Originally Posted by
Rampo
Post-parade, most people will be headed toward Metro stations, the nearest ones of which are likely to be fairly jammed for a few hours. On the south side of Pennsylvania Ave the crowds will head toward the stations south of the Mall, and on the north side they will head north.
Agreed. (And I might have to get to Dulles that night, oh joy!).
I would definitely select something further north, like Verizon Center area someone suggested, or National Building Museum.
I was here last time, and the crowds and gridlock were unbelievable (though this time should be better, with fewer). Also, as someone alluded, if it gets really bad law enforcement might just close certain areas.
One other thing -- cell service in DC is terrible, and fails under high demand (9/11, earthquake...) So prepare not to panic.