Stopping in DC en route from New York

This might sound crazy, but we (4 adults, 2 five-year-old kids) want to stop in DC on our way down. We know we want to see the Smithsonian if nothing else.

Has anyone done this? Recommend place to stay? Timing tips?

Stopping in DC en route from New York

You should post in the DC forum.

However, I can save you the time by answering your questions. If not enough then post there anyway.

It%26#39;s not crazy to stop in DC on your way to Myrtle Beach. It%26#39;s not out of the way.

The Smithsonian is a group of museums and sites not just one building so go to the website at www.si.edu and find out which one/s you want to see and then decide.

Since you are driving down, I would say try to come in on a Saturday morning. Hotel rates will always be cheaper on the weekends in DC. Where to stay will depend on your budget and when you are coming. If you are coming in the summer months, they will be cheaper than they are now and in the early fall.

Weekdays are a bother because of the rush hour traffic. So if you time it right, you should plan to arrive in DC after 9:30am. Traffic is like NYC traffic but some streets are worse than others once in the City. There may be some construction projects on the beltway so let me know when you plan to come and I can check Maryland%26#39;s reports for construction.

Weekends are not too horribly crowded during the summer. Use metro when you get here although the parking at your hotel will probably cost anywhere from $15.00-$35.00 per day. I might actually recommend you stay in the surrounding areas of Virginia rather than directly in DC if that%26#39;s a problem. Easy access to the highways and still metro accessible.

Stopping in DC en route from New York

CORRECTION: Traffic is NOT like NYC traffic. Like bumper to bumper no one moving anywhere. DC isn%26#39;t that bad. But there are some ';hot spots';.

The really bad traffic is the rush hour traffic between Washington and Richmond. You will want to plan your exit from DC with that in mind.

Thanks, MrsM ...

Yeah, I thought after posting that I should%26#39;ve put this up in the DC forum. My apologies for the bad etiquette.

Oh, it%26#39;s not a problem posting here since many people going down from your area might do the same thing. Best to cover all grounds. And to find specifics from locals helps too.

If you had any further questions, let us know.