ILLRick - 7/27/2025 15:06

Find a hotel with a shuttle or close to a Metro stop. The best way to get around DC is by using the Metro or walking. Don't consider driving in DC, nowhere to park and traffic can be confusing. What little parking is available is expensive. The Metro is real easy to use. If you have any questions people are willing to help. Get some comfortable walking shoes if you don't have any already. You may need to get tickets through your Congressman for some sites, I believe the White House could possibly one of them. The tickets from the Congressman could take a few weeks. As for the Washington Memorial, tickets can only be purchased the day you want to see it. Get in line at the ticket office before it opens. It's been a few years since I've been there so my memory is a bit foggy about getting to the various sites.

It's easy to spend a couple weeks in DC and the surrounding area. Mount Vernon and Monticello are nearby along with the Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center air museum. The Smithsonian is actually a collection of museums. The Bureau of Engraving and Printing is interesting, that's where the money is printed.

As for food, most places in DC are expensive. The best thing is to find where the locals, especially retirees, eat.