Beginning planning for a ride through the Outer Banks for next May/June. We are thinking about making our first stop in Manassas, VA and then spending the following day in DC area to include Arlington Nat Cemetery and downtown War Memorials. We have no idea about the traffic (expecting heavy, heavy) or parking in the DC area. Is it a good plan to ride to Arlington first thing in the morning, then take a tour of some sort across the river and back? How is traffic from Manassas to Arlington?? It appears that there is day-long outside parking at Arlington but I am not sure of that either. Looking forward to hearing any and all suggestions. Thanks!

 

Traffic will be heavy, parking will suck.....
Worked in DC for 30yrs.

 

LMAO!! Thanks for the encouragement. LOL

 

Weekdays, I-66 from Manasas to the DC Beltway has a carpool lane that motorcycles can also use. I-66 from the Beltway to DC is carpools (and motorcycles) during rush hours. From my experience, the car pool lanes are still congested. It has been a while since I rode into DC on a weekday so I can't say anything about parking.

 

Traffic sucks as previously mentioned. They drive extremely aggressive here. Not trying to scare you, just trying to prepare you. Driving here on the east coast is a lot different than it is in the mid-west. There are a lot more "molecules" banging into one another. People have short fuses, aren't from the US, are on the phone texting, reading a newspaper or putting on make-up on the way to work.

You can use the HOV lanes to head in/out as a motorcyclist. Traffic is heavy from 0600-0930ish going in, and 1530-1900 coming out. As far as parking at Arlington, you should be able to find parking there pretty easily if you go early. There are several tour bus services that runs from Arlington Cemetary around the Capitol mall and the monuments.

Heading into D.C. on your bike to find parking is tougher proposition, as well as more expensive depending where you try and park. If you have the time, my wife and I's top 4 are the Supreme Court, the library of congress, union station and the national cathedral.

Good luck with your planning....

 

There is parking at Arlington and definitely go to the Tomb of the Unknown and see the changing of the Guard. It is amazing to watch.

 

Check out Leesburg, VA. Better food, drink, and atmosphere.

Agreed. Use the HOV if on I-66 at all cost if traveling during a weekday. Also, if you travel on 495(the Beltway) in VA, us the Express Lanes as they are free for motorcycles.

Agreed. My suggestion, roll into DC before the sun comes up and go to the Marine Corps/Iwo Jima Memorial. It's a decent vantage point without getting you lost on some place in DC. It's also next door to Arlington National Cemetery. Just be heading out by, IMO, 1400.

Again, all of this is if you come during a weekday. The weekends can be hit or miss.