Washington DC or Atlanta?

[Lindsk]

We are looking to visit somewhere different (other than Orlando, New York or Toronto) for a week next August - we were thinking of either Washington DC or Atlanta, as we have heard they are both quite cool places to visit from the UK. (Plus would prefer to fly Virgin or one of their partners direct if possible, as it's only for a week).

Could I get your thoughts on both places? We love to walk, sight see, maybe visit a theme park (I see there are Six Flags relatively close to both) and maybe stop in a few shops.

I have found some threads on Washington DC on here (and of course know about all the landmarks/ historic places), which makes me think this may be an obvious choice, but something about Atlanta appeals to me.

[RockTheDots]

I spent a week in Atlanta for a conference several years ago. Personally I didn't like it much. The Aquarium is cool but I didn't really notice many other tourist attractions - certainly not enough to fill a week.

I'd recommend Chicago. It's got lots to do, the situation on Lake Michigan is lovely, it's near a great zoo and a Six Flags Park plus Virgin & Delta fly there.

[Lindsk]

Originally Posted by RockTheDots

I spent a week in Atlanta for a conference several years ago. Personally I didn't like it much. The Aquarium is cool but I didn't really notice many other tourist attractions - certainly not enough to fill a week.

I'd recommend Chicago. It's got lots to do, the situation on Lake Michigan is lovely, it's near a great zoo and a Six Flags Park plus Virgin & Delta fly there.

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Thank you :-) I visited Chicago a couple of years ago but on business, so I suppose I didn't really see much of it and therefore didn't put it into the mix. I was told when I was there that it was dangerous (?!?) but I didn't have any trouble - just use common sense like anywhere.

I'll take a look :-)

[TinkerBabe]

Washington DC is a fabulous city, really accessible and easy to get around. Lots of beautiful sights, fab restaurants, and great shopping. We went last year for 5 days as part of a road trip, and I would definitely go back in a heartbeat. We visited the White House, Pentagon and Capitol Building. We also did a Segway tour of the National Mall, and returned a different day to the Mall to visit some of the museums. We also used the subway to go to Alexandria Old Town and had a day lunching by the water. It’s really a fabulous city and we found accommodation very reasonable (we stayed near the Pentagon so it was just a couple of stops on the subway to the main attractions).

[hilz22]

We did Atlanta as part of a road trip last year, however we are massive walking dead fans so filled time with that doing film tours etc. Lots of films and tv shows are filled in Atlanta. One of the best holidays we have ever had. We did a road trip from Miami up to Atlanta and back again.

[Lindsk]

Originally Posted by hilz22

We did Atlanta as part of a road trip last year, however we are massive walking dead fans so filled time with that doing film tours etc. Lots of films and tv shows are filled in Atlanta. One of the best holidays we have ever had. We did a road trip from Miami up to Atlanta and back again.

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Hmm, DH loves Walking Dead... good to know, thanks

[Lindsk]

Originally Posted by TinkerBabe

Washington DC is a fabulous city, really accessible and easy to get around. Lots of beautiful sights, fab restaurants, and great shopping. We went last year for 5 days as part of a road trip, and I would definitely go back in a heartbeat. We visited the White House, Pentagon and Capitol Building. We also did a Segway tour of the National Mall, and returned a different day to the Mall to visit some of the museums. We also used the subway to go to Alexandria Old Town and had a day lunching by the water. It’s really a fabulous city and we found accommodation very reasonable (we stayed near the Pentagon so it was just a couple of stops on the subway to the main attractions).

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Thank you. Apart from the sights etc, I did notice that flights were pretty reasonable (we are going for our 15th Wedding anniversary so hoping to book UC) and found some great hotels, so much cheaper than Toronto, which we visited for our 10th.

This is why I love the States, so many places to visit, and so many people to help us on here

[neilhd]

Hands down Washington DC.

Atlanta is fine. Not a million tourist things to do, but it's ok.

Washington you could spend weeks at and still not see it all. You've got so many interesting and world-famous things there to see and do.

I've been to both (albeit only briefly to Atlanta) and I'd go back to DC in a heartbeat. Wouldn't bother with Atlanta again.

[Lindsk]

Originally Posted by neilhd

Hands down Washington DC.

Atlanta is fine. Not a million tourist things to do, but it's ok.

Washington you could spend weeks at and still not see it all. You've got so many interesting and world-famous things there to see and do.

I've been to both (albeit only briefly to Atlanta) and I'd go back to DC in a heartbeat. Wouldn't bother with Atlanta again.

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Thank you 😎 I’m getting quite excited now about this. Flights aren’t released just yet but I think Atlanta has slipped down my list, with Washington in first place (followed by Chicago, for another time)

[YorkshireT]

Totally depends what you want to do. I have been to Atlanta multiple times (and Six Flags there which is good) and DC.
I'd say you could fill a week with Atlanta if doing Six Flags- that's 3 days as you can do 2 days at the park and one at the water park, , things like downtown, aquarium, Coca Cola factory.
DC is fabulous, especially if you like monuments and museums.
Is this a 1 week standalone trip?
Atlanta is a great start to a 2 week road trip. Say 3 nights there, then drive into the smokies, then the Carolinas.
A good hotel near Six Flags Atlanta is the Hilton Garden Inn Lithia Springs.
In DC we stayed at the JW Marriott which is as good as it gets location wise (close to White House).