How to be a tourist in DC?

cheri1122

Veteran Expediter
Driver
I have a delivery in Washington DC next Tues, which has to be picked up on Wed night for return to origin. In the interval, I'd love to play tourist for a day or two, especially at the Smithsonian - but where can I leave the truck?
:confused:
 

jjoerger

Veteran Expediter
Owner/Operator
US Army
Just do like all the local drivers. Leave it double parked with the 4 way flashers on.:rolleyes:
 

cheri1122

Veteran Expediter
Driver
In NYC, I could probably get away with that, lol, but I'm thinking security in DC is pretty uptight....
 

usaf6186

Veteran Expediter
Cheri; I lived in that area for 7 yrs. But I left there 20 yrs ago. As for parking. Look for a parking place close to a Metro stop. Then take the Metro right to the Mall area. Most of the museums are around the mall. There might be a shopping mall or a Wally World that is close to a Metro stop. Just be careful where you park. Might look in the northern VA area. Good luck. Jerry Lee
 

cheri1122

Veteran Expediter
Driver
Thanks, Jerry Lee. Delivery is at the Reagan Bldg, next to the Mall, so the nearest Metro lot sounds like a good plan. :)
 

usaf6186

Veteran Expediter
Cheri; The problem with lots at Metro stations is that they are usually packed during the week. Might ask the people you delivery to. Jerry Lee
 

dieseldiva

Veteran Expediter
I didn't take the time to go over this site but it might help or lead you to one that will, enjoy your time there.........LINK
 

TeamCaffee

Administrator
Staff member
Owner/Operator
Cheri I am no help on this one, but I hope you get it figured out and report back on all of the fun you had!
 

purgoose10

Veteran Expediter
I don't know the type vehicle your operating but your customer might let you leave it there. I delivered to one of the federal buildings close to Lincoln Memorial. Anywhere around the square they will check your truck (Homeland Security). There is an old Truck Stop on old hwy 50 you can cab from, but that's probably pricey.:cool:
 

matlack

Expert Expediter
I would ask around to see if i could park at a hotel in Northern Virginia and then take the shuttle to the metro train into DC.
Without enough parking in DC for cars, I would not suggest a rental car.
DC's public transit system is one of the best in the nation...Imagine that.[/
 

golfournut

Veteran Expediter
I don't think they will let you stay at the Regan bldg. Security is tight. Metal detectors and guards. Depending on the time of day you deliver, L'enfant Promenade off of Independence Ave. SW is a pretty good to park. It is right in front of the "castle" of the Smithsonian.

Turn off of Independence onto L'enfant. Go up about 3 or 4 blocks just past the Postal bldg. (not a post office though) and make a U turn at the end of the median. Don't worry you can do it in a straight truck. Plenty of room and not much traffic on this street. Then park. Straight ahead is the Smithsonian. Turn right to go to Air & Space, Natural and American history museums. Go straight behind the Castle and you are in the "mall". Turn right to go to the Capital and White House. Turn left to go to Washington Monument, Lincoln Memorial, WWII, Vietnam and Korean war memorials.

By the way, you will be parked in front of L'enfant Plaza Metro. So you could take the Metro over to Arlington, if you do the women's armed services museum is right at the entrance to the cemetery where the metro stop is. Or you could take the metro to Georgetown, Chinatown or Penn Station. If you go to Penn Station, the Capital is across the street from the main ent.

My wife and I always park there in our car and walk everywhere. It seems like a lot, well it us if you do it in a day. But from where you park you can also walk to the Jefferson Memorial, Mint, Holocaust Museum and FDR Memorial.

We actually spent a month anchored in our boat in the national harbor which is the opposite of the Smithsonian and down a grassy knoll from L'enfant. We walked everywhere. We walked over to Arlington Cemetery. That was a hike. We took the Metro back.

Note of caution: security has gotten really really tight in DC. I have never parked my truck there but have seen trucks parked there. No parking meters, free parking. Once there was guards at the entrance to L'enfant, but I think they were for the two gov. Bldgs on the corner of L'enfant and Independence.

Like I said, we always park there when we go to DC and play tourist, never parked there over night, tho. I don't think it would be a problem cause that part of town is a ghost town after about 10 PM and safe.

Hope it works out. Don't get mad at me if it don't!
 

cheri1122

Veteran Expediter
Driver
Thanks so much, guys - good ideas. I know security is really strict, as I have to report to a screening facility prior to attempting delivery, which is something different.
I might check out L'infant after delivery on Tues, then take Matlock's advice and get a room for the night in Va, leaving truck & dog there for a few hrs Wed - sounds like a plan! Luckily, I enjoy walking, cos there's a LOT I'd love to see while I have the chance. :)
 

robh2

Veteran Expediter
I am in the DC area in Maryland. After delivery and just hanging, where do you go next? North, South, East West? Would you be better in Maryland or VA? Some Metros are at Malls and stadiums with a lot of parking. Just an idea.

Robert
 

cheri1122

Veteran Expediter
Driver
Normally, I'd head for Va after delivery, but this one's a round trip - has to be returned to origin, so I get to hang out for awhile. :)
 

nightcreacher

Veteran Expediter
Cheri ,its been a while since Ive been in DC,but I use to deliver to the Smithsonian,and if I remember right,you can park your straight truck there.
 
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