Marine Barracks Washington, 8th and I
Marine Barracks Washington, 8th and I
Marine Barracks Washington, 8th and I
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The area
Address
Neighbourhood: Capitol Hill
How to get there
- Eastern Market • 1 min walk
Reach out directly
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Restaurants
1,758 within 5 kms
Attractions
813 within 10 kms
See what travellers are saying
- vegasfunfamily8 contributionsBeautiful end of a day in Washington DCWell spent evening, just try to find a good place to watch from and come early and prepare to stay a little bit later than 10pm. Take photos. Go on line, on their website, and ask for an invitation (it is free), when you choose your gate, chose some in the middle for a better view. Print the invitation ahead of time and enjoy!Visited May 2024Travelled with familyWritten 8 July 2024
- Jay43 contributions8th & I, Friday Evening RetreatA wonderful once in a lifetime experience to witness the pomp and traditions of our United States Marine Corps. The military precision and execution of the Silent Drill Team, the Band and Bugle Corps will live permanently in my memory. Prepare yourself for a very special and unforgettable time. We worth going to see.Visited June 2024Travelled with friendsWritten 17 July 2024
- Grant HancockRaleigh, North Carolina2 contributionsQuite the showcase of the MarinesGo for an evening parade or get a tour of the commandant’s house, the commandant’s house was spared by the British when they burned DC in the war of 1812. Because the White House and other older buildings burned down, the commandants home is the oldest building in DC, the history is fascinating and the home is beautiful. Check the website for the schedule and more info. The barracks is close to the metro and only 1.5 miles or so from the capital so it’s quite a convenient visit. Highly recommend.Visited June 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten 20 July 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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5.0
131 reviews
Excellent
108
Very good
16
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6
Poor
1
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0
Grant Hancock
Raleigh, NC2 contributions
Jun 2024 • Couples
Go for an evening parade or get a tour of the commandant’s house, the commandant’s house was spared by the British when they burned DC in the war of 1812. Because the White House and other older buildings burned down, the commandants home is the oldest building in DC, the history is fascinating and the home is beautiful. Check the website for the schedule and more info. The barracks is close to the metro and only 1.5 miles or so from the capital so it’s quite a convenient visit. Highly recommend.
Written 20 July 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jay
43 contributions
Jun 2024 • Friends
A wonderful once in a lifetime experience to witness the pomp and traditions of our United States Marine Corps. The military precision and execution of the Silent Drill Team, the Band and Bugle Corps will live permanently in my memory. Prepare yourself for a very special and unforgettable time. We worth going to see.
Written 17 July 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
vegasfunfamily
las vegas8 contributions
May 2024 • Family
Well spent evening, just try to find a good place to watch from and come early and prepare to stay a little bit later than 10pm. Take photos. Go on line, on their website, and ask for an invitation (it is free), when you choose your gate, chose some in the middle for a better view. Print the invitation ahead of time and enjoy!
Written 8 July 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Gangof6_458
Collegeville, PA13 contributions
Jun 2015 • Family
Let me preface by saying I am a Marine myself, and have seen the Evening Parade twice before, albeit over 20 years ago. I have always wanted to share this event with my kids, and waited until they were all old enough to appreciate it (18, 16, 19 and 9, if you were wondering). When this season's reservations opened up, we requested, and received, admission to our first choice date. So far so good.
I fully agree with the overall positive reviews posted here. The Parade is a wonderful display of discipline, esprit de corps, precision, and patriotism. As long as you can see it, that is, which is difficult at best if you are seated in the South bleachers.
The parade deck is generally the shape of a football field, with the long axis running North-South. The main viewing bleachers run along the entire West side of the parade deck. The parade companies are formed up in a long line facing West. The vast majority of the music from the Band and Drun & Bugle Corps is directed to the West. And finally, what is for most the highlight of the parade, the Silent Drill Platoon's display, is directed entirely to the West.
Unfortunately we had seats in bleachers on the SOUTH end of the parade deck. I can only assume that due to the popularity of the parade the Barracks added these seats to accomodate a larger audience. However, imagine sitting in the end zone of a football field while a performance at midfield directs itself to the seats at the 50 yard line. We missed so much of the performance it was frankly a disappointment. During the entirety of the Silent Drill Platoon's inspection routine we saw only the Marines' backs, and occasional arm movement.
I do completely understand that the performance is free of charge and seating assignments are, I assume, first-come-first-served. However, if you use the on-line reservation request system and receive a confirmation stating you are sitting in the South seating area, know what you are getting. I might suggest trying an alternate date, if your plans are in any way flexible. Had I known then what I know now we would definitely have passed on the date we originally requested and looked further out in the season for a chance at better viewing.
I fully agree with the overall positive reviews posted here. The Parade is a wonderful display of discipline, esprit de corps, precision, and patriotism. As long as you can see it, that is, which is difficult at best if you are seated in the South bleachers.
The parade deck is generally the shape of a football field, with the long axis running North-South. The main viewing bleachers run along the entire West side of the parade deck. The parade companies are formed up in a long line facing West. The vast majority of the music from the Band and Drun & Bugle Corps is directed to the West. And finally, what is for most the highlight of the parade, the Silent Drill Platoon's display, is directed entirely to the West.
Unfortunately we had seats in bleachers on the SOUTH end of the parade deck. I can only assume that due to the popularity of the parade the Barracks added these seats to accomodate a larger audience. However, imagine sitting in the end zone of a football field while a performance at midfield directs itself to the seats at the 50 yard line. We missed so much of the performance it was frankly a disappointment. During the entirety of the Silent Drill Platoon's inspection routine we saw only the Marines' backs, and occasional arm movement.
I do completely understand that the performance is free of charge and seating assignments are, I assume, first-come-first-served. However, if you use the on-line reservation request system and receive a confirmation stating you are sitting in the South seating area, know what you are getting. I might suggest trying an alternate date, if your plans are in any way flexible. Had I known then what I know now we would definitely have passed on the date we originally requested and looked further out in the season for a chance at better viewing.
Written 21 June 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
RDAMiami
Miami, FL8 contributions
Jul 2013 • Couples
Without a doubt one of the most breathtaking and inspiring performances to be found anywhere. Note that there is a difference between the Evening Parade (this review) which is on Friday evening and requires tickets (free but limited), and the Sunset Parade at the Marine Iwo Jima Memorial on Tuesday evening which is open to the public without reservations. Ample parking is readily available at the Maritime Lot about one mile away from the barracks. A Marine bus awaits you there to take you to the Barracks. When you arrive the first impression is of Marines in dress blues everywhere providing safety and security for their guests, and available to provide direction and answer any questions.
With advanced reservations (available online) you go through the designated gate and are escorted (ladies on the arm of a young Marine) to bleacher seats. There are comfortable seating pads on the bleachers so no need to bring your own. Sitting up high gets you a great overall view of the event, sitting lower gets you closer to the action. So there are no bad seats.
You are permitted to bring water but the Marines provide a large water urn and cups underneath each bleacher section so there is no need to bring your own. The mens' and ladies' rooms are located at the Main Gate area. Washington is brutally hot in summer so dress comfortably. Most men wear trousers and short-sleeve shirts; women summer dresses. Although there were numerous people in shorts and jeans.
You do need to arrive early even if you have tickets (available at www.mbw.usmc.mil). The gates open at 7:00. General public is allowed in at 7:45. At about 8:15 two Marines will position themselves before each bleacher section and provide you a welcome and historical review of the barracks and parade. (The Commandant's House at the end of the parade deck is the oldest continually-occupied federal building inWashington!)
The parade begins at 8:45 and has too many elements to describe in detail, but showcases the Marine Band, the Marine Drum & Bugle Corps, and the Barracks marching units, which include the famed Silent Drill Platoon. It ends with the pulling of the National Colors. Then look up immediately at the barracks rooftop to see the lone bugler playing, "Taps."
At the conclusion, three large buses wait outside the gate and whisk you back to your car. An incredible evening hosted by The Few and The Proud. A visit to the Barracks will show you why they are justifiably so!
With advanced reservations (available online) you go through the designated gate and are escorted (ladies on the arm of a young Marine) to bleacher seats. There are comfortable seating pads on the bleachers so no need to bring your own. Sitting up high gets you a great overall view of the event, sitting lower gets you closer to the action. So there are no bad seats.
You are permitted to bring water but the Marines provide a large water urn and cups underneath each bleacher section so there is no need to bring your own. The mens' and ladies' rooms are located at the Main Gate area. Washington is brutally hot in summer so dress comfortably. Most men wear trousers and short-sleeve shirts; women summer dresses. Although there were numerous people in shorts and jeans.
You do need to arrive early even if you have tickets (available at www.mbw.usmc.mil). The gates open at 7:00. General public is allowed in at 7:45. At about 8:15 two Marines will position themselves before each bleacher section and provide you a welcome and historical review of the barracks and parade. (The Commandant's House at the end of the parade deck is the oldest continually-occupied federal building inWashington!)
The parade begins at 8:45 and has too many elements to describe in detail, but showcases the Marine Band, the Marine Drum & Bugle Corps, and the Barracks marching units, which include the famed Silent Drill Platoon. It ends with the pulling of the National Colors. Then look up immediately at the barracks rooftop to see the lone bugler playing, "Taps."
At the conclusion, three large buses wait outside the gate and whisk you back to your car. An incredible evening hosted by The Few and The Proud. A visit to the Barracks will show you why they are justifiably so!
Written 21 July 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
revilorc
Frederick, MD140 contributions
Jul 2015 • Solo
The barracks themselves are moderately interesting, but the main show is the evening parade on Fridays in summer. The marines put on a show precision marching, rifle drill and their outstanding music in the barracks parade ground. Go online to request free tickets as early as you can.
Written 23 May 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Katelyn T
Boston, MA230 contributions
Aug 2019
I have visited DC over 10 times and I had never heard about this place - but wow! It was an enjoyable show with a variety of things - marching band, patriot music, and drill teams. It is best to arrive early for good seats and if you don't like sitting on bleachers, bring some blankets or coats for padding. They offered water on the hot evening and had snacks for purchase.
Written 27 September 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dawn J
Madison, WI28 contributions
May 2015 • Family
The US Marine barracks evening parade, on Friday night, is a must-do activity in DC!
Send email to get FREE reservations - reserved seating on bleachers (or folding chairs on ground level)
Arrive by 7:45 to get good seats.
Highly recommend the top row of bleachers to view all, and for the back rest:)).
It's the length of a football field, so the center seating is best).
We received seating in gate 2 north.
No food allowed inside so eat before. We learned the hard way:(
Plenty of restaurants along that street. we ate at an Irish bar, very quick service.
Water cooler/plastic cups are by the bleachers.
Umbrellas are also sitting there, thankfully not needed!
Send email to get FREE reservations - reserved seating on bleachers (or folding chairs on ground level)
Arrive by 7:45 to get good seats.
Highly recommend the top row of bleachers to view all, and for the back rest:)).
It's the length of a football field, so the center seating is best).
We received seating in gate 2 north.
No food allowed inside so eat before. We learned the hard way:(
Plenty of restaurants along that street. we ate at an Irish bar, very quick service.
Water cooler/plastic cups are by the bleachers.
Umbrellas are also sitting there, thankfully not needed!
Written 3 June 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dennis R
Rochelle Park58 contributions
Jul 2019
The Evening Parade is held on Friday Nights during the summer. Marines in full dress help direct the crowd and are extremely courteous and professional. The parade is a great way to enjoy a Friday evening and shows the Marine Corps at its best.
Written 7 September 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Arlene734
Ann Arbor, MI22 contributions
Aug 2019 • Family
If you are in the DC area the Parade at the Marine Barracks I & 8 is not to be missed. This Marine unit has been at this barracks since 1801. There is a parade on Friday night that features the Marine Band, the President’s band and silent drill team. It is patriotic through and through without being schmaltzy. It is amazing . You need to go online to Marine Barracks West and request tickets for the date you wish to attend. You can drive there from DC and parking is available. Shuttle buses on site to take you to the barracks and back. We had our teenaged grandson with us and he thoroughly enjoyed the night. Take a chance- you’ll be glad you did.
Written 18 August 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hello all. For the parades and concerts, on friday evenings in the summer, which gates are best? Which are bad? The choices are 2, 4, 6, 8 and 10. Thank you.
Written 15 March 2024
It seemed to me that there was only one entrance. It was very near the corner of 8th and I streets. A very cool official Marine Barracks brick sign by the gate. A great photo op.
Written 15 March 2024
Does anyone know if these parades will be starting again soon?
Written 18 March 2021
Hi. was wondering if you can help answer a few questions. I did try to get in touch with the barracks but they never responded to these questions.
When you book tickets, do you get to choose where to sit? Or when you arrive, is it first in best dressed and you just grab the best seat possible?
When you arrive, do you have to be seated the whole time or can you get up and walk around till the parade begins?
Is there food or drink available or can you bring your own?
Is there anything else to be conscious of?
Thanks
Written 11 October 2018
If you preebook your tkts you will get assigned a block of seats, if you get there early you can pick where in that block you want to seat but they are all good I think, you can walk around go to bathrooms and stretch, there is no shop for drinks n snacks but there are water posts and you can bring your own snacks, be ready for any weather possibilities, rain or cold and also get there early if you are driving cause parking can be a hassle, enjoy!
Written 14 October 2018
We will be visiting DC after the end of the parade schedule for the season. Is there anything else to see here?
Written 22 August 2018
Just asking about the Marine Barracks. I love to visit old military bases but since this one is still active it doesn't appear to be accessible to the public.
Written 23 August 2018
How and when may I tour the Marine Barracks during the day?
Written 12 July 2018
Do you recommend driving or taking the Metro?
How close is the metro to the barracks. I wasn't sure how easily we could find parking.
Written 4 June 2018
Not sure about the metro. As far as parking, save yourself the headache of trying to find it! We had our car parked by the archives adjust ended up catching the subway. We had never done it before, but everyone was willing to help. It costs 4 bucks each and took about 5 minutes to get back to our car. Lots of people out and about after the parade so you feel safe. Good luck!
Written 4 June 2018
My son and I are visiting Washington DC in June. We arrive on the 22nd. I seen the admission is free, but I also seen there is reserved seating. How can I get reserved seating for the Friday parade. Thank you
Roland Landry
Written 24 May 2018
Hello Roland, In order to get reserved admissions you'll need to book it here: paraderes(period)dcmarines(period)com
Have a good time!
Written 3 June 2018
Is the area safe after the evening parade? Is it advisable to walk to the metro or just take a taxi back to our hotel in Arlington?
Written 25 February 2018
It's a 3 block walk and we didn't have any problems.
Written 4 June 2018
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