Broomstick you might want to look into getting passes for the Tourmobile . It goes to every major momument and museum in DC and even Arlington Cemetery and Mount Vernon for an extra fee. It’s not terribly expensive and with an all day pass you don’t have to worry about how long you spend in places. It’s a better alternative than cabbing it.
When I was doing college visits in DC, my parents bought a family pass and we used it to familiarize ourselves with DC. We didn’t exactly need it but it was nice not having to walk around in the horrible heat.
I agree on October being the nicest. Plus you probably won’t be dealing with that many schoolgroups.
Stay in a hotel in Rosslyn, VA. It’s right on the Metro line and you can walk over to the Iwo Jima Monument and the Carillon, which have the best views of the fireworks in the city. They will be bursting over the Washinton Monument and the Lincoln Memorial, so you get a bird’s eye view. During the day, the Metro will take you anywhere you want to go and bring you right back to your doorstep.
Ditto on Southeast. I lived on Bolling AFB for a year and my kids attended school in Southeast, something they have never forgiven me for. It was practically a combat zone back then in 1986, so it’s probably worse now.
See, that’s where you went astray - I even said in my post that most museums are not much of a problem. It’s commuting BETWEEN attractions that is now the problem.
If at all possible do not miss thecryptology museum at Fort Meade in Laurel MD. You will need a car to get to it but it is one of the most fascinating museums around. Least you think it only has to do with high tech spy stuff the messages in slave quilts were the things I found most interesting.
The FBI used to do tours, before 9-11. If they do still do tours, take it. The strange kinds of guns are worth the entire tour, but there is much more than that.
I will reiterate what everyone else has said – TAKE METRO when possible.
