Sightseeing in Washington DC

My wife and I are going to drive to Washington DC for a day while we are in the Blue Ridge Mountains. We want to see a few things like the Smithsonian and the Veterans Memorial. What is the best way to approach driving? I have heard traffic is a nightmare and parking is worse!

Sightseeing in Washington DC

The best way to approach driving coming from the Blue Ridge is to simply do it on the weekend, when traffic and parking are both easily accomplished. During the week, it%26#39;s as bad as you describe.

If, however, you want to go during the week, I%26#39;d strongly recommend taking the MARC commuter train to Union Station (from Martinsburg or Harper%26#39;s Ferry, WV) so you don%26#39;t have to deal with traffic and parking.

http://www.mtamaryland.com/services/marc/

Sightseeing in Washington DC

You%26#39;re coming from Virginia into Washington DC and you posted your question on the Maryland forum? :)

You may want to post it on the DC forum or Virginia, and what day of the week would this be on?

Actually it%26#39;s not totally out of line, if you%26#39;re starting out in the West Virginia panhandle. Most of your trip to DC and your traffic tieups during the week will be in Maryland if you rely on the online mapping services.