thanks for the link!) and the reviews are very favorable. Oh, I'm getting excited now!

I've also arranged for a Capitol tour with my Senator's office and requested a tour at the Bureau of Printing & Engraving. I passed on the White House tour because it seemed like a lot of security hassle for a short tour. Did I make a mistake - is it really not to be missed?

Emma, you are not alone in your enthusiasm for Air & Space - I will go with an open mind!

I booked our hotel at the Embassy Suites near Dupont Circle, but I'm not totally sold on that idea. It is a 5 block walk to the Metro which sounds kind of far to me. I'm wondering if I should change to the ES at either Chevy Chase (Friendship Heights) or Alexandria. Both have Metro stations very close by, and it sounds like lots of restaurants as well. Alexandria sounds very charming, I'm leaning towards that way.

Will we miss anything if we stay too far out? (Are those places too far out?) I need good restaurants and shopping, don't need nightlife. We'll be there for a week.

(I did check out the ES at the Convention Center but it is coming in at over $350/night including tax. I just can't bring myself to go that high!)

Thanks again for the great ideas - keep 'em coming!

Nicole
cyn427 (z. 7, N. VA)
14 years ago
DuPont Circle is a cool area with some neat stores and restaurants. Coming from Alexandria, I am a little biased, but it only takes about 20 minutes to get in town on the yellow line and a little longer on the blue line which will also take you to the Arlington Cemetary stop. Whatever you do, I know it will be a great trip-and so glad you are going to the Bureau of Printing and Engraving-the kids (and you) will love the tour!
southern_vesta
14 years ago
I have lived in the metro DC area for 12 years. Your instinct is spot on to stay in Alexandria.

Since you have expressed a desire to see Mt. Vernon, the drive down from Alexandria on the George Washington Memorial Parkway, (8 miles South of Old Town Alexandria), is beautiful. Take your car out of the hotel parking garage for the day. ;)

FYI Friendship Heights is on the Red Line which is notorious for mechanical problems & delays.

Here is a link that might be useful: Mount Vernon
pammyfay
14 years ago
Embassy Suites Alexandria is across the street from the Metro. If its pricing is within your budget, I'd grab it (I have no business affiliation with it!). Friendship Heights is nice, but as Southern Vesta says, it's on the Red Line--it's the top line in ridership number, and that's part of the reason there are always issues on it.

The hotel is at the top edge on a little street off King Street, the main drag through Old Town Alexandria. It's a nice walk down King Street toward the waterfront, and you'll pass lots of shops (some little independent ones in addition to some chain stores, like Restoration Hardware) and lots of restaurants (varying from a quaint little Italian place to Popeye's Chicken, I am embarrassed to say!)

The charm won't necessarily be right out the front lobby of the hotel; just walk down King Street a bit.

Yes, I'm biased: I live just a bit farther up in Alexandria. But when I think of Dupont Circle, I think of restaurants, bars and nightlife, and then shops.
nicoletouk
Original Author
14 years ago
Okay. I just changed our hotel to the Embassy Suites Old Town. I think we will be much happier there as Alexandria sounds so charming and really has everything we could need when we aren't seeing the sights. As an added bonus, the room rates were lower and the taxes are less, saving us almost $400 for the week!

The Holocaust Museum: I DO want to go. I've heard it is an amazing museum and a very moving experience. However, I think we'll need to wait a few years to visit. My ten year-old was in a funk for three days after the dog died in Marley & Me, so I don't think she'll handle this museum very well!

Still have to call the Senator's office back to arrange the White House tour - DH couldn't believe I passed on it. And then after that I can take a break and not think about it for a while (Ha, fat chance! I am an obsessive planner.)

Thank you yet again for all of your feedback. I love all the advice you give me!

Nicole
Jane_the_Renovator
14 years ago
My group (sister, me, designer friend) loved the White House, but we were all in our 20s when we toured it. What we didn't realize until we got in is that the White House is one of America's grand manor houses... and we looooove "Stately Homes" (say it with a British accent). We ooohed and aaahed over the decor the entire way through.

For your girls, it might be a little boring (it's a pretty short tour, so they can take it)--but for you, since you're on this board, it's probably a must-see!
enmafromva
14 years ago
one more thing, since I saw you are staying in Alexandria. Not sure when the boat tours start, but if they are running already at Easter consider walking down King Street to the Potomac (Check out the Torpedo Factory full of artist studios), get on a boat to DC, pass the monuments, Kennedy Center etc to Georgetown - get out there, do some fun shopping, have some ice cream and either take a later boat back or walk over to Foggy Bottom to take the blue line Metro back to Alexandria. All my "tourists" (I have lots of family and friends visiting from Germany and the Midwest)love that trip
nicoletouk
Original Author
14 years ago
Cynthia, I just e-mailed you.

I just re-read this thread and I want to thank everyone again for their great ideas. (I especially like the boat ride to Georgetown.) I'm definitely going to make notes of everything in my little planning book.

Here's a new question... has anyone seen Shear Madness? Internet reviews I've read are mixed - some say it is a lot of fun, others say it is corny. I think the DDs may enjoy it.

Nicole

Washington DC during Easter week - are we nuts?

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