Planning a last minute trip to Washington D.C. with DH & college age son for 2 days in mid-week. We live within driving distance (2.5 hrs) and never really saw alot of the sights. Would like some suggestions on how to get the most out of our trip -- ie, where to stay;how to get around D.C. (I figure driving and parking would be brutal in August?) where to eat & what would be best to see in such short time. (We've been to the Air & Space Museum already & enjoyed that). Thanks

Ther are some great $99 specials right now:

Look at the Grand Hyatt Washington and Westin Embassy Row here (ignore the VA hotels - these are much better):

http://hotels.travelzoo.com/washington-dc-hotels/

At these prices you should get two rooms.

Take Metro to get around and plan to park at hotel.

Is Air & Space all have seen?

What about?: Capitol, Supreme Ct. Library of Congress, Archives, Holocaust Memorial Museum, White House, National Mumeum of American Art, National Portrait Gallery, Mational Gallery or Art, Museum of American History, Arlington Cemetary, FDR MEmorial, National Cathedral, Dumbarton Oaks, National Geographic, Zoo...

What about some neighborhood walks?:
Dupont, Capitol Hill, U St., Adams Morgan, Georgetown (including a 1 hour boat tour)...

As for eating, a lot depends on which hotel you pick and what you plan to do. Let us know hotel and possible itinerary and we'll have tons of great eating suggestions....

We'll be staying 4 nights in Wash.DC at Hotel Harrington close to a lot of interesting things. Our first day we usually book the Old Town trolley just to get the feel of what there's interesting. We then continue in depth our visite the following days.Metro is ok to get you from one place to the next but you dont see anything now do you.Paul

Driving around DC is not too bad, but you would probably be better off staying at a hotel downtown, or outside of town near a metro station, and using the metro to get around. If you enjoy history, a really good bet would be Ford's Theatre on 10th St, where Lincoln was shot. Everything in the theater is still the same, and about every half hour park rangers go on the stage and tell the whole story, which is fascinating. Last time I was there, they also had a great museum in the basement which had incredible artifacts, eg the gun Booth used, and the clothes Lincoln was wearing. Across the street (10th St NW)is the house where Lincoln was taken after the shooting and later died. Because it only happened about 140 years ago, it seems very real when you see it.

Hi CinDE!

My favs have already been mentioned: The Smithsonian and the Holocaust Museum (I think the latter truly is a must see).

I think Jaleo is a neat place to eat-your son might especially enjoy its cool atmosphere! Heres a link:

http://www.jaleo.com/

Have a great time!!

I recently posted a trip report "Washington DC with Teens". I believe if you click on my name it will bring up all of my posts. We were just there last week and saw so many amazing sights!!