Train or drive the East Coast Swing
I have two kids, 2 yrs and 8 yrs, was wondering if it would be easier to rent a car to get between cities, or take the train. Was waffling due to having to add a car seat to my airport travels. Plan on staying in the mulitple cities, not just one area.
Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by Tim Choiniere on
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Really depends on what cities you are talking about. If you are between Boston and DC, take the train. Its the easiest and most enjoyable ride between cities.
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Permalink Reply by Lisa on
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The plan is to go from Baltimore for 2 days, to Washington D.C. for 3 days, and then Philidelphia for 2 days. There are perks for both and cons for both. But I have been researching, and to park at some of these hotels are anywhere from 15-40$ a day. But questioning whether we would need the car for other activities in these cities besides taking in a ballgame in each place? Thank you for your suggestion.
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Both cities are walkable or with cabs (more so in Philly). DC has the Metro to get around. Between these, take Amtrak. Much more relaxing.
Is there any reason to go Baltimore - DC - Philly? Id start in DC and just work North. Or is this due to baseball schedule?
I'll post more tonight for other sites within DC if you would like for a 3 day Itinerary as I have been to DC repeatedly the past few years
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Permalink Reply by Jesse Mangold (26) on
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The only problem with the train is getting around IN the cities. While the ones you mentioned do have pretty good public transportation, that will cost you money as well. As far as paying to park at hotels, I would think if they want your business, they would wave the parking fee. Call them and see. Sometimes it says there's a fee but it is just to keep non guests from parking there. You can still take public transportation to see the local attractions if you want.
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No hotels will waive the parking fee. Public transportation will be cheaper and more relaxing than driving in any of these cities. And traffic between the cities can be unbearable and not worth the hassle.
For DC, I would look at the Americana Hotel. Budget hotel (actually has free parking) in Crystal city, VA and right near a Metro Station. 1 note is that its a longish ride on Metro back to the hotel as you have to change trains. Not a big deal but something to be aware of. But its usually less than $100 per night.
For tourist sites, I would recommend
In DC:
National Zoo
All the monuments / Memorials on the Mall - lots of room for kids to run around too.
Walkby of White House
Natural History Museum, Air & Space Museum and Museum of American History - depends on your kids obviously but they are all free so you can pick & Choose what you see.In Baltimore:
National Aquarium (get timed tickets)
Ft McHenry
Walk around the Inner Harbor and look at all the ships (can go on some for a fee)
Id suggest a hotel within walking distance of the Inner Harbor (take a water taxi to Ft McHenry if you go)All 3 of these stadiums are great and easy to enjoy games. Camden Yards is one of my favorites.
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Thank you for these wonderful suggestions. I am definitely going to put all these on my list and look up the Americana Hotel for DC. This is definitely a big help for me. I am still weighing the train/metro options for transportation, but want to look at every pro and con for both.
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Yes due to baseball schedule of home games and when we r trying to travel there.
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Permalink Reply by Jim Wood (46 MLB) on
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Hi Lisa,
It really depends on how much travel you'd be doing while you're in the cities. Each major city has a local subway system that can get you around the city rather easily- you'd be able to visit some of the featured tourist destinations (i.e. Liberty Bell in Philadelphia, The Mall in Washington, Times Square in NYC). Most of them have a day pass or multi day pass available so the more you travel the greater the value. Another nice benefit of the train is that you'll have more family time with your kids instead of focusing on the road and how to get around.The primary drawback is cost- even travel from city to city can add up after a little while on Amtrak. Plus when you're taking the train you're on their schedule instead of your schedule. Something to keep in mind when traveling with kids.
So it comes down to cost vs convenience. I can tell you that it is very possible to do the entire trip without renting a car. Good luck with your travels and have fun!
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Permalink Reply by Craig (17) on
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Hey Lisa! I haven't done the East Coast Swing yet but I do have a 2-year old. :) With that being said, I would highly recommend renting a car. You will want to be on your own schedule rather than public transportations. The downfall as you described below is the cost. Hotel parking is very expensive when staying downtown.
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Permalink Reply by Thequesters Too on
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Lisa,
As an experienced "baseball quester" I would vote for the car. Yes, it might be more expensive, but you have everything you need for those little emergencies. For example, "Mommy I'm thirsty." Or they got something all over their clothes. My son is now 10 and I have taken him to over 200 baseball stadium alone. The car will absolutely be essential in your travels. Of course this depends on the need of the car as well. If you're in NYC, nope there's no point. But if you are travelling between towns and cities it will be essential.
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Permalink Reply by Sharon (25 Parks) on
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Hi Lisa,
I love to meetup with other chasers. I've not seen the DC stadium yet. (I'm in PA about 50 miles from Philly) I was hoping to meet up with "30 Ballparks and a Baby" this year as that family is based there. Timing didn't work out last year. Maybe some other chasers could meet up that day/evening too? What games are you looking at taking in?
If you rent a car, wouldn't rental companies also rent car seats for the kids?
Looking forward to this year's season!
Sharon
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