Which Day is better for DC

[DTJ9610]

Thi isn't as much a campgrounds questions, more a trip from the campgrounds. We will be in Gettysburg next week from Thursday to Monday. We are looking to spend a day in DC. My question is, what day would be best: Firday, Saturday or Sunday. The other 2 days will be spent going around Gettysburg and relaxing.

Thank you for any input.

[cumminsdad08]

we are leaving friday morning for DC, ok well just east of DC. but we are planing on spending the whole day saturday in DC. for what is worth anyhow. i hear that parking is free at the metro staions on the weekend, and usually there is plenty of it too. but that is just what i hear, i guess i will find out next week

[JRTJH]

Saturday or Sunday are good days to visit if you don't plan on trying to get into the Capitol or the White House. Those types of attractions are usually pretty full and they are not usually fully staffed. If you want to visit the Mall, see the Washington Monument, Lincoln Memorial, VietNam Memorial, WW2 Memorial, Korean War Memorial, Truman and Jefferson Memorials, then there's parking around the Tidal Basin and an easy walk to the Mall. The Holocost Museum is right across from that parking lot, and other than the "airport search" you have to undergo to get in, it's a somber experience that changes a carefree day into one that opens reflection and appreciation.

From Manassas to the Tidal Basin at 9AM on the weekend may take up to 3 hours, it's worse during the week !!!! Oh yes, it's a 16 mile trip LOL Be prepared for traffic delays, they're inevitable.....

[hankaye]

DTJ9610, Howdy;

Best answer I can give ya,......tomorrow...

hankaye

[Johnnyfry]

Well, since I live here, I have to tell you that any summer day will being pretty horrible traffic. My suggestion would be to come down 270 south from Frederick, Md and park out in Rockville on Rockville Pike near White Flint or NIH metro in Bethesda and take red Line Meto into town.

Metro center puts you near the White House. Switch to Orange line toward New Carollton at metro center and get off at Smithsonian for the Mall museums and Washington monument, Capitol South to visit the Capitol.

Summertime is a very busy season. Friday afternoon traffic will be terrific but it will be coming out of town. Saturday AM traffic will be easier but will pick up later in the day.

Stay off the beltway (495) if at all possible.

Good luck

[Jim W]

In 2002 my DW and I toured Gettysburg and stayed in the area for a week. We did take a bus tour of DC, the bus picked us up at 6:00 AM in a camp ground and then we toured the DC area. With a meal stop over on the way home. This was way easier than driving my vehicle in downtown traffic and trying to find parking. The bus would drop you of at Arlington for a tour of the Cemetery. Then picked you up and then on to downtown DC. we had several choices that we could visit. Then picked us up again and a tour of the Mall area and walking tour also.
We both felt that this was easier and less hassle than driving.
Just my humble opinion.
Jim W.

[Johnnyfry]

Jim's idea is worth considering, especially if you are driving a camper.

John

[cumminsdad08]

not a bad idea, but if you got kids, you need to be as close to your truck as you can possibly be, or be ready for a long trip.

[jje1960]

Would suggest parking the camper out in Reston, Lake Fairfax has a nice campground. Saturday or Sunday is pretty much the same, maybe Saturday early is less on the traffic. Also suggest parking down by the Arlington Library and taking the metro in to D.C., forget driving down there, it's a challenge to say the least.

[JRTJH]

OK DT, What did you finally decide to do?????