Here is a link to my trip report from my trip to DC from last September. Hopefully it can help you. For 3 older trip reports, look under my user name.

http://www.fodors.com/community/unit...5-168698-2.cfm

Obxgirl - Thanks for all the great tips for getting around. Since we are in town for a week I hope to get the hang of it.

Since it is our first trip to DC, we decided it would be sort of silly to pay for a museum when there is so much to see for free. Personally, I think the Newseum sounds/looks very interesting though.

tchioniere - read your trip report. Sounds like you had fun. I think we'll try that Corner Bakery you mentioned.

Thanks for sharing.

I lived in the DC area for over a decade. It is such a fabulous place. IMHO the Holocaust is NOT to be missed. I also recommend spending some time at Arlington Cemetery. Aside from the Smithsonians, these are places I would take a first timer for sure. Also, it is worth spending some time checking out the Smithsonian websites and determining if there are certain sections you really want to see or special exhibits you don't want to miss. Frankly, you could spend more than a day in each of them, almost. You can do lots of planning ahead like this that will help. Just a couple of quick thoughts! And to echo what's been said, I've been on many metro systems in different countries and the US, and DC's is fantastic, clean and safe.