DC Metro Red Line Overview
The DC Metro Red line is the primary way to move in and out of Montgomery County which encompasses most of the NW and northern DC suburbs like Bethesda, Rockville, and Silver Spring. It is the busiest line with arguably the best stops for entertainment and tourism among other options. Tourist or business travelers with extra time will like their options on the Red Line.
Airports, Trains & Amtrack on Red Line
If you are traveling to DC by railroad you can arrive near the Capital at Union Station via Amtrack, MARC, or VRE. The MARC will connect with BWI if you are flying in from Baltimore and need public transportation from BWI all the way to DC. Metro Center connects with the Orange and Blue Lines. The Blue Line will take you to Reagan Nation Airport. The Red Line connects with MARC at Rockville and Silver Spring.
Top Things to Do on the Red Line
Chinatown is the heart of the city where the Verizon Center is located (Capitals & Wizards). DC’s Chinatown is about one block. The American Art Museums and Spy Museum are one block away, this stop connects with the Yellow and Green Lines. Union Station will place riders within walking distance to the Capital Building, Supreme Court and Library of Congress. Adam’s Morgan / Woodley Park will drop you off about .5 miles from the National Zoo. The Philips Contemporary Art Museum is near the DuPont Circle Station.
Top Nightlife Options on the Red Line
DuPont Circle and especially Adam’s Morgan will deliver many options for nightlife, including a wide array of bars and restaurants. DuPont Circle is a much nice area, while Adam’s Morgan has a rougher edge and will cater to young 20 somes. Chinatown / Gallery has several bars and nightlife options this is in what is considered downtown DC, this is the major tourist hub.
Where to Stay on DC Metro Red Line
Bethesda
Bethesda Neighborhood: With welcoming main streets and amazing restaurant selection Bethesda provides a comforting urban pocket surrounded by affluent single family homes. Bethesda will appeal to both families and couples, but may not appeal to younger couples. Mature couples who want to experience good restaurants after a day of sightseeing will love this location. Families will feel at home surrounded by other D.C. families taking and evenings stroll to get ice cream. You can ride your bike to D.C. long a paved trail in about 45 minutes. Bethesda is also a shopping mecca. Its streets are lined with specialty shops and high-end boutiques.
Chinatown, Downtown DC
Chinatown Neighborhood: Chinatown is the pulse of downtown DC. The area is home to the National Portrait Smithsonian Museum, Spy Museum and home to many bars and restaurants that keep things happening at all times. It’s easy to walk to the National Mall from here. Visitors not interested in a noisy, rowdy neighborhood should look elsewhere. Visitors will notice a higher amount of panhandling in Chinatown and should be cautious in the area at night. Chinatown is the home of the Verizon Center which hosts the Washington Capitals, Wizards, and Mystic. The Verizon Center also hosts major concerts and a variety of other entertainment options throughout the year. This area boasts a wide variety of dining options and nightlife. While there aren’t as many Chinese restaurants as you might expect, visit China Boy for a no-frills but authentic and budget-friendly experience.
Dupont Circle
Dupont Circle Neighborhood: Dupont Circle is a trendy, urban area in the heart of DC. It is perfect for a romantic getaway to Washington, DC. Close to downtown and to the major tourist destinations, this neighborhood is a mix of many things—high rise buildings and massive row homes, young professionals and seasoned diplomats, local boutiques and national chains. A bustling area full of embassies and wealthy residents, this area is comfortable and regarded as safe by nearly all travelers. As for things to do at night the area is home to the DC Improv, dive bars (try the Big Hunt), dance clubs (Eighteenth Street Lounge is a local favorite), and many restaurants. Give Dupont Circle consideration if you are coming to Washington, DC, but be prepared to pay dearly for parking, and extra on hotels.
Van Ness
Van Ness Neighborhood: Van Ness lacks the distinct neighborhood atmosphere that many of DC’s neighborhoods—like Dupont Circle or Capitol Hill—possess, but it is still a great option for travelers looking to stay within the city and have convenient access to downtown. Van Ness is a located in the upper northwest DC located on the red line. Along Connecticut Avenue, the main drag through the neighborhood, is mainly high-rise apartment buildings that are home to young professionals, though as you’ll also find neighborhoods of single family homes. This is an affluent area that is generally safe. While within the borders of DC, Van Ness does start to have a more suburban feel. This neighborhood is home to the University of DC and is nearby American University. It is also home to a number of embassies and convenient to the National Zoo, located in Woodley Park. For those looking to get outdoors, for walking, jogging or biking, Rock Creek Park is also close by.
Woodley Park
Woodley Park Neighborhood: Woodley Park can be an expensive area to stay in, but is a great option for families who are looking to spend some time at the Zoo, or for visitors looking to party with the locals. Woodley Park is an affluent neighborhood in northwest DC on the red line. North of Dupont Circle, Woodley Park is home to families and young professionals in a mix of apartment buildings and single-family homes. While Woodley Park is generally quite safe, Adams Morgan, the adjacent neighborhood across the Duke Ellington Bridge does attract rowdy crowds on weekends—you can except fights even with a heavy police presence, this is the most intense bar scene in DC. The main attraction at Woodley Park is the National Zoo, part of the Smithsonian Institution. Free and open every day except Dec. 25, the Zoo is a favorite for young and old alike. Woodley Park also has easy access to the trails in Rock Creek Park.
Silver Spring
Silver Spring Neighborhood: Silver Spring much like Bethesda and will appeal to families and all types of travelers for its charming downtown area and abundance of restaurants. Compared to Bethesda the Metro is usually a bit further of a walk for most hotels, but the commute into Washington, DC is about the same at 20 minutes. Silver Spring is a suburb of Maryland just north of DC. A bustling urban downtown is surrounded with typical suburban developments, home to a wide range of people—from young professionals to families to established retirees. Located on the red line, this area is home to a lot of commuters, so traffic can be overwhelming. The downtown area is vibrant and comfortable for visitors.