Some Tips!
As someone who has lived in the VA/DC area most my life, and who works on the National Mall, my advice is to avoid driving into DC to visit museums and landmarks. But instead take the Metro (WMATA) subway. I’d advise buying a plastic ‘SmarTrip’ card at any station and avoid using the SmartPhone app which can be buggy. A good central location is to catch the Blue, Silver, or Orange lines and get off at the ‘Smithsonian’ station. This will put you right on the National Mall, with reasonable walking distance to museums, Washington Monument, U.S. Capitol, and National Archives. Smithsonian opens from 10:00 AM to 5:30 PM daily. The National Gallery of Art (NGA) 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM. All these are free as they are U.S. government funded. Check out their websites for specifics. Of note, is that the National Air & Space museum on the Mall has re-opened with their first phase of renovations and new exhibits. Though you may need to get free timed entry ticket due to popularity.
Why not drive into DC?
It literally takes me 15-minutes to drive from VA to my office on the Mall, and I can also get reserved office parking. Yet, I rarely do so and take Metro instead. As a visitor, you’ll have to deal with traffic, confusing road patterns, and compete to find street parking near the National Mall which is no longer free in most cases. DC also limits the time you can park in one spot without being ticketed. Also, you need to pay close attention to “rush” hour parking restrictions as DC “will” tow your vehicle. Instead, park at one of Metro parking facilities, free on weekends, and $5. all day on weekdays. You’ll need to get a Metro SmarTrip card to exit parking.
Where to eat
All the museums have Café/Cafeterias though expect to pay premium prices. If you choose to do so, I’d recommend the National Museum of African American History and Culture (NMAAHC) which has some of the best food based on historic recipes (~ $30. average per person). Otherwise, not many options open nearby without a hike. Lunch trucks tend to congregate on the Mall across from Washington Monument. There is also a food court located in the Reagan building behind EPA, across Constitution Ave from American History museum. You’ll need to go through airport type security.
Where to stay
I don’t have any specific recommendations, though Virginia motels are close to the Mall and other landmark attractions. I’d avoid staying at motels in DC due to possible higher area crime rates. Hotels are generally fine. For free parking, there are a number of motels located along Richmond Hwy in Alexandria, VA. Hotels in Arlington/Alexandria may offer competitive rates this time of year, but many charge daily parking which can run on average $30. to $40.+ per day. Alexandria area also tends to offer some advantages as you’re minutes by car to Old Town Alexandria, Mount Vernon, National Harbor, MGM Casino, and outlet stores. In Alexandria, you can also park at the Huntington Metro facility, though train service is temporarily suspended due to station maintenance. You’ll have to catch regular shuttle buses at Huntington to the nearest Metro station where you can take the Blue line train, which also stops at Arlington National Cemetery, directly to the National Mall. SmartTrip cards work on all area Metro and local bus lines. Be sure to take the Blue line train back as the Silver/Orange lines do not go to Alexandria.
On a side note
Metro Silver line to Dulles International Airport is scheduled to open any day now. You can catch a shuttle from Dulles to Udvar Hazy Air & Space Museum, which houses the Space Shuttle Discovery, Blackbird SR-71, Concorde, and B-29 Enola Gay. There is also a full-scale Star Wars X-Wing in restoration hanger, though not sure if it’s on display. Admission is also free, though there is a $15. parking fee. If you drive, be aware of the toll roads and rush hour fees on popular routes to Chantilly, VA for Udvar Hazy. It can easily add double the parking costs to your visit depending on time of day. Some routes requiring SmartTrip cards.
Also, if you have a smartphone, you may want to download the MetroHero app. This gives real-time location and service updates for all Metro train lines. There is also a website version.
