Washington D.C. questions

The hubby and I are heading out to Washington D.C. in 6 days. Can you all help us out on where we should stay...hotels, great places to eat, and places to see. Thanks for any and all help. Deb

Sorry Deb, I've never been there. :( Have a great time though. Kathy

Hi Deb, altho Ive lived in Md. all my life I have never stayed in any of the D.C. ,motels/hotels. As for sights, I know that there are lots of places to see that are fantastic, just havent been to them, but the museums are fantastic, so many different kinds and most are on the mall so easily found. Im still trying to get to the museum of medical science, from what I understand of that one do not go if you have a week stumache. The zoo is nice but I dont think its too different from other zoos except for the pandas, but its a really nice walk. The vietnam memorial is an awesome and sad sight, (keep tissue handy just in case) I have a tendancy to get emotional on behalf of those who died. The monuments are a given.
Just havnt been to any of these places in years (not saying much for me is it?) but my favorite place to visit has always been the museum of natural history, very cool place, and the air and space museum is pretty cool too.
Im hoping someone who has seen more than me will come in and tell you more about the city I should know lots more about.

http://www.tripadvisor.com/Tourism-g28970-Washington_DC_District_of_Columbia-Vacations.html -----this should help a little

We stayed outside of Washington in ....hmmm I think it was called Crystal City. We stayed at a Stouffers Hotel...there was underground shopping near by and you could catch the Metro right there too. It was great...and not to have to drive into the City was good too. Jo

We just vacationed there toward the end of July. Try to stay up out of the city or you will pay a fortune for a hotel!

Be prepared to walk, especially if you go to see the monuments and the Smithsonian. The Smithsonian is AWESOME!!!!

I am a major history buff, and I just stood there with goose bumps on my arms standing in front of the display that had the desk on which Thomas Jefferson crafted the Declaration of Independence. I kept thinking "Ordinary objects made extraordinary." WOW.

We took the Metro from the Gaithersburg area where we stayed down into the city, and it was really nice to not have to worry about parking or driving. We stopped at the zoo, which we all enjoyed very much, and then rode on to the Smithsonian, etc. It was the Red line part of the Metro system.

Thanks for your help...found a hotel/suite and will be heading out Sat. morn. Can't wait.

Been to the D.C. area lots of times and like everyone else...we stay outside the city.

Manassas is great for price, but traffic can be a bear in the mornings. The battlefield is awsome though.

Public transportation is great for the faint hearted about driving. Driving in D.C. can be a challenge. The Beltway can get hopelessly snarled at any hour.

Everyone gave great advice....have a wonderful trip!

There is always new building going on but when you see the older buildings you can see the detail and how beautiful they are. Amazing, it makes the new shiny buildings just look blah to me. How long are you going to be staying? DH loves getting hotdogs from the street vendors, he says theres nothing like those hotdogs, he dosnt know why but he gets two or three when when we go. I really need to start touring more. I know you'll have a great time, metro is a good way to get around, cabs are good when your too tired to walk anymore and there are benches practicaly everywhere along with street vendors, resteraunts and many places and people to just gawk at, LOL. Do not forget your walking shoes!!

Also, the US Botanic Garden is a real treat!! Located between 1st. and 3rd. Streets SW, at the foot of the US Capitol on the National Mall. The address is 100 Maryland Ave. SW. The Conservatory is open 10am.- 5pm, Bartholdi Park from dawn to dusk, admission if free. On my visit in the spring, I could have stayed all day ! I really loved the jungle garden. ..awesome!

And...as others have suggested, wear very comfortable shoes.
Have a great visit!!
Jean