I don't think you're far out from the city. It looks as if you're near Crystal City which is good in the respect that you're not tooo far from Arlington Cemetery but quite a distance from Mt Vernon.

The subway is very close to Crystal City and you might want to consider using it to get in and out of town. Plus you can hop on and off going from one area to another.

I've lived here all my life and still I've been turned around when road construction (or closed roads) have altered my route and sent me heading down Shirley Hwy past the Pentegon.

Your hubby is probably right - avoid driving - you might avert a fender bender too!

I thank you all for the help. Yes, we have planned on using the Metro during the day. We had just hoped (well, I guess all of us EXCEPT the husband hoped) that nighttime would be easier. When you figure that for six of us, the total cost of a nighttime tour would be over $150.00, I was hoping to do it on our own. But I guess you are right, LN, it is better than a fender bender!

No one can blame you hubby. I grew up outside of DC and I never got the hang of it. Like others have stated, it is very easy to get oif track and end up on some freeway going out of town. Constant construction, one way roads, traffic cirlces, lots of people, other cars.... YUCK !!! I say suck it up and take the taxi cabs.

I lived in DC 1967-1975 and have driven all over the world.
I would never, ever drive in DC (probably never visit either) again.
M

If your car or rental car had a navigation system (I though Hertz offers one), you could do it. You'd have to contend with traffic during the day on weekdays (and at random times on weekends), and Monday "night" - it would have to be after 8 to avoid traffic.

But, with a navigation system, you could do it.