7 hr layover in DC, what would you see?
- Thread starter walnutred
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I don't think you can beat the Smithsonian, but depending on what's showing, National Art Gallery may be worth checking out, and if it holds any interest for you, the National Arboretum, and particularly its spectacular bonsai collection is well worth a visit, especially if the weather's nice. Take a cab --- it's not well served by public transport, and is well away from the mall and most of the attractions.
Maddog 521
Member
You could stand outside the White House and wonder "what in the world is going on in there".
deadin
US Veteran
If you don't mind spending a little on cab fare you might make the trip out to Fairfax and visit Jim Supica at the NRA Museum.....
(Last time I was there, I couldn't figure how to get there using Metro and/or buses...)
9
(Last time I was there, I couldn't figure how to get there using Metro and/or buses...)
9
dacoontz
Member
Hop on the metro and you'll be at the National Mall in 10 minutes tops.
How much of those 7 hours are you going to lose leaving the airport and then having to go through security again when you return? That might cut your 7 hours down to 4 or 5.
Lubbock Louie
Member
I second going to Fairfax. The NRA museum is wonderful.
LL /Cary
LL /Cary
mg357
Absent Comrade
I suggest the ww2 memorial, The Iwo Jima Memorial, The Vietnam Memorial Wall, and the Korean War Memorial, also the washington and the lincoln memorial and last but by no means least Arlington Cemetary.
357larry
Member
If they find out you are a member here you will probably wind up on a "watch" list.
USAF385
US Veteran
7 hours? I'd stay in the airport huddled in a corner somewhere. I HATE commercial air travel.... mostly dealing with the airports and.. well.. people.
Factor in the time it will take to get out and back in (including going through security again) you cut the free time down to what?.... 45 minutes?
Factor in the time it will take to get out and back in (including going through security again) you cut the free time down to what?.... 45 minutes?
johnsonl
Member
Speaking as a D.C. native, I suggest the Smithsonian(s), the Lincoln and Jefferson Memorials. The cafeteria in the Museum of Natural History is pretty good. Get there before noon. Leave your pocket knife in your checked bag, all the museums have security.
7 hours? I'd stay in the airport huddled in a corner somewhere. I HATE commercial air travel.... mostly dealing with the airports and.. well.. people.
Factor in the time it will take to get out and back in (including going through security again) you cut the free time down to what?.... 45 minutes?
You have 7 hours to kill. I was thinking, why not have lunch with a TSA employee, hopefully he will pick up the tab. Then when he "pats" you down later, you won't feel as violated. Who knows where that relationship may go?
amazingflapjack
US Veteran
I would suggest that you do some research on the net as to what you would like to see. For example, pick one of the Smithsonians - and devote your time there. Another choice might be to get on one of the tour busses that gives you an overall tour of the most visited attractions, By all means, don't stray off the beaten path, if you don't want to be beaten. Flapjack.
sipowicz
Member
DC? I'd go sit on Lincoln's lap and cry until your plane leaves.
If you come into Dulles go to the Air and Space Museum uber cool and you are very close.
If you land at National and it's not between 7-9 AM or 3-7 PM. or a Friday (traffic is a real bear)check out the Natural History Museum or the NRA Museum, the Postal Museum is rather interesting as well
Penmon
If you land at National and it's not between 7-9 AM or 3-7 PM. or a Friday (traffic is a real bear)check out the Natural History Museum or the NRA Museum, the Postal Museum is rather interesting as well
Penmon
Minimal info provided by OP...
Train? DCA? BWI? IAD?
Choices for your layover are very site specific.
Be safe.
Train? DCA? BWI? IAD?
Choices for your layover are very site specific.
Be safe.
Mike_in_VA
Member
+1 to all the other suggestions, especially the WWII and Vietnam memorials. If you're going to be at Reagan, the Air Force Memorial is close by. If you are going to be there at night, the view of DC from there, looking from the Washington Monument to the Captial, is great.
Erich
Member
I'd see if I could get a nonstop flight or else if I could connect somewhere else. 
CAJUNLAWYER
Member
Try The Royal Palace.
Tell them that rburg sent you and you want Sipowicz's table
Tell them that rburg sent you and you want Sipowicz's table
Minimal info provided by OP...
Train? DCA? BWI? IAD?
Choices for your layover are very site specific.
Layover is probably not the correct choice of words, delay would be better. Every fall I go to Crystal City for a Society for Chemical Hazards Communications conference and this year I'll be there from Sunday afternoon until around 10:00 AM on Wednesday. My return flight is not until 7:30 PM on Wednesday out of National.
I schedule a late return flight so I can do a little sight seeing after a couple days of concentrating on hazardous chemicals. Last year it was Arlington and one of the Smithsonians, year before it was a stroll around the reflecting pool and the war memorials, year before the weather was bad so I ended up doing work on my laptop in the airport. You get the picture.
Understand, walnutred.
First, whilst you are still "working" in Crystal City steal a bit of time and head down to the 9-11 Memorial at the Pentagon. Haven't been there yet, personally, but understand it's quite moving. (It's walking distance...and you can't park at the Pentagon.)
On Wednesday I suggest hopping on a train and spend some time meandering about the National Mall. One of the best times of the year to visit; nice weather and less people than usual. You can kill several hours doing that...easily.
Do get to DCA circa 1700, check-in and treat yourself to a nice dinner at Legal Seafood or one of the other restaurants there. You likely know DC traffic is a mess at rush hour...even the Metro is packed.
Do have fun!
Be safe.
First, whilst you are still "working" in Crystal City steal a bit of time and head down to the 9-11 Memorial at the Pentagon. Haven't been there yet, personally, but understand it's quite moving. (It's walking distance...and you can't park at the Pentagon.)
On Wednesday I suggest hopping on a train and spend some time meandering about the National Mall. One of the best times of the year to visit; nice weather and less people than usual. You can kill several hours doing that...easily.
Do get to DCA circa 1700, check-in and treat yourself to a nice dinner at Legal Seafood or one of the other restaurants there. You likely know DC traffic is a mess at rush hour...even the Metro is packed.
Do have fun!
Be safe.
Andy Griffith
Member
In DC?
Do like Davy Crockett and head west...out of town as fast as possible!
After all, you're in enemy territory!
Do like Davy Crockett and head west...out of town as fast as possible!
After all, you're in enemy territory!
truckemup97
Member
I agree, but watch out for the goose poop. Can I say poop here? If not, it will look like ****.
CAJUNLAWYER
Member
Naw....poop lokes like poop. Type **** and it comes out ****.
HEAD0001
Member
If you haven't seen the dinosaurs?? Then that is where I would go first. Aerospace is a place on my list that I have never seen-I am really looking forward to going when I get my power wheel chair(please no hover-round jokes).
Can you get in the NRA Museum with a wheel chair?? Thanks, Tom.
Can you get in the NRA Museum with a wheel chair?? Thanks, Tom.
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