No our family is driving us into the city so we plan to get an early start and see Mount Vernon on the way in to city.

4 teens.....Need something fun for the afternoon. Only day we have to spend with them.

Might leave afternoon open and see how it goes....switch night monument tour to that evening.

I was thinking that was the case. Maybe Mount Vernon and then walk around Old Town Alexandria afterwards before heading into DC. Unless you family has to leave right after the Mount Vernon portion. That really only give you two days in DC though.

The NGA closes at 5:00 except on Sundays (6:00) and the Zoo animal exhibits close at 4:30 until April (then it's 6:00).

I would not add either onto the end of a Mt. Vernon trip.

Oh, thank you. Old Town Alexandria sounds interesting and it could be they have not been. Since they live close they have seen most of the sights.

Not sure how long they will stay with us. I am thinking they will drop us off at Hotel in time to start home before dark.

Yes you are correct two days in DC. First is a Sunday.
The must see list is
Monuments
National Gallery
Zoo (pandas only)
Museums

I want it to be relaxing so trying not to over plan.

My daughter will not have to see everything at Gallery or Museums. We can hit highlights.

How walkable is Washington DC?

I am considering the 2 day Hop on Hop off bus tour so we can maximize our 2 days there. It would give us the night tour so extend our day.

Is that a good idea? Kind of expensive but we have enjoyed them in the past at different cities.

I don't think we will need the metro if we chose the bus deal.

It's very walkable in that it's pretty flat (we've walked from Woodley Park to the mall) BUT, it can be a fair distance from one museum/monument to the other. For example, from the Lincoln Memorial to the Capitol Bldg. is over 2 miles.

If u use the hop on off bus u should be fine. Does the bus go out to the Zoo? That's a bit further afield then the museums and monuments. It can be reached by the Metro Redline. DC is pretty flat and easy to walk around.

Hampton Inn near the Convention Center in DC is a good choice. Breakfast is included and near Chinatown and few blocks from Smithsonian, Capitol, etc.

If you need a reliable ride, call Eduardo - 301-370-8036. His prices are very reasonable and also gives great DC tours.