alley

Our trip went off without a hitch, and I've finally had a chance to post a little trip report about it.

Although we didn't have much time to take in all of your recommendations, thank you to everyone for your helpful posts.

kayd

It is good to hear that alley's trip was a succes, so this info is too late for them but could be usful to others who look to this thread for advice about DC and mobility-limited visitors:

During my most recent taxi ride, I took a careful look at the fare chart and saw that the official fixed rate for one hour is $25, with each additional 15 minutes charged at $6.25.

I think that the next time I have an elderly relative in town, I'll spring for a two-hour tour of the monuments (being driven from place to place and having the car wait ten minutes or so for a brief look around each site) and consider that $50 (plus a nice tip) well spent.

This might also be worthwhile for a family of three or four (especially in the evening when traffic is light and 90 minutes would let you hit the highlights) if the cost of multiple tickets on a tour bus would break the budget.

GJLinda

The Korean War Memorial was my favorite. Its 3/4 size depiction of men on patrol made the conflict so real. I'm not putting down any of the other memorials--they are all so important to our history and culture. But I see the difference as men versus marble.

DancingBearMD

My first visit to the Korean War Veterans Memorial was late at night, with nobody else around. The faces of the soldiers only are softly illuminated by small spotlights. Very eery and powerful.